Quarterly Challenge #11

September 6, 2013Challenge Accepted!CadyLy

Sorry that I haven’t posted too much lately. I have a good excuse though. I’ve had meningitis. It totally sucks. But I’m getting better, thanks be to God. While I’ve been out — not counting the couple of weeks where all I could do is lie there and stare at the ceiling — I’ve been able to read a plethora of books. I even finished my Quarterly Challenge #10 with a couple days to spare! 🙂

But now we are entering a new month, and a new Quarterly Challenge! Here are the details of #11:

Note: Books listed in italics are ones that I *plan to read* for the particular category. Books listed in regular font *I have read*.

Duration: September 1, 2013 – November 30, 2013

We are a YA Book Club, so all books should be young adult (unless otherwise noted).

You have 3 months to read 10 YA books that satisfy following requirements:

1) Read a book that is a new release published in September, October or November of 2013. GoodReads offers lists of the most popular new releases by month, they might help you to make your choices – September, October and November (If you have difficulties obtaining these new books, you can read a release from the same months in 2012).
Allegiant by Veronica Roth

2) September 22-28 is Banned Books Week. Celebrate your freedom to read by reading a book that has been banned and/or challenged in any country. The American Library Association has several lists available, but you do not have to read from those lists nor does the book have to be YA.
1984 by George Orwell, completed 9/6

3) Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) and read a book with a Hispanic main character. If you need ideas, REFORMA has a great list. Thanks, Neha, for an excellent GoodReads list.
I Will Save You by Matt de la Pena

4) Read a book that has been translated into English. Oliviasbooks has provided a great list.

5) September 19th is Talk Like a Pirate Day. Read a book about pirates or seafaring people. Some ideas can be found here.

6) Read a scary or horror book for Halloween.
Drought by Pam Bachorz

7) October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Read a book where any character is being abused or has been abused.

8) Celebrate World Post Day, October 9th, by reading an epistolary novel or real correspondence letters. Ideas can be found here.
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding

9) November 12th is Chicken Soup for the Soul Day. Read a book with a heartwarming or uplifting story.

10) Reread a book that you loved to celebrate Book Lovers Day (first Saturday in November).

I will try to update my progress as I go! 🙂

7 Quick Takes: 7 x 7 Edition

August 2, 20137 Quick Takes FridayCadyLy

On the way in to work today, I was inspired to write my quick takes in 7 x 7 style. 7 topics with 7 entries each. 🙂 Hopefully, I have enough to complete my quick takes! 🙂 Here goes!

— 1 —

Seven Things I Did Before Work:

Prayed Morning Prayer and the Office of the Readings
Prayed before the Lord exposed on the altar
Got a delicious Venti iced no-ice Caramel Macchiato
Got a delicious Spinach and Artichoke souffle
Walked leisurely around downtown Plymouth, enjoying the beautiful morning
Took and Instagrammed pictures of some flowers (taken downtown)
Brought “Moloka’i” to work; reading it for a book club

— 2 —

Seven Photos I Took This Morning:

— 3 —

Seven Priests I Pray For:

Fr. John Riccardo – Click here for his podcasts
Fr. JJ Mech – St. Anastasia Parish Website
Fr. Eric Fedewa – St. Anastasia Parish Website
Fr. Steve Mateja – Click here for his podcasts
Fr. Clement Suhy – Click here for his podcasts
Fr. Stanley Obloj – St. Mark Parish Website
Fr. Lee Acervo – Fr. Acervo’s Corner (blog)

Not the complete list of priests I pray for… In case you are one of my priests and you feel left out… Don’t worry!

— 4 —

Seven Books I Need to Read Before 8/10, When They are Due Back at the Library:

A Tale of Two Pretties
Ancient Writers: Greece and Rome
Brideshead Revisited
Kill Me Softly
Moloka’i
The Monk Downstairs
Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker

— 5 —

Seven Devotions that can be Prayed Using Beads:

Dominican Rosary
Brigittine beads
Dolour beads
Immaculate Conception beads
Crown of Our Saviour
Chaplet of the Five Wounds
Crosier beads

Trivia: Did you know that, historically, the word “bead” or “bede” meant “prayer”?

— 6 —

Seven Things That I Need to Do Around My House, That Will Be Ignored for Yet Another Week:

Putting away the laundry
Washing all the dishes
Scrubbing the tub
Cleaning the computer room
Taking old furniture to some charity
Cleaning the garage
Decluttering

— 7 —

Seven Rides I Plan on Going On Tomorrow!

Gatekeeper
Raptor
Magnum
Maverick
Maxair
Windseeker
Thunder Canyon

Obviously… I’M GOING TO CEDAR POINT!!! 🙂

God Bless!

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at Conversion Diary!

Maybe I Should Have Been Frankenbabied…

July 29, 2013Bioethics, Health and Medicine, JennspeakCadyLy

I was reading through my blog feed, trying to get caught up, when I happened upon this article regarding genetic modification of embryos. In a nutshell, the article takes a look at the morality (or immorality) of taking the nuclear DNA from an embryo and implanting it within a denucleated egg cell from a donor which contains healthy mitochondrial DNA as a “therapy” for patients with mitochondrial disease.

Is “therapy” the right word?

The article suggests that maybe not. The way they argue it, you aren’t “treating” a condition of the patient, but you are modifying the genetic make-up of the person from the beginning — taking some genes from the father, some from the mother and other genes (the mitochondrial ones) from a second woman (the donor egg). Then, you slap together all the pieces parts to Frankenbaby yourself a genetically “improved” embryo.

By the way, I just made up that word.

Frankenbaby = to genetically modify an embryo

Given that my condition is progressive and terminal and relatively uncommon, I’m kind of happy that the medical community is bothering to think up ways to help me out. However, (1) it’s a little too late at this point and (2) it’s not moral.

Keep trying, though…

Adventures in Mowing

July 25, 2013Exciting Adventures of the EverydayCadyLy

I haven’t been feeling well lately, and as a result a lot of things around the house have been rather neglected. Including my lawn. My shaggy, overgrown lawn.

A friend had offered to help with the lawn at one point, and I knew that it was time to (finally) ask for help!

This is how I asked:

Jack-jack! For the love of all that is holy, please send some grazing animals to my lawn. And where were you when I desperately needed a medical professional last night?!?!?! 🙂

And, because Jack-jack is AWESOME, he immediately offered to come over and help! 🙂 He said he might bring a helper, but I have since never heard if he actually brought a helper or not… Or who the helper may have been… If there was a Mystery Helper — Thank You!

On the morning that Jack-jack — he doesn’t actually call himself this; I have decided that this shall be his name after the most awesome superhero from the Incredibles — was to arrive to help with the yard, I sent him a couple important photos:

First, I have this stupid plant growing in my yard.

Poison Ivy

But I was thinking of his well-being and provided a towel and some soap, so that he could wash up (using the garden hose, LOL) in the unfortunate event that he came into contact with this unwelcome yard guest.

And, we couldn’t have our hero be without something to refresh him after his hard labors, could we?

I THINK NOT!

So, I offered the only thing I had: beer.

I don’t really drink, so it had been left in the freezer from when Fr. Eric came over for dinner. I figured that by the time Jack-jack was done with the lawn, it might have had time to thaw, yet still be cold. 🙂

So, I left the goodies on a box next to the lawnmower and gas can.

I made sure to leave 2 beers in case he did bring a helper. I didn’t think to leave a bottle opener, but providentially there was a magnetized one stuck to the side of the lockers in the garage right next to the beer.

…

When I got home, the first thing I noticed (after noting that the grass was mowed), was that my picnic table was now located in the middle of the yard, instead of where it normally resides on the concrete next to the garage.

HAHAHA! Hilarious! I thought, “Jack-jack must want me to *use* this picnic table. I’ll have to arrange a picnic or BBQ soon.” How fun!

But there’s more! As I started to realize that more things were “out of place”, I ran around looking for all the changes in the yard. It was like the “Where’s Waldo” of patio furniture! 🙂 Delightful!

Jack had cleared off the sidewalk and porch:

Moved a chair and a teapot to next to the back door:

Moved a bench from the front patio area to the side of the house:

Stuck a yard sign (that my mom had gotten and placed in the front flower bed) in the grass in the backyard:

And, finally, left the beer bottles by tomato and corn plant:

He also left my Tony Hawk 4 game in the back door with a note that he and his fiancee, April, were praying for me! Awww! (And now I have to practice my video-skateboarding skills…)

THANKS JACK-JACK AND MYSTERY HELPER!

Not only was this incredibly helpful to me, but you made it SO MUCH FUN!!! 🙂

Love you guys! 🙂

Why I Get Sick…

July 16, 2013Health & Medicineacidosis, lactic acid, mitochondrionCadyLy

For funsies, I’m reading through my Anatomy and Physiology textbook and completing the study workbook (that I never used when I was actually *taking* the class).

Now, I got a lot of stuff wrong with me, but one of them is that I tend to accrue lactic acid like crazy. By “crazy”, I mean that on one of my studies, my lactic acid production upon exertion was something like 25 times normal.

So, let’s see what the trusty A/P text has to say about acidosis:

The normal pH of blood, for example, is 7.35 – 7.45. Acidosis, in which blood pH falls to 7.0 to 7.3, makes one feel disoriented and fatigued, and breathing may become difficult. — Hole’s Human Anatomy and Physiology, David Shier et al.

Um. Yep!

On to chaper 3! Where we will learn about cells, and the stupid, stupid cells within cells called mitochondria which SUCK. (At least, mine do!) 🙂

I couldn’t find a good, non-copyrighted, picture of a mitochondrion, so I drew one myself.

An Encounter with the Living Christ

July 16, 2013Prayer/Prayer RequestsCadyLy

This fall, my parish — Our Lady of Good Counsel — is going to be focusing our efforts on facilitating encounters with Jesus. This will mainly be done by via the Alpha program (of which I know just about nothing… yet…).

Jesus is right here in the tabernacle.

What made me think about this this morning was a podcast I was listening to by Fr. John. No. Not our Fr. John, but Fr. John Nepil of “Catholic Stuff You Should Know.” His podcasts are hilarious and very informative. 🙂

His latest podcast is called “Theology of Mountaineering” and in it he and Deacon Nathan talk about a recent pilgrimage they made where they were away from technology. I think one of the great things about this podcast was that they noted that while surrounding yourself with beautiful places, great people and removing distractions may be helpful to dispose yourself to having an encounter with Jesus, they don’t guarantee that you will have an encounter.

So, don’t get discouraged if you “do everything right” and still feel that the personal connection you were seeking “didn’t happen”. No time spent in prayer is wasted. Even if you don’t “feel” anything. And faithfulness and perseverance in prayer is important.

Pilgrimage to Rome: Day 9

July 16, 2013PilgrimageLifeTeen, OLGC, RomeCadyLy

Itinerary for Today:
Flight over the Atlantic back home!

Predicted Italian Weather:
88 degrees, bright sunshine. YAY!

Predicted Michigan Weather:
91 degrees, 96% humidity, heat advisory, partly sunny. Welcome home! 🙂

Pray!
Pray for the safety of all travelers this day. Write a letter or a note to one of the pilgrims you have been praying for about your experience on this pilgrimage journey. Join in 8:00 A.M. Mass one morning this week to celebrate the end of the pilgrimage and maybe to meet a pilgrim in our midst. In gratitude, be good to others today.

The Lord will set me free and rescue me because He loves me.

Gracious Father, I will thank You each day for Your merciful goodness to me. With Your help, I will ever praise Your kindness in my trouble. Please assist me now, as I faithfully follow Christ, my Savior, and call upon the friendship and intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi, by granting my petition (mention your request). Amen.

Lord, make me an instrument of peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
For it is in giving, that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned.
And it is in dying, that we are born to Eternal life.

* Note: None of these pictures are mine, as I’ve never been to Italy. *sob* Nor are they pictures from the pilgrims. They are pictures taken from people who have allowed others to link to them; you can click through each picture to the photographer’s page, to see more of their work.

May God bless you, pilgrims! May He grant you a swift, safe, and easy journey back home! Thank you for your prayers for our community! Can’t wait to see your pictures and hear all of your stories! 🙂

Pilgrimage to Rome: Day 8

July 15, 2013PilgrimageLifeTeen, OLGC, RomeCadyLy

Itinerary for Today:
Rome:
St. Peter’s Basilica*

Necropolis-Scavi Tour of St. Peter’s Tomb*

Pasta Farewell Dinner*

Ok, so the pasta dinner is just a guess. I’m sure whatever they end up having will be WAY more epic than anything I could dream up. And I bet they aren’t going to bring us home leftovers. *sadface*

Predicted Italian Weather:
90 degrees, mostly sunny. YAY!

Pray!
Find out something about St. Peter. Read about him in Scripture and identify areas of your life where you have denied Christ. Pray for the leadership of the Catholic Church, for our priests and pilgrims, for our OLGC community, and all people throughout the world. Ask God for the courage to seek to encounter Jesus and look for a conversion in our hearts. Turn back to Him, like Peter, to love Him and to spread the faith like an intentional disciple every day. Help someone you know who is in need of your friendship and support.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

Your goodness, Heavenly Father, responds speedily to our sorrow. In my distress, I call upon You to hear and answer my prayers (mention your request). In You, O God, I will continue to trust despite everything. I ask this request in Christ’s name and through the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi. Amen.

Lord, make me an instrument of peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
For it is in giving, that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned.
And it is in dying, that we are born to Eternal life.

May God bless you, pilgrims!

Pilgrimage to Rome: Day 7

July 14, 2013PilgrimageLifeTeen, OLGC, RomeCadyLy

Itinerary for Today:
Assisi:
Basilica of St. Clare*

San Ruffino*

St. Francis of Assisi*

Predicted Italian Weather:
89 degrees, mostly sunny and nice. YAY!

Pray!
Come to Mass and focus as the gifts are being brought to the altar that we are in communion with each other in prayer at this moment. All of our intentions are being brought to the altar of the Lord. Spend a moment to talk to someone in the community about how you are experiencing this pilgrimage. In imitation of Christ and St. Francis, do good to those who may dislike you.

The Lord is a stronghold in times of distress.

Father in Heaven, You never reject those who seek Your help and are ever ready to comfort the sorrowful. Through the intercession of Saint Francis and in Christ’s name, I implore You to have pity on me in my needs (mention your request), and to rescue me from all afflictions. Amen.

Lord, make me an instrument of peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
For it is in giving, that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned.
And it is in dying, that we are born to Eternal life.

May God bless you, pilgrims!

Pilgrimage to Rome: Day 6

July 13, 2013PilgrimageLifeTeen, OLGC, RomeCadyLy

Itinerary for Today:
Rome:
The Holy Stairs*

Basilica of St. Mary Major*

Basilica of St. John Lateran*

Holy Cross*

San Clemente*

St. Lawrence Outside the Walls*

Predicted Italian Weather:
90 degrees, partly sunny with thunderstorms in spots in the afternoon.

Pray!
Read St. Paul’s letters in Scripture as he describes the early Church community: Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-35; Peter’s speech at Pentecost: Acts 2:14; and the end of the first mission of Paul: Acts 14:21. Banish from your mind and tongue unkind words and thoughts today.

O Lord, do not chastise me with Your anger.

Merciful Father, You know my weakness and disobedience. Yet, You are ever ready to forgive and be gracious to me in my trouble. In Christ’s name and through the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi, quickly come to help me (mention your request). Amen.

Lord, make me an instrument of peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
For it is in giving, that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned.
And it is in dying, that we are born to Eternal life.

May God bless you, pilgrims!