priests and homework

Been doing a ton of research lately. Final papers and exams are here. I have TWO 15-page research papers due a week from tomorrow, also two take-home exams and two sitting exams for the following week.

Today I was at the library at St. John's Seminary. (Sometimes my life really surprises me, you know? Today I hung out at the Seminary!? wtf... two years ago I'd have died laughing at the suggestion.)

Well, I found myself in the vicinity of the youngest priest I have ever, ever seen. This kid had to have been about 23. He was baby-faced, and had this innocence, this total lack of worldliness, about him. I couldn't stop staring at him. All in black, collar and everything. At an age where most of his peers are out on a seemingly endless bender, scouting around for a piece, and skipping class, this kid is on his way to hearing confessions and presiding over the eucharist. It really floored me. At the thought of calling him "Father," I lost my mind. I crossed the room the long way to avoid having to greet him, in case I choked on the word...

There are, really, so many priests in my department. I haven't been around so many unavailable men since my days as a fag hag in college. When I said I was hoping I'd meet more guys up here, this is not what I had in mind!

Anyway, what am I up to? Research... Research and studying the Church... Surrounded by people OF the Church. Church Church Church! Aack!

For a while once, I waited tables at a Mexican restaurant. Some days, I would say to myself, Whew! If I see one more tortilla chip, I think I'll scream! Much the same, I'm ready for a bit of a break from God and the Church and the Catechism and Vatican II and ALL of it. I'm DONE. Am I gonna join a cult in rebellion? Not likely. But am I anxious to discuss the meaning of life and salvation over a cup of tea? No way. I'm taking suggestions for trivial and mindless pursuits for my vacation.

Emergency.

I was in a public restroom... you know alot of good stories start with this openning, right? So in the restroom, I was drying my hands and I looked at the paper towel dispenser. There was a little red dial on the side. It said, "Emergency towel dispenser." I almost passed out. Apparently, you can swivel this little red dial and get paper towels. Great. I hate paper towel jams as much as the next guy. But the label seemed a little incendiary. Big red letters... EMERGENCY! "Quick... GET THE PAPER TOWELS! It's an EMERGENCY!!"

I'd suggest something more measured like... a little placard that states, "If paper towel dispenser jams, turn dial."

I should run the world.

Marathon and 31 years

So, I ran the Marine Corps Marathon two weeks ago with my friend Jamie. He's an old Army buddy and is in the FBI. Consequently, he's in shape.

We ran a 3:49, which I'm happy with. Thing is, when we crossed the finish line, he practically danced across, pumping the crowd up. I crossed and went into shock. Seriously. I was dehydrated from the flight out (and...you know...the 26.2 miles). So I finished and went into shock for about 45 minutes. Feet elevated, wrapped in blankets, etc, in the medical tent. Good stuff! At least I know that I pushed myself.

Attached are pictures of us crossing the start line and later about mile 16 near the Washington Monument. He's the guy to my side in sunglasses with well defined shoulders. I'm the muppet.

I haven't run yet since the race. Man, that not running feels good.

It's A Good Day.

How very LA...

Here is part of a news release sent to all employees at UCLA regarding traffic. -Mike

Street and Freeway Closures Announced for Film Production Near Los Angeles International Airport
Monday October 30, 2:48 pm ET

LOS ANGELES, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 30, 2006 -- Airline passengers and airport workers are advised that a major motion picture production near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) may cause delays in getting to the airport beginning this week.

The film production for the movie "Live Free or Die Hard" starring Bruce Willis received permits from the California Film Commission, Film L.A. and the City of El Segundo. No filming occurs on airport property.

...

The production company stated in its letter of intent and permit applications that it will use pyrotechnics (explosives) and "gunfire for the entire time" of the filming. One helicopter is scheduled to be used during weekend filming, and "there will be larger explosions" with accompanying smoke early morning of Sundays, Nov. 5 and 12.