Time (Oh how I love? thee)

You know how everyone always raves about the way other countries have no concept of time? I have always thought that might be nice, not to feel the rush and stress of time constantly pushing you forward as you find yourself reeling into the universe at the speed of.. Time. The second hand has always managed to produce a very subtle tinge of mockery, and the minute hand is wrought with full blown sarcasm. I've often stared into the face of a clock helpless and bewildered. But now, now I have a new perspective. I am an American, there is no escaping this. My culture has taught me to respect these ticking instruments. It has taught me that others respect it as well. Or they should. And now I, who have admired those who can live in another dimension than Time, find myself frustrated, annoyed, incredulous when others do not pay homage to this beast of a thing.

Calendars, clocks, day planners, cell phones, all lay claim on me. Some day... some day I will rid myself of these constraints and fly free!

wish me luck.

Capitalism in the Bible

" Be a religious extremist!

So, avoid politics if you can. But if you absolutely cannot resist, read the Bible for political advice -- even if you're a Buddhist, atheist or whatever. Don't get me wrong, I am not one of those people who believes that God is involved in politics. On the contrary. Observe politics in this country. Observe politics around the world. Observe politics through history. Does it look like God's involved?

The Bible is very clear about one thing: Using politics to create fairness is a sin. Observe the Tenth Commandment. The first nine commandments concern theological principles and social law: Thou shalt not make graven images, steal, kill, et cetera. Fair enough. But then there's the tenth: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's."

Here are God's basic rules about how we should live, a brief list of sacred obligations and solemn moral precepts. And, right at the end of it we read, "Don't envy your buddy because he has an ox or a donkey." Why did that make the top 10? Why would God, with just 10 things to tell Moses, include jealousy about livestock?

Well, think about how important this commandment is to a community, to a nation, to a democracy. If you want a mule, if you want a pot roast, if you want a cleaning lady, don't whine about what the people across the street have. Get rich and get your own."

-Courtesy de L.A. Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-op-orourke4-2008may04,0,6913702.story?page=1

There you have it. The Bible promotes capitalism. Who knew. This actually was a very interesting article. Let me know what you think.

TIME

Are you ready for the torrent of posts that I've ben holding back for however long it's been?

I was reading the list of TIME's 100 most influential/powerful people this morning. I have to say, it makes me excited to think how brilliant and passionate some people are on this earth. I finally finished Atlas Shrugged, and though I disagree with the egotism aspect of Rand's philosophy (which is about 75 % of it...) I do think that there is a lot to be said for people who are dedicated to excellence in what they do. There are many people who pursue what is right, new ideas, new solutions in daring ways. I really admire that. I admire people who have the courage to pursue their calling and gifts.

George Bush made it on the list, by the way. Despite the fact that it's TIME. I would like to see FOX news make a top 100 list and then compare the two. That, would be interesting.

This on NPR, apparently the increase in corn farming is in a large part responsible for pricier groceries. The corn is for fuel... You just can't win.

All right, into the office I go.... Peace.

hello there

So here I am! Bet you thought I had disappeared from the cyber community, which I had, but I have come back and have a lot to say with so little time to say it (my battery is near death).

Well I got the job at AmeriPsych. I am now a family support specialist (which, if you will notice with me, sounds oh-so-grown-up) and I think I'm starting to get into the flow of things. I've been super busy, what with moving and new job-ing.. and so the last couple of weeks I've not had much of a life outside of work. I've decided I may be ready to step back into the world, and here I am.

The job is not easy, I supervise and document visits between children and their parents, usually for CPS although we have a couple of private pays. We also do some one on one parenting classes, which is a little funny for me since most of my clients are 10+ years older than I and I am not even close to having kids. A lot of the cases are in the system for neglect and drug use so a lot of the parenting modules are geared towards basic child care information, i.e. nutrition, discipline, etc.

I've been frustrated, overwhelmed, sad, and surprised by the things I've seen, but it's so good to see people working against their pasts, their addictions, etc to change their lives. Not all of them make an effort, but lots of them really do. It's good.

So, I have the day mostly off, and I'm hoping the weather warms up a little so I can head out to get my sunshine fix. In the meantime, I'm going to read my book and drink some coffee.

I just have to say, I'm so grateful for people who are willing to change the way things are and have been, for community and quirky people, and my parents. Cannot BEGIN to express how grateful I am for them. Mom, I think you should write me a parenting book.

Well, Happy May day to you all! Peace.