Looking for spirituality in all the wrong places

When we take our son to Sunday school, we'll often stay for the service that begins the kids' morning. The more I sit, the more reject any religious aspect of Judaism I might hang my proverbial hat on. I've searched the prayer book for signs that I'm welcome, though after the two or three thought provoking meditations, I mainly find references to ancient men and a masculine deity. It probably doesn't help that I've become more interested in learning about the sacred goddess. Nor does it help that the rabbi is checking his Blackberry while the cantor directs the children in song. I do like the bagels, though.

Take this job and shove it

I’ve been fired before, three times, actually. First time: I spoke up when the woman who owned the business referred to me and my co-workers, all college-educated, as "L.D. kids," to a client, no less. When she fired me she said I gave her "a gnawing, burning feeling in the pit of [her] stomach." I was 23 and just getting warmed up.

Number two: I watched attorneys twice my age be dressed down, while I stood my ground. Out I went.

Third time's a charm: I advocated to follow through with a commitment made to the organization's constituents, which went against what the "golden boy" of the firm wanted. Good bye.

So each time I was canned for virtually the same reason: I stood up for myself or others, or stuck to my convictions. I’m not a sheep and don’t think being a team player means you become a “yes” woman (or man). But then again, I am unemployed.

Something in the air

I'm certain they've put something in the air at Disney World. Something to drug us grown ups who weren't hypnotized by the mouse during childhood.

After my trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom six years ago, I swore I'd never set foot on a Disney property again. And yet I've been back, twice. Both times kvetching about the usurious prices they charge to park and both times virtually skipping through the gate, headed through the castle humming "It's a small world after all."

I am convinced Universal Studios has the same enchantments misting through the air. This time we queued up before the gates even opened. Then we ran, giddy, to the Harry Potter attraction, where we waited in long lines and happily shelled out too much money for butterbeer, wands, hippogriffs....