It's not just me

That shifty thing seems to be catchy.

My brother lost his job this week. After 13 years, he was given two weeks' notice during a major restructuring. It wasn't just him. Every employee was laid off. The entire staff was given the pink slip.

Today in the paper I read that the electric monopoly here in RI wants to raise their rates by 21%.

Gas is $4.10 a gallon.

My oil bill was $900 to fill the tank last time and that was before the price of oil spiked.

Holy Shit. Moving to Vietnam is starting to look like a reasonable option. Anyone want to join me?

In other news, we are reading the book of Acts in our bible study and I am being reminded why it is one of my favorite books of the bible. I love the story of the Simon the magician and of Peter, who really mans up in this book. No more bumbling goofus. Nope, he is one tough cookie by this point.

Reading Acts with my friends at church is a sure fire way to keep me from being swallowed by fear. That and reading the daily office.

Here is today's psalm:

Psalm 142 Voce mea ad Domine

1	I cry to the LORD with my voice; * to the LORD I make loud supplication.
2	I pour out my complaint before him * and tell him all my trouble.
3	When my spirit languishes within me, you know my path; * in the way wherein I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
4	I look to my right hand and find no one who knows me; * I have no place to flee to, and no one cares for me.
5	I cry out to you, O LORD; * I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
6	Listen to my cry for help, for I have been brought very low; * save me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
7	Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your Name; * when you have dealt bountifully with me, the righteous will gather around me.