Like velcro on asphalt

I would like to take a moment in my day to extol the merits of my faithful bicycle, which as of late I have dubbed 'Limon Alta Milla' which loosely translated means 'Mile-high Lemon', an indication not of its dubious quality, but rather of its light yellow sheen, and of course the locale where I get to ride such a laudable contraption. Benefits abound from bike-riding, including not only exercise and kindness to the environment, but also speed and daring, especially when riding cheek to cheek with Denver traffic. My handy bike basket (thanks Mom!) has saved my back this year, and I've got two cool little blinky lights, front and back, that illuminate my path.

But lately, my favorite aspect of riding Limon Alta Milla has been that for 20 minutes a small segment of my brain takes care of repetitive leg motions and hand clenching, while the rest of me blissfully ponders and prayers, or sings to myself (I ride at such an incredible rate, no one can hear me for the rushing wind!)

Lately, I've been pondering Lent, and as Easter draws near, the sacred mystery which is the Crucifixion and Resurrection. God has taught me much this Lent, through the mainstays of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving. Fasting is the most humbling activity, I think, because I realize that often much of my level-headedness and general cheerful outlook come from being satisfied in my tummy, and when I'm not, fogginess and irritability creep in quicker than I'd like to admit.

I'm excited to celebrate Easter in Denver. Most of my housemates are attending the Easter Vigil together on Saturday, then celebrating with a meal on Sunday.

And today, what was I pondering on my morning ride but HOUSING and why I was pondering it is because in August I will be in a new LOCATION, namely Washington DC, doing nothing other than studying at GRADUATE SCHOOL!!! Hooray hooray, after five months' wait, I received a phone call and letter on the same day letting me know that indeed, I have been accepted into the masters of theological studies program at (take a deep breath) the Pontifical John Paul II Institute on Studies of Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America!! Whew!!

'Thrilled' is quite too gentle a word to describe my inner state. Perhaps 'ecstatic,' 'euphoric,' 'in shock' - I have been wanting to go to this school since I graduated from college, and the more that time has passed, the more my desire has grown. So perhaps 'grateful' is the best word to describe my sentiment at this moment.

Please pray as I try to decide where I am going to live in DC! Anyone with any leads, send them my way! Here is one option: a lovely 7-bedroom house with a garden and here's another: a Dominican convent Other options include 2 more convents that offer housing to women students, and a house a bit removed from the Institute, offered through their admissions' department.

Please share in my joy, and thank you one and all for your support and encouragement!!