Val-isms

Reverse Murphy's Law

Sometimes things go right.

As much as I'm a 'half-full' kinda gal, it doesn't always work out that way for me.

I had work to do that I had not finished before I left the office yesterday, that needed to be done before today. <sigh>

I thought about logging into the system from home last night and opted to go in early this morning instead.  This is a very challenging thing for me to have to do.  Leave a nice warm cozy bed earlier than I absolutely have to???... HATE that.

But I did it.  It was dark outside at 5:30am.  I was in my office at 6:15 and got everything I needed to get done by 8.  YAY.

When one of my co-workers came in, she said that she had tried to get in to the system from home all last night and couldn't.  Apparently I must have sensed that and knowingly avoided even attempting to log in last night.

Productivity is happening this morning.  The afternoon, though?  That might just be a different story!

2:32

That's the length of time it took Linda to run 13.1 miles this morning!  2 hours and 32 minutes!

She started out strong...and finished strong.  So pumped up and proud of herself.

We drove up last night after a nice Simchat Torah service (I got to carry a Torah around!!! and Linda & I got to hold the unwound Torah as they displayed it around the Sanctuary), followed by a nice meal at Bloodroot (the local vegetarian/feminist restaurant) with our friends Mary (a long time friend) and Linda (a co-worker who we've become friends with).  Yak and her new partner Alyce joined us there, as well.  It was a lot of fun.

We arrived at our hotel in Glastonbury about 11:30pm.  Beautiful suite: mini-kitchen with full-sized frig, sink, dishes, etc... a little table for 2, a small 'living room' and then another room where a King sized bed filled most of it.  The bathroom was off of that, but the sink/mirror/closet area was just off the bedroom.  Huge!  2 sinks!  (Love that!)  Then in another good size room was the toilet and tub/shower.  There was a TV in the bedroom and the living room.  All this for $119 - it was a shame that we really didn't get to enjoy it longer, as we pretty much went to bed as soon as we got there and then got up about 5:30am.

We set out for coffee/bagels about 6:20am and arrived at the Hartford Civic Center for registration about 6:40am.  The sun was just about up and there were a ton of runners all over the otherwise deserted streets.  Linda ran in to register while I waited in the car.

Then we drove up to as close to where the races would be starting and finishing and found a nice cheap lot to park in.  We had about an hour before the race started, and as it was pretty cold out, we opted to hang in the warm car for awhile.

We ventured out with Linda having bravely removed her sweat pants that covered her shorts and changed into a long-sleeved t-shirt.  I had a sweatshirt with a t-shirt underneath and jeans and I was pretty cold!  Think it was in the high 40's!!! (during the race, Linda noted that it was 51!)

Here's a shot from the front of the race before everyone took off:

And here is my half-marathoner checking out the competition, looking pretty non-challant, don't you think???!!  Nerves of steel, my baby has!!!

And here she is just after completing the challenge - note the medal around her neck!  She was so thrilled with receiving this that she didn't take it off the whole way home in the car!

Incredibly awe inspiring.  To see her complete this very personal challenge that she gave herself was inspirational.

And she should be.  Way to go, cutie!  You done good!

Oh, and what did I do while she was running?  I walked around a bit and then saw the 5K racers complete their race.  Then went back to the car and read yesterday's newspapers and took a 20 minute nap!  About 10 (the race started at 8), I went back to the bleachers near the finish line and started looking for my honey.  When I saw her,  I jumped down and got over to the finish line just as she was looking around for me.  (She looked like she coulda run another 10 miles!)  Maybe a full marathon is in her future!!!

You say to-MAY-to and I say to-MAH-to...

When my friend Mary (non-Jewish) expressed interest in coming to services with me some time, a few weeks ago, I thought a fun one for her to attend would be for Simchat Torah. 

She told me to send her an e-mail of the date, etc... 

I saw her a week after I sent the e-mail and she was all excited.  The following is the conversation we had as she was waving papers in her hand at me:

Mary: I went and looked up SimCHAT (pronounced phonetically -as you 'chat' with someone) Torah.

Me:  You looked up WHAT?!!!

Mary:  That holiday .. you know, SimCHAT Torah...

I can't tell you how hard I laughed, since I have NEVER heard it pronounced like that before.  But for those who don't know that the "ch" in a word designated as a transliteration for the Hebrew word is pronounced with a "HA+phlegm" sound in the front, I guess it would just be ch, as in chat or choo-choo!

Along the same lines, my daughter Sophie is learning how to write words and sentences.  She is encouraged to spell things as she hears them, which makes reading what she's written a challenge at times, especially when in her world, vowels are optional in words!

Last night at dinner, she was making writing exercises for the 3 of us to do.  She wrote "Wot bgns wot the lttr S" (what begins with the letter S?)  Linda took a turn writing a word, and then I took a turn writing, etc...  After a couple of rounds, Sophie writes: "Sim ho tora"  and announces: "That's Simchat Torah!" (pronouncing it with the Hebrew "CH" sound like a pro!)  Apparently she hears something a bit different!!!  But at least she can say it correctly!

Interesting.... very interesting!

Shabbat Shalom.

It's nice just to be nominated...

I know I've written here about how much I enjoy my Temple.  It's hard for me to really explain how much I have craved being part of a Jewish Community.  I don't think that deep down, even I knew the depth of that craving.  I think that with the rest of my life going on, I was always able to push away that 'need' to belong by figuring that how would a gay woman who was in a relationship with a non-Jewish woman fit into a Temple community?  I always felt I was on the outside looking in.

Anyway, I clicked with this Temple right from the first visit.  And with time, this connection has only gotten stronger.  I know that having my partner sharing this connection with me has made it that much better.  We absolutely love going to Friday night services and have incorporated it into our weekly routine, regardless of having Sophie with us or not.  We have made many friends among the many "regulars" on Friday nights and I was even asked to light the candles and say the blessings over them, one Shabbat evening.  I was thrilled.

I have gotten very involved with the Kulanu group (no we haven't renamed it yet - for those of you who remember that post about renaming the GBLT group within the Temple).  I volunteered to write the 'bio' page about the group, which is on the Temple website currently and also about the PFLAG event we held in the spring, which was published in the monthly Temple Bulletin.

I know that joining a Temple was definitely motivated in the recent years by the fact that I have a child that I wanted to raise to be a Jew.  But certainly, the benefits I have personally gained with this affiliation over the past few years have so far exceeded my expectations, I sometimes feel emotionally overwhelmed.

We have taken the Intro to Judaism class and now are taking Hebrew.  We have attended so many wonderful holiday dinners and events and met many wonderful people who make us feel very much included.  Just wonderful.

In the spring, during one of the services, they announced that they were starting a leadership program within the Temple.  It would be a group of congregants who were selected by members of the Board, the Rabbi's and/or the Cantor, who they felt had leadership potential.  They would educate them in different areas; 1) Reform Judaism in general, how it fits in with the community, regional, etc... 2) Temple bureaucracy - budget, committee formations, etc... and 3)  general leadership training .  I watched this group of people they announced be brought up on the bima and I thought to myself how wonderful for them to be chosen.  What a nice honor to be recognized and asked to serve their Temple.  What a great experience for all involved.  And I thought maybe someday I could be one of those people.

This past Yom Kippur, I was asked by the Sr Rabbi if I would like to assist in 'dressing the Torah' during the early afternoon service.  I was so amazed that he was calling me (ok, so it was actually his Secretary, but whatever!!!) to ask.  But I had to turn him down due to the fact that I could not subject Sophie to an entire afternoon of adult services and had planned to do the kids service and then come back for the concluding service with her.  I felt horrible for having to turn down such a nice opportunity and I spoke to him that Friday night at services so I could express my gratitude in being asked and he completely understood.

Yes, all this rambling does have a point....and I'm getting to it now!

In the mail today, I received a letter from the Temple telling me that I have been selected to be in their next group of the leadership program if I am interested in doing so.  To say that I am thrilled beyond belief is a vast understatement.  Since reading this letter, I have just wandered around mumbling to myself, "Unbelievable.  I just can't believe it." 

I have no idea how much time this program will entail, but I really hope that it will fit into my schedule.  I know I will do what I can to make sure it does! 

And now I know how those Oscar nominees feel.  Because win or lose, being nominated means that someone noticed and chose you over others for something special.

Politics in the rain

Linda & I went to see a debate between some local politicians that took place at our Temple last night.  I've never been to one of these before.  It was a packed sanctuary!

It was pretty entertaining... especially the Libertarian candidate, who continued to provide the comic relief when the other 2 candidates started to get a tad repititious!  He was so far out with his ideas, I was amazed at the chutzpah he had standing up there saying them - and so serious!  And he was a nice Jewish boy.  <sigh>

What I learned was that these debates don't make or break your opinions of the candidates, but rather just reinforce why you liked 'your' candidate in the first place.

Of course, Israel was the main topic of the questions asked.  And what candidate is going to be anti-Israel while speaking from the bima at a Temple?  So there was lots of lovin' being 'shouted out' to the land of Israel the whole time.

We got there just before it started and grabbed 2 of the last seats available, so we didn't get to fill out a question card.  Not that they even asked all the questions from the audience, but not one question regarding gay marriage in CT was asked.  <sigh>  But I know my candidate has spoken positively and done supportive things for us, but it would have been nice to hear it in person. 

I'm glad we went.

The outlook looks good, folks

My ex is on a business trip this week, so starting this evening, we have Sophie until Friday evening.  I love when we have her for a chunk of time.  Even though the actual time together is relatively small - with work and school - I like having her under my roof for 3 nights in a row instead of the usual 2 (Tues & Wed's).

The schedule that we have agreed upon (she's with Linda & I 2 nights during the week and 1 night on the weekend, plus I provide dinner monday thru friday, as I pick her up from school every day) is good.  There is flexibility on both sides and Sophie has adjusted to it nicely.  (Though there will be plenty of things for her to talk about in therapy when she's older, I'm sure!!!)

Linda has not heard yet when she'll be starting her new job yet - EXTREMELY annoying.  Unfortunately that's what happens when you take a new position within the same company.  They can mess with you that way.  <sigh>  I hope she hears something soon.

In the meantime, it's hard for me to stay too annoyed about anything these days.  Not with this outstanding weather.  Crisp, sunny and 60 degrees.  The rain is supposed to come in tonight for a day or 2, but then the weekend is looking great for her run.

My folks, the globetrotters

My parents are movers and shakers.  They are fully enjoying their retirement and their good fortune of good health allows them to travel and do pretty much whatever they want to do.  Lucky them.

They hate the winters in New England.  So during the colder months, they tend to travel either south to Florida, west to California to visit my youngest brother and his family or to different places in Europe.

Recently they've decided to relocate to Manhattan - sell the house and the car and become city dwellers.  From a logistical point of view it makes sense.  They enjoy the theatre and other city attractions.  They wouldn't have to drive anywhere, which would give my Dad greater freedom to go and do as he pleases, since he's legally blind.

However, they have a beautiful house on the water.  And there is a lot to be said about this.  It's a stunning view and to wake up to that every day is not a bad way to spend your retirement.

At the moment, real estate sales are not booming, so though they put the house on the market, nothing is really happening, so it's provided my Mother an opportunity to second-guess her decision!  Which she has a right to do!  But in the meantime, she has other things to think of.

There is still the issue of where to spend the winter months!  An advertisement for low rates to Israel prompted them to consider going for a 2 week visit in December, which has now turned into a 5 month relocation to the Holy Land starting in November!

They've rented a place in Jerusalem, booked their flights and have promised me that they'll be home for Pesach!

Though I'm thrilled for them and their ability to go plus thrilled for my older younger brother David and his family to have the opportunity to have them relatively close by for a chunk of time, it's a little sad for me to know that they won't be 20 minutes away from me for that period of time.

I've been spoiled (or abused - depending on how you look at it!) having them close by for my entire adult life - having never lived more than 12 miles from them in that time.  It comes with some chores (watering plants, checking on the house, etc...) when they travel, but for the most part, I like having the luxury of being able to stop in when I want or to make plans for a spontaneous dinner date.

Recently I've noticed that I haven't been seeing them that much.  The weekends seem to be endlessly full of things to do.  They've made an effort to come to Sophie's swimming lessons on Sunday afternoons, so I see them there, which is great for me, them & Sophie.

I pretty much talk to them daily and I'll just have to get used to a new method of communication - e-mailing and/or using Skype - to keep in touch, once they leave for their haitus!

So, as my brother counts down the days to their arrival to Isreal with great anticipation, I realize that that countdown applies to me, as well,  and how many days I have to spend with them before they leave and that I'd better get busy enjoying them while I can.   Roughly 22 days... <sigh>

Busy Saturday

We started the day with me making Challah French Toast for my girls for breakfast... YUM! 

Then off to the office - just to check and see if Linda had left her wallet there - which she had.  Then to Target, looking for slippers for Sophie.  We walked out of the store with all this: bathrobe, underwear, dress, 2 shirts and 2 pairs of PJ's - all for Sophie.  And a shirt for Linda.  No slippers.

Lunch was at Taco Bell - - Sophie's choice. 

Then to Lake Mohegan for a nice walk around the lake with Rabbi Rachel and some other members of the congregation - about 10 of us.  It was mostly a gay crowd and mostly women, and the Rabbi kidded with us that it should have been renamed a "Kulanu" event!  There was 1 guy and his daughter Hannah who, it turned out, was adopted from Korea and was 10 yrs old.  Sophie was shy, though and didn't want to let go of my hand during most of the walk.

Sophie really has issues with responding to people when they speak to her.  Shy or not, I'm trying to get her to realize how rude it is to not respond or respond quietly without looking at the person.  She was pretty good last night at services, but I had to prod her.  We ended up sitting next to Rabbi Prosnits' wife Wendy and their youngest son Jacob during the services.  There was a guy in front of us who knew Wendy, so Wendy introduced us all to him.  So, he said hi to Sophie and she didn't say anything at first, but then after he had turned away, she said pretty loud, while looking right at him, "HI, HI, HI" - but he didn't hear or see her.  But she made sure I saw her!

Today on the walk, Hannah's Dad asked Sophie what school she went to and Sophie answered with her school  name right away.  I was so pleased.  About 5 seconds passed and Sophie turned to me and said "How was THAT?"   (I didn't realize that conversational English was something that had to be taught)

Linda & I crack up when people say how quiet Sophie is and how she is so well behaved, as they just don't see the child the way we do.  She is pretty well behaved, but not so quiet!  I try not to push her, as her personality is what it is, but it's just not acceptable to not respond when people are talking to you.

We're home now and debating going out for dinner - to celebrate Linda's new job - or just go to a movie.  We've been on the go most of the day, it's nice just being in a quiet house.  Decisions, decisions.

Updated in the evening:  We did go get a bite to eat - nothing fancy.  It was nice.  We'll celebrate big another time.

However, it was after seeing my Yankees get beat.  Unbelievable.  So strong throughout the season and then they go out with a wimper.  Just pathetic.

Oh, what a beautiful morning...

oLinda & I rarely commute together, despite the fact that we work in the same building (4 floors apart!).  This has to do with the different hours we work and the different activities/responsibilities we each have after work.

Today, though, we commuted.  We vowed to go in early (the goal was 6am!) for a number of reasons, mainly, to enable her from having to come in over the weekend and due to my workload, as well.

We didn't quite make it up at 5, as anticipated.  (It was pitch dark out at that time!) 

It was more like 5:45 when we actually stumbled out of bed. (Still dark)

It was brisk and kind of dusky when we walked outside and scurried (well, Linda scurried!) to the car.  I love that crisp morning air.

It was 6:30 and my newspapers hadn't arrived yet. <sigh>

We headed off to work.  A new day.  Both of us rather quiet - still a bit sleepy.

As we got onto the Rt 8 Connector highway, the sky ahead of us and slightly to the right was absolutely stunning.  A shade of pink swirled across the sky and had us both dazzled and in awe.  A beautiful sunrise.

What a nice way to start the day.  Driving together with the one you love and witnessing such a sight as that.  Life is all about these 'moments' and being appreciative.

We begin the celebration of Succoth this evening by assisting with the building of the Sukkot at the Temple.  Then the kids all help decorate it with fruit and vegetables.  Then a potluck dinner will be served and there'll be a short service.

The new Rabbi is leading a Nature Walk tomorrow afternoon, which we plan on attending.  The weather should be perfect for a nice walk in the woods.

Life is all about these 'moments' and being appreciative of the natural beauty all around us.

On a side note:  I'm hoping that Linda gets some good news today.   Check out her blog over the weekend to find out what I'm referencing.

Shabbat Shalom.

A new toy for me

Though my Yankees lost today, it was still a good day.

I got a new toy.  I upgraded my cell phone and got this!

... with the Bluetooth wireless ear piece.

.... I'm thrilled with it!

The phone was free (after rebate) and I got a bunch of accessories (including the ear piece) for a pretty low price.  Considering this is my only phone (no land phone), it's worth it. 

It has a ton of features I probably won't use, but it has 'em, if want 'em.  Camera, music playing v-cast, navigational system, etc...  But most importantly it's slim, cute and I can call people! <smile>