"the sturdy threads that will survive..."

I'd rather be reading, but the spreadsheets and slides are due first. So, spreadsheets and slides it will be. But first, lunch: a serving of yogurt, a can of chickpeas, a handful of wheat crackers, some shredded squid, a wodge of cranberry Wensleydale, and three red-bean mochi.

This would be because I circled around the store thinking, "What do I want for lunch..." and then cashed out without realizing I hadn't actually decided. *facepalm*

At this morning's service, Rev. Laurel Cassidy spoke about her work as a "community minister" associated with our congregation - she worked in the medical-mental health field before her ordination in 1997, has since worked as a chaplain at the VA hospital and a local hospice, and is now enrolled in a doctoral program for which she's studying the intersections of public health and religion.

The key thrust of her sermon was on how to relate to other people who are suffering, using depression as her example. To paraphrase: the main thing is to show up, be present, and listen. The thing NOT to do is to inform/remind the person how much they have to be grateful for or that things are not as bad as they think: they are already aware of that. Depression is a disease because the sense of hopelessness is beyond the reach of logic. The main thing for lay people to do is let others know that they are not alone, and if one doesn't have the gift of saying the right thing, simply admitting "I don't know what to say/do, but you matter to me" still counts. And the same holds true for other situations, such as someone grieving over a loved one.

Much to digest.

Other good things:
* it becoming cool enough outside that I needed a shawl this morning.
* my replacement hard drive (yes, again) has iPhoto on it.
* much hugging during coffee hour. Even though it was Labor Day weekend, many of the people I'm closest to were at services anyway, and I got to chat with several new members while working the grocery table.
* colored hanging folders. Yes, this is trivial, but such a nice change from institutional green!
* Hymn #93 ("To Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love") uses the same tune as "Dear Weaver of our Lives' Design"), which is a particular favorite of mine. Lyrics -- meh. But I was still at the church when it rolled around again for second service, so I got to sing it twice.
* Coffee. Mmmmm.

REC: "Tell Beauty How She Blasteth" (Wimsey/Vane)

Title: Tell Beauty How She Blasteth
Author: tree_and_leaf
Genre: AU, post-Strong Poison
Spoilers: Strong Poison and Clouds of Witness

The AU here means character death. Read at your own risk -- but oh, it is well done.

For lo, I am mighty. Or at least competent.

HAH! 28-page spreadsheet CONQUERED!

(no subject)

Something nice to see: Japanese convenience stores paying attention to the needs of older customers.