tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111881312011-04-21T14:16:14.487-04:00Matthew 5:14-16Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.comBlogger781100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1148601326336639002006-05-25T19:45:00.000-04:002006-05-25T20:03:14.626-04:00

Hello my friends. I typed a fun update on my life but my blog ate it. I have no time to retype it in full but here's the basic version...I've had a lovely time hanging out with my family the last couple weeks. We went to Cape May last weekend and enjoyed spending a few days wandering around a fun new area. My uncle has a beach house barely a block from the beach. However, it was closed because

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1146672313714632532006-05-03T11:58:00.000-04:002006-05-03T12:05:42.330-04:00

My thesis is officially done and handed in. I think the final page count was 68 or 69 (one citation may have run over onto the next page).However, I think my brain ran away to file a lawsuit against me for abuse. Ergo, I managed to lock my keys in the car for the first time yesterday, 5 min. after handing in my thesis. Then, trying to explain what happened, three times I proclaimed that I locked

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1144367635577065762006-04-06T19:45:00.000-04:002006-04-06T19:53:55.606-04:00

At this school, we don't complete a thesis [noun]. We thesis [action verb]. It's long enough and drawn out enough to qualify a state of being, definitely a state of mind. Of course that state of mind borders on monomania but we won't talk about that. Clearly I'm not affected since I'm writing a blog about thesising when I could be doing much better things, like thesising.Anyhow, mine is currently

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1144036507950538022006-04-02T23:46:00.000-04:002006-04-04T21:45:57.826-04:00

Sunday, the school opened a new student center. It's lovely with a mail-room, game room, lounge area, cafe, and large multi-purpose area. It's called the John Paul II Student Center and it was dedicated today, on the anniversary of his death. They played a moving video on his life and death that had all the former Rome students more or less in tears. It made me want to return so badly.On a more

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1143816660147915102006-03-31T09:49:00.000-05:002006-03-31T09:51:00.186-05:00

“Mi casa es su casa!” My house is your house. This generous phrase greeted me as I entered my host family’s home at the commencement of my second trip to the Dominican Republic. Though bumpy truck rides, long work days, unfamiliar food, fires, whips, sea urchins, and strawberry daiquiris on a pier make great stories, it has been my interaction with the Dominican people that has made my trips

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1142022744289299642006-03-10T15:19:00.000-05:002006-03-10T15:32:24.306-05:00

I've waited a while to post FOCUS news because I wanted to call close friends and tell them personally first. [On that note, if you are a close friend and are finding out this way, it doesn't mean I disowned you; it means I've been REALLY busy and haven't gotten a hold of you yet or had free time at a time when you too would be free to chat. Sorry!]I received a call last Monday accepting me to

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1141070554061892082006-02-27T14:45:00.000-05:002006-02-27T15:07:58.423-05:00

I won't know for two weeks. But meanwhile, here's a quick update on the FOCUS interview weekend.It was challenging but so awesome. The 17 applicants that joined me for the Eastern Region interview weekend were from every background imaginable. It was awesome to hear their stories throughout the weekend and their testimonies on Saturday night. The missionaries are amazing people too. They are full

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1140737360700003852006-02-23T18:24:00.000-05:002006-02-23T18:29:20.733-05:00

Dear Friends,This Friday through Sunday, I'll be attending the FOCUS interview weekend. I'll have three interviews on Saturday plus a testimony presentation. Please pray that God will guide me & those interviewing me. If God wants me to do FOCUS, it could be an amazing opportunity to serve Him. But, I know that whatever His plans are, they are more beautiful and perfect than I can imagine now, so

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1139873339335873842006-02-13T18:19:00.000-05:002006-02-13T18:28:59.353-05:00

There is something positively breath-taking about a snowy day, and it's not just the bone-chilling air! God graced us with about half a foot of perfect packing snow on Saturday. At school we had the traditional Valentine's Dinner for the ladies, and the guys did a lovely job serving us and writing poems, as usual. Afterwards, the girls all headed back to start getting ready for the Valentine's

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1139431173657543492006-02-08T15:13:00.000-05:002006-02-08T15:39:33.683-05:00

Someone once told me that "growing pains" were an old wives tale. I don't believe them--why? because I'm an American post-enlightenment woman and my empirical/experiential data tells me it hurts to grow. So there!Seriously though, when speaking of growth on the spiritual, "Gaudium et Spes #22" level, it is amazing how much God thinks we're capable of. It is also astounding how often He is right,

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1139260608616584092006-02-06T15:55:00.000-05:002006-02-06T16:16:48.650-05:00

Ok, here's a quick blog on my last few "up-dates" (you know, days [date part] where you're just really happy to be alive [up part]). *insert canned laughter*Last weekend was a blast:--Katrina came up, so I couldn't be a total hermit and study 24/7.--AJ asked me to sing with him for Cup O'Coeli. We performed "Danny's Song," "Sunshine on Your Shoulders," and "Time of Your Life." Lots of fun (and I

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1139259202911263342006-02-06T15:51:00.000-05:002006-02-06T15:53:22.930-05:00

As a huge Google user, I thought this was an awesome idea!Instead of using Google as your search engine, use http://www.prolifesearch.com/It's powered by the same Google engine, so you'll get the same results, but every time you search, a donation is made to various Pro-Life organizations, including Priests for Life, Children of the Rosary, and the Women's Center of Chicago. You can even

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1138506798037609112006-01-28T22:17:00.000-05:002006-01-28T23:01:08.983-05:00

This afternoon, Mom and Nora came and whisked me away for a lovely afternoon. We hiked up to Dickey Ridge and sat on the launch site watching paragliders and hanggliders circle in the balmy "cycles" of wind above us. We saw several land and one guy take off. Since my family loves to learn about everything possible, we talked to one guy (toting his 40 lb. pack up the mountain) about the sport.

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1137543365610068202006-01-17T18:51:00.000-05:002006-01-17T19:16:05.633-05:00

click on the link above for more informationI have had 101 people asking how my weekend at the FOCUS Conference went, so here's the brief scoop with a couple common questions answered:What is FOCUS?Focus is a group of about 130 missionaries who commit for at least two years to join teams in various universities (mostly big secular ones) throughout America. They cooperate with the campus ministry

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1137040281065731872006-01-11T22:20:00.000-05:002006-01-11T23:31:21.083-05:00

Today, I had some problem and couldn't stop sneezing at work. Adam, being the gentleman he is, kept saying, "Bless you," every two seconds. Eventually, he stuck a sticky note on my monitor that said, "Bless you!" He said he'd give me a new one tomorrow. I think the note is kinda like a door-stopper; it's a really clever way to be a gentleman without having to do any work. Kudos.Erin--she amuses

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1136829614510002872006-01-09T12:38:00.000-05:002006-01-09T13:00:14.536-05:00

Prepare for a post that is positively disconnected but wanted to be written anyhow . . .I've realized that perhaps I could do office work and simultaneously keep my sanity. I wondered if this was possible last summer. I'm working the same internship, but increasing daily Mass attendance (really, I love waking up early *cough*), exercising for an hour+ about five days a week, and the exchange of a

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1136572791203675602006-01-06T13:10:00.000-05:002006-01-06T13:42:20.423-05:00

Jesus is so good to me. I asked him to provide the money needed if He wanted me to join the Dominican Republic mission trip this year. I only could think of 7 people to send letters to and one of them had an unlisted address. Thus, I sent out my 6 letters, each accompanied by lots of fervent prayers. Wednesday, I was starting to get worried and prayed really hard in holy hour that God would

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1136489541899030762006-01-05T14:23:00.000-05:002006-01-05T14:32:21.916-05:00

My little sister Nora has a beautifully generous heart. She never thinks twice about sharing her possessions, money, time, or talents when she sees a need. The other day, she was counting up her Christmas money and looked up to ask me, "Kel, for your mission trip, do people have to give big amounts of money or just anything?" My head buried in the closet, I replied, "Hun, every little bit counts.

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1136389966106225582006-01-04T10:30:00.000-05:002006-01-04T10:52:46.123-05:00

For anyone who will be around the area on Good Friday and would like to attend an inspiring concert to complete your Holy Week meditations . . .Mozart's "Requiem"Performed by the Choral Arts Society of Washingtonas well as MacMillan's "Seven Last Words from the Cross"April 14th, 8:00pmMusic Center at Strathmore ~ Bethesda, MD1-888-338-SINGhttp://www.choralarts.org/concert_mozart.htmlBalcony

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1136249118557788432006-01-02T19:27:00.000-05:002006-01-02T19:45:18.590-05:00

Over break, I've been picking up some of my old poetry books and paging through them again. Poetry is such a powerful medium of communication. The fragmentary or condensed imagery clings to the corners of my mind and always brings back fond memories when favorite or forgotten poems are revisited. Musical lyrics hold the same attachment for me; often, I like vocal music as much for its poesy as

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1135996964063462282005-12-30T20:37:00.000-05:002005-12-30T21:42:44.083-05:00

Delayed PrankLast night, I was in the basement making a wreath with grapevine, fragrant eucalyptus, and various dried flowers and seed pods. I was having a lovely time doing the artsy stuff I love, "purposely" burning myself as I held glued stems together, and watching my new Michael Buble concert DVD (that guy is a riot) with Dad and the girls. At once point, I dropped a small stamp onto the

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1135992990433624172005-12-30T18:04:00.000-05:002005-12-30T20:36:30.476-05:00

I hope you and your families all had a blessed Feast of the Holy Family!(I love how excited Joseph looks in this painting and how serenely joyful Mary is.)On this beautiful feast day, I had the privilege to attend my friend Erin's wedding. She looked positively radiant as she walked up the aisle to meet her wonderful (now) husband, John. I'm sure they will be happy together. I love the way he

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1135793983186893632005-12-28T12:55:00.000-05:002005-12-28T13:19:43.230-05:00

Ahem, anyways . . .Today's bits of lunch-break wisdom from under the basket:Suggestion for the day ~ Everyone should go to the gym every day and get your but kicked--it feels great!Reminder ~ Pray for the modern slaughter of the holy innocents on this feast of all those little martyrs who died so that their Lord and His parents could escape from harm.My wish for you ~ That you're enjoying time

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1135482807418451752005-12-24T22:38:00.000-05:002005-12-24T22:53:27.433-05:00

I hope you all and your families enjoy a Blessed Christmas. For those of you who actually stay connected to internet and cell phones on Christmas, FYI--my cell died for no apparent reason and I need to get it fixed, but meanwhile you'll have to call my home number or not call at all. ;) I won't be at home tomorrow anyways . . . tell you about it later. God bless! ~ Kel

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1135275250294313382005-12-22T13:09:00.000-05:002005-12-22T13:14:10.310-05:00

So, many people have elaborate images of their dream house in their minds . . . but have you ever decorated it (mentally) for Christmas? Mine just got lights and a sweet sound system. Ok, so I was inspired . . . This video is done to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Wizards of Winter." It totally rocks--must have sound, bigger the better--enjoy!

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1135197982991334242005-12-21T14:56:00.000-05:002005-12-21T15:46:24.873-05:00

Take this you imposter!Papa Benedetto rocks! He's brought back the fur-trimmed papal hat, called the "camauro."Plus, you've got to love the red shoes.The last pope to don this festal wear was Pope John John XXIII. Few know that the garb St. Nick wears in pop-culture depictions is borrowed and adapted from this sort of traditional wear. Santa's pointed hat is a collapsed bishop's miter; the coat

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1135116586437745462005-12-20T17:00:00.000-05:002005-12-20T17:09:46.480-05:00

My life has fallen into about as much of a "routine" as I get at home. I'm able to get to daily Mass, I'm working at CNS most days, and chilling out in the evening. After a few days vegging out, it's good to be busy again (though not TOO busy; don't get any ideas Mom!).Currently, I'm in the middle of reading:Under the MercyA book about a couple who enjoyed the "perfect" pagan love, their

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1134940871327571362005-12-18T15:55:00.000-05:002005-12-23T11:12:24.906-05:00

Why in the world do people call it a "break?" It ought to be called a "repair." Thus, I hope all you college people or people taking time off from work are enjoying a lovely "repair;" I certainly needed one and have been reveling in the strange elements that usually compose my repairs. Yesterday, I spent time Pleasure Reading--so satisfying! I played guitar and sang praise and worship with Bo and

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1134939314538818792005-12-18T15:45:00.000-05:002005-12-18T15:55:14.556-05:00

As a blog that accepts and welcomes all sorts of viewers...Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicitly, best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice,

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1134524283787740722005-12-13T20:29:00.000-05:002005-12-13T20:38:03.803-05:00

Dear Friends,It is finals week and I'm slowly having the life drained out of me . . . not to say that my final that I took thus far went badly, my brain is just having one of those lint roller used to many times to let anything else stick moments.Finals week on a freshmen floor is lovely. I learned the "art" of cake-mix consumption the other day. I've witness plenty of random tickle attacks. The

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1133562738430531992005-12-02T17:16:00.000-05:002005-12-06T10:48:46.893-05:00

(WARNING: This is a rant...)The other day, I walked into a room where a make-up masked talk show host was ranting simultaneously with an obscure activist, who strained with everything he had in him to communicate two bits of wisdom to the general public during this, his TV debut. Poor people. Poor people?! Poor me who listened to 3 minutes of it!I'll never understand what the general American

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1133306834511594982005-11-29T18:16:00.000-05:002005-12-02T14:34:01.596-05:00

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving, I did--well, about 90% of it was lovely.I spent a lot of time sleeping. That was the first really good and productive thing that I accomplished. I'd recommend it for anyone.On Thanksgiving itself we celebrated with my Mom's side of the family. They all cook excellently and I really enjoyed talking to my relatives and my cousin's grandparents who are a

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1132763569001405572005-11-23T11:30:00.000-05:002005-11-23T11:32:49.030-05:00

Yes, I have a few spare moments to write hello and give you a quick update on life . . .Life has been, well, rather quick. The last two weeks seem like a month, at least I got enough done in them to have been a very full month. The defining events of my life over the last few weeks: sniffing paint and killing things. See aren't you interested now?Why did I sniff paint? Because I was the stage

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1131073487233766772005-11-03T21:42:00.000-05:002005-11-03T22:04:47.256-05:00

To my dear friends who actually still faithfully check this blog, I commend you for your fortitude despite my business and negligence. Forgive me. Why have I been so busy? . . .Currently, I'm stage managing a production of The Cocktail Party by T.S. Eliot. Quite frankly, I've found it to be his most approachable play. I love it's recognition of the profundity and eternal significance of the

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1128378417714939712005-10-03T18:09:00.000-04:002005-10-03T18:32:08.593-04:00

My friends, this week I stumbled across a startling misrepresentation of truth, in fact, a bit of propaganda that had been infused into my and many other children's minds in order to give a redeeming characteristic to over-grown rats, otherwise known as opossums. Countless children's books had shown pictures of and told stories of opossums hanging upside-down by their tails. I innocently believed

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1128288474401399332005-10-02T17:09:00.000-04:002005-10-02T17:27:54.410-04:00

Thank you to all my lovely friends who sent cards, voicemails, etc. to wish me a happy birthday. Ya'll are so sweet. I had an awesome birthday! It began with the guys serenading me outside my window at midnight and Larry again winning the best-boyfriend ever award. ;) Honestly, can you beat a guy climbing a ladder to your windowsill to give you a dozen roses? (Yes ladies, this is where you all

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1127505956456888992005-09-23T15:49:00.000-04:002005-09-27T16:20:26.603-04:00

God's so good - He gives me all sorts of fun little surprises every day to keep things interesting and lively. Here are just a few of the outstanding ones...I was on duty and not only did all my girls get their shoes stolen and put in the gym by the soccer guys during the major speaker but we also got a nice little 3am surprise. At that charming hour of the morning, the fire alarm began to blare.

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1126714463542895392005-09-14T12:05:00.000-04:002005-09-14T12:14:23.550-04:00

My friends, life is good, God is infinitely good, and, courtesy of the latter, I have a thesis topic. The following attempt at a description contains as many common terms and as few English-majorish qualifiers as I could muster; so please be patient with me, and I’ll try to explain the general direction my pursuit of the subjectively perfect thesis topic has taken me.Roughly within the last

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1125185064024464642005-08-27T19:20:00.000-04:002005-08-27T19:26:44.686-04:00

The first week of school has been a rush and I already have between 400-500 pages of reading due for next week (I love being an English major). However, I have four day weekends to keep me sane and to do LOTS of reading over.This Friday, Larry and I took off after breakfast and headed up to Sky Meadows. It's a really beautiful park and receives a lot less tourist attention than Skyline/Shenandoah

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1124894080678922342005-08-24T10:14:00.000-04:002005-08-24T10:34:40.703-04:00

Dear Friends,School has begun with the usual rush of excitement. I think I've sat in more meetings this past week than is good for anyone's health and well-being but our group of RA's and Proctors rocks and I think they'll be able to pull together an awesome year. Kelly and I also had our first hall meeting last night. I love my 27 freshmen and they have an infectious enthusiasm that will make

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1124200116509198422005-08-16T09:45:00.000-04:002005-08-16T09:48:36.510-04:00

Because I'm a girl and SOME people who read this might appreciate this . . . Gerber daisies are intrinsically happy flowers. [They remind me of Bo too - I'll miss you girly!]

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1124199869462800872005-08-16T09:39:00.000-04:002005-08-16T09:44:29.470-04:00

My dear friends,Life is lovely (though insane as always). I moved into my new floor this week at college and dove straight into RA training. They've kept us busy. If I had been smart, I would have taken some time off of work before this, but as it is my mind and my immune system are a bit at odds. My immune system is winning. I'm really excited about meeting all my girls on my floor. Pray for all

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1123779618297929162005-08-11T12:46:00.000-04:002005-08-11T13:00:18.303-04:00

Dear Rome Students,Happy Feast of Santa Chiara (Saint Clare), helpmate of Saint Francis and a true woman of God!I'll never forget the beautiful streets of Assisi. Early in the morning, I'd wander through the winding side-streets and along the edge of the worn city walls. Most of the tourists were still in bed after a night enjoying Tuscany's wines, and my only companions were the solitary cats

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1123687015640882932005-08-10T00:05:00.000-04:002005-08-10T11:16:55.670-04:00

In America we have lots of opportunities for self and wealth improvement. Unfortunately, some people choose to put all thier energy into the wealth improvement part and don't seem to mind if their reputation or self-respect level plummets as a result. Below is a list of some of these poor speciments of the American get-rich-quick-by-whining culture. . . .[Thanks to Christy for the forward.]It's

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1123532905933041572005-08-08T14:20:00.000-04:002005-08-08T16:28:26.186-04:00

"That of which we do not speak""The heart of darkness""demonic hands on the ends of your legs""Suessville incarnate""Monsters""The center of the culture of death"These and other cruel names are often applied to an innocent source of comfort. Discriminated against, shy, hiding in the recesses of a dark drawer, yet longing to be useful and appreciated and comforting the cold feet of their owners--

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1123522411093738232005-08-08T13:06:00.000-04:002005-08-08T13:35:34.616-04:00

Dear Friends, I wish you a blessed Feast of Saint Dominic. For visitors who are not familiar with his story, check it out on the Saint of the Day link on my sidebar. She also used him as an instrument to promote the devotion of the Rosary, a set of biblically based prayers that rise to heaven like a bouquet of roses to Our Lord.Yesterday, Nora, Bridget, Larry, and I drove up to Hershey Park for

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1123262482423901022005-08-05T13:00:00.000-04:002005-08-05T13:21:22.430-04:00

Last night, I stopped by Beth's apartment to see her and Ariel before heading home from a choir practice (my voice is dead--I haven't sung in WAY too long!) They easily roped me in to watching The Usual Suspects with them and Mr & Dr. M. Though I don't think I could easily recommend the movie (the f-word was used in every grammatical structure and fragment possible as well as plenty of other

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1123176040400975312005-08-04T12:50:00.000-04:002005-08-05T13:00:48.150-04:00

* I've begun to realize why people don't mind living in crazy places that aren't as beautiful or temperate as my home state . . . When people live in a temperature controlled environment at home and under the hypnotising fluorescent lights at work, weather only affects them in the form of driving conditions. So sad--people, get out and take a breath of fresh air every so often. People were not

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1122992706622034462005-08-02T12:00:00.000-04:002005-08-02T10:25:06.643-04:00

This is one of those sites that brightens a sleepy workday and distracts you from doing more worthwhile things like actually reading the books themselves. It condenses classic books to a handful of lines from the main characters. On the linked sites on the page they have movies and children's books similarly abbreviated. My thanks to the Peeping Thomists for introducing me to another source of

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1122914449216602742005-08-01T12:11:00.000-04:002005-08-01T12:40:50.070-04:00

Not exactly definitive proof, but I want to support anyone who, like me, has the delicate taste to realize the intrinsic superiority of dark chocolate over white or milk chocolate.http://articles.health.msn.com/id/100108686/site/100000000/?GT1=6787In gay-marriage approved states, they're trying to change birth certificate forms to list Parent A & Parent B instead of Father & Mother. Remind anyone

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1122744166213226292005-07-30T13:00:00.000-04:002005-07-30T13:22:46.233-04:00

Common courtesy is a lost art in much of modern society.First of all, why do I call it an art? Please don't take this as my definitive definition of "art," but courtesy shares something with the arts as a whole because it is a communication between two people, which is made manifest by some sort of universal (or at least wide-spread) sign, and it contains an element of effortless grace (ask the

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1122313027860592562005-07-25T12:15:00.000-04:002005-07-25T13:37:07.893-04:00

Looking back on my weekend, it was extremely typical or at least representative of my family. Why? Because Friday, Saturday, and Sunday each had singing or dancing or both as an intrinsic part of our plans. Honestly, living with my family can be like living in a musical at times - I love it. Anyways, Friday, Bridge was in a local production of Fiddler on the Roof. They did an excellent job with

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1122043862866199162005-07-22T10:41:00.000-04:002005-07-22T10:51:02.873-04:00

When Mary Magdalen came to the tomb and did not find the Lord's body, she thought it had been taken away and so informed the disciples. After they came and saw the tomb, they too believed what Mary had told them. The text then says: "The disciples went back home," and it adds: "but Mary wept and remained standing outside the tomb." We should reflect on Mary's attitude and the great love she felt

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1121875937143051642005-07-20T12:14:00.000-04:002005-07-20T12:12:17.163-04:00

"Dime con quien andas y yo te digo qien tu eres."(Trans: Tell me who you walk with and I'll tell you who you are.)This is a cool proverb I stumbled upon at work today. It applies (or should apply) beautifully to our relationship with Christ too. [Rome students- think Gaudium et Spes 22.]I hope you all enjoy a lovely day.

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1121779432123591482005-07-19T09:03:00.000-04:002005-07-19T09:25:43.933-04:00

Last weekend Dad, Nora, Lars, & I all randomly went on a whirlwind (yet relaxing somehow) 28 hour trip to my grandparents' beach house. My dad came from a large family, and since I can remember, we've all trekked up to the family beach house for a weekend or two every summer. This weekend was the first time I had been back there in two years. I always forget how every nook and cranny of that

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1121360803977728742005-07-14T13:00:00.000-04:002005-07-14T13:08:18.273-04:00

Harry Potter. Many times I've heard those two words spark heated debates in Catholic & Christian circles. How far is too far when an author blends moral black and white into a relativistic grey? Are the books ok for older, informed people? Are they intrinsically bad for all children regardless of training, education, or explanation? These and many more questions fly across the table and encourage

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1121359518184068782005-07-14T12:40:00.000-04:002005-07-14T12:45:18.193-04:00

Dear friends,Crisis Magazine is offering their annual 1 year subscription for $10 deal. They'll also throw in a copy of their "best of" edition with some really intriguing articles. For those of you who are not familiar with Crisis, it is a monthly, Catholic publication that addresses topics that effect the Catholic & Christian community ranging from politics to historical discoveries to cultural

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1121204048707725982005-07-12T17:30:00.000-04:002005-07-12T17:34:08.716-04:00

Hey ya’ll- I’m back after a very busy weekend and hope you’re all doing well. This weekend I had the privilege to visit NC with Larry, Justin, and Colin. I had a great time with Larry’s family and the guys! It was lovely to have some time to relax with wonderful people, and for once, my friends, it was actually sunny on a day that I was outside of my office cell. While there, I hiked, enjoyed

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1120842695908387942005-07-08T12:55:00.000-04:002005-07-08T13:12:51.026-04:00

Humans never cease to amaze me. They take so many precautions to ensure their own safety and then somehow abandon that precious part of rationality, common sense, when it comes to the simple things. I have called dozens of colleges the past couple of weeks and listened to their dull, automated answering messages and menu lists. Inevitably, it is something along the lines of: Hello! You have

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1120669871500253992005-07-06T13:00:00.000-04:002005-07-06T13:11:11.506-04:00

You know those phrases that your Mom repeats over an over growing up? Don't touch the outlets; watch the stove when you're cooking; clean your room; don't ride on the cat's back; etc. Funny how as we grow up we find that it wasn't just some mantra that was part of the parenting programming package they received on their wedding day, rather it's really good advice designed to drill into our heads

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1120583496863653252005-07-05T13:10:00.000-04:002005-07-05T13:11:36.863-04:00

"Wisdom comes from profound experiences deeply pondered, and great literature is the gateway to the wisdom of the ages." Dr. RiceAnd if you question the necessity of wisdom in your life (no, ignorance is not bliss) check out Sirach. :)

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1120583166594422562005-07-05T12:45:00.000-04:002005-07-05T13:06:06.603-04:00

I had a lovely weekend. Friday night, I chilled out with my family and had this great intention to go to bed early, but ended up talking to Erin (Bo is her nickname for those of you whom I’ve been confusing with nicknames on here) about her Costa Rica trip until midnight.The next morning Larry and I headed out from Mass to a pretty waterfall hike up at Shenandoah. There were a lot of people out

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1120237927928204822005-07-01T13:00:00.000-04:002005-07-01T13:12:07.933-04:00

Mom, Dad, and Erin are all home safely- thank you to those who remembered them in your prayers. They all had great trips! Mom and Dad loved the islands and displayed dozens of pictures of their beautiful hotel, sparkling lagoons, hundreds of iguanas (apparently they were like squirrels down there), pied markets, and lots of smiles. They also brought a fun reggae CD from a guy they heard perform,

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1120236786501314952005-07-01T12:45:00.000-04:002005-07-01T12:53:06.516-04:00

Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of getting together with Anna, Christy, and Becca- three of my near and dear friends from high school. We four, we lucky four, have been through so much together and really seen and helped each other grow personally and in our relationship to God. Anyhow, Miss Anna (my "big sister" since fifth grade when I converted, we met, and she promptly declared that I

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1120064945881215952005-06-29T13:00:00.000-04:002005-06-29T13:09:28.593-04:00

First of all, I want to wish you all a joyous feast of Saints Peter & Paul! This feast day brings back so many memories of Rome for me. It was on my "do before I die" list to see Saint Peter's, St. Paul's, and St. Paul Outside the Walls, and each surpassed my expectations in its representation of a human recognition of the grandeur owed to God, displayed through art, architecture, precious

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1120009873272490432005-06-28T21:50:00.000-04:002005-06-28T21:54:56.870-04:00

Once upon a time, Nokesville was a quiet, unobtrusive little hick town of one street. The kids all went to school in t-shirts and blue jeans and spoke with a charming drawl. Tucked into the corners of that street were our family’s vet, dentist, library, post office, gas station, car repair shop, tiny general store, etc. Well, the dentist is still there, but Nokesville’s atmosphere has changed

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1119894045264209642005-06-27T13:30:00.000-04:002005-06-27T13:40:45.276-04:00

Hello my dear friends and random people who visit! It's been a rather busy week. Mom, Dad, and Erin have all been gone on trips, so I've been quasi-mom all week plus normal job stuff. Bridge & Nora have been awesome though, really helpful, and it's been a pleasure to spend some extra time with them. Saturday, we spent the day at a feis (Irish dance competition) and Nora did extremely well and

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1119371981059542572005-06-21T12:33:00.000-04:002005-06-21T12:39:41.060-04:00

Dear Friends,Recently, a lot of prayer intentions have been e-mailed to me or have come up in conversation. I'm sure you have many pressing intentions of your own. Feel free to post them as comments to this post, and I'll do the same. Then, please click on the link on the sidebar every so often and offer a quick prayer for all those who need God's graces most at that moment.God bless, Kelly Jo

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1119371533632146212005-06-21T12:30:00.000-04:002005-06-21T12:42:01.960-04:00

This is a beautiful quote that has been posted in my office that I thought I'd share as a reminder to us all to keep our priorities in line..."Neither theological knowledge nor social action alone is enough to keep us in love with Christ unless both are proceeded by a personal encounter with Him. Theological insights are gained not only from between two covers of a book, but from two bent knees

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1118854463496043262005-06-15T12:50:00.000-04:002005-06-15T12:54:23.500-04:00

Just because she was the only kid in our family who didn't need orthodontic work . . . Last week BB took a really bad fall over a low rope and onto concrete and smashed the front of her face, lost three teeth, and spent several hours trying to get to the ER and actually get something done about it. Since then, she's been rather swollen, marked up, and in varying amounts of pain. It looks like the

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1118853827518513392005-06-15T12:40:00.000-04:002005-06-15T12:43:47.520-04:00

Yesterday, I relished of the choice pleasures left to modern man (or woman for that matter) . . . I actually made it to a local library. The last few times I've tried to stop by our miniscule local branch I've left disappointed and in tears (well, at least on the inside) because they've cut back on their after-work hours and were closed. Ok, touching digression done- I picked up The Brothers

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1118684466882237652005-06-13T13:40:00.000-04:002005-06-13T13:41:06.886-04:00

For lack of a decent amount of free time to actually call my dear friends and talk to them individually, here's a continuation of "My Life" by Kelly Jo...Lars and I went to see "Cinderella Man" last Wednesday. Quick review... CONS: Defaming the guy he boxed in the final match was unfortunate [though it put Tyson's recent fight in an interesting light for the media]. I've never been a fan of crude

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1118250732835370752005-06-08T13:15:00.000-04:002005-06-08T17:12:57.723-04:00

The last few days have been full of the paradox of the phoenix-that strange turn of events through which one thing terminates only to give life to a new thing.EVENT #1: Bo's Graduation from High SchoolI recall my own graduation vividly. I was thrilled to be done with a challenging senior year, an awful thesis paper on Redgauntlet, and about a hundred-and-one activities (some things don't change).

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1118078556471583942005-06-06T13:20:00.000-04:002005-06-06T13:22:36.476-04:00

This post is especially dedicated to my dear (though few) readers who prefer "My Life" by Kelly Jo to "Thoughts and Rants" by an English Major.This past weekend was lovely. Friday, I attended High School Awards Night at Bo & BB's school. They both did exceptionally well this year. While there, I got a chance to talk to a good friend of mine who is entering the novitiate for an order in Spain. If

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1118077372681264222005-06-06T13:00:00.000-04:002005-06-06T13:02:52.686-04:00

A friend recently sent me this wonderful quote from Ratzinger (pre-election to the papacy):"Today an illusion is dangled before us: that a man can find himself without first conquering himself, without the patience of self-denial, and the labour of self-control, that there is no need to endure the discomfort of upholding tradition, or to continue suffering the tension between the ideal and the

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1117760886313394482005-06-02T21:10:00.000-04:002005-06-02T21:08:06.316-04:00

At work I’ve finally begun to learn some basic web design and management skills. It always excites me to learn a new form of media control. That doesn’t mean I want to spend my life in front of a computer or soundboard, but it does mean that I enjoy being a dilettante in the vast world of communication technologies. The intrigue is partly derived from an awe of the power media has in today’s

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1117590946579766792005-05-31T22:00:00.000-04:002005-05-31T21:58:33.973-04:00

Humans are incredibly odd creatures. They have reason and freedom. Financial and regional factors aside, they can chose whatever occupation their heart desires. Yet, when they might be a National Geographic photographer grasping at slight fingerholds in a cliff face to reach the ledge where the elusive whistling spider may hide, a huge percentage of the American people only languidly finger

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11188131.post-1109786251917405982005-05-31T21:30:00.000-04:002005-05-31T21:19:21.576-04:00

How often do people live half their lives in their heads and forget to share what they learn with those around them?I don't want to forget.How often could they benefit from the thoughts of their friends?Teach me.How many people dare to lift the protective basket covering their personal perception of reality and let some of the candlelight underneath glimmer forth?I will.Consider this an

Kelly Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00174661249900694280noreply@blogger.com0