That’s the best you got?

This is my daily commute.  Pretty dismal, isn’t it?  I remember many moons ago, when I swore I wouldn’t work for “The Man” and be a part of the Rat Race.  Funny how that worked out, considering I work for the Federal Gov’t; and, well, you can tell by the picture how firmly ingrained in the Rat Race I am.

I get through my commutes with audio books.  They are my lifesaver.  Sometimes, bumper stickers will offer up some amusement during my drives.   But, you know, I pretty much see the same people with the same bumper stickers everyday.  There is one bumper sticker I get behind most often than not; “Maryland. Live for the weekends.” Hmmm.

Live for the weekends? 

Is that the best Maryland has got? 

Someone got paid for thinking of that? 

Virginia is  for Lovers and Maryland lives for the weekends?  WTF?  What about those days in between? That doesn’t really induce a happy thought about Maryland, in my opinion.  Virginia hints if you go there you are going to get laid.  Colorado invites you to a “higher state”.  Idaho boasts “Great potatoes. Tasty destinations.” Washington State succinctly says, “Say WA!”

Forgive me.  I love Maryland.  I really do.  I was born here and I was so happy to return.  Maryland has mountains and beaches.  Skiing and deep sea fishing.  Farms and urban areas.  Vineyards and blue crabs.  I just think the tourism folks could come up with something more…just more.  Something that does justice for the loveliness that is Maryland.

I just saw they did come up with “Maryland of Opportunity”.  It’s better but it just doesn’t grab you and pull you in.  I have no suggestions either.  Maryalnd is lovely!  Maryland is stupendous!  See?  Those don’t do it either.

Hopefully, the person with the bumper sticker will cover it soon or remove it.  Cover it with a politcal bumper sticker; those are easy for me to ignore.  If not, that’s okay.  I may be working for “The Man” and running the Rat Race, but I have two very good reasons for doing it at home.

My latest read… Team Matthew!

A few weeks ago I started seeing a lot of buzz about a book called  A Discovery of Witches.  What I was reading said that if I liked Harry Potter and Twilight but wanted something for the older crowd, then this was the book for you. I pre-ordered and was looking forward to receiving it.  It arrived and I can just tell you that I’m disappointed I don’t have more time to read it.  I don’t want to put it down!

Yes, it’s another vampire book.  Unlike Edward Cullen, Matthew Clairmont is not stuck in a teenage body.  Matthew is actually manly and doesn’t fall for a teenage girl.  If you like Harry Potter, Twilight, Practical Magic then I think you would enjoy this.  I won’t say anymore.  Just click the link and read about it yourself.  I’m enjoying this book too much not to spread the word.  I’ve already got two co-workers reading it and they are loving it too!

Read about it here –>      About the Book.

Cosmic Signage

I’m a believer in signs. It’s true.  Close your mouth. I moved to DC because I read the signs…in that case it was literally a message on a sign.  That’s another blog post because that was a life changing sign.

The sign I received this week was smaller.  A little supportive pat on the back, if you will.  I’ve been stressed lately. Some things are up in the air on top of the stresses at work.  It’s not easy being Alice working in Wonderland.

I am currently listening to a book in the car and reading a book at home.  Both books referenced a phrase.  The first time I heard it, the phrase really stuck out to me.  It stayed with me all day. The second time I heard it, I smiled.  I got the hint. 

“Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” It’s from St Matthew.  I will try to chill and find things more in the present to concentrate on.  I don’t need to be fretting over what may come in a week, a month or a year when there’s a bathroom to clean now, my daughter to feed now or dining table to de-clutter.

It’s a good phrase to tuck into your pocket.  Remember, my friends, you are not a super hero. You can’t do everything.

We shall endeavor to take each day as it comes.