Tea Time with Tiffany #68 - Accepting things we cannot control...

TGIF everyone! I had a really good time recording this rainy fall week's edition of:

Today I talk about some things in my life that are out of my control at the moment, but how I'm learning to accept that. I also wax poetic about podcasting and being part of the global Church community via our online connection to each other.





**To subscribe to the audio version of Tea Time with Tiffany, just search for it in iTunes or use this link to subscribe via Feedburner in your podcatcher of choice. Intro music is "Tea Ceremony" from PlayonLoop.com

Items mentioned in this episode:

• Father Roderick's 1,000th episode of The Break
• SQPN, the Star Quest Production Network  

 Do you also listen to The Break? Does listening to podcasts and/or reading blogs transport you and make you feel part of a larger community? How do you deal with things in your life that you simply cannot control? I would love to hear from you!

Autumn Prayer Journal Curators, volume 2...

Hello my journaling lovelies! It's another Wednesday edition of our prayer journal series, towards our efforts to count our blessings and ease stress. :) I hope that you are doing well, and that your week is going along extra swimmingly! I really enjoyed our personality quiz discussion from yesterday. That's yet another blessing to count - my community!

For my part, I will say that I think this exercise is really helping. I'm feeling a ton better than I was earlier in the semester, so I'll take it! Let's get started with this week's list!

Inspire - This week, I am inspired by Mother Angelica. I just finished chapter 1 of Mother Angelica Her Grand Silence, and I am absolutely loving it. I always loved Mother's tenacity and humor as I watched EWTN through the early years of my adulthood, but reading this book is really bringing her steadfast faith to the forefront. I need to trust God the way she did.

Nourish - The St. Therese novena has really been speaking to me this week. The introductions to the prayers that Pray More Novenas has been including has drawn me in and soothed my soul.

Spread Joy - I talked about the oozing monster that is my work email inbox right now on last week's edition of Tea Time. The situation has remained about the same. However, I have been handling it with much more ease this week. Even when I get The Most Annoying Email Message Of All Time, I am cheerful and jokingly plucky when I respond. It makes me smile to do so, and hopefully it does the same on the other end. Based upon the responses I've gotten, it has been working.

Projects - I'm still going gangbusters on those 70's striped socks for Mike, and I am now nearly finished with the cuff of sock #2! *cheers!*

Involve - By starting the Mother Angelica book I mentioned above, I have been sticking to my fall spiritual reading list, and I'm pleased with that. I still have books in my cart at Amazon for Advent/new liturgical year, but there's no rush to get those in hand. Going to pull the trigger on those soon. But in the meantime, concentrating on the 3 titles I have on my list.

Reflect - Lord, I can feel your hand moving in my life this week. Help me always to notice and appreciate that in the same way I do right at this moment!

End Goals - I've done a lot better this week staving off anxiety in the face of a frantic schedule. But I haven't felt frantic, and I'm thrilled with that. This will remain my goal for next week, a second consecutive crazy teaching week. :)

Do you have an INSPIRE list for the week? Link or detail in the comments!

Personality types. Do we change over time?

I was listening to the Adventures in Imperfect Living podcast yesterday on my way home from work, produced by Greg and Jennifer Willits. I've been a listener for many years, I have always enjoyed their show. This week they were talking about a free online personality test, and I have to admit, it piqued my interest. I've heard about such tests of course, as we all have, I'm sure, but I've never taken one. I wondered if my personality would now test out to be somewhat of a change for me, since I have become much more social and much less shy as I've gotten older. So when I got home and was waiting for dinner to warm on the stove, I took the test. And you can too, right here. :)

The directions caution you to take your time and answer as you truly feel, rather than as you WANT to feel about yourself. But to me, the questions were remarkably easy to answer:

"You often get so lost in thought that you ignore or forget your surroundings."

*SNORT* "Um, YEAH! Strongly agree."

"You try to respond to your emails as soon as you can, because you cannot stand a messy inbox."

"There are people who aren't crazed by messy inboxes?!"

"You often feel insecure."

"Whoa boy. Can't click Agree fast enough on that one!"

"People can rarely upset you."

*wistful sigh* "If only that could be true..."

Well. :0

I am an INFJ-T, also known as "The Advocate." This acronym stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging, Turbulent. This is my little profile, if you are so inclined. Apparently, I'm quite rare. Read: WEIRD. Though Mike tested out to be the *exact* same personality type. We weird ones seek and find each other, it seems.

Soooooo, in simple terms, though much less socially awkward than I used to be, I am still an Introvert with a capital I. Whether that is good or bad, I have no notion, but there you have it. I'm still very much your introverted Catholic Librarian, but I enjoy talking to people more now. :0

What is YOUR personality type? Let's kibbitz in the comments.

A lot of mixed parenting emotions this weekend...

Hi all! I'm going into the most intense teaching block of the semester, but I'm happy to report that I'm doing a lot better today with stress management. And you all play a big part in that. ;-)

It was a sublime weekend, filled with apple picking, football watching, Mass attending, beer drinking, and general fall frivolity. And guess what else? For the first time, one of my children attended a...

SCHOOL DANCE.

*wide eyed look of terror*

Henry is in 6th grade this year, and as part of the middle school wing of his Catholic school, his class is eligible to start attending the monthly dances. Henry is an introvert like me, and I honestly didn't think he'd want to go. But apparently his friends were going and talking about it, and as we all know, that is a major impetus for school aged children. The dances are held in the school gym, extremely well-chaperoned and supervised, and are fundraisers for the middle school field trips at the end of the year, so it's not like we had a good reason to keep him home if he wanted to go. So we let him go.

Watching him jog off down the street to catch a ride with his friend whose mom was chaperoning, I teared up a bit. Henry hasn't been a "little kid" in my mind in quite some time. He's almost as tall as I am, and has needed to wear deodorant for a few years now. :0 But still. In that moment, heading towards what I knew would be a new (and potentially super awkward) social situation for him, made him seem so much smaller to me all of a sudden. I wished I could protect him from all that.

I am firm believer, though, in fostering independence in my children. It's good for him to experience and navigate certain social situations without me there, especially given his more reserved nature. It's a healthy and good thing.

I know they need parent chaperones, and I'm so grateful for the parents who do chaperone. I want to help out so that the kids can have this fun experience in such a safe environment, but...I don't want to chaperone. :0 Because I want Henry to have that independent time without me right there. I was a shy, introverted kid too. I know that it's good for him to experience some things without me, it's good for his confidence. It's different for all children depending on their personality, but given his, I think this is the way to go for him.

I mentioned this all to him on our way to Mass yesterday, that I wanted to help out, but I understood that he may not want me right there for an event like that. And do you want to know what he said?

"It's OK, Mom. You wouldn't like it anyway. It's SO LOUD there with the way the DJ plays the music. SO LOUD. You definitely wouldn't like all that noise." *small shudder*

This kid? Looks nothing like me. He's BLOND and BLUE EYED. :0 But there is no doubt about the fact that THIS IS MY CHILD! :0 Of my two children, Henry and I are definitely closer to being kindred spirits. Made me smile. :-)

How was your weekend, dear reader?

Tea Time with Tiffany #67 - Sometimes, we all need a sick day...

Today, all technical things are working correctly *streamers!* and it's a cathartic episode of:

This morning I dwell on how we all *need* to take sick and vacation days at times, and why Jessie from Toy Story is an inspiration to me. Please join me!





**To subscribe to the audio version of Tea Time with Tiffany, just search for it in iTunes or use this link to subscribe via Feedburner in your podcatcher of choice. Intro music is "Tea Ceremony" from PlayonLoop.com

Items mentioned in this episode:

• Mother Angelica Her Grand Silence
• Fall 2016 Managing Stress series 
• Toy Story of Terror
• St. Therese novena

Are you also reading the Mother Angelica title? Praying the St. Therese novena? Seen Toy Story of Terror? We all find a way. ;-) Write in and let me know how you're doing!

Autumn Prayer Journal Curators, volume 1...

Hello my lovely friends. For what feels like the 250th consecutive day, I am having a work day in which I am despairing over a cup of tea in my office. Translation: things are very stressful here right now. The teaching load and sheer volume of student emails and urgently needed technical fixes across 15 classes are taking a toll.

I've been trying very hard to be positive while I'm at work, and guess what? I'm frequently failing. I'm super happy at home, which certainly helps, but the work days are still a bit painful to slog through. And so I thought today was a perfect day to whip out my prayer journal and try to work up some gratitude, sister! ;-)

So, here we go:

Inspiration - This week, I am inspired by my sisters. I am blessed to have two sisters, and both of them are strong, successful, kind women who have inspired me with their creativity and ability to empathize with others. I endeavor to always follow in their example.

Nourish - I have been using the Divine Office app on my phone each morning to pray Morning Prayer and I am really getting into it. My day doesn't seem complete without it anymore.

Spread Joy - Well, this is a tough one. :0 In fact, I left it blank in my journal until just now, because I couldn't think of a way in which I have spread joy so far this week. I have been struggling so hard just to stay patient. I have, though, been working hard to not let my grumpiness spill over to my interactions outside of my office. It's like my own work day misery has made me more aware of how important it is to hold the door for the next person, and thank the person who holds it for me.

Projects - I am working on a pair of socks for Mike that he is calling "the 70's wallpaper socks." The colors are burnt orange, yellow, a muted maroon, and brown, and he absolutely loves them. In a heroic effort to avoid Second Sock Syndrome, *halo* I finished the first sock and immediately cast on for the second. #winning

Involve - I have been building a cart of books over at Amazon in an effort to become more prayerful this autumn, and prepare for Advent. I have a St. Mother Teresa book in there, some prayer journals, and the new Catholic Mom title. I'll let you know the exact titles and if I end up ordering anything else next week. ;-)

Reflect - Lord, I know that I still have so far to go in working on my positive attitude at work. Please help me to center my thoughts on You, and to not let anxiety take root in my mind during the day.

End Goals - I need to work harder at the joy thing. Next week I endeavor to be more joyful during my work day, regardless of what crappy thing happens. ;-)

Do you have an INSPIRE for this week? Go ahead and leave your links or list in the comments!

Divine Mercy for Moms Book Club, over at CatholicMom.com!

Hello all! Just a quick note today about something I mentioned previously, and what has now come to fruition:

*drum roll*

The Catholic Mom fall book club!

If you're a book club fan, this might be the perfect fall opportunity for you! Catholic Mom does a really great job with their book clubs. They start off with an author interview, then go chapter by chapter, throughout the season. You can sign up for emails letting you know each Saturday when the new post is up. And yours truly is participating!

The author interview and chapter 1 posts are already up. I authored the chapter 2 post, and it's going up this Saturday, September 24th.

*beams*

These chapters are quick reads, and you could easily get caught up in a quick-as-a-bunny manner. Then next week you can comment on my chapter 2 post and I'll write back to you. ;-) The book is available in both paperback and ebook form, eligible for Amazon Prime!

If you think you'll participate, let me know in the comments. I've joined in their book clubs in the past as a reader, and loved my experience!

Treasuring the dandelion moments...

Yesterday evening, after a very enjoyable day, I gave Anne a bath. She lingered in there for a bit like she always does, playing with various water toys, then demanded that I put her into a sleeper. She's a very demanding child. ;-)

As I was cleaning up the post-bath mess, she went downstairs in her reindeer footed sleeper. Mike was outside mowing the lawn, and I could hear Anne opening the door to join him.

When I peeked out the window, Mike was pushing the lawnmower through the grass, while Anne, reindeer feet stuffed into her Elsa and Anna sneakers, was plucking cherry tomatoes from our backyard garden.

After they finished, I could hear Anne calling me outside. I obliged her.

She's standing in our driveway, all sleepered up still, with 3 dandelions in her hand that have gone to seed. She thrusts one towards me:

"Mom. Make a wish. Then you have to whisper it to yourself so that no one else can hear you, then blow the fluff off the dandelion. If all the fluff doesn't come off, you have to take it off with your fingers."

#bossy

"All right, honey."

*I follow the instructions*

"What did you wish for?"

"For my job to make me less sad."

*Anne looks contemplative*

"OK. Here is another dandelion. Do you have another wish?"

"Um, sure, let me..."

"Never mind, I will give you a wish. Wish for...a balcony on our house."

"A balcony?"

"Yes. I see lots of houses with them. Up there on top of the house."

*gestures towards the second floor*

"Um hum, yes."

"Balconies. They are nice. We could stand on it."

"Yes, indeed. We could do that."

"So wish for a balcony Mom."

"All right."

*follow instructions*

"Good. There is only 1 dandelion left. I will make the last wish."

Well. Now that that is settled. ;-)

So there Anne and I were, both in our pajamas, standing in the driveway holding empty dandelion stalks, and I thought to myself that in the end, those are the moments I will cherish and remember. Not the 25 frustrating student emails that were waiting for me when I logged in this morning. Not how tired I felt after my recent work days with this chaotic new teaching routine in tow. I'll remember dandelion fluff and wishes for balconies. And thank God for that.

Tea Time with Tiffany #66 - Autumn prayer journals & spiritual reading...

Technical difficulties abound this week, for our regular installment of:

Today I talk about my Fall managing stress series, and a spiritual reading component that I'm going to incorporate in. I hope you'll join me!

Welp. No video this week, this is a first! I have a new technical setup in my office, and I had the microphone settings wrong, so I recorded it with no sound.

d'oh!

I was having a good hair day and everything. :0 But I do have the audio. And I have the video fixed for next week, I promise!



**To subscribe to the audio version of Tea Time with Tiffany, just search for it in iTunes or use this link to subscribe via Feedburner in your podcatcher of choice. Intro music is "Tea Ceremony" from PlayonLoop.com

Items mentioned in this episode:

• Fall 2016 Managing Stress series right here on Life of a Catholic Librarian
• Mother Angelica the Grand Silence: Her Last Years and Living Legacy
• Story of a Soul
• To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim's Journey to Santiago de Compostela

What do you think, autumn prayer warriors?! Are you in for some journaling and reading this fall? Let me know in the comments. :)

Autumn Prayer Journal Curators, what the heck am I talking about?!

Hi friends! I am back with you and energized to continue on with what I'm calling the Fall 2016 Managing Stress series. ;-) Today I wanted to flesh out the idea I mentioned earlier in the week about using blogging to aid in easing stress and anxiety, and building a stronger prayer life. And by blogging, I also mean journaling. And you and I can do it together! Here's what I'm thinking:

You may notice the cutesy graphic and title over at the left. ;-) I'm a librarian, so the "curator" part felt apt. What I'd like to do every week is keep a physical journal of various things that I want to use to improve my prayer life, and to keep a positive outlook on life in general. I have 2 *snort* prayer journals on order, but they won't come into play until next liturgical year. So for now, I just have a store bought, lined hardcover journal. This is for ease in jotting things down during the week. From there, I'm going to blog about these same things, to keep me accountable, and to share them with you. My acronym is INSPIRE:

Inspiration - Where am I finding inspiration this week?

Nourish - What am I doing to nourish my prayer life each week? This may stay the same from week to week, or change as I try new things.

Spread Joy - Coming from the Facey Curmudgeon over here, ;-) what am I doing to spread to joy to others this week?

Projects - This is the creativity piece. What am I working on in a given week that is inspiring me creatively?

Involve - How am I getting more involved in my faith this week, and trying to grow in knowledge and wisdom?

Reflect - A short reflective prayer based upon my experiences during the week.

End goals - What can I do better next week?

I like the idea of all of this making me more prayerful and grateful. This is all about being an exercise in growing in a positive direction as a person, and to maintain accountability. And YOU can join me. ;-)

I thought about creating a linkup each week for the fall, but frankly, I don't feel like it. :0 Plus, some of you may not keep a blog and may not want to start one. So, I was thinking that if you'd like to join in, you can:

(1) post a link to your INSPIRE blog post each week, if you have a blog. OR,

(2) Leave your INSPIRE segments in the comment section of each weekly post.

What do you all think? It cheers me up to think of having a simple, weekly formula for trying to be more positive, and to share it all with you. Would you participate? Let me know in the comments. :-)

There is also a spiritual reading component to our autumn cheerleading rally. I have a full out reading list (horray!) and will be going over that extensively on Tea Time this week, which I will record either tomorrow or Friday. Until then my loved ones!