Friday, February 12, 2010

Friday Five: FAB FEB(ruary)

Jan from RevGalBlogPals writes:

With Valentine's Day around the corner, it seems appropriate to write about February holidays. However, I'd never heard of "Waitangi Day" before: Feb. 6 is a holiday in New Zealand to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding of New Zealand, in 1840. I'll avoid Fur Rondy, as it is connected with Sarah Palin's home state.

1. When February comes along, how do you feel about the coming month?
My mom rightly notes that February seems like the longest month of the year. The weather is usually awful and winter seems like it will always be. I'm just happy we're almost halfway through. On the other hand, I have a dim realization that I MUST get out taxes done because Financial Aid for The Johnnie is due March 1st, and I will be in class that week. YIKES!

2. What memories do you have about Valentine's Day? Are you doing anything to observe it this year?
It involved (in elementary school) cupcakes with frosting, warm red koolaid (with the required Kool-Aid mustaches afterwards) and little valentines in those flimsy envelopes that were held shut with stickers. Also red construction paper and doilies for craft projects...  I beat the rush and sent ValenGroundHogTines Day packages out early for my college girl. The rest I actually remembered to buy a card before we got "a bit" of weather.

3. It is interesting that Monday's "Presidents Day" is not officially called that in every state. It is a U.S. federal holiday entitled "Washington's Birthday." Which is your favorite president and why?
Oh dear. Not to pull a Palin on you, but I don't know as I have one. I am sure I have a "LEAST favorite" one. Without getting too specific, let's just say he was a frat boy who couldn't read a teleprompter.

4. Will you be celebrating Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras? How?
Not usually. We had pancakes this week as "blizzard food" for supper. Does that count?

5. Any other ways to celebrate in February?
This year I think I will celebrate by getting our Christmas (2009) letter out before month's end. That's huge. The last couple of years I haven't written one at ALL!


Bonus: A Lenten book or website you recommend.
My study partner for spiritual formation suggested that we read The Daily Offices as part of our "reading the Bible through in a year."

And I just realized that I have written Holy Week and Lenten devotionals in years past, but I don't have Lenten ones up anywhere. Hmnmmmm....

3 comments:

Terri said...

Daily Devotionals are a great way to read through the Bible....but some days, when all the scripture is about war and killing - is really tough...

Good play - hope the month flys by for you....

Jan said...

In the north, I bet February does seem like the longest month of the year. I know I felt that way in 2002 when my dad had a stroke and died two weeks later.

Your friends will so appreciate receiving your "Christmas" letter!

altar ego said...

I've been thinking about the practice of Morning Prayer during Lent. We did it at a clergy retreat last week (hard to believe it was just last week!) and the pattern of it began to leave a favorable impression. (I think part of that was good seminary memories that were evoked, but hey, whatever works!).

Sorry that Feb is such a blah month for you. Maybe instituting your own celebration would add some sparkle to an otherwise gray time!