I had no ideas for the evening. Nothing particularly interesting happened today. The dogs haven't done anything noteworthy. Nor have the cats. I finally submitted my application to Seattle University for the MBA program, but that doesn't take much space to say. Pittsburgh beat Denver. I don't care overly much. And I don't have any idea what's wrong with the Jints. I wish I knew. Yeah, really nothing.
And then I decided to look back through my journals. I began in 1998. But for the first year, I didn't keep good track of dates. I found nothing of note in November of 1999, a time that I'd rather forget in any case. But then I looked through the white binder that held my thoughts from the year 2000. I came across a letter I had written. But to give you some flavor, I will first sample from a paper I wrote for Fr. Connor's Introduction to the Spiritual Life in May 2001.
'During February of 2000, the seminarians from Hartford discovered that they were going to Rome for the Jubilee year. All of us were ecstatic.. We could not believe the Archdiocese would pay for such an expense. In any case, we began to prepare for the trip. We looked through some Italian phrase books; we analyzed maps so that we would know our way through the city.
'I was more than excited because this would mean my first trip overseas. In addition, the vocation director hinted at the fact that we might be able to have a private audience with the Pope. Generally, I do not become excited at the mention of celebrities. But the Pope is so much more than a celebrity. And this Pope, specifically, has become a personal hero for me. I began to listen to the Pope's rendition of the Pater Noster each morning as I readied myself for work and school. In addition, I began to read books written by and about him. I wanted to know as much as I could about the man whom I was going to meet.
'The date of our pilgrimage came, and we traveled to the Eternal City on November 6th. We attended the papal audience the next day, but no one had mentioned the private audience. I became worried and started talking to my brother seminarians. We finally asked the priests, and they responded with blank stares. No one had arranged for a meeting with His Holiness. I did not give up - nor did my brothers. We had heard that we could deliver a hand-written note to the Swiss Guard at 6 a.m. in which we could request a private audience.'
And so I personally wrote the following letter on November 7, 2000:
'Dear Father Dziwisz, (Pope John Paul's secretary)
The seminarians of the Archdiocese of Hartford request a private audience with His Holiness Pope John Paul II as part of our pilgrimage during this, the Holy Jubilee Year of 2000. We shall be in the Eternal City until Friday evening, and we feel that this private audience would enrich our respective vocations. In our ranks, we have two men who will be ordained to the priesthood in May as well as another who is preparing for his ordination to the diaconate in January. In addition, 15 others are in theology, pre-theology, and college. Please contact Robert _____ in Rm 367 of the Quality Hotel Regent on the Via Filippo Civinni, 46 (Pavioli) 00197 Roma.
We thank you for your time and we pray that we may have the opportunity to meet the Beloved Vicar of Christ.'
We gave it to one of the Swiss Guard at 6 a.m. on the morning of 11/8. I give to you the remainder of the paper written in May 2001.
'Alas, we never received the call. Fate had dashed my dreams. I knew that I should have been happy about seeing him at all. I knew that this pilgrimage was itself a gift from God. I knew that I was celebrating the Jubilee Year of 2000 in the birthplace of Roman Catholicism. But none of these reasonable truths kept me from the disappointment that I felt. I wanted so badly to meet the Pope.'
Yes, I was disappointed. But the final paragraph of that paper revealed that there are always silver linings.
'Meanwhile, I struggle onward. As I reach the end of my first year in the seminary I know that I have a long way to go in my formation. I still need to be less prideful. I still need to listen better. I still need to pray more fervently. I still need to control my appetites. While I progress, however, I can take comfort in at least one thing. A good source has informed me that the Pope reads all letters that people write requesting private audiences. If this is true, the Pope has read a letter written by my hand. And, because our names were on that sheet, the Pope is praying for us. I can imagine no better person... except perhaps my grandmother.'
Nine years ago. And I still consider Pope John Paul II a hero. And I can still imagine no better person praying for me than my grandmother...
Monday, November 9, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Sporting Rants & Raves: November 7, 2009
Happy Birthday
Happy 71st birthday to Mr. Jim Kaat, a former baseball player and 7-time Emmy winning broadcaster. Kaat boasts the third longest pitching career in Major League History having pitched from 1959-1983. During that span, he played for the Washington Senators / Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals.
Trivia of the Week
Jim Kaat played for 25 seasons in the Majors. Who are the only 2 pitchers that had longer tenures? Extra Credit: What were their respective tenures in MLB?
Answers to October 31's Trivia of the Week
Saban is considered part of this man's coaching tree. Bill Belichick
Extra Credit: For which two NFL teams did Saban act as Defensive Back coach and Defensive Coordinator respectively? Houston Oilers and Cleveland Browns
The Best Team Wins
For anyone who doesn't already know - which excludes everyone who reads this blog - the New York Yankees have officially won their 27th World Series. Their first in the New Yankee Stadium - rather appropriate - and my guess is the last for the foursome of Jeter, Rivera, Pettitte, and Posada as team members. An odd stat... Every time the Yankees have won since 1961 (9 of 27 times), a Democrat has been in the White House. A little more analysis shows that 20 of their 27 WS wins come in years when a Democrat was in the White House, leaving just 7 of those with Republicans. Interesting...
The Best Team Wins II
Did something today I haven't done in a while. I went to see a Pee Wee football game to watch a kid I've tutored. It was the championship game between the Bulldogs of Richmond (though not exactly sure where 'Richmond' is in these parts) and the Knights of Ballard. The 2 teams had battled earlier in the year to a 7-7 tie, making them undefeated coming into the game. The Knights scored first on a long run from their tailback. But they could not convert on the extra point. 6-0. The Bulldogs roared back with a drive of their own before the half making it 6-6. It seemed the Dogs would score before the half, but they were stopped on 4 straight downs inside the 5. Come the second half, it was all Bulldogs. Their offense scored again. And the defense kept the Knight off the field. Final score: Bulldogs 13 - Knights 7. The right team won...
Upset Alert - NCAA Football
Northwestern takes down Iowa. Yeah, I know, Iowa lost its QB. But don't tell me that a team gets to #8 based on its QB alone. And if that's true, well, see ya later Hawkeyes. Northwestern 17 - Iowa 10.
Stanford beats Oregon. No defense in this one as they scored 93 points between them. Stanford 51 - Oregon 42.
I suppose it's worth mentioning that Ohio State beat Penn State today, though at 15 and 11 respectively, I can't consider this as much an upset as some of the others. Then again, given the 17 point difference, perhaps it is. Ohio St 24 - Penn St 7.
And the biggest travesty of the day? Navy sinks Notre Dame. Again. I don't mean to jump on any bandwagons, but see ya later, Charlie. Navy 23 - Notre Dame 21.
TD's NFL Picks - Week 9
Keeping it short and sweet this week. Gotta clean house.
Washington @ Atlanta
The Redskins are terrible. Zorn should not even be in the vicinity not to call plays. And then there are the Falcons who are still annoyed that they lost to a beatable Saints team. TD chooses: Atlanta Falcons
Green Bay @ Tampa Bay
Have you heard? In the battle of the Bays, Tampa has decided to don their throwbacks. My first thought was, 'Oh God, really?' My second thought was, 'It makes sense this year at 0-7'. TD chooses: Green Bay Packers
Miami @ New England
Miami blew out the Patriots in their last game last year. But last year is not a good indication of this year's reality. Methinks Brady, Moss, and Welker will tame the WildKat. TD chooses: New England Patriots
Kansas City @ Jacksonville
In this battle of the bad, you have in one corner a Jags team that I saw mutilated by the Seattle Seahawks who were themselves mutilated by the Arizona Cardinals. Yeah, not so good. And in the other corner you have a once proud franchise that has dwindled to the point of obsolescence and ridiculousness (see Larry Johnson). Who wins? I'll put my money on Maurice. TD chooses: Jacksonville Jaguars
Houston @ Indianapolis
Could be a shootout, but whenever I say something like that, it never seems to come to fruition. So I won't say it. Instead, I'll say that Peyton's having a great year and generally does well against division foes. TD chooses: Indianapolis Colts
Baltimore @ Cincinnati
Close to a game of the week. It's a must win for the Ravens. It's a more than nice-to-have for the Bagels. Cincy comes off a bye. Baltimore comes off a good win against the Broncos. I think the Ravens have the momentum. But I'm concerned about choosing against the Bagels. Eh, well, I'll make this about my alma mater. Go Blue Hens. TD chooses: Baltimore Ravens
Arizona @ Chicago
It's about that time of year when Chicago starts to get a tad bit nippy. And Arizona ain't about nippy. Generally. But Arizona has actually been better away from home this year. The better team? TD chooses: Arizona Cardinals
Carolina @ New Orleans
Don't underestimate John Fox. Sean Payton won't. TD chooses: New Orleans Saints
Detroit @ Seattle
Everyone around here has this expectation that the Seachickens will destroy the Lions. I personally don't think so, especially if Calvin Johnson is in the lineup. Still, Qwest Field can be intimidating with the 12th man. TD chooses: Seattle Seahawks
San Diego @ New York Giants
You know what I think happened to the New York Giant Defense these past three weeks? Good teams and no Spags. Well, they better get their heads out of their hind parts and start playing like they've been there. Will they in this game? Something tells me they will. TD chooses: New York Football Giants
Tennessee @ San Francisco
Two weeks ago and this is San Fran by far. Now, I'm not so sure. Can Vince Young make that much of a difference? Yes, but not because of his talent. Rather it's because teams haven't seen him recently - he's somewhat of an unknown - and he gives the offense - an offense I don't think is bad - a spark. Still, San Fran has done well under Singletary and can win this game. In fact I think they will win this game. TD chooses: San Francisco 49ers
Dallas @ Philadelphia
Great Sunday Night Game. I wish it weren't for the lead in the NFC East, but I can't complain overly much given the Jints rancid play. Romo does well in the regular season. But it seems Philly will have all of its offensive weapons for the game. I don't put it past them to pull it out against the Cowboys at home. TD chooses: Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh @ Denver
And a great Monday Night Game. Go figure. Denver's licking its wounds; and it better figure out how to reduce the exposure many thought were coming in the Baltimore game. I think Pittsburgh will find a way to disrupt the O-line and Orton as the Ravens did. I know, Denver deserves respect. But watch out for the Steelers. TD chooses: Pittsburgh Steelers
And there you have it. Another week of rants and raves. Until next I write, happy sporting...
Happy 71st birthday to Mr. Jim Kaat, a former baseball player and 7-time Emmy winning broadcaster. Kaat boasts the third longest pitching career in Major League History having pitched from 1959-1983. During that span, he played for the Washington Senators / Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals.
Trivia of the Week
Jim Kaat played for 25 seasons in the Majors. Who are the only 2 pitchers that had longer tenures? Extra Credit: What were their respective tenures in MLB?
Answers to October 31's Trivia of the Week
Saban is considered part of this man's coaching tree. Bill Belichick
Extra Credit: For which two NFL teams did Saban act as Defensive Back coach and Defensive Coordinator respectively? Houston Oilers and Cleveland Browns
The Best Team Wins
For anyone who doesn't already know - which excludes everyone who reads this blog - the New York Yankees have officially won their 27th World Series. Their first in the New Yankee Stadium - rather appropriate - and my guess is the last for the foursome of Jeter, Rivera, Pettitte, and Posada as team members. An odd stat... Every time the Yankees have won since 1961 (9 of 27 times), a Democrat has been in the White House. A little more analysis shows that 20 of their 27 WS wins come in years when a Democrat was in the White House, leaving just 7 of those with Republicans. Interesting...
The Best Team Wins II
Did something today I haven't done in a while. I went to see a Pee Wee football game to watch a kid I've tutored. It was the championship game between the Bulldogs of Richmond (though not exactly sure where 'Richmond' is in these parts) and the Knights of Ballard. The 2 teams had battled earlier in the year to a 7-7 tie, making them undefeated coming into the game. The Knights scored first on a long run from their tailback. But they could not convert on the extra point. 6-0. The Bulldogs roared back with a drive of their own before the half making it 6-6. It seemed the Dogs would score before the half, but they were stopped on 4 straight downs inside the 5. Come the second half, it was all Bulldogs. Their offense scored again. And the defense kept the Knight off the field. Final score: Bulldogs 13 - Knights 7. The right team won...
Upset Alert - NCAA Football
Northwestern takes down Iowa. Yeah, I know, Iowa lost its QB. But don't tell me that a team gets to #8 based on its QB alone. And if that's true, well, see ya later Hawkeyes. Northwestern 17 - Iowa 10.
Stanford beats Oregon. No defense in this one as they scored 93 points between them. Stanford 51 - Oregon 42.
I suppose it's worth mentioning that Ohio State beat Penn State today, though at 15 and 11 respectively, I can't consider this as much an upset as some of the others. Then again, given the 17 point difference, perhaps it is. Ohio St 24 - Penn St 7.
And the biggest travesty of the day? Navy sinks Notre Dame. Again. I don't mean to jump on any bandwagons, but see ya later, Charlie. Navy 23 - Notre Dame 21.
TD's NFL Picks - Week 9
Keeping it short and sweet this week. Gotta clean house.
Washington @ Atlanta
The Redskins are terrible. Zorn should not even be in the vicinity not to call plays. And then there are the Falcons who are still annoyed that they lost to a beatable Saints team. TD chooses: Atlanta Falcons
Green Bay @ Tampa Bay
Have you heard? In the battle of the Bays, Tampa has decided to don their throwbacks. My first thought was, 'Oh God, really?' My second thought was, 'It makes sense this year at 0-7'. TD chooses: Green Bay Packers
Miami @ New England
Miami blew out the Patriots in their last game last year. But last year is not a good indication of this year's reality. Methinks Brady, Moss, and Welker will tame the WildKat. TD chooses: New England Patriots
Kansas City @ Jacksonville
In this battle of the bad, you have in one corner a Jags team that I saw mutilated by the Seattle Seahawks who were themselves mutilated by the Arizona Cardinals. Yeah, not so good. And in the other corner you have a once proud franchise that has dwindled to the point of obsolescence and ridiculousness (see Larry Johnson). Who wins? I'll put my money on Maurice. TD chooses: Jacksonville Jaguars
Houston @ Indianapolis
Could be a shootout, but whenever I say something like that, it never seems to come to fruition. So I won't say it. Instead, I'll say that Peyton's having a great year and generally does well against division foes. TD chooses: Indianapolis Colts
Baltimore @ Cincinnati
Close to a game of the week. It's a must win for the Ravens. It's a more than nice-to-have for the Bagels. Cincy comes off a bye. Baltimore comes off a good win against the Broncos. I think the Ravens have the momentum. But I'm concerned about choosing against the Bagels. Eh, well, I'll make this about my alma mater. Go Blue Hens. TD chooses: Baltimore Ravens
Arizona @ Chicago
It's about that time of year when Chicago starts to get a tad bit nippy. And Arizona ain't about nippy. Generally. But Arizona has actually been better away from home this year. The better team? TD chooses: Arizona Cardinals
Carolina @ New Orleans
Don't underestimate John Fox. Sean Payton won't. TD chooses: New Orleans Saints
Detroit @ Seattle
Everyone around here has this expectation that the Seachickens will destroy the Lions. I personally don't think so, especially if Calvin Johnson is in the lineup. Still, Qwest Field can be intimidating with the 12th man. TD chooses: Seattle Seahawks
San Diego @ New York Giants
You know what I think happened to the New York Giant Defense these past three weeks? Good teams and no Spags. Well, they better get their heads out of their hind parts and start playing like they've been there. Will they in this game? Something tells me they will. TD chooses: New York Football Giants
Tennessee @ San Francisco
Two weeks ago and this is San Fran by far. Now, I'm not so sure. Can Vince Young make that much of a difference? Yes, but not because of his talent. Rather it's because teams haven't seen him recently - he's somewhat of an unknown - and he gives the offense - an offense I don't think is bad - a spark. Still, San Fran has done well under Singletary and can win this game. In fact I think they will win this game. TD chooses: San Francisco 49ers
Dallas @ Philadelphia
Great Sunday Night Game. I wish it weren't for the lead in the NFC East, but I can't complain overly much given the Jints rancid play. Romo does well in the regular season. But it seems Philly will have all of its offensive weapons for the game. I don't put it past them to pull it out against the Cowboys at home. TD chooses: Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh @ Denver
And a great Monday Night Game. Go figure. Denver's licking its wounds; and it better figure out how to reduce the exposure many thought were coming in the Baltimore game. I think Pittsburgh will find a way to disrupt the O-line and Orton as the Ravens did. I know, Denver deserves respect. But watch out for the Steelers. TD chooses: Pittsburgh Steelers
And there you have it. Another week of rants and raves. Until next I write, happy sporting...
Thursday, November 5, 2009
3WW (Karma, Obey, Wither): Haiku
Haven't written haiku in some time. Taking a break from the story at least for a week...
The green grapes wither;
They obey the sun’s red heat.
Raisins as karma.
They obey the sun’s red heat.
Raisins as karma.
They wish they'd wither,
fall to karma's losing curse.
Yankees don't obey.
fall to karma's losing curse.
Yankees don't obey.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Twenty-Seven
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
YANKEES WIN!!!
Thank you and good night...
Monday, November 2, 2009
It's Personal: A Different Kind of Adventure
I'm not particularly adventurous. In fact, I'm rather risk averse. Yes, I took off across the country in a half-packed Mitsubishi Galant unsure where I might land. But I still haven't been out of the state in which I now live - apart from flying home - more than thrice. Okay, I once purchased part of a horse named White Tex in an internet venture when I was in college; the horse broke its leg. But I've never played the lottery. And I've been to the casino twice in my life and have spent maybe about $20.
And when I tell you what I think my greatest adventure thus far has been, you might think me a bit of a square. But I challenge you to attempt this adventure...
It was just after the winter vacation of my second year in the seminary. The pre-Theologians (those who have not yet attained a philosophy degree and can therefore not attend theology classes or wear a collar) were at what I seem to remember was St. Williams Hall just up the road from the main seminary building. We were there for a retreat.
Tangent: I loved retreats when I was in the seminary. A time to reflect and read. A time to sleep and relax. A time to center one's self. We had retreats immediately before every winter/spring semester in the seminary. And during the summer with the Archdiocese.
It was an Ignatian Retreat.
Tangent: Ignatius of Loyola was founder of the Society of Jesus otherwise known as the Jesuits. His Spiritual Exercises (composed 1522-1524) are well known throughout the Church.
We followed the prayers, meditations, and mental exercises of the Exercises. Though meant for approximately 1 month, the priest in charge of the retreat condensed them into 2 weeks.
Where's the adventure, you might ask?
The priest suggested that we seminarians might try a silent retreat.
And I took him up on the offer.
For 2 weeks, I spoke only at mass and with my spiritual advisor. I slept some. I read a lot. I prayed even more. What was most interesting? I still communicated with everyone in the building. Not with my voice but with my hands. And my eyes. With my actions and facial expressions.
Those 2 weeks stick in my memory as the most profound in my life. And in some ways, the most adventurous. Because I journeyed not across a nation or even into the unknown but rather into the depths of myself.
And when I tell you what I think my greatest adventure thus far has been, you might think me a bit of a square. But I challenge you to attempt this adventure...
It was just after the winter vacation of my second year in the seminary. The pre-Theologians (those who have not yet attained a philosophy degree and can therefore not attend theology classes or wear a collar) were at what I seem to remember was St. Williams Hall just up the road from the main seminary building. We were there for a retreat.
Tangent: I loved retreats when I was in the seminary. A time to reflect and read. A time to sleep and relax. A time to center one's self. We had retreats immediately before every winter/spring semester in the seminary. And during the summer with the Archdiocese.
It was an Ignatian Retreat.
Tangent: Ignatius of Loyola was founder of the Society of Jesus otherwise known as the Jesuits. His Spiritual Exercises (composed 1522-1524) are well known throughout the Church.
We followed the prayers, meditations, and mental exercises of the Exercises. Though meant for approximately 1 month, the priest in charge of the retreat condensed them into 2 weeks.
Where's the adventure, you might ask?
The priest suggested that we seminarians might try a silent retreat.
And I took him up on the offer.
For 2 weeks, I spoke only at mass and with my spiritual advisor. I slept some. I read a lot. I prayed even more. What was most interesting? I still communicated with everyone in the building. Not with my voice but with my hands. And my eyes. With my actions and facial expressions.
Those 2 weeks stick in my memory as the most profound in my life. And in some ways, the most adventurous. Because I journeyed not across a nation or even into the unknown but rather into the depths of myself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)