It’s Friday evening. I’m up in my room and just spent an hour or so working on a grant application for one of the organizations I volunteer for. I’ve never done a grant application before but no one else was interested in doing it and I figured I had nothing to lose. I’ve got it mostly done, I’ll just polish it up later this weekend and get it in on Monday, when it is due. I have another one to do for another organization. It’ll be interesting to see what transpires…
I’m in my room because my daughter’s sort-of boyfriend is here and I’m giving them some space to hang out. What is a sort-of boyfriend? They are more than friends, but not really dating in a steady way. No regular weekend dates, no phone calls or texts or anything on a daily basis. They have known each other since they were 5 or 6, and in the last 6 months or so they’ve just become a little more interested in each other. It’s very low-key and low-pressure and I very much approve– much more sensible than getting all serious and heavy.
I’ve been struggling with headaches this week. Had a horrible migraine that started Monday night and went through the following evening– dreadful. I felt good Wednesday morning but by the afternoon I had another headache, this one a sinus which of course segued into another migraine. Very painful and discouraging, since I’d been headache free for a while. I think they were caused by a combination of factors– too much Easter candy (why, oh why did I buy 4 bags of Cadbury mini-eggs? What was I thinking?) , and I forgot to take my loratadine on Monday so the allergies were acting up. Also Wednesday was a bright, sunny day and while working, the reflection of cars parked outside really got to me. I survived, though, got back on the allergy meds, and got the last of the mini-eggs out of the house since I have absolutely no self-control with them.
So I haven’t written much in April, and I miss it. It’s been a busy couple weeks with Easter and all, not to mention time spent curled up in bed clutching my head and waiting for it to explode. But I’m learning that writing makes me feel good, is good for me, and maybe something I am supposed to be doing. I need to not be afraid to prioritize it. I did write a little in my private journal, and I’ll write more this weekend– I have some stuff to work out, and it’s not for public consumption. I am finding journaling invaluable for this sort of thing– working out a problem or issue or just venting.
Speaking of Easter– the Vigil service was wonderful. The lectors did a fantastic job, the music was lovely. The church was decorated so beautifully and the fragrance of the Easter lilies filled the air. We’re blessed to have a priest with a good, strong, true voice and when he chants the Exsultet (Easter Proclamation) it is incomparable. It occurred to me this year while listening that it may be the last time I get to hear Fr. David chant it– our parish clusters are changing this summer and he may be moved to another parish. So I made sure to enjoy it. Fr. was really on his game, and the Mass seemed even more beautiful than usual. I love the moment when Father lights the Easter candle, and then we spread its light through the dark church, candle to candle, until the whole space is filled with candlelight, symbolizing The Light of Christ. Thanks be to God!
