I'm back!

So, I guess I should have checked the weather after Monday, because it poured on Friday and I couldn't enjoy another fine day at the shore, but I am just happy that I did get to enjoy one beautiful afternoon. I stayed with John and Beth and cruised on down to Seaside Heights to enjoy an absolutely great day. The weather was perfect and I just got to take in the wonderful smell of salt water, fried food and suntan lotion while watching the waves break on the shore. What trip down the shore would be complete without the obligatory game of Skeeball? I am rusty in my old age and only broke 250 a couple of times. I was also trying to find a family to give my tickets to after I played, but unfortunately everyone left, so I just saved them for John and Beth... maybe they can get an eraser or a spider ring next time. They also had a remember when section in the arcade and I decided to play a round of Q*bert (I am better than this guy) and Punch-out (the original video game with the green grid boxer) before scarfing down some deep fried oreos. I am going to need to run extra hard during the upcoming semester to drop off some of those pounds :) Although I wish I could have had one more day to lay on the beach and just read or relax, because of the rain I actually had the opportunity to get some work done for the pending trip to China, visiting AAA and talking to a travel agent.

So, it is official, I will not be a Rutgers Football season ticket holder this year... unfortunately demand had far exceeded expectations and I am still on the waiting list... I guess I should have kept them when I had them before moving to Maryland, oh well, I just hope that I can get them by the time I have settled back in Jersey in two years. At least I get to see them on TV quite a bit and perhaps I will be able to get tickets to one of the games and make my way back up for a weekend.

Speaking of football, it is back! Yesterday I completed my little vacation down the shore by watching the Giants first preseason game, and boy does it look like a loooong season. I love my team in good times and bad, but when they don't tackle and look like a pee-wee team it makes it really tough to like them. Oh well, it is the first preseason game, perhaps they will get better, although I am not holding my breath on that one.

Last week, I also got the opportunity to see the latest of the Jason Bourne movies, The Bourne Ultimatum. I must sound like a broken record with all of the sequels/previous idea type movies this summer, but, again, if you enjoyed the first two you will love this one. The action is great, Matt Damon continues to prove that he is a much better actor than Ben Affleck as he concludes(?) the story written by Robert Ludlum. I think it is an excellent combination of action, thought and wit that makes these movies what they are. I just like to see the different areas that Bourne goes to, and this movie makes me want to go to Tangiers... speaking of other countries, did you ever wonder what happens in Filipino prison? or if you prefer the Sister Act Version... apparently it is a way to try to stop forming gangs within the prison and get out energy... in any case it is entertaining.

Well, this will be my last week in Jersey for a bit as I am heading down to Baltimore on Friday to prep for Orientation... it is getting to that time as I recieve more calls and emails from friends down there who haven't seen me in a while, and I am looking forward to starting off on the right foot (or the left, whichever really). I have lots to do and little time as the planning for Orientation now boils down to executing it, I just hope that the new seminarians are pleased and well informed as they start their journey at St. Mary's.

Speaking about other seminarians, I received a nice email from another seminarian, Alan Carter from LEXINGTON, Kentucky so, I guess people do read this from time to time :) (sorry about the typo and thanks to Matt for the correction). While I do not answer "Tags", just because it reminds me too much of chain letters, I am more than happy to support all seminarians and am always interested in reading others blogs... maybe I should answer the tags... well not today, this message is already long enough. Just please keep all the seminarians in your prayers as we travel back to school and start the semester within the next couple of weeks. God bless you always!

Our Moment of Zen comes from a brother seminarian who sent me this link to show us that even though everyone may think that it is difficult for a person discerning priesthood to go to the shore, it is a dangerous place for everyone. Enjoy the rest of your summer!