Hard Times!

It is most amazing to me that while 2 of my favorite all-time novels are by Charles Dickens (Great Expectations and Tale of Two Cities) that I have only read a total of 4 of his books. (The others A Christmas Carol and The Pickwick Papers - although I can barely remember reading the latter.)

 

You would think a reader such as I would have devoured many more of his works. Well I am beginning to round things out. This morning I started (courtesy of librivox.org) listening to Hard Times.

 

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My semester winds up today. A final exam this morning and another this evening. Grade them, download records, and I am through until early January. Not that all work stops, but all my other work is flexible.

 

I caught the 6:30 AM Mass at the parish near the college for the feast day. I had to do this on November 1st also.

 

I was contemplating this situation after Mass this morning. When Requiem Press was around, I would take these days off. Mass wasn't "fit in" to the schedule, it was the center of the day.

 

Somehow we need to get back to this "Angelus Time" lifestyle. Lack of income does have its advantages!

 

To some extent I am my own boss much of the time. My college stint is part-time. My other work as a patent agent leaves me a whole lot of flexibility in schedule - but is unpredictable. Feast or famine! Last year at this time I was winding up 3 months of a reckless amount of work. This year is much more leisurely - but less lucrative.

 

But the ease of schedule has been a blessing. Mrs. Curley and I have been doing some fostering and that keeps you on your toes. The rewards are much more gratifying. Many tears, heartbreak, laughter, and joy.

 

Happy feast day! Blessed Mother Mary, conceived without sin - pray for us!