For all things... (Post weekend post)

Mom called me at work. 5:55 AM on Friday morning to say that my Sister, Anita, had given birth to her fifth child. He isn't yet named, so don't ask. But my guess is that James, Nicholas, Charity and Noah will be joined by some other suitably Orthodox name - although, in all honesty, Anita is Fundegelicamatic. (Ask her what bible she reads and it's the "King James Spirit Filled Bible"...) Still, the Kids don't believe in Santa - but in St Nicholas. Go figure.

That put me in an amazing, good mood for the weekend.

Friday night (Saturday Morning) at work, Fr J and I plotted with a coworker to create our own "Visit From St Nicholas" at Church. I spent the night trying to create a crown for the Bishop of Myra, but it never quite materialised.

My (current) roomie, J, is leaving - moving back tot he flat lands for a fmaily obligation. Saturday Morning he and I drove around setting all the utilities, etc, in my name. A short nap was followed by Vespers and then I indulged in a treat for which I'd been waiting all week: lox. Specifically, lox on toasted rye. With onions. Yes, I know people have to work with me...

I brushed my teeth before work.

I had a short, cold drive to work on Saturday night and a long, cold drive to Church on Sunday morning. I think it was in the low-mid 20s: there was frost on Traveller, the scooter, when I went out at midnight for the commute. There was frost again in the morning. Frost, on a scooter, sits on the mirrors, the speedometer and, sadly, the seat cushion. Icy Bottoms is no way to go to Church, but it does keep one awake after a night shift! I arrived just in time to hear the cantor sing the first katavasia of the Nativity, "Christ is born, glorify Him..."

After Liturgy and the Agape, we had an Akathist to St Nicholas and, during Ode 5 our Special Guest arrived and I helped him vest up. When the kids went into the Sunday School Room after the Akathist, lo, there was St Nicholas ready to give them some gifts and pose for pictures. Did you know that St Nicholas ride a Harley? Neither did I, but he was really awesome for the kids! There were presents for all: I got a tasty box of peanut brittle, although my Co-worker (the St Nicholas Du Jure) was very confused when he read out the tag - "Raphael". I think I would pay money to see Children's eyes light up like that. Even the older kids who knew what was coming seemed (just a tiny little bit) beyond their jaded teenager ways. All I want for Christmas is a heart as of a little child, God. Please.

My (new) roomie, the Catechumen, M, was at Church. I gave him my key to the apartment as I had to stay at Church for a Parish Council meeting. After the meeting and my ride home, the new roomie was not around... I was locked out! So I took a nap, laying on the patio until M got home.

While I hate to work on 4 hours of sleep, at least it's not as bad for me as for my coworkers: she who was scheduled this evening called out sick and so I'm working with someone, this evening, who was suddenly surprised to find himself working a double. It may be tempting to think that I shall get some rest on my "weekend" (Tues/Wed) but, in fact, Mom and Dad will be here this week and I shall be awake most of that time.

Well, it is the Holidaze, after all.

They are said to be coming to Vespers on Wednesday. News as it develops.