Money

Today was a  pleasant day because the sun was soft and warm. I saw some friends and we sipped on home made mango juice at a big flea market in San Jose, not to mention I had some of the best tacos de carne asada in my life and trust me I know if it's good--I'm Mexican after all. I have a few topics floating around in my mind. Some major and others are smaller. Can you tell I'm a bit agitated? Well that's  not really the word....I guess more like in super thinking mode--more than usual and it's making me feel funny. Alright...today's post will be about MONEY. What everyone seems to need in this world, sad but true.

What are my personal thoughts on money? Well I think money is useful, powerful, amazing, and not evil--people make it that way. Money is useful because we need it for our everyday goods and for our long term goals, such as owning a home or a business. Money is powerful because it posses much influence and can fund wars and peace programs. And it is not evil as it is just a tool with no mind. It is up to oneself to decide how we will use it.

I come from a humble background; I was born into an immigrant family and we didn't have much. A lot of people who know me today wouldn't think I had a challenging childhood because I'm always happy--either happy or sleepy, never angry and I hide sadness. Growing up my family worked in the produce fields of beautiful California and mostly worked for the strawberry industry. Picking strawberries is hard work, I've tried and failed miserably. We didn't have the newest or fanciest things but we had so much love. A lot of people pity me because I grew up with out a father and thinking he was just taking a long trip away, but I had so much love from 2 grandparents, a mom, and 7 uncles!!! Sometimes my grandpa would take me to work in the fields (more like watch but I did help) and that is where I picked up my hard working habits--never complain and it will get better. My grandpa would wake up at 4:45 am everyday and leave at 5:30 to get to work by 6 am. Before he would leave he always had a cup of Nestle Nescafe Instant Coffee (which to this day I still prefer over the finest coffee) and I would wake up early just to join him and hear a story or two. He taught me that integrity, kindness, and perseverance was worth more than money.

I am amused at how money changes everything. And how in classic economics, money and the economy will regulate itself  (Adam Smith's Invisible Hand, find out more in The Wealth of Nations--good stuff!). I will get into my thoughts about the economy and things of that sort another day. I know I am such a nerd but hey I like to learn (except when it comes to math). I will admit, from time to time I get these strong urges to buy something really expensive just because it's name brand or something of that sort. I mean we all do it...come on admit it. But at the end of the day remember money is money and we can have a better time enjoying friends and family.....and other things which are free hehehehehe. Sorry I don't mean to be perverted, but I was a baseball player for years!!!
Stay sane and humble my habibis (friends/loved ones in Arabic).