Observations

My observations about being in this place:

• People desire stuff.
• Stuff makes people feel important.
• People judge others by the stuff they have.
• Stuff has become a religion.

If I've rubbed shoulders with you, talked with you, shared a coffee, phone call, or email since I've landed, please don't think I am talking ... writing ... about you.  I may be ... but then again only I know that  (Kidding!)  How do I know this is true?  I feel it.

We landed with 5 suitcases ... 2 of which belongs to our oldest.  In our suitcases we brought coffee, a few small gifts, clothes, and important papers.  I felt content.  I felt content ... until I walked into a shopping establishment. I swear I saw incense burning and smelled the fragrance of a potion willing me to buy!  I've bought $3 sweat pants, a bigger coffee cup, pretty napkins, fancy gum, special lip balm, and homemade peanut butter ... all because of the pressure ... the atmosphere ... that "thing" in the air that forces me to ... buy!

I drive a used van with hail damage that's been donated to us.  I'm so proud of it I could bust ... until I see the $42,000 car that pulls next to me at the stop light.  I wear my one pair of Capri's, 2 jean shorts, and variety of black t-shirts and feel like I'm rockin' ...  until I go into Target and see the pretty stuff on the sale rack.  I feel like generic pasta is just fine ... until I see the new organic, specially grown, all natural, whole grain, gluten free, no color added, based on an old Italian recipe from some one's Grandmother's recipe pasta in a pretty package.  Then I feel like a loser.

I'm gonna rebel and live simply.  But ... can I just say ... it's hard?!