In the midst of many other things at the moment, I’m choosing to look forward to preparing and facilitating a virtual retreat just after the New Year on Hildegard. I never would have thought I’d academically dive so far into her works nor that I’d give so many retreats and talks around her.

Is there a small business that makes insulated water bottles? That can be cleaned easily but preferably with a straw/spout? Around 24 oz size maybe. Need to replace mine and want to avoid the chains for obvious reasons #smallbusiness

I just finished reading Project Hail Mary and the minor tragedy in my life is that no one in my circles reads sci fi so I have no one to talk about it with and I have so many thoughts and feelings. So good but if they mess up the movie I will be so mad, especially the ending. The ending was perfect.

Cardinal Cupich draws applause at the ballpark.

"Humanity is greatly diminished whenever the unborn or the undocumented, the unemployed, the unhealthy are excluded, uninvited or unwelcome."

It’s been yet another wild week. I hope you find some peace or joy this weekend. I’m making a quiche for dinner with friends. Cooking and baking for others is one of my great joys and ways of finding some space for myself. What are you finding this weekend?

Gotta say I’m pretty excited about the new Pope, especially because we went to the same school - Catholic Theological Union!

I have an undergrad in political science and a masters in theology focusing on ecclesiology and the Holy Spirit, so yes, a #conclave is like my Super Bowl. And yes I do have alarms set for when we are likely to see smoke next week.

Tomorrow a friend is coming to dinner and I’m making a lasagna. So I thought small, simple dessert…dessert bars. So I made 3: lemon bars, sugar cookie (just like those soft round frosted ones at the store), and brownies. Needless to say I’m packing a to go bag for her.

I was a Girl Scout for most of my childhood. My troop leader remains one of my heroes and most influential people in my life. How have I gotten this far into cookie season and no scouts have found me? I’m the easiest sell!

I really have been doing better as I’ve tried to minimize purchases. But I went to a local hardware store to get a key copied. I parked in front of an adorable plant store. I now have two new house plants. Super helpful staff. Chances I return: exceptionally high.

Why do I feel like it is suddenly an auspicious moving day since it is the anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice?

I know we are talking a ton about different stores and I don’t know much about their corporate practices but I have furniture from IKEA I had to reschedule a delivery for and their customer service was so helpful and easy. With all the moving chaos it was a breath of fresh air.

Tomorrow I start the moving process best tip: “open first” boxes. One with all your power cords and such. Then your bathroom one with toiletries. Have linens ready for your bed too in your bedroom open 1st box with any blankets or pillows along with pjs and clothes for the next day.