Sick Days

I went to bed at 10pm last night, after a day at my backbreaking cleaning job (it was better - I totally have a system now). This pic is what I woke to at 11:30 am. A picture speaks 1000 words. I'll leave it at that. Dogs are great aren't they? Ever present comfort. Other comforts: Jesus, advil, pseudofed, Mama Gladys, Cousin Joan, iced green tea with honey/lemon...


What's on my mind today:

All of these shootings are sad and scary. Here's a prayer for all involved, the souls of the murdered, the shooters, the folks that are contemplating such acts, etc. Please include all those dealing with the Swine Flu outbreak here and our neighbors in Mexico, their families, Mexican brothers and sisters here in the US.
Prayer is from this link -> http://www.scborromeo.org/prayers/guadalup.htm:

Our Lady of Guadalupe, mystical rose, intercede for the Church, protect the Holy Father, help all who invoke You in their necessities. Since You are the ever Virgin Mary and Mother of the True God, obtain for us from Your Most Holy Son the grace of a firm and sure hope amid bitterness of life, as well as an ardent love and the precious gift of final perseverance.

Dearest Lady, fruitful Mother of Holiness, teach me Your ways of gentleness and strength. Hear my prayer, offered with deep felt confidence to beg this favor.

O Mary, conceived without sin, I come to your throne of grace to share the fervent devotion of your faithful Mexican children who call to Thee under the glorious title "Guadalupe" - the Virgin who crushed the serpent.

Queen of Martyrs, whose Immaculate Heart was pierced by seven swords of grief, help me to walk valiantly amid the sharp thorns strewn across my path. Invoke the Holy Spirit of Wisdom to fortify my will to frequent the Sacraments so that, thus enlightened and strengthened, I may prefer God to all creatures and shun every occasion of sin.

Help me, as a living branch of the Vine that is Jesus Christ, to exemplify His divine charity always seeking the good of others. Queen of Apostles, aid me to win souls for the Sacred Heart of my Savior. Keep my apostolate fearless, dynamic, and articulate, to proclaim the loving solitude of Our Father in Heaven so that the wayward may heed His pleading and obtain pardon, through the merits of Your Merciful Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron Saint of North America.