7 Quick Takes, volume 20

— 1 —

It’s been a whirlwind week! Coming off of the holiday weekend, we went right into tech rehearsals for the show I’m in which opens tonight. I had one off night, last night, which happened to be my birthday.

— 2 —

Although my health has been pretty good lately, I had some crummy Crohn’s symptoms yesterday, which almost fouled up our birthday dinner plans. Some aggressive napping after work got me well enough to head over to a nice restaurant for some eats later in the evening. While I was at work I admitted to someone I wasn’t feel well and then said “Oh well, that’s life”. And then I went to the bathroom and cried, because that is my life now, at least once in a while: stomach aches and vomiting, knowing when to fight and knowing when to nap.

— 3 —

But we made it to dinner regardless, finding a cozy corner at the bar of a nice restaurant in Brookline. I could barely eat my dinner from The Fireplace because I’d felt so crummy all day, but when I eat my leftover ravioli I will let you know how it was.

— 4 —

My awesomest gift. Thanks honey!

— 5 —

On a more serious note, I read this week about a Mexican politician who was killed by drug cartels for being an outspoken opponent of their activity in her region. She had already been injured by them once in an attack that killed her husband a few years ago, and her body was found on the side of the road a few weeks ago. A quote:

I have had to bear losses that I would not wish on anyone, and have had to accept them with resignation and with the knowledge that it is our Lord’s will, and I have gone on, even with a wounded soul. Despite that, and despite my own safety and that of my family, what occupies my mind is my responsibility towards my people – the children, the women, the elderly and the men who break their souls every day without rest to find a piece of bread for their children.

I encourage you to read her story. She was only a few years older than I am, and showed unbelievable conviction and bravery in her life. I literally can’t imagine a situation in which I would be called upon to show that sort of courage. I’m always amazed at the accident of birth that has made my life so easy and safe.

— 6 —

A few MIT students came up with the brilliant degrading idea of offering people the opportunity to “prank” rival colleges by purchasing jackets with their logo on it to give to the homeless. The website has since been taken down and its founders have issued an apology.  I learned two things from this whole episode.

1. A little internet is a dangerous thing. When immature people (which we all were) do things without thinking (which we all did), now everyone finds out about it! Thank heavens there was no social media – barely any internet! – when I was younger and stupider.

2. MIT considers Caltech its rival. That has no bearing on anything, but still, who knew?

— 7 —

Before you know it we’ll be in the season of Advent, in a new liturgical year. I can’t be the only person who likes to shout “Happy New Year!” to the confusion of others at sundown on Saturday. Even though in my professional life I have to “celebrate Christmas” way earlier than I would in my personal life, I will do my best to keep Advent and to prepare for Christ’s coming, rather than for a glut of gifts and empty sparkle.

Have a great weekend, and I’ll see you in Advent!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!