I only watched the beginning of the State of the Union speech. I just wanted to see the historic portion with announcing the guests to Madam Speaker. After that I figured it was downhill so I turned the television off before "Jorge Busch" was on.

I did think it was interesting that in the preface to the speech, Katie Couric and Bob Schieffer were talking about the history of the annual State of the Union. From Thomas Jefferson until Woodrow Wilson in 1913, the annual report on the State of the Union was done in letter form. Since President Wilson every President has made the trip to Capitol Hill to personally speak of the State of the Union. I particularly liked the commentators reference to the fact that in this media savvy world we live in, no politician is going to not take full advantage of the opportunity to appear on television. I also thought it was interesting that the Congressmen and Congresswoman send their pages to hold "prime" seats along the isle to increase the chance of getting the politician on national television.

They just weren't counting on me hitting the power button. Heh, heh.

I caught a night news segment talking about children's birthday parties. It seems that it is becoming very competitive. Not between the kids, but between the parents. The old drive to "one up" the neighbor. It talked about party budgets. (Hello, I didn't ever really budget, I just figured plates, napkins, party favors and cake were part of it.) They were talking about how common it was to see parents spend as much as ten thousand dollars just on theme. (What gift! I gave you a heck of a party!) They had footage showing a makeup artist doing makeup on a group of pre-adolescents, and the kids dressing up as rock stars and getting in a limo to go "paartteey".

I guess if my kids have anything to be thankful for it is that they don't have to do much to out do their childhood.

I keep wondering what today's generation is learning. That it is all about "show". Whatever the costs, it's all about image. Krl was talking recently with Trc and knowing winter formal was coming up told Trc of a shop that was having a sale. Trc told her that she couldn't buy Lrn a dress there, her friends would never let her live it down. $85.oo shoes for a one night wear. (And they weren't even glass slippers.)

Sounds like Lrn needs a new group of friends. Talk about champagne taste and a beer budget. Maybe the availability of dollars and "sense" are equal. They are limited. But what the hey! I wonder how many of this circle can really afford the lifestyle.

It has to be a very unhappy childhood to compete on every front. HHhhmm. That could explain a lot.

I guess as I get older I get wiser. I know how hard it was to do what I did for my kids, and that makes me realize how much sacrifice my parents made.

It makes me sad that society is making "living" so competitive.

It only reinforces Earl's philosophy of Christian living. Moderation.

So with that. Have a good day. Not a bad day, not an excellent day, just a good day.

FATHER, keep us grounded, keep us centered in YOU, keep us anchored and steady, in a world of excesses. May YOUR ways become our ways and may what is important to YOU be important to us.