Misconception of Democracy in Wisconsin . . .

There has just been released some footage of the mob storming the capitol building in Wisconsin in outrage at the decision of the governor the the senators, etc. who bothered to be there for their job. While the Democratic senators hid out in Illinois and ignored their job and ignored the people who put them into office, the governor got a vote done to help ease the budget deficit. The mob of teachers and professional mob leaders from obama's pay invaded the beautifu capitol building and did thousands and thousands of dollars of damage with the chant often heard, "This is what democracy looks like!" Seems to me all I saw were people with entitlement issues who didn't want to suffer and sacrifice along with the rest of us in order to bring our economy back for everyone.

I wonder how many students saw their own teachers in this mob? How did they take seeing these people in authority destroying public property? What kind of example was this? If I had children in the Wisconsin school system, they would certainly be withdrawn and homeschooled as of immediately. Children should be raised with good examples from parents, teachers, etc. When teachers care more about their finances even if it causes financial problems, then they are not the people I want my children looking to or being taught by.

I watched the video of the mob breaking into the capitol building, ignoring the police and only saw a bunch of overgrown two year olds wanting what they want when they want it.

Getting old!

My baby girl turned 21 today! You'd think I'd be used to it as I also have a 25 and 23 year old not to mention a teen still at home. It is heartening to see her mature and become a young lady but I miss the impulsive little girl. My husband and I were remarking at how odd it still feels when we are out driving somewhere and we don't have any little children in the backseats now. During the hectic times of being a parents, you often wonder how it will be when they grow up and alleviate the stress on your life. I'm here to tell you that diapers and tantrums will be missed along with sloppy kisses and early wake ups because THEY had a nap the day before!

Seeing ourselves in the Bible . . .

Overall, I'd say we attend a pretty nice church where most everyone is helpful, friendly, and, well, Christian in their attitude towards each other. As with all large groups, we do have our characters and you have to wonder how they come up with their perceptions of the world and subsequent actions and reactions.

One woman seems obsessed with a prayer usually said after Mass for the intention of vocations. Sometimes, a new priest or even a regular priest will forget this added prayer. The woman likes to yell out the prayer as the priest is leaving the altar. Some priests just ignore her and others are embarrassed at this. It seems unnecessary for her to do this as I'm sure our Blessed Mother won't ban us from her Son's 'list' for omitting a prayer that is technically not supposed to be part of the Mass, anyway.

Lately, the priest has remembered the prayer but hasn't said the little prayer following it and this woman literally yells it from the congregation. We had a very full church on Ash Wednesday and from the crowded pews, loud and clear, she exclaimed the prayer. I'm sorry but it kind of reminds me of the Pharasee proclaiming his prayerfulness in front of the altar for all to see with the humble person kneeling in the back of the temple. Sometimes, the whispered prayers carry more impact.

I know this person will not stop her actions even with a rebuke from the pastor so I have learned to grin and bear it. However, I do not stay and follow her in this extra prayer given the manner she is presenting it. Several other people also exist quickly because of this. So, what has she accomplished?

Just my semi-rant for the day!

Good thought for the day!

Human beings must be known to be loved; but Divine beings must be loved to be known.
Blaise Pascal

Very sad commentary on civilization . . .

I read that when Wisconsin finally worked around the 'missing' Democrats, yesterday, the opponents of the proposed legislation all but rioted and did damage to the State capitol building and such. It was also noted that during the last two weeks, the mob left a lot of trash in their wake.

First of all, the senators chose to abandon their job and hide out from responsibilities. I would never, ever vote for any of them again given their 'me' agenda rather then working with the will of the people. So, they left the scene and the governor, rightly so, did what he could to resolve the problem and they riot? It is also interesting that obama is going to so much trouble about a State issue. You have to wonder what's in it for him.

I wonder how many of these teachers who have left their classroom, gave environmental lessons at school? You know, about keeping our environment clean yet they didn't seem to see anything wrong in leaving a mess in the wake of their discontent. They didn't seem to mind leaving their students unattended while they protested for THEIR benefit. What happened to them doing this all for the students?

All the states that are having deficit problems share the same thing - overspending especially on union workers. Why this sense of entitlement? You have to wonder about how they individually manage their own checkbooks because if there isn't any money, they can't spend. Same with government. They finally have a governor who intends to deal with this issue and they don't want to join the rest of us in sacrificing for the greater whole.

Good Start to Lent . . .

Our early-morning Mass for Ash Wednesday was very nice especially with the surprise of a priest who used to serve at our parish. It was amusing as they had put out eight bowls for the ashes but miscounted and one of the priests didn't get one. In my book, one of the many extraordinary ministers should have graciously stepped down but once these people get hold of a bit of the liturgy, there is no going back. Father, however, found his niche during the distribution of the ashes. The extraordinary ministers were fanned across the front of the church. Naturally, most people would have preferred to have the ashes from the priest but Father wouldn't have any of this and kept directing traffic.

I was happy to not forget about fasting, yesterday. It takes some active memory force to not pop a bit of carrot or whatever when I'm slicing and dicing things for dinner!

Came up with a scrap quilt idea and got twenty squares pieced already. I like it when I can almost make something from nothing as I haven't had to cut into a new length of fabric yet on this project. Sigh . . . The older I get, the less time there seems to be to try all the projects that interest me.

Day two of Lent and we already take a break from fasting and such to treat my daughter on her 21st birthday! She often bemoans the fact that her birthday always falls during Lent!