Bollywood Dreams

Most of my friends know that one of my main goals while I am in India is to join a Bollywood Dance Mob! So, because I had a little extra time today at work, I decided to do a little exploring and I happened to stumble across the coolest thing ev-er!

In NYC, there is a BOLLYWOOD DANCE STUDIO! I just need to find one in Boston and I'm set!!

Water and Pain

Yesterday was a terrible day, pain-wise. I've not been in that much pain in a LONG time...it was the kind of pain where you call up your friends and request they come over and kill you. Unfortunately no one would do me such favors.

However, the night before was a good night--the night we watched Water. Great film--absolutely moving. I knew very little about it before viewing it, and I was captivated from the very first moment. Like a friend said, "It's one of those movies that you like, but don't enjoy." Great statement.

I especially liked the end, with the one widow standing there alone as the train, carrying Mahatma Gandhi, pulls away in the opposite direction. She stood for everything in the past: the ways of the past, the thoughts of the past, the brokenness of the past. Gandhi's train represented the forward momentum of the country and the hope for all things new and the faith for a better life. I loved it!

Tonight I think I will begin reading Gandhi's autobiography and pray for an evening filled with sleep and devoid of pain.

Water

Tonight, I am watching the Indian film Water with Mags. I'm sure it will be wonderful.
It takes place in Colonial India, 1938, and focuses on an 8 year old girl who is widowed and sent to live with other Hindu widows.
Hopefully I'll be able to share some thoughts on it later tonight or tomorrow.

Joy

I remember being in my final Sunday School class in high school, and the teacher was giving out gifts. He had given us all very nice leather keychains with engraved brass pieces attached. Engraved on each was a unique word that he associated with each of us. Mine said "joy." When I asked him why I had been given the keychain with "joy" engraved upon it, he told me that I needed more joy in my life.

It's one of those moments that I relive quite often and reflect on it. I often wonder if I have done the job of getting more joy into my life. I feel happy. I feel joyous. Even in the worst of times, I try to remain happy, optimistic and joyful.

One of my greatest things each week is receiving my America Magazine. I love the writings, particularly anything by James Martin, SJ. A few weeks ago, he wrote a wonderful article on Christian Joy. He describes the presence of joy in Scripture, in the life of Jesus and in the lives of many of our saints. Especially St. Francis of Assisi, who was said to have joy "that spilled over into the hearts of thousands of men and women." One of my favorite references is to Blessed Pope John XXIII. When asked by a journalist "Your Holiness, how many people work in the Vatican?" He answered, "About half of them."

Fr. Martin goes on to give us ten reasons why joy, humor and laughter is needed in our lives and in the church today. One of his reasons is that Humor shows Christian fortitude. He gives the example of St. Thomas More stepping up to the chopping block and saying to his executioner, "I pray you, help me on the way up, and I will take care of myself on the way down." Fr. Martin claims that this type of humor says, "I do not fear death." Maybe I need to come up with some witty quips to deal with my situation.

Humor Heals. "Physicians, psychologists and psychiatrists believe that humor helps with the healing process in the physical body." "This is not to say that one laughs over the considerable pain. Rather, humor gives us a much-needed break and can help heal."

Wedding Pics

Just a few pictures on here, the rest can be found here brennawedding.shutterfly.com/action/?a=1AZNGjlozZsXxQ if interested. Just enter the password: brenna

Me and the Bride

Me and my handsome date!

Wedding Bells

I can't believe it, but it's actually happening. Today is one of my best friends' wedding! How fast time flies: I remember the first time we met, the first time we had to fill out one of those stupid "Roommate Contracts," the first time we drank together, the first time we cried together, and all the other "firsts" we experienced together. I can't believe those times are so far in the past and new firsts are being made.
I'll be sure to post some pictures soon.
Congratulations BLD!
Love you!

G COMES HOME!

G comes home today! YEA!!!!!!