Why do we feel so guilty all the time?

I've just read this article by Mark Palmer online at the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/4014660/The-great-guilt-trip.html

A refreshing and thoughtful look at how so many things in life these days are conspiring to make us feel guilty about something.

The comments from a vicar struck me particularly as a balanced view:

I put all this to my vicar. His response struck me as sound advice with which to start 2009: "You can get so taken up with all the dos and don'ts of modern living that you forget the fundamental commandments that provide a moral anchor. Don't start thinking that Sally is a better mum than you or that Johnny is a better provider than you are. Or that everyone is having better sex, better holidays or a better social life.

"I would say this, of course, but try going to church. It offers a pause – a chance to reconnect with the big picture. And remember what is at the heart of Christian society: forgiveness. A little more of that in your life will come in handy."

Enough said.

It's Sunday and monsoon weather

It's dry at the moment but about 7.00am this morning it was just like a monsoon, though I suppose it wasn't quite as hot!

I haven't yet read the Sunday papers online, but I heard on the BBC News Channel that Fern Britton is in trouble with the Mail On Sunday for not saying that she had weight loss surgery. Why are we so focused on women's weight? You don't ever hear similar comments made about men - with the exception perhaps of that annual rush to try and get pictures of the leaders of the main political parties in their swimming shorts. Again you rarely hear comments about the way men in the limelight dress - David Beckham's famous sarong being the exception. It's very much double standards in my opinion.

Currently reading Sue Gee's 'Reading in Bed' - old age and the educated middle classes and Sharon Owens' 'Revenge of the Wedding Planner' - which is starting to annoy me and I may not finish it. I have 'The Morville Hours' by Katherine Swift and Veronica Heley's 'False Picture' to read next amongst others.

Off to trawl the papers and then chicken for tea - not sure about dessert yet

Sunday

I have just finished reading Marian Keyes' latest 'This Charming Man'. Quite a gritty story - domestic violence, honesty or otherwise in (Irish) politics and alcoholism in women. There were also some hilarious scenes with cross-dressers which I absolutely loved. I'm not a particular fan of MK having been put off by 'Watermelon'. I did read - and loved - 'The Other Side of the Story' so I decided to try the latest. It was well worth reading. Some of the scenes are shocking even though you almost know what's coming. I recommend it - don't be put off by MK's chick lit image.

I've also finished Eve Houston's 'Secrets in Prior's Ford' - think Miss Read and Rebbecca Shaw. Village life and interesting people - the first in a series. I shall definitely watch for the next one as it was a good book to read on the bus to and from work.

Talking of work - our manager has got herself a temporary promotion and is moving on to greater things. So we're depressed bunnies at the moment as we've always felt she does her best for us. We don't know who we're going to get in exchange so we're feeling a bit jittery. Add to that the prospect of the office closing - well we hope it won't and have prepared a 60 page document to say why we think it shouldn't full of facts and figures. We shall have to wait and see until later this year whether we've been successful in our campaign to keep it open.

But I shall enjoy Sunday and worry about work tomorrow. It's sunny and warm, even if it is bordering on too hot to sleep at night, and it's really nice to wander around with a minimum of clothing on. Off to read the Sunday papers on line.

It's Sunday

I have has a relaxing Sunday reading the Sunday papers - actually on paper for a change. I usually do this when I'm not working during the following week. I'm off now until March 25th, and I've been really looking forward to it. Time to surf the net, read and write, and just relax.

I have currently nearly finished reading 'Trust me I'm a (junior) Doctor' by Max Pemberton. This is the book of The Daily Telegraph column. I'm sure if we really knew what went on in any profession we would never trust them again. I find it interesting reading these descriptions of every day working life. I've read several by various members of the medical profession and found them all compulsive reading. How doctors see patients is always illuminating and should make us behave differently. I'm not sure it does but then who is any good at recognising their own abominable behaviour? I recommend 'trust me' as an insight into the workings of any NHS hospital. Perhaps I'll put another list on Amazon of books about jobs.

I was reading today about a supposedly senior civil servant who has written a blog about the failings of ministers and her own colleagues. I've just tried to read it from the link on the Times web site - needless to state I couldn't get on it. Either because the powers that be have banished it to outer darkness or it's simply so busy it's crashed. Blogging about one's employer tends to end in the sack - ridicule can be painful. I'm too close to my pension to risk all by letting off steam in public, but good luck to anyone who does try.

One day I'll master putting in links but I don't think my brain is working properly today!