Grace in Small Things - Day 123 Happy Monday

Back to the old grind, Monday. A very cold but sun shiny day. I am thankful that I have work plans and activities to do this day and I have the health and ability to get to it. It was a pretty good day.
These things I am grateful for.......
Thank goodness for a very busy day with visits and reports. No time to regress to worry. The mood on the floor has changed to action - preparing for the new organization.

Making birthday plans with a daughter - the excitement of anticipation is contagious!

Superbowl chatter and Monday morning quarterback-ing with the guys at work.

New found family members - how to pace the get-to-know-you 'dance'?!

Hearty beef vegetable soup for lunch - warmed through to the soul.

Grace in Small Things - Day 122 Superbowl Day!

Ahhhh, Sunday! Another cool, calm and contemplative day.

*Delicious Sunday brunch for us -all of the special meats, veges, fruits, nuts, mimosa,..ahhhh!

*Touching base with the girls and having some good laughs and remembrances of Superbowl Sundays of yesteryear's

*Sharing pictures of our Friday night dinner for lord mutton with family far away- isn't the technology great!

*BBQ ribs and all of the trimmings for Superbowl Sunday dinner.

*All Superbowl evening - pre game show, chatter, jig, snacks...., winner....Go COLTS!

Grace in Small Things - Day 121 R&R

Well, as I surmised, the weather forecasters got it wrong for this area. They were too committed to it too early on, I think. I am sorry that the states further south got such a walloping but mother nature is doing her thing. I got out and did some chores with all of you snowed in folks in mind. I wish I could have helped you out

Today I am grateful for rest and relaxation with family.

*Slept in this morning - easy breakfast of fruits and cereal under the blanket.

*Reaching out to friends in Pennsylvania and Virginia to hug them in warm thoughts.

*Trip to the book store for fun readings - The Sunday Philosophers Club and puzzle books.

*Chinese food - dim sum for dinner.

* Movie nite- John Wayne's McLintock. - good ole fun!

Why Do We Find Joy in the Suffering of Others?

I was watching TV the other evening for fun and relaxation. During a commercial break, I decided to surf around until the show comes back. As I clicked through the channels, I came across a commercial for a show called Operation Repo, which airs on truTV. The Operation Repo team goes out to recover property from people who have fallen behind in their payments. The show essentially ridicule the folks they are attempting to repossess items from, showing them in unflattering and demeaning behaviors. They highlight the anguish and pain and horror of having to deal with the situation at hand for laughs.

As I saw the piece, my thought raced around my head trying to find the enjoyment or joy in seeing the pain and suffering of others. I could not see it even in my minds eyes. There is no enjoyment or fun in such a situation. I guess there is some Hollywood hyperbole included but the concept is sad.

So because someone dared to live a little piece of the American dream, but run into a bump or a pit should we fault them or make fun of and revel in their downfall? Come on! Things work out sometimes. One has to be optimistic. When the plans breaks or fail, you’re not going to give up but try to work it out, try to get back on track. So, ok, it doesn't always work out and you may have to give up, even so, kicking and screaming. Why is that a source of or cause for entertainment?

Hey guys, remember karma, what goes around...., do unto others....., every dog has his day, etc, etc. What then when the tables are turned. Right about now, I can think about all of the phrases why we should be mindful of what and how we treat each other because one can never know what they may encounter tomorrow. Operation Repo, you may not know who will be on the other/upper end tomorrow. Are you then deserving of respect or mercy?

I am not only talking about the producers and actors and others associated with the 'show', but you the viewers as well. This travesty of a show, is reportedly in its third season. What little value we have for each other. Yeah, we laugh at all kinds of things and ills and affront to each other in jest, but this wreaks! I have to say I have not watched the show to see if there are any redeeming qualities in it.....I don't intend to either.

My friend Sathira's recent post on Breaking Mindset asks if Human Beings are Sadists. As she asks, Why should we be happy when we see others making mistake or fail in whatever they do? Well I'm not sure of the answer, but I do know that we need to examine ourselves and remember to give respect and understanding instead of making a spectacle. To produce a show, to profit from some people’s misfortunes is perhaps just as irresponsible to the human spirit and sense of community as the economic situation we are in. Even if the 'villains' were irresponsible in making the purchases, do not ridicule them and broadcast it to the world. These ‘repo people’ look like pirates! Is that what sadists look like? I am not condoning living above your means, if that’s what this is about, or holding on to the property of others, like unpaid goods, but the impetus to return the goods or collection effort if the parties are slow in doing that doesn’t have to be a circus act.

Let us see how you dance when the show get’s cancelled. I hope you find another job soon after or your nest egg holds up. I hope you do not have any goods or commitments that are riding on the salary or profits of this exercise. Someone might just find joy in your story!

We are in trouble America, if this is entertainment!

Grace in Small Things - Day 120 Staying on Course

GiST Day 120
Thank God it’s Friday, TGIF! Well it is the end of the “work week” for most of us still trying to get to the magic date when work is/can be an elective. It is the heralding of the time for R and R, my leisure time, at least for two days. It’s the day before we get to do what ever we choose that doesn’t include chasing the clock or being on the clock. Some times I have a few things scheduled on Saturdays or have to ‘work’ on a project etc. Well, it goes with the territory but I relish the thought and arrival of Friday evenings.

Remember how we used to say early in the week, well I still hear it now, especially in the ladies room, ‘I wish it was Friday’! I used to say that too but I realized that I am wishing away my life each time I do that. Well, not exactly but what if it had an impact. Actually over time I’ve accepted that I have to live in the present and be appreciative of the now…..even though I still struggle with that piece. I think perhaps that is why I’ve gotten old so fast. But so be it! I’m looking forward to Saturday because I don’t have to get up early and chase my tail! I hope all of you are in this boat too! – If this is your desire/schedule…thing...

Here are my graces for today, this beautiful Friday; the first Friday of February, 2010. This day, well since last evening, we’ve spent most of the time talking about the 6 inches of snow fall – depending on where you are in the State or Region that is expected this weekend. So it makes not having to go out that much sweeter for me. Well, let’s see whose prediction is right.

I am very grateful that Lord Mutton did well last semester and on his Regents Exams.
Heading out to dinner at Applebee’s – lord mutton’s choice.
Clean laundry and I didn’t do it – just had to put them away. So sweet!

Surprise visit from a colleague that moved to another location two years or so ago - Joy!
Another simple straight forward, staying on course day! – Promising and refreshing.