I can’t honestly say that the entire weight has been lifted from my shoulders, but it is a bit like someone has rolled one of the boulders off the cart I’m pulling.

The consular official said he was “an ideal candidate,” and teased him that we already had enough lefties in the U.S.

I am so relieved. So, so relieved.

Thank you, Lord.

Thank you to everyone who prayed on our behalf.

Thank you, Blessed Mother.

Thank you, U.S. Government.

I could go sleep for a week now. If I didn’t have to work, and take care of cats, and volunteer at the Women’s Conference, that is. But yeah. I think I might take a nap on my lunch hour.

Good night, moon (or sun, in this case).

Now to try to focus on work again – it’s been a bit of a lost cause this morning, between the flu shot and the news.

Deep breaths.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

Whoops – forgot to give credit. This was via Mark Shea.

Sunday. Mass – actually with Father JJ, which was nice. Our associate is away for a while, but we’ve got a temporary weekend assistant until he’s back. Deo gratias for order priests (he’s a Notre Dame Father)! Dropped off The Canuck at the train station, went home, grocery shopped, then watched Annie on TV with The Big Seester. I hadn’t realized how much they changed the original score to suit the movie. I also hadn’t realized before (hey, I was eight the last time I saw the movie) how thin some of the premises are. But boy howdy, did Carol Burnett and Tim Curry play their roles well! We were several minutes into a Miss Hannigan scene before I said “Is that Carol Burnett?!” and when TBS confirmed, I paused, surprised, and said “She really does ’slatternly’ well.” I don’t know that she could carry off a more nuanced, elegant role – Grace Kelly she’ll never be – but she seems to have had a blast with that role, and she really stole the show.

Another week of this-and-that; I’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend in Chatham.

And you?