Reading my college alumni magazine and realizing that C is way closer to college than I am.

Must never, ever, ever sling J around again, no matter how much he giggles. But his laugh is like a drug! Unfortunately, my drug of choice at this point is an Ibuprofen.

is astounded at how much stuff R has bought from woot.com and wine.woot… Let’s just say it’s a good thing he’s not a 70 year old guy in dress socks watching QVC.

E-mail: “I did not attend the funeral service for E, but read from the family’s web site… I’d like you to know that I was deeply touched by your sermon. Your words touched my heart so deeply; it was like you were reading my mind. You expressed what I have come to believe about God, life, and death, but could never speak of as eloquently as you. A wonderful sermon at such a sad time.” I. Love. This. Job.

I’ve only been here officially for three weeks but have already participated in or moderated two session meetings, with a third on Monday! Yeesh!

Sermon draft done, B&N gift cards spent on books both churchy and fun. Next stop, bus stop and vet.

It’s hard to see progress when moving around blocks of text and changing one word here and there. Yet progress is being made. I hope.

has had a full and satisfying day and will spend the evening doing nothing of consequence.

The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. -MLK Sometimes a bit *too* long for my taste.

Has said for years that October is my favorite month. I think I’m gonna have to change it to November. Thanksgiving, cozy weather, the leaves’ final poignant hurrah.

Dear Sweet Baby J: I could have done without the 3 a.m. banshee shrieks, but sleeping until 6:30 this morning? Nicely played, my son.

Went to the park this afternoon w/ three amigos. Found a “hidden playground” and rock hopped at the marina. There was massive whining when we left which I quickly pivoted into a whining contest. Some days I actually know what I’m doing.

used to love fall back. Now, I loathe it.

glad to have a positive conference with C’s teacher.

SYTYCD: I just about can’t stand Mary Murphy’s voice–it’s a cross between Roseanne and Sarah Palin–but her whooping and hollering makes J laugh uproariously, so she escapes the fast-forward button.

R and RM, cleaning the basement… R: Do you have any boxes over there I could use to put some computer stuff in for recycling? Me: Definitely. R: That’s about the best thing I could ever say to you, isn’t it? Me: Definitely.

listened to Weekend Edition Sunday this morning… for the first time in more than 6 years

An extra hour of sleep PLUS impromptu kid sleepover at MaDear’s??? I thought this was Halloween, not Christmas!!!

Making beef stew and bread pudding today; will also introduce the children to Wallace and Gromit. “It’s the wrong trousers!!”

OMG it’s only 11:30 a.m. and the kids are already insane. Once we introduce candy and skulking around outside, it’s gonna get over the top.

Got to see the church be the church today… and that’s why this is the greatest job in the world.

“You and I have spoken all these words, but as for the way we have to go, words are no preparation. There is no getting ready, other than grace.” -Rumi