Reunited! (Again)

It was just over a week ago that I was ecstatic to announce that George had been returned to my possession. I'm equally ecstatic, if slightly more apprehensive in my glee, to announce the same thing again tonight.

He needed a new alternator. A freak thing, since I replaced his alternator only a few months back. However, that means that it was still under warranty, and so I got George back at no cost to myself.

Which, in the grand scheme of things, shouldn't seem like a huge deal, but actually lifted a huge burden of stress off of my shoulders when I got the news. It means that I remain (thanks to a large tax refund cheque) in slightly less debt than I was a few months ago. There's still a long way to go, but I'm thankful for the moment, that my emergency funds are intact, and the debt has been even marginally reduced.

Henri on breath

another thought from Henri Nouwen...

The Breath of God Within Us

When we speak about the Holy Spirit, we speak about the breath of God, breathing in us. The Greek word for "spirit" is pneuma, which means "breath." We are seldom aware of our breathing. It is so essential for life that we only think about it when something is wrong with it.

The Spirit of God is like our breath. God's spirit is more intimate to us than we are to ourselves. We might not often be aware of it, but without it we cannot live a "spiritual life." It is the Holy Spirit of God who prays in us, who offers us the gifts of love, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, gentleness, peace, and joy. It is the Holy Spirit who offers us the life that death cannot destroy. Let us always pray: "Come, Holy Spirit, come."

Grey Monday (on Tuesday)

Thanks to the long weekend, this is the first day of the work week. A grey Monday.

It's cold and drizzling. Further north in the province they're having snow. I'm wearing a turtle-neck sweater in the office today, and I wore a toque and gloves for the trek via bus and train from home to the office.

I'm waiting to hear from my mechanic with news on the cost to get George back in running order. Again.

I'd forgotten how loud the train is. In the moments after I unplugged my own headphones, wishing simply for the silence to sit and pray, I was overwhelmed by the sound of someone else's music, with an obnoxious bass line, played way too loud. In that moment I missed George deeply.

I spent a long time journaling last night. Just sitting and writing with a pen. It was kind of therapeutic.

Actually, I think what I journalled will eventually be shared. But I need to run it by a couple of people first.

I'm ignoring a stiff neck and headache that came courtesy of a restless sleep. I'll take painkillers shortly and hope they help.

I'm going to spend the day making phone calls, tracking down people, arranging travel and hotels and these sorts of things.

But hey, it's a short week. And I'm having coffee with T.'s girlfriend tonight.

And the rest of the week? well, I'll sort out the things that need to be done once I've sorted out the situation with George.