Not your typical Jesus post.

I wished someone a "Happy Lent" the other day, and didn't stop to think until later that they may feel I was telling them to revel in deprivation.

But see, to me Lent isn't about doing without - it's about taking on an experiment that you normally wouldn't put much energy into. I am all about self-discovery. And my mother is always very adamant about the specifics. She is careful to call it her "Lenten Discipline", and never, "What she's giving up". The same way that how, in highschool, when a friend asked "Is Molly there?" when calling me, she would answer, "Yes," and then wait for them to ask to speak to me. Thanks, Mom.

Now, It's pretty obvious that I am not a traditional Christian. I'm not even a traditional Episcopalian, although they are the denomination with whom I identify best. Because I don't necessarily believe that Jesus was the son of whatever God is up there [Sorry, Mom, still mulling that one over...]. I do, however, think he was a pretty rad guy, who preached about love and acceptance and genuinely cared for the welfare of the people he touched. How can you argue with something like that?

But, regardless of what you believe, Lent is a good time to try taking on a task. When you think about it, it's more realistic than most New Years resolutions. You can see the end of it if you really can't stand what you've committed to. And then you learn about yourself. In fact, if you're successful with your Lenten Discipline, try commiting yourself to something new each month! Learn French. Master baking. Master French Baking. Take your dog [or hamster!] for obedience classes, and then enter them in an agility show. Your possibilities are endless, because it's not about doing without, it's about what you can do, and being grateful for the time that you are given.

So, this year, for my Lenten Discipline, I am resolving to be neater. Both in my appearance and apartment. I will do all of my dishes as they are dirtied. I will iron clothes that are wrinkled. I will think more carefully about the food I eat. I will sweep my kitchen floor before the popcorn that was dropped on it gets ground into a fine dust. I'll stick to Lent as best as I can, and I won't think too hard about the science of Easter apart from celebrating new life and enjoying my family.

I do like zombies, though.

My Oscars and other stuffffffff

Well, I wanted Mickey Rourke to win. alas.

However, Kate Winslet was smokin' and I loved Hugh Jackman. I cried at some point, but I can't remember when. Probably something cliche. Not actually during Mr Ledger, although I was sad.

Pals Rachel and Shel came over spontaneously, and we had popcorn and pasta and Shell made me this crazy amazing drink that had ginger beer, mollasses-y rum, and some lingonberry concentrate. IT WAS FANTASTIC.

anyway, they buggered off around ten-thirty, and I finished watching the awards while Lester tried his level best to crawl into the sauce-pot. Thank goodness he is not tall enough nor does he possess opposable thumbs. That would be a baaaaad day, for sure.

Anyhoo - I'm taking a class! Anatomy and Physiology! This should be easy! I'm excited to break out my ANATOMY COLORING BOOK. Nursing degree, here I come.

Duh.

I figured out my confusion re: having lester. I will have lived in Baltimore for four years this June. So, Balmer = four years, Lester = three.

Good times.

Dinner tonight at the Golden West Cafe in Hampden. I have not been there in a v. long time - not since my mom and sister were visiting me, and they took hours and hours to get served. Let's hope it's a nicer experience this time. They've had about two years to shape up.

:D

three years

Every year, on February 14th, I celebrate having Lester for another year. This year marked three! I love my little guy, and I can't imagine life without him. He's my furry soul-mate.

Lester through the years...

first photo!


one year!


two years!


three years!


and I am now sort of confused. because I THOUGHT that I've had him for four years, but going back through old livejournal entries, it seems that I've only had him for three years. AM I GOING CRAZY? Who knows.

Anyway, he's still around and I love him to bits and little pieces. YAYE LESTAH.

i got a new plant.

well, new old plant that i've actually had for a few months now and forgot to mention. she is a corn plant that a coworker gave to me because her new office has no room. her name is constance cordelia. she's a full-figured lady that adds a bit of sass to the kitchen window crew, which includes patience [pony-tail palm] and louisa [pothos]

poor aloysius [palm] is still the only fella since bob/fred [bamboo] kicked a few months back.

why are you looking at me that way?

The Oregon trail and other various and sundry.

Back from Portland! Had a delicious time with my sister and brother-in-law. The Chinese Gardens are FANTASTIC and I just wish they were bigger so I could have stayed longer and not looked like a crazy stalker. The weather was lovely, even if it snowed twice. Not too much rain, not too much fog. Crisp air. *happy sigh*

Here are some photos from our various excursions.

Bought several books at Powell's for super-cheap and I wish we had one here in Baltimore. Best. Store. Ever. Am currently plowing through the Wrinkle in Time series by Madeline L'Engle. HOW DID I MISS THESE BEFORE. I suppose half the joy of being an adult is the ability to go back and find things.

In other news: the sky is pooping out very pathetic snow. Not even snow, really. Moisture that has a tendency to be snow.

I don't really enjoy inclement weather, unless it's a thunderstorm in the middle of the summer. THAT is weather I can get happy about.

Anyway. Lester is doing extremely well, the little stinker. I feel like I shouldn't get all worked up when his body does something untoward, because he's sort of a miracle dog, and things always work out just fine in the end. Snaps his ACL? doesn't even limp. Congestive heart failure? He just pees it out.

I love my dog. He smells like Christmas right now, because I've been using this Natural flea and tick medicine that uses peppermint oil as its main ingredient. Delightful.

LALALA work happy hour tonight. Now that I don't drive to work, these little outings are much more enjoyable. :D

Happy Tuesday, y'all.