inner moral code

Today I realized that there are those of us who follow the rules and those of us who figure out a way around the rules. My friend and I were going to this big consignment sale...gigantic...in a warehouse. The vendors and patrons are all caregivers, primarily moms. Today we show up and the parking lot is packed and we begin to drive around, worried that we may have to park at a neighboring business and walk and since it was chilly and rainy we were not happy with that possibility. As luck would have it a spot opened up in the back of the parking lot and we preceded to get her 2 year old daughter out of the car, get the stroller and begin the trek to the front door. As we approached the door a white SUV pulls up to the closest curb and a woman gets out and locks up her vehicle. My friend and I look at each other and she said, "I guess we could have done that." to which I replied, "I just didn't even think of it." She agreed, she didn't either, obviously, we drove around until a spot came open in the back of the parking lot. Despite the inconvenience, despite the walk to the front door, despite the rain and the 2-year-old we had in tow. It just didn't occur to us. Later after we stood in line to "check out" for 30-40 minutes a woman sneaked in front of me just as I was getting to the register...as I turned to say something to my friend. I want to know how one feels as they do these things. I would be nervous and guilty feeling but it seems those who behave in this manner feel entitled, more important...

is it really labor day?

So do you have to be employed to consider labor day a holiday? The irony is that when I did have a job I would have 100% been working on labor day. I was a retail manager...big box even. That means my boss and all the support staff would have the day off while I worked hard trying to make budget with no customers. Now that I stay home and take care of the house it really was like a day off. Not to say that what i do at home isn't work...subject for another post. I just mean that some of the people who most need a day off aren't getting one. Be nice to the person who approaches you when you ask for the manager...they might not be having a good day either. Our economy is based solely on consumption which leaves little room for family values and personal satisfaction or happiness. We are constantly in search of what to buy next. We should be focused on what to DO next. Stop buying stuff you don't need, start reading and playing with your kids...hell, maybe even raise them yourself using all that money you are saving from not buying worthless, lead-filled junk made in China. Support businesses that close on Sundays...Hobby Lobby, Chick-Filet--sad those are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head. Sad.