The trip again

Quite a few friends think I should not go on this trip but my room mate is still game and I will go unless the trip gets cancelled. I just purchased trip insurance. At least if I get hurt they will evacuate me in style. I doubt that we get to see Bethlehem. I still have a million things to do. Tomorrow I will pay bills, on Friday I will pack and have a lot of phone calls to make. Verizon Fios is still sending me separate bills and billing me for a number that was disconnected. Nice try. For a phone company they have the worst communication.

Little pieces

If get get blown up into little pieces next week I hope all of you remember me fondly. There might be a thousand little relics. Well, I think I could do a lot more for all you from above. The Big Herod I would send nightmares. He deserves a whole bunch of them for all the nasty stuff he has done and still cooks up.

The Christmas greetings

Today a woman called whom I never met. She lives in a part of Germany that was formerly East Germany. Her own elderly mother was permitted to visit West Germany when there still was an East and a West. I met the mother once on one of my trips. That was over twenty years ago. I used to send care packages from here. The mother died. The wall came down. One of the children now works in Japan! Perhaps I will meet them one of these days.

My brain is really, really mush today

I e-mailed Fr. Zee. I use his last name which is Over There. Dear Fr. Over There...... So he wanted to know why I was suddenly so formal. Then I realized that I had done and that I did not even use a space in between his last name. So it came out as Dear Fr. OverThere. Terrible. Zee Dat! The poor man probably wondered what happened out here. Well, I like Fr. Zee and I explained to him that I had a brain transplant which was not working well yet. It takes a few days.

What else is new?

I am supposed to go to Israel on Saturday. Should I take my helmet along? I wish the tour company would cancel or postpone the trip. Got injected with Lidocaine today where my shoulder was acting up. Muscle cramps. Now my shoulder is OK but my brain is mush. Of course when your brain is mush, one is the last to realize it.

When in doubt

Saw the movie Doubt today. Had dinner, went back and saw the movie Valkyrie. Two great movies. I don't think I ever in my life have been to two movies in one day. In Khazakistan we celebrate two days of Christmas. I certainly took it easy today. Nope. No shopping. Just being totally lazy. I did so much running around before Christmas that my body told me yesterday to slow down. I am taking the warning signals seriously - at least through the weekend.

Hermann and Thusnelda

Hermann was a Cheruscan chieftan who defended Germanic tribes against the Roman Imperial Army. In the autumn of 9 AD Hermann who was also known as Arminius annihilated three Roman Legions, about 20,000 men, commanded by Quinctilius Varus in the Teutoburg Forest. Caesar Augustus abandoned his efforts to conquer Central Europe after this battle. Thusnelda was Hermann's wife and was betrayed by her own father, Segestes, to the Romans. Her Roman capture, Germanicus, displayed Thusneda in a procession through Rome on May 26, 17 AD. In Ravenna her son by Hermann was born and given the name Thumelicus. He, too, was later led captive in a pageant in the streets of Rome. Neither Thusnelda nor Thumelicus ever saw Hermann after being taken captive.
Look at the dates - Christ lived during these times but had not started his public ministry yet.

Mouse died

One of my research mice died yesterday. I was really sad. She was in her eighties. Her mind was still very sharp. Her friends are taking it hard and I cried, too, when I heard this morning. Next week, there will be the funeral with a little mouse coffin.

Minnie

Minnie is the granddaughter of my special friend Heloise. Occasionally - what am I writing - all the time Minnie comes up with great insights interspersed with pushing the button of ther grandma. A typical smart five or six year old. Anyway, I would threaten her that Santa would bring her duct tape if she confronted me with one of her cute personal insults. Just my one holy thought for the day. I think REAL grandmas have to be a lot more sensitive.

What are you when you are from Baltimore?

A Baltimoron, haha. Chucky the Baltimoron. I love it.

Dear Mrs. Fritchley, dear Mrs. Hitchley

Mrs. Fritchely shot herself in the foot yesterday. She came to the staff meeting telling everyone that if there were volunteers to take over the calendar she would let go. Well somebody had had enough and said: "I'll take it." I don't think Mrs. Fritchley was prepared for this. So today two staffers changed the password and started to update the calendar.....We also give out little gifts each Sunday for visitors. I pointed out at lunch today that we were running low on the little tokens. Well, you would have thought we are handing out diamonds. Mrs. Hitchley told me that this was not in the budget and we probably could not afford it in the future. The branch manager was not there. I'll take it up with him when the time comes. On one hand we are told we transferred xxx amount to a building fund which probably will never be built and then we can't afford these little trinkets for visitors. Yesterday I volunteered a mass mailing to the community at the staff meeting. I told them I would do it but could not support the venture as I did last time. Again, objection from Mrs. Hitchley that there was not enough money in the budget. In other words, if there is going to be a mass mailing, I will have to pay for it myself. Fat chance right now. Penny wise and pound foolish - that is all I can think off.

Christmas Party

We had our Christmas party today and the branch manager gave bonuses to EVERYONE on the staff. It was a nice acknowlegement for the work we staff volunteers do. We stole each others Christmas present and whatever I had disappared constantly. First I thought I hang on to a martini shaker for one of the brown hoods. Then I thought I hang on to a gift card to a book store. Nope. I ended up with a set of mini screwdrivers which I will keep in the car. I am actually very happy with the gift. I have to go out and get a few gifts tomorrow but I am almost done myself. I will write my Christmas letters tomorrow. I wrote some.........

Christmas Bonus

The branch manager came out and inquired about the Christmas bonus with the bookkeeper. After he left there was a lot of whispering and the gist was that at least some of the volunteers are not getting a Christmas bonus. I guess we won't get any acknowledgement whatsoever. It seems to be a longstanding tradition. I don't think anyone bothered to say "thank you" last year. Why should it change this year?

The Christmas letter

The Christmas letter was composed last night in Khazakistani. Now I have to translate it into English. Also made bacon for our annual Christmas party that occured at 7 a.m. this morning among some of my friends. Bought a cross for a friend who wants to give it to another friend. Collected oranges and apples for the homeless and another carload of clothes. Helped another friend with his retirement plan. So you thought I had nothing to do. Tomorrow my computer friend comes and we will try to rebuild one of the computers. On Sunday the branch office has their Christmas party. Tomorrow night the neighbors have theirs. A friend called me tonight who has been trying to get me on the phone for at least 8 months. "I am always on the go" is all I could say. It is true. Tonight is adoration. I am reading a good book on the Gospel of John. Actually I am reading several good books......

The Branch Manager again

Yes, we will have a morning Mass every Tuesday now. He will let me know when the Big Herod comes over. Great to have a regular Mass. I will rouse myself and go over there. I missed the Mass at Crucifixion on Tuesday mornings......

The Branch Office

I spent my time at the branch office today making a list of the Herod's people for Fr. Wolfgang. I included my friend Heloise. If the Big Herod knew he would choke. BUT - Fr. Wolgang asked me and lots of people at the Church of the Six Flags still know him. He wanted names and addresses so that he can send them mail that has money. No, sorry. Mail that he will get money. He deserves it all. They are doing a good job.

There goes the rat again

The branch office chief brought out the fact at lunch that he was told that HE told the youth group not to go up to the temple. He complained. Justifiably so, because it was not him who started this. However, the one who started this had a short memory and wondered who in the world could have possibly said something like this. This was followed by the admission today that she does not like the temple very much, does not like to kneel and it is really too cold for the kids in the temple but no, no, no nobody had said not to go up there. I just said very innocently that I had seen in the bulletin that the youth group was not going into the temple although they were just around the corner. Well, yes, I was told, but this did not mean anything. So the temple may be off limits, may be not. It may too cold for the kids in the temple. Lord help us. Well Rabbi Seligman, take her out to lunch but not too close to the temple. People are strange.....
Rabbi Seligman is great in that he does not divulge names which drives them crazy. They can't figure out who gave Rabbi Seligman this information. This rat again........

Mr. Grinch

Heloise put the Grinch song on her blog. We laughed or better I laughed. I told her it should be the Big Herod instead of the Grinch. Got into the car this morning and could not find my new GPS system. However, it had detached itself from the mount which I had on the floor and hidden and so I could not even see the screen myself until I did a more thorough search on the floor of the car. Mount and screen were reunited. Came home and Miss Sweetheart, the big dog, was still under the weather. I took her to the vet this afternoon for an upset stomach. There we discovered a rather big abscess on one of her legs. How I had not noticed I don't know. If it is cancer I will have to put her to sleep. It will be very painful because she was very much a dog that mother picked out at the pound 11 years ago and so a connection to her will be gone. Miss New Jerusalem will get a new companion - her size. No bigger than 6 lbs.
Fr. Wolfgang called. I think their computer for the volunteers is having a virus attack. We do have a back-up of the data base. One of the brothers is going to play doctor and check it out. This stuff is always very annoying.

Garage remote

Well, it is not working any longer. The household is undergoing some destructive phase again. I guess I should go and visit the Sri Swami Satchidananda in Yogaville. I am sure that the blue light of the outer universe could solve what is ailing the house.

The branch office had a very nice office lunch today. The branch manger is finally settling in and one thinks he is comfortable.

Meeting

I went to my third order black hood meeting today. Found out that a friend of mine won't get the teaching position he wanted. I am not totally surprised. There comes a time when one really must retire. I think he wanted to justify the purchase of his car. Which means that most likely he will drive out here quite often when he comes back from sunny Spain. I don't mind. If he does, I will enjoy it. For company he is fun and he makes zinger remarks about the Big Herod. One thing is for sure. He will not stay put at his retirement home! No way Jose.
The spare car which just came out of the shop makes a funny noise when I step on the brakes and idle. Great. I still do not the SUV fixed. Manjana. Before I know it I will be abroad visiting the Holy Land. Then comes Krakau. Heard tonight that it is awesome at Easter. In July I will be in Steubentown. This time for three back to back seminars.
Heloise blogged about me. Sweet woman! I need to find time to share a drink with her. Well, at least a cup of coffee.

Tired

Boy did I crash last night. Did not think I was THAT tired. So here I am back to reading the newspaper and opening the mail. The Wall Street Journal reports that a sperm donor can make $100, an egg donor around $8,000 and a surrogate mother up to $50,000. People are getting more picky with their demands and are willing to wait: "100% Jewish with a law degree." I wonder if the Pope knows. These are all jobs on the "Do Not" list.
Dear Pope:
Do not worry.
This sheep has other problems........

The Land of the Living

Just returned from visiting Fr. Wolfgang last night. I travel up one day, work the next and return on the third day. He told me that when he was here recently for a funeral the Big Herod had approached him and asked him to call Chucky. "He, Fr. Wolfgang, did not know the whole situation." I was really upset. Well, Chucky did get a call but Fr. Wolfgang told me he defended me. So first night I cried up there but as it happenes so often by the next morning I was OK. I met the new help up there and I could pitch in with the mailing of the Christmas letter. Then last night I talked to Fr. Fallerie-Fallera. He is the most outspoken of my friends and just said that the Big Herod was sick. Amen. He settled into his winter home away from home but he actually already bought a car. I hope it will not become his casket.

The message

The branch manager gave a zinger of a good homily this morning and considering that one often does not see an ounce of spirituality in him or about him, I was truly blown over. It was all about going to confession during Advent. Nothing much new otherwise. Today is Sunday and I am reading, reading, reading - switching between holy books and books in my own native language: Khazakistan. I order them from Amazon.khaz. Tomorrow I will go to the Church of the Crucified at 5 p.m. because afterwards is a facilitators' meeting for all the people who love bible class and I love theirs. The nun and I had lunch together today and we marvel that we will be in Krakau over Easter. Today I ordered city maps and travel guides for Krakau.

How many points?

It costs 5o,000 points per person round trip to go to Krakau 'case you wanted to know. I just a little more than 100,000 points. Great timing.

Krakau at Easter

Yes folks, I will be in Krakau next Easter. That is Krakau as in Poland. Made the reservations today. Total cost for two, using my points, $250. Not bad. Accommodations will be with the black hoods - free. The nun will come with me. First idea was to go to Rome next Easter but today the black hood from Krakau changed our minds. He came out and we did some shopping. He will be leaving on Monday for good. We will miss him. I am sort of vegetating in my office I realized lately and so why not travel? I can only travel on a shoestring budget now but this could not have been cheaper. Divine Mercy here we come......

My Dear Archbishop

I am reading your Kaeseblatt which sometimes looks more like a medical newsletter. The staff writers are writing how your charitable organizations are suffering. Well, you have one downtown that won't even accept slightly used clothing and toys. I mean slightly used because I check it myself. With all the suffering, I think you should put a moratorium on all you building projects and glorification projects in your diocese. Do we need another improved ballroom for weddings, do we need a new adoration chapel when there is already a church? Do we have to have everything gold plated, except for Jesus' dishes? How about selling some of your artworks? Not the first class stuff but the second class stuff. I am sure there is plenty. How about reducing some of the fat cats' parishes expense accounts?

Sincerely,

One of your serfs

More like laughing

I already felt better today - mentally - and that was good. Then I had my first appointment with the therapist and was drooling at the mouth to get there this morning. I am just taking Tylenol now, morning and night, and could not wait to be massaged and rubbed and heated up. They have a nifty gadget that sends out electrical impulses. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Unfortunately, the overall situation is about the same. Still painful but not nearly as much pain as when it started. Had the spare car washed afterwards. Who wants to drive to see Fr. Wolfgang in a dirty car???? Noticed it drove sort of funny and low and behold, folks, I almost had a flat tire. So to the gas station. Never knew how these gadget worked. I just filled it up with air until it looked right. I might blow myself up one of these days. Then talking to Fr. Wolfgang about business. This afternoon I saw the movie Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Pretty good story. Mexican dinner with a friend. Home and now to bed. Have adoration tonight.

Ticked, ticked, ticked......

Went up north today to have lunch with a friend. Not too far where Rabbi Seligman is. When we came back from lunch, my driver's side window had been smashed and my GPS stolen. Then I took clothing and toys to the women's and children's shelter and they refused to take them. Only new stuff will they take until February. I was doubly ticked. The stuff was not meant as Christmas presents but certainly in excellent shape. Bad publicity. I would have loved to go to the birdie's pee garden and drape it around all the statues. I will take the things to the my other homeless. While there are mostly men, there are always a few women about. I wish I could drink. I am sure in the mood.

My best wacky friend

My best wacky friend wrote in her blog bio that she lives in Alaska. I reminded her yesterday of it and she claimed that I, that is ME, did not remember where she lived. Somehow she ended up in Baltimore with the Rockettes. How can that be? She probably was drunk again. She came in with Santa she said. Heck no, probably she came in with too much Irish Coffee.

Holiday Spirit

Our branch manager came in and after Mass went with the priest from the Church of Our Lady of the Perpetual Frustration downtown. It is a nice day. I took my mice out for breakfast, came back, read my e-mail and decided to leave as well. The Big Herod's mission has ended and I wonder what ours will be like this year. Last year it was a big bust. For a mission one needs a speaker who keeps people awake and entertained, not some medidation thing that puts one to sleep.

The replacement

The efficient people on the board e-mailed me and wanted to know if I knew the name of my replacement. I e-mailed back that I did not know and that there might not even be a replacement yet. I let them figure out what to make of it. I am really happy to be off the board. Apres moi le deluge.

Rhymes with what again?

I got this e-mail that apparently no word in the English language rhymes with month , orange, silver, or purple. You have got to be kidding! Well, here it is:

You may have to lisp slightly at the first line but that should not be a problem for any of you. Right?

This is the Chinese month of the dunce.
We wear purple to honor the turple.
We sing ooooooh - range which is strange but but my filver stays silver.

Pro bono

I am getting the papers together for a friend whose pension I manage. I have done better for him than for me. Always have. I am very happy for him.

The famous e-mail

Our branch manager was never shown the famous e-mail that sent the Big Herod over the edge. I guess the Big Herod was afraid it would come back to me. I am somewhat amused that he showed it to Rabbi Seligman. Needy personality complex by the Big Herod. "Look at me, I am victimized!" That was his spiel from the beginning, except nobody with an objective mind buys this.

Bell-duckles

I don't know what bell-duckles are either but I know somebody who has them in his head. Was at the branch office today. Some confusion about the calendar. Same old, same old: one person in charge, one person who won't share anything, one person, who in a tiff today, suggested that somebody else should perhaps do it. Retraction a while later. Folks, if I ever wake up and be together with Mrs. Fritchley and the Big Herod I know for sure I have landed in hell.