I started reading this book last night, You're Broke Because You Want to Be, by Larry somebody or other (forgive me for the lack of typical details today, I'm writing this from work and don't feel like opening yet another window to look it up).  Larry is on that A&E TV show Big Spender.  Anyway, he makes the point that more money won't make you smarter or better with your money. that if you don't pay your bills on time now, you won't pay them on time if you get more money.  He also pointed out that if you're ignorant or stupid, you will still be ignorant and stupid just with money.  He points out, quite rightfully, that we really can't be surprised that Brittany and Lindsay and Paris (Isn't it just so sad that you all know exactly who I'm talking about just by first names?) do stupid things like drive around with children on their laps or get drug habits or whatever.  People are always going to do stupid things like that, having money just gets your picture taken more often. 

Case in point: Lohan refers to Obama as 'first colored president'  Yep, she did.  She is 22-years-old!!! and apparently never got out of her trailer park.  I mean really ... who says that anymore?  I have an almost 60 coworker who said it a few months ago, but mostly because she is still so unsure of what an acceptable descriptor is.  I corrected my coworker almost gently by saying 'Yes, he was African-American."  But, seriously, Lindsay's only 22! 

Another, much more profound, commentary on the state of our society to follow this weekend.  I just saw this story and HAD to put in my two cents on it.  Sheesh .... I can't hardly believe anyone lets her work!  But then, now that I think about it, has she ever worked with a "colored" person??  I'm not sure.  And, again, I'm too lazy to look it up on the net right now.  I don't believe there have been many, if any, minorities in any of her major films.  Interesting.

Oh, and I still have to write a debrief about my weekend retreat.   That will probably come before the other profound commentary on the state of society.  ok, back to my salt mine.

I am finally packed, I think, for my weekend retreat. You see, last week an old acquaintance emailed me and asked if I would be willing and available to volunteer for a college organization that was VERY dear to my heart when I was in college. After some prayer and encouragement and an INCREDIBLE financial provision by God, well above and beyond what I needed to afford to go, I agreed to volunteer and registered. I am so excited ... I am jumpy and jittery and just generally ecstatic. Of course, the jittery could be from the simple fact that the only thing I ate today was a bag of sun chips and 3 cups of coffee. But, regardless, I'm going to grab something at the gas station on my way out of town and hit the road.

Now, some of you are here in Southern WI and you can see that ... well, you could see that right now at 230 pm on Friday it is snowing. Like nasty "started raining and then turned into snow so we have that lovely sleet transition right in the middle there" kind of snowing. At my core I am confident I will get there safely and in one piece and that God, and God alone, will have his way today. But my irrational girl (again, thank you Superfantastic Lori for that incredibly useful theory) is a bit concerned. Partially I am concerned only because I know other people (Mom) are going to be worried SICK about me being out in this weather. So ... please pray for safe travel for everyone going to this weekend. It is about 2 and half hours away in Green Lake.

I am just so incredibly blessed. In life in general and in a job that gives me enough vacation time that I can take a half day today and not rush like my typical maniacal self to get everything done so I can get on the road right away. For having enough income to afford a newer car that will run well and is built very well and will not only get me to my destination but will get me there in relative comfort and much safety. Also so blessed to have the kind of spiritual family that will give me $162.00 to go to a conference that only cost $95 to begin with. And most of all so blessed to have this incredible relationship with the maker of the universe, the one who knit me together in the secret of my mother's womb, the one who knows every single hair on my head as well as how many I will lose packing up my car and driving up to Green Lake. To have that depth of love showered on me daily and hourly (if I would only recognize and accept it) is so incredible beyond comprehension. Pray that I am able to convey that to the students I am working with this weekend. Oh, I should mention I will be working primarily with college seniors in a track called "Life after College: Stewarding the Kingdom." A prep course for graduating and serving in this last year. Pray that God moves, that he touches each and every single heart in the conference this weekend and that each and every one of us comes away different and changed as well as blessed to know that relationship with our Creator.

Ok, I seriously gotta get on the road now. OH, and I am also blessed to have an apartment that came with a carport ... because I can pack my car in dry and quiet with no wind and snow soaking and annoying me and then simply drive away, still dry!! yes, I'm remembering winter clothes AND yes, I remembered my scraper. At least, I set it by the door to go with me, hopefully I remember to actually take it out to he car with me when I sign off of here and go grab all my loads of stuff to get the heck outta dodge!