Shopping is Entertainment

Today I am enduring what is starting to become an annual tradition. At 5:30 this morning, D woke me up to join the hordes of frenzied consumers in the manifestation of Black Friday. I am a reluctant cohort on this particular adventure but my participation makes D happy. Our first stop was a large electronics store. The line was easily an eighth of a mile long. I looked at D with pleading eyes and a look of dismay on my face. She smiled and said "there is nothing in their that we need that badly". We then went to the mall and purchased large quantities of clothing and other gifts.

I am amazed at how twisted modern life has become. So much of our energy is spent spending and accumulating. I am just as guilty as the average Joe, but would like to change my habits. I need to spend more of my time in areas that better me and my fellow man. My contribution to the cadet group is important and rewarding but I feel like I can help other causes as well.
I am finally getting a care pack together for my nephew in Iraq. I am feeling increasingly guilty living my lavish lifestyle knowing how miserable his conditions must be.

Today we discovered that J has been stealing our credit card to purchase fuel and maybe some electronics. I really think there is something wrong with his brain. He consistently uses poor judgement with little to no regard for the consequences. However, I don't know where to turn for help. Perhaps I should attempt to find a neurologist knowledgeable in this area. It is offenses like this that causes me to resent J and inhibits my desire to become closer with him.

I discovered Tuesday that S's bail has been reduced from $15,000 to $500. I plan to bail him out but I am wrestling with the decision to do it today or Monday. I think it is good for him to spend a little time in jail but I know it must bring back horrific memories from when he was sent to jail at the tender age of 17 for a crime he may not have committed. I write this while I sit in a comfy chair at the chain coffee shop I enjoy. I guess I should try to get him out today.