Chapter 17.3.2010 ~ Miraculous...

I never realised how one person could make a world of difference in my life, but I realised this week that... that, it can happen. And it has. So today's Chapter--which is my Saint Patrick's Chapter today [and hence numbered as 17.3.2010 because today is Saint Patrick's Day]--is going to a family member I had never really "met" until this week. Thank you, Facebook. And to Great-Auntie Cathie, welcome to the Underground!!

Now... Hideki-chan, well, work's kinda kicked him in the head. So has life, but definitely work! His roommate--who worked with him... I say "worked" because, the roommate [I'll codename 'im Shimbo] got fired this past Friday. Yipes... that means, more work for Hideki... *sigh* So, that's why I haven't seen him lately. In fact, this Friday it'll be exactly one month since we last got to actually spend time together. Hey, of course I miss him--and I know he misses me too. The most I can do for now is pray that things get better. It just sucks that I feel like I've got my hands tied behind my back most of the time, because I want to do something if at least to cheer him up and... well, I can't. At least, not now anyway. I will have to be patient and wait for now. And sometimes... well, absence makes the heart grow fonder... doesn't it?

In other news, I think I'm coming to some sort of reconciliation with Siren. Yes, Siren. As in, the ex-boyfriend of mine that we all almost love to *hate* Siren. Him. Yes, we've been getting along a bit better--but, don't expect much out of this. He's a friend--nothing more than that. If anything, a friend. I'm still wondering, How the f@#k did that happen? and, I have no answer to that, unfortunately. At least, not at the moment anyway. But, in any case, as long as he doesn't start any drama [because, at the moment, I have plenty enough as is!], things should improve.

Also, this morning was spent with my friend Sanyun [yes, my Wednesday morning breakfast guypal has a codename now, finally] at New Smyrna Beach. While the weather was cold and cloudy, it was still nice enough for a walk on the beach with a cup of coffee. It was pretty nice, to be honest; I mean, I don't get to spend a lot of time with Sanyun, so this morning was pretty cool. And I like hanging out with him too, when we do get to hang out. That however doesn't mean that there's *something* there, however--don't get your hopes up, folks!

And finally, a little something funny from the Muppets. Yes, the Muppets. Prepare to have an epic gigglefit.
"Danny Boy" - the Leprechaun Brothers
[note--if you're reading this on facebook notes and can't see the youtube, go to my profile; i've posted it.]


On that whim, go find and listen to "Swagger" by Flogging Molly. That's my traditional Saint Patrick's Day anthem, and in effect my Song of the Day. It's a damn good song, in my opinion. Not that it entirely matters but, still. It's my opinion. But, thankfully, you don't have to entirely agree with it--go find the song and hear for yourself!

And until the next round... Great Auntie Cathie, I love you! We are SOOO gonna stay in touch!!

~ me

Chapter 192 ~ Another Requiem...

I think I had too much fun on Friday to even realise what needed to be done [by that I mean this blog--sorry I didn't get on her sooner]; Friday night's concert with the Stetson University Symphony Orchestra was just magnificent. Yesterday's picture-taking drama was a bit crazy [kinda hard to explain] but, it went alright. Not exactly the picture I'd want to send to my out-of-town family and friends but, I'm sure I'll think of something for my holiday pic for this year.

Happy Christ the King Sunday to the Christian Church, the final Sunday of the Church Year. Onward to Advent and, God willing, better things to come.

And on that note... well... I regret to inform the Underground that Aunt Sue did pass away. I spoke with Grandma Sharon yesterday and she'd reported to me that Aunt Sue had died on Friday. Grandma will be leaving tomorrow for Indiana for the funeral; tonight meanwhile will be Thanksgiving dinner at her place.

Another death to note--one of my friends and fellow Choir Altos, Bobbie [she gave me a book with positive thoughts to read; i may need to find that book again], her mother Virginia passed away Thursday at the ripe age of 100 years and 2 days old.

The only song I can think of now for the tears is this one. And it's also how I'm going to close this post until the next round. Words are of no use to me at the moment.
"Street Spirit [Fade Out]" - Radiohead

All Saints' Day ~ Chapter 186

Almighty God,
you have knit together your elect
in one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:
grant us grace so to follow your blessèd saints
in all virtuous and godly living
that we may come to those inexpressible joys
that you have prepared for those who truly love you;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

The Collect for All Saints Day.

Hymn ~ For all the saints who from their labours rest
Words: William How,
Tune: Sine Nomine - Ralph Vaughn Williams

For all the saints, who from their labor rest,
Who thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be for ever blessed.
Alleluia, alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might:
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, the one true Light.
Alleluia, alleluia!

O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win, with them, the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia, alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Alleluia, alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of Glory passes on his way.
Alleluia, alleluia!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, alleluia!

Hymn ~ Ye watchers and ye holy ones
Words: John A. L. Riley,
Tune: Lasst Uns Er­freu­en, Ralph Vaughn Williams

Ye watchers and ye holy ones,
Bright seraphs, cherubim and thrones,
Raise the glad strain, Alleluia!
Cry out, dominions, princedoms, powers,
Virtues, archangels, angels’ choirs:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!

O higher than the cherubim,
More glorious than the seraphim,
Lead their praises, Alleluia!
Thou bearer of th’eternal Word,
Most gracious, magnify the Lord.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!

Respond, ye souls in endless rest,
Ye patriarchs and prophets blest,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Ye holy twelve, ye martyrs strong,
All saints triumphant, raise the song.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!

O friends, in gladness let us sing,
Supernal anthems echoing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!

There really isn't much else I can say other than, To the saints and martyrs that did proper justice to the King of Heaven, in the past and the here-and-now, my hat is tipped in your direction. Cheers!

Until the next round...