I finally caved this evening and turned my air conditioning on. It was 80 degrees in the house and since I am pretty miserable too much over 75 if it's muggy I decided it was time.

While I am looking forward to being able to sleep tonight I also can't help but hear cha-ching noises every time the air kicks on. Especially since our utility company was just given permission to raise our rates $10-12 per month.

I used to be able to fill up my car for $10; now it's nearly $40. The same groceries that cost $100 are now over $150. I could add to the list but I am sure you all know what I am talking about. Don't expect me to help stimulate the economy. I am one of the ones who really can't go out and spend us out of trouble. I can only buckle down and hold on.

It may sound like I am complaining and indeed I am, but I am grateful to have a job that hasn't been cut and a wage that hasn't gone up but also hasn't been reduced. I am grateful that somehow I can afford to put myself through grad school and most of the bills still get paid every month. I am grateful that the car keeps running and the house is holding up. My needs are met, everything else is as they say, gravy. And gravy can be eliminated so I still have wiggle room.

I have decided to focus on the bright side. Life's too short to be miserable.

If you know me and my world view this post will come as no surprise.

I am disheartened by the celebrations in the streets over the death of bin Laden. I didn't say that I am sad that he is no longer a threat just that we are celebrating it. There are a couple of reasons I feel this way.

First and foremost I am a Christian. I don't read anywhere in the Bible that God rejoices when a sinner dies without redemption. In fact, His heart grieves at His creation's willful disregard for His precepts. God asks us to pray for all His people:

"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Matthew 5:44-45

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that
we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is
good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved (italics mine) and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4

And,

"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn His wrath from him." Proverbs 24:17-18

Second, as I responded in a post on Facebook, "I am saddened by the fact that we (U.S.) do not distinguish ourselves as more moral and realize that we have spent years and been a part of the deaths of innocents as well as those who are culpable. It is a victory but what a price we have all paid."