It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Wow, it's hard to believe that Nerd Camp was already over a week ago. It seems like only yesterday (Sniff, sentimental tear). Yet somehow I think I'll survive, especially since I'm now gearing up for my favorite time of year: Back to school time! Nothing like the smell of new books, the sound of squeaky new erasers, and the beautiful, beautiful sight of all my friends back together after a very long summer apart!

I've already done some back to school shopping which means I am now the proud owner of probably too many sundresses (but I love them all), a new laptop charger because I managed to loose mine at Nerd Camp, and soon I will receive in the mail the satchel to end all satchels. That last one was a total splurge which I justify by telling myself a) "But, Pip, you didn't buy a leather bag in Florence like the rest of your classmates, and b)"You're just stimulating the economy in your 'hometown'," all of which are really dumb excuses, but goodness me I like this bag. In addition to these larger purchases I also have a planner and two rolls of scotch tape. Oh, and all the pens that my Nerd Campers left behind. Thanks, guys, now I'm ready for the school year.

This year I'm especially excited because I'm moving into an on-campus apartment with three friends! Oh, and I got two spatulas for the apartment. That too. Being in an apartment means being off the meal plan, which is super exciting after eating three meals a day in the cafeteria for the past two years. It's also going to be a lot cheaper and, hopefully, healthier, if I can just stay away from all the junk food I love. The downside is, I'm not going to be seeing people in the cafeteria, so I'm going to have to make sure to actually leave the library and my apartment sometime. The apartment is also one more step closer to being an actual adult. It means that I'll have more than just my cell phone bill to pay every month, and it also means that I'm going to have to budget and plan my meals, which I've never had to do before. Sure, it doesn't sound like much, but it's kind of a daunting prospect, especially as I roll into my Junior year of college.

Speaking of Junior year, isn't that just a little terrifying? Don't get me wrong, we're going to have a ton of fun this year, but reaching the half way point in college is a little weird. I'm taking four upper level English classes this year, including my lovely Junior Poetry Project. Basically what you do is pick one poet, read all their works, read a ton of criticism, and then be reviewed by a panel of professors. I've been told that it's not as scary as a lot of people make it sound, but its still a big deal, so I want it to go well. I've also been a little annoyed about my schedule this year because our German department is now only offering 5 days-a-week, intensive German classes which count for 6 credits, rather than the normal 3 credit, 3 hour classes. Obviously the 5 days-a-week thing is a little difficult for any schedule, but the class managed to conflict with Poetry Project on Tuesdays. Only on Tuesdays, but I still can't take German, and I'm really disappointed about this because I absolutely fell in love with the German language in my last class. I was also hoping to get a minor in German, but now that plan has been blown out of the water. Oh well, I guess I'll console myself by taking Old English instead.

If you can't tell I'm totally geared up to go back to school, which would be a great thing, if I didn't have three weeks until the start of the semester. Yes, three whole weeks! I'm not sure whose brilliant idea this late start was, but may I just say, it's killing some of us. I had planned to spend these last three weeks moping around the house, but instead I got my late summer must-cram-everything-in mood, so I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to make up for all the working out, reading, and violin playing I didn't do all summer. Maybe the time will go by faster this way. 

Nerd Camp 2013

John Paul and myself on Mount Olympus, reigning over the mere mortals. Because what else are you going to do at nerd camp (Photo cred: Bernadette). 

for the long silence! I spent the past two weeks in Texas, working as an RA for a high school summer program run by Ye Olde Institution of Higher Learning. It was an absolute blast, and I even think the students may have had some fun (I kid, I kid. They had fun too). I did the program myself, way back in the day (ish), so it was a nice trip down memory lane, as well as a terrific summer job.

Working with 30+  high school students is about a million times easier than trying to corral 10 eight year olds- just to compare my two summer jobs. High school students don't have to be taken to the loo every 10 seconds, they can get their own drinks of water... On the other hand I'd forgotten just how much drama you can squash into two weeks. But in all seriousness, it was the most rewarding and fun experience I've had in a very long time. My two coworkers, Bernadette and John Paul, are possibly the coolest people ever, and we had a ton of fun hanging out after the students were supposed to be in bed. Mostly John Paul would tell random stories or play guitar for us, which was amazing. That guy has been everywhere and done the craziest things. Bernadette and I have known each other since we did the program ages ago (well, sort of ages ago), so we both re-bonded over our copies of the Norton Anthology of Poetry, as we desperately try to figure out our upcoming Junior Poetry Projects.

Sure, we had our ups and downs, like when the fire alarm went off at some ungodly hour of the morning, and I had to shoo twenty terrified girls outside, all the while wearing a ridiculous pair of pajama pants printed with large, blue cats. And, of course, it turned out that someone's hairspray, yes, hairspray had set the darn thing off to begin with. When we were finally allowed back inside, the girls were asking, "Who was using hairspray?" To which John Paul sleepily replied, "It was I." Then we had the day where everyone dropped the ball, and I had to run all over creation before I'd had my coffee, which is imperative for brain function if you had, oh, I don't know, stayed up until three listening to John Paul's crazy stories. Despite all the goof-ups we really did have a wonderful time. The three RA's made a great team, and somehow we managed to pull off some really impressive stunts. When it rained the whole first week, we had to improvise all our activities, so we had a sock war, a Plato's Cave building competition (it's a nerdy school, okay!), and, of course, played a ridiculous amount of foosball. But our proudest accomplishment was making the talent show un-awkward. Admittedly, it was at the expense of our own dignity, and I never ever ever want to see John Paul in Bernadette's clothes again, but it was hilarious.

But all too soon it was all over. I don't think I've ever been so depressed in my life, watching all the kids leave was absolutely heart-rending. We spent last Saturday desultorily cleaning the dorm, pausing now and again to sigh deeply and moan about how purposeless our lives were. Then the time came when we no longer had an excuse to stick around, and I had to bid farewell to my fellow RA's. I'm going to be completely mushy here and say that since we all split up, I have missed them terribly. Fortunately, this being such a small Catholic world, I'm sure we'll all meet again someday. 

Girls with Curls

It's been a pretty depressing couple of weeks for me, what with the news about baby Caroline and some other things that have been going on recently. I've been trying to think of something cheerful to post about, so when Amanda posted, asking for curly hair advice, I decided to give it a go.

You've all seen the pinterest idea of what curls look like. Flawless, shiny, bouncy... yeah, wipe that picture out of your mind right now. Curly hair is beautiful, but like most things in life, natural curls don't look anything like what you see in the magazines. Each head of curls is totally unique and beautiful. Curls can be a blessing and a curse,plus they require a lot of maintenance. Curly hair is totally different from straight hair, and therefore, they require different kinds of care.

Enter the curly girl method. So what is the curly girl method? Put simply, the curly girl method is: don't treat your hair like it's straight. Curly hair needs a lot of moisture to prevent frizz and other nasty hair ailments. Here's the problem, shampoo dries your hair out. "So what should I do?" The curly girl wails, "Just not use it?" Yep. Before you get grossed out, let me explain. Most curly girls, myself included, use conditioner to scrub our scalps. It has a lot of the same cleaning properties as shampoo, but it won't dehydrate your hair. If you start the curly girl method, give your hair time to adjust. It will be kind of gross and oily for awhile, but once your hair gets more moisture from the conditioner, it will realize that it doesn't have to produce so much oil, and the yuckiness will go away. However you may not want to start the curly girl method the week of your senior pictures (experience talking here).

The first step in the curly girl method is figuring out what kind of products to use on your hair. Shampoos, and even conditioners, containing sulfates and silicones tend to make your hair frizzier. So you first want to find a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. A good rule of thumb is "No fates, no cones," that is, if anything on the ingredients list ends in -fate or -cone, it's not for you. This also applies to hairsprays, gels, and mousses. Personally, I use TRESemme Naturals conditioner.

So, how do you start the curly girl method? First, wash your hair with the sulfate-free shampoo, which you have purchased from your favorite grocery store. This will get all the nasty stuff from your old products out and leave you with clean hair. Then condition with your brand-new sulfate-free conditioner. A lot of people recommend that you bun your hair in a bun before you wash out the conditioner, so that it soaks in. You can use this time to wash behind your ears and scrub between your toes. Then wash the conditioner out.

There are several schools of thought about what you should do after you get out of the shower. Some people recommend that you don't wash out all the conditioner. Some people recommend that you wash out all the conditioner but apply a leave-in. Some people don't need to do either (like me). You just have to experiment with this step and figure out what works best for you. But everyone agrees that you absolutely, positively should never ever ever use a hair brush on your curly hair. Always use a comb and never comb your hair when it's dry. You can comb in the shower or out but just make sure your hair is wet enough (think sopping).

Then you should apply hair products of your choice:  mousses, gels, sprays, whatever works best for your hair. Personally, I use Garnier Moroccan Oil. It works as a leave-in conditioner and reduces frizz. But, again, you're going to have to experiment with a lot of different sulfate-free products to find what is best for your hair. Make sure that you "scrunch" rather than rub the product into your hair. This will allow your natural curl pattern to form. Also, make sure you don't put too much product close to your scalp because this can get icky.

Then you should dry your hair (because, chances are, you are currently standing in your bathroom with dripping hair trying to balance your laptop on the sink). Once again, there are many different schools of thought on how you should dry your hair. There are the low-heat-and-diffuser people. There are the air-dry people, but everyone agrees that you should not use your towel to dry your hair. Why? Because all those little nubs combined with the vigorous rubbing motion we all know you're going to employ, is one massive recipe for frizz. One of the best ways to dry curly hair is to use a T-shirt. Yep, just a plain, ol' T-shirt. Use it to squeeze the water from the bottom of your hair or use it as a turban. It really does cut down on frizz. Make sure that you don't touch your hair too much while it's drying because this will break up the curls and cause, you guessed it, frizz.

Okay, this is a lot of information at once, I know, and, believe it or not, it's only a rough summary of the curly girl method, but don't be put off! I've been doing this for over three years, and it's super easy once it becomes part of your routine. Sure, it takes a lot of trial and error to figure out what is best for your hair, but your hair will look so much better! Mine looked much better only a week into it (thank goodness, because then I had my senior pictures taken). So, give it a try, chances are, you'll love it!

St. Gerard Novena: Day Nine

Almighty and Eternal God,

we thank You for the gift of St. Gerard

and the example of his life. 

Because St. Gerard always had complete faith and trust in You,

You blessed him with great powers of help and healing.

Through him, You showed your loving concern

for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

You continue to show you love

for all those who place their trust in You.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence,

and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things

You have done for us,

we place ourselves before You today.

Through the intercession of St. Gerard,

hear our prayers and petitions,

and if it is your Holy Will,

Please grant them in the name of Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen

Day Nine: Saint Gerard, most favorite child of heaven, to whom Mary gave the Infant Jesus in the day of thy childhood, to whom she sweetly came before thou didst close thine eyes In death, obtain for me I beseech thee, so to seek and love my Blessed Mother during life, that she may be my joy and consolation in this valley of tears, until with thee, before the throne of God, I may praise her goodness for all eternity. Amen. Pray nine Hail Marys. 


Thank you all so much for your prayers for baby Caroline. Please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers during the next several months!

St. Gerard Novena: Day Eight

Almighty and Eternal God,

we thank You for the gift of St. Gerard

and the example of his life. 

Because St. Gerard always had complete faith and trust in You,

You blessed him with great powers of help and healing.

Through him, You showed your loving concern

for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

You continue to show you love

for all those who place their trust in You.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence,

and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things

You have done for us,

we place ourselves before You today.

Through the intercession of St. Gerard,

hear our prayers and petitions,

and if it is your Holy Will,

Please grant them in the name of Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen

Day Eight: Saint Gerard, true lover of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, do thou who didst kneel long hours before the Tabernacle, and there didst taste the joys of paradise, obtain for me an undying love for the Most Holy Sacrament, that thus receiving frequently the Body and Blood of Jesus, I may daily grow in His holy love and merit the priceless grace of loving Him even to the end. Nine Hail Marys

St. Gerard Novena: Day Seven

Ryan and Ellen announced today that they have chosen a name for their baby, so now we can pray for baby Caroline! 

Almighty and Eternal God,

we thank You for the gift of St. Gerard

and the example of his life. 

Because St. Gerard always had complete faith and trust in You,

You blessed him with great powers of help and healing.

Through him, You showed your loving concern

for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

You continue to show you love

for all those who place their trust in You.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence,

and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things

You have done for us,

we place ourselves before You today.

Through the intercession of St. Gerard,

hear our prayers and petitions,

and if it is your Holy Will,

Please grant them in the name of Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen

Day Seven: Saint Gerard, unconquered hero, most patient in suffering, you who did glory in infirmity, and under slander and most cruel ignominy did rejoice to suffer with Christ, obtain for me patience and resignation in my sorrows, that I may bravely bear the cross that is to gain for me the crown of everlasting glory. Pray nine Hail Marys. 

St. Gerard Novena: Days Five and Six

Apologies for not posting the novena yesterday; My family is currently on vacation, and we spent most of yesterday in the car, but I hope that you all took the time to say any kind of prayer for the Rome Baby.

Almighty and Eternal God,

we thank You for the gift of St. Gerard

and the example of his life. 

Because St. Gerard always had complete faith and trust in You,

You blessed him with great powers of help and healing.

Through him, You showed your loving concern

for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

You continue to show you love

for all those who place their trust in You.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence,

and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things

You have done for us,

we place ourselves before You today.

Through the intercession of St. Gerard,

hear our prayers and petitions,

and if it is your Holy Will,

Please grant them in the name of Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen

Day Five: Saint Gerard, model of holy obedience, throughout your life you heroically submitted your judgement to those who represented Jesus Christ to you, thereby sanctifying your lowliest actions.

Please obtain for me from God cheerful submission to His Holy Will and the virtue of perfect obedience, that I may be conformable to Jesus, my Model, who was obedient even to death. Pray nine Hail Marys.

Day Six: Saint Gerard, most perfect imitator of Jesus Our Redeemer, your greatest glory was to be humble and lowly.

Please obtain that I too, knowing my littleness in God's sight, may be found worthy to enter the kingdom that is promised to the humble and lowly of heart. Pray nine Hail Marys.