Bucket List of Faith: Twelve Down {{Mister's Perspective}}

Greetings from the mister and soon-to-be-mrs., as we recount some of our favorite experiences on the Bucket List of Faith thus far. (For more information on what the BLoF is, see this blog post.) 

Today I've asked the mister to step in with me as we talk about some of the things we've seen and experienced so far. Basically, I emailed this to him and he filled in his parts, picking his favorite photo for each visit. He has a love for history and an astonishing gift for finding and remembering facts, which you will see in his reflections as opposed to my more emotional views. (For more information on my perspective, see this post.) The rest of this was written by him. Enjoy!

[Mister's thoughts begin here]

Background on the MisterI was baptized as an infant (only about a month old) into the Roman Catholic Church, but my family left the Church when I was a child. From that point on we would go to different Protestant and Non-denominational churches, and some periods of time just not go to church at all but still hold Christian beliefs. It was mid-way through my sophomore year of college (around the time I started dating the Miss) that I wanted to become more active and deep in my faith, and to do that I needed to actually go to church. I told myself I was going to visit a variety of churches to feel which one is best for me, and planned to do so. But after a Christmas Eve Vigil (with a very unenthusiastic family) and a daily mass by myself at my university’s Catholic Center I fell in-love with the Catholic Church. When the Miss wanted to do this bucket list I was more than happy and willing, because I felt like this would be the exploration I wanted to do, and through doing this I have really solidified my beliefs and have come to realize I have made the right personal choice for me in my faith.

Bucket List of Faith: Twelve Down {{Miss' Perspective}}

Greetings from the mister and soon-to-be-mrs., as we recount some of our favorite experiences on the Bucket List of Faith thus far. (For more information on what the BLoF is, see this blog post.) 

Today, I share with you my experiences thus far on the road. I have certainly grown in and cemented a majority of my personal beliefs, as well as gained a great appreciation for other beliefs and cultures. While I have attempted to speak fairly and justly on most churches,  I cannot discount what made me uncomfortable or just plain angry. But I am okay with sharing that; it was inside those experiences that I found my peace.

I've asked the mister to step in with me as we talk about some of the things we've seen and experienced so far. Basically, I emailed this to him and he filled in his parts. I've also included a photo of each location; I scrapbook the photos and all paraphernalia we receive as a marker of where we've been and a chart of how we've grown. His responses are featured here; enjoy!

Background on the Miss

I converted from a non-denomination Protestant church where I was active, a Sunday school teacher, and considered myself well-read; I was confirmed in the RCC this past Easter vigil. Since converting I've sought out as much information as possible on the RCC and thus consider myself fairly well-catechized. The BLoF was started when I decided that I wanted to learn more about other faiths for the sake of knowing and understanding. Through this journey I have grown leaps and bounds in strengthening my own personal beliefs. When I walk into a church I ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit that I may learn and be receptive to what He would like me to learn about others and myself, and attempt to clear my mind from any and all pre- and mis-conceptions.

The Organizer: iOrganize

part two in a series on organization

see part one: pencil and paper here

Earlier, I mentioned electronic calendars. Again, I firmly believe in paper planners for primary usage, but there are perks of using a phone or computer’s calendar. I have a beautiful iPhone 5C, a glorious upgrade from phones prior, and I use the Calendar app religiously when I’m on the go—though everything is transferred to my Lilly agenda when I get home!

One of my favorite features with an iOS device is creating multiple calendars.

As you can see, I abuse use this feature like CRAZY! (This is about half of them....) It allows me to color-coordinate events and link them in groups.

Most events and appointments in my Calendar are also in my agendas, but I do have to concede this point to the phone: classes.

As soon as possible, I put my class schedule into my phone. Start/end time, location, all that. It has been a lifesaver on my crazy days and helps me to gauge commitments. For example, when scheduling dentist appointments I can whip out my handy-dandy iOS calendar and wham-BAM I have to delay it by a couple of months because there's literally no way I can schedule that right now sorry will my teeth be okay or.

Also, if your friends are like mine and have events out the wazoo, the Google calendar app is fantastic for seeing when folks are free. Our group has added classes, work schedules, and sorority/fraternity events.

Electronic Tips and Tricks

Watch out for the Y2K. Also Skynet. ;)

Resist the urge to add every little thing; you’ll get overloaded when you open your device

You can send invites—helpful for that dinner date reminder!

Adjust your “alert” time so it actually reminds you on time

On the iPhone, you can add birthdays to contacts

Use the “notes” section at the bottom for contact info, etc.

Stay up-to-date!!!

I hope this gives some MORE insight into a method of organizing that works for me!

How do you stay organized in your everyday life? What do you excel at in this field? What are you still working on?

Much love,

Maria