Five things friday

I haven't done one of these in awhile. Here are five random things on this Friday...

1. STIMULUS CHECK: We got our third government stimulus check this week. $1400 apiece. I can't remember how much the other two were for (was it $1200 and $600?). And, personally, I have no problem taking this money. I haven't had a raise in two years (and make peanuts anyway) and Jane had to take a reduction in hours this year, all due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, I feel like there are a whole lotta hypocrites out there who are hysterically anti-socialism and anti-government-helping-anyone (but themselves), and for those who haven't had their income effected by the pandemic... I'm not sure how they reconcile all that. Whatever.
2. ONE YEAR AGO: Ironically, it was a year ago this week that everything shut down. I was laid off for 10 weeks and Jane was working strictly from home. I would honestly be okay with another layoff... but that's probably not gonna happen.
3. WORK SCHEDULE: Speaking of work, I am back to opening five days a week again this week and next, then it's four days a week for a couple weeks, then five again. It never ends. I have no control over it and am at the mercy of whatever my boss does. And, actually, I can't decide if I like four days or five better. It is nice sleeping later three days in a row. However, I kind of like getting off at 9 am on Fridays. Something about a short day just puts me in a good mood.
4. GO ILLINI: The NCAA basketball tournament kicked off last night. Otherwise known as March Madness! And this year I even have a team in it!!! The Illinois Fighting Illini are ranked #3 in the country and are a #1 seed in the tournament. It has been so fun this year. I plan to write more in-depth later, but I hate to say too much just yet because I don't want to get my hopes up only to have them dashed in an ugly upset. So I'll stop for now.
5. PROVERBS: I've been using the book of Proverbs for devotions this month (in addition to Common Prayer). At first I wasn't sure how I felt about it. I wanted to read a book, you know. But I really like it now. It's amazing how it sort of just washes over you. I mean, I can't recall specific verses or phrases (and I'm using The Message, which is kind of wordy), but it has a way of changing my perspective. At least for awhile. I recommend it.

Well, I guess I have to stop. So long; have a good weekend; see you later alligator; after awhile crocodile... so on and so forth...

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Proverbs 19:17

"Mercy to the needy is a loan to God,
    and God pays back those loans in full."