I've joined a gym to increase my activity level. Walking is painful so I can't rely on my favorite exercise. I saw an orthopedic doctor this morning and he said that I can do pretty much whatever my leg will let me. He suggested that I take an over the counter pain and inflammation drug before I go. Before I exercise I should stretch my leg muscles. When I come home I can ice it. I've been worried because I still hurt 7 weeks post injury. The doc said that the bone is healing right on schedule and to come back if I'm still hurting after Memorial Day. I guess the cure is what my veterinarian calls "tincture of time".

Our women's spirituality group at church is now praying with Birth: A Guide for Prayer





by Jacqueline Syrup Bergan and Marie Schwan, CSJ. I felt a little behind yesterday because I hadn't read all of the first week's readings--I only got the book on Monday. It is very much a product of Ignatian Spirituality using the imagination in prayer. It's not the easiest prayer form for me. I like centering prayer, the Rosary, and just talking to God as I would a friend. I suppose it helps to have a book as the centerpiece of our faith sharing but could we slow down? I can find enough to pray about in one day's reading for a week.

I highly recommend another book that I am reading called One Minute Wisdom.



It has little one page gems of contemplation that fill a prayer period. The one for today was about miracles. A disciple of the Master says, "In your land it is regarded as a miracle if God does someone's will. In our country it is regarded as a miracle if someone does the will of God"(page 4).

I wish it were only food

I'm in a bad mood today. I filled out my health questionnaire for my health plan and "there is a strong need for change" in my body mass. Not only does the TV and the newspaper tell me I'm fat but I now have confirmation by my HMO. I have dieted before and I know what it takes to be successful. I have to weigh and measure portions and count calories. I hate being compulsive! I also know that when I do lose weight I will get more wrinkly. Hmm, wrinkly or rotund? That is the question. If I have the courage to do this I know that my joints and stomach will thank me. Why can't it just be food? Why does it have to be such a battle?

Back to work

I'm still using a cane for a little assistance. I find I'm able to walk better each day. When I'm at home where there are no stairs so I can get around with just my two feet. I'm back at work with just a little bit of pain.

My cane is not funny. Some of my customers disagree. One asked if I was going to hit him if he didn't let me wait on him. I told him no, I'd use the cane to hook him in. He needs a sense of humor transplant. I've had a couple of people who were glad to see me back; they thought I'd retired. Retired? Do I look that old? Who could afford to retire at 55? The way the economy is going I may be working until I'm 95, God willing that I live that long.


Only one week until Easter and I will be so happy when the penitential season is over. It's been good for reflection and as an impetus to more prayer. It just seems so long. Today is known as Passion Sunday. I was privileged to share in the reading of the Passion according to St. Mark at mass this morning. Our priest in his homily spoke of how Jesus' suffering and death was out of love for us. Jesus shares in our suffering and understands it. We walk through the wilderness of Lent and Holy Week so that we can fully understand the Mystery of Easter. I'll admit I am never an eager particpant in self-denial. I do not joyfully offer up suffering but I slog on. As Chuck Knox used to say, "You gotta play the hand you're dealt." Hmmm. Does that bring up Jesus and football analogies? Or is it poker analogies? Jesus did not joyfully choose suffering. He asked God his Father in Gethsemane if there could be any other way. There wasn't so he did what he had to do, for us.