It's all about the money. It's all about the dum dum dumdumdum dum

Remember that song? Anyway, it's crazy how much it's all about the money. How much of a person's life revolves around money? You work usually around 1/3 of your day. You spend another portion thinking about it, worrying about it, dealing with it. And then you spend it the other part of your time. And you're left with 2 minutes to kiss your wife.

Fine, that's obviously exagerated but it's amazing how the world is build this way that you must work or else you will be standing on the street begging for money and in that case money is obviously controlling their lives. I'm sure many homeless people have a certain obsession with money, I'd guess moreso than "middle class" people.

When I was sitting on the subway the other day (I've been sitting on the subway almost everyday), I was watching the business men sitting there. In their suits, riding back up north after their gebillionth day of work. These 2 guys next to each other, staring into space. What are they thinking about? I they just thinking about mundane things? Are they possibly thinking about the futility of it all? Is it possible they are thinking about how happy they are in their jobs and at home, with their families? Are they content? Do they feel empty?

Going to work can be so depressing. The monotomy.

Today I was at an employment agency. I couldn't help but sit and stare at the receptionist. It's like she wasn't totally there. "Hello. You've reached Quantum, this is ___ speaking," said over and over and over and over and over again. For the life of me, though I heard her say it probably 30 times in the 10 minutes I sat there, I have no idea what her name is.

She was polite but so, so cold. And able to multitask in this freaky way.

And then you've got the woman bus driver who is all cheery. Offering me a transfer and when I ask her if I need it to get onto the subway afterwards, she oh so cheerfully says, "Well, I always say, just take one!" So I said I'd take it for good luck. I hope it's not bad luck to throw it out!

It's so strange that the world is built in a way that you must work. No choice in the matter.

In Judaism, especially in Chasidut, there is a beautiful idea of elevating the mundane. Like, the point is to not "just" be working but to elevate your. And not to "just" be getting money, but to elevate your money.

Like, it's holier to buy a milkshake than to buy a pair of shoes. Joking. How about, it's holier to buy lettuce than to buy a hamburger. : ) Still joking. Cause you can elevate a hamburger, a milkshake, a pair of shoes (obviously!) and even a boring piece of lettuce. : ) (For the record, I love lettuce, even place. I find it quite refreshing. I'm just throwing in diet-mentality comments.)

So I found out today that I might be getting a big tax return. I'm so excited. Because, it's all about the money.

K. I must go to sleep.

QE