I feel awkward sitting here in a bright blue Polo Shirt with YMCA of Greater Houston embroidered on the left breast. And my employee ID photocard hung around my neck: Elizabeth Meeks, AfterSchool, Employee since 2005.

Irony of ironies, I'm sure you know, YMCA stands for Young Men's Christian Association. There is a big brass plaque on the wall in the welcome center that says "Inspiring Judeo-Christian values in Families since 1919" or some shit.

Frankly as far as I'm concerned, the concept of "Judeo-Christian" values is a false one. The values espoused by your average Christian and those by your average Jew are not the same. Hell, theyre not even similar. (remember I am talking averages here).

I think a more accurate term for this concept is a shared Judeo-Christian HERITAGE. This one is a big "Duh".

I was about to go on here about the major differences between your average practicing Christian and your average practicing Jew, but I realized I am biased and uncomfortable with many Christians in a major way so I will not be fair.

All I can say is, I am only minimally uncomfortable to be working with this company. All in All, the YMCA is a really GREAT organization that does a lot of really wonderful things...

I felt/feel slightly more awkward about the concept of praying with my employers and students. That is something unacceptable to me.

Not only is it absolutely out-of-line for me to be praying to Jesus, in Jesus' name, etc...but it's idolatrous to boot and fucking makes me feel weird.
One of my 'students' name is Miriam Stein. But I digress.

Here's the deal: The YMCA posts flyers at the different elementary and junior high schools  offering low-cost "after school care".

This program starts from around the time school gets out (2:30) to 6:30 in the evening. It's an option for alot of parents who need help figuring out where to put their kid for the hours between when school lets out and their work does...

Anyhow, it's SPONSORED by the YMCA but the parents dont necessarily have to be members (members just get a discounted rate) and so therefore, there is a veritable hodge-podge of cultures, races, religions, whatever...

Not all of my students are white, anglo-saxon, YMCA-gym-using, protestant suburbanites. Just the vast majority. Heheh.

So there's that. I like this job. I like my boss. I like my company. All in all, very pleased.
Plus the pay is good. (Won't make a good Jew if I didn't mention the money.... just kidding).