So, we managed to get through the plane ride and our Arrival. PHEW!!
We sat through the Nefesh B Nefesh ceremony where Olmert was the Big guest of honor (and was booed by a number of people). The interesting/humerous/sad/ironic? thing was there were newspapers on each seat for everyone at the ceremony. I think it was The Jerusalem Post. And the huge headline in big block letters was "Police recommend indicting PM for bribery and a host of other charges". Impressive.
So we had just left Detroit where Kwame resigned as mayor, indicted on various charges, and agreed to a plea bargain where he owes a million dollars, is going to jail for 4 months, loses his law license, etc and here we came to Israel where it seems the Prime Minister is being indicted? Ah, politicians. So anyway, I thought it was interesting that they had these newspapers on each chair and had him speaking. But apparently the JP is a sponsor so they had to have them on there.
As the ceremony ended and we were trying to figure out where to go - my Aunt Brenda showed up!! She had been looking for me the whole time and at the end just happened to be standing across the room for us and finally saw us. So that was nice that she came to see us.
All guests were asked to leave. Shu took the kids and I took the passports and went upstairs to do whatever I needed to do up there with our passports. Some government stuff. I got in the line where my name was and waited and waited and waited. It seemed like the entire room was clearing out but our line hadn't moved!!! So we waited and waited and waited some more! I noticed a computer in the back room with a sign that said "Internet". But someone was on it. For a long time - like 30 minutes. She finally finished and I went to go check it out. I changed my Facebook status so everyone would know we had landed and I sent a quick e-mail to my mom. Then time to get back in line for more waiting. Eventually the room was empty except for us so they finally started taking people from our line and helping them elsewhere. So then I got through and I can't imagine what was taking so long in the first place because when the guy helped me, it took about 10 minutes total processing. Maybe less.
I finally made it back downstairs to where I imagine Shauli was wondering what happened to me and if I had changed my mind and run home. We handed in our taxi voucher for our free ride anywhere in the country (we chose our new home, Ariel). It took awhile but eventually we got a driver and off we went.
Made it to Ariel and went out for pizza with Aviva, Sarra, and Shevy. Then back to our temporary apartment. And we all crashed. I slept for a bit and then Shu fell asleep and I took the kids for a walk because they were a little stir crazy. We walked down to a little park called Netzarim Park. That is basically an area of Ariel where a community from Netzarim in Gush Katif was sent to. I am just learning about this community but they absolutely fascinate me. I can't imagine the ordeal they have been through. But that's another blog for another time.
Apparently this little "park" was donated by either a community or an organization. But it's kind of a sad little park. It's has little stones on the ground instead of sand or grass or little smushy ground things. A little climby thing, 2 swings, and a see-saw. And SOOO many kids. We kinda stood around and Sammy tried to eat stones. There were a couple nice ladies who started talk to me, asking if we were one of the new families to Ariel and did we have dinner for that night, Shabbat plans, etc etc. She kept telling me how impressed she was with us and how brave we were, etc. All I could think is how her life must have been absolutely turned upside down and I think SHE is the brave one. We CHOSE to move to Ariel, they had to leave their homes and come here.
After a little bit, we headed back to the apartment. Shu was still sleeping so we just hung around for a while more. We sat outside and I was just happy. Exhausted but so happy to be sitting and breathing in the Israel air. Looking around at our absolutely gorgeous view. The air is just different here.....
Our new friends and adopted Ariel family brought us a yummy dinner and stayed to chat for a bit. We had SO many questions!!!
A while later another friend stopped by and we chatted with him for a little bit.
The kids basically crashed at around 7pm without dinner. And we just hoped they would be so tired, they would sleep all night.
We weren't so lucky. They woke up around 11pm and they were up, wide awake until about 2pm and I was up for another hour. Shu got to sleep but that was fine because he was exhausted and I was wide awake!!
The kids and I woke up at about 10am the next morning, Shu had been up for awhile already. I think we spent much of that day just running around getting things done with the HUGE help of Avi Zimmerman, the Ariel Aliyah Absorption Director (?) and another new friend. We opened up a bank account, got Jonah registered for school, etc. Don't remember much more about Tuesday.
We had another rough night, with us and the kids WIDE awake until late. But Jonah finally got to sleep and I woke him at 7am to see if he wanted to go to Gan. The plan was to just check it out but we went and he opted to stay there. He was there almost the whole time until the teacher (who is actually the sub once a week so the real teacher can get a day off) called to say he wanted to come home. Apparently, some boy hit him or did something to him and he wanted to fight back and the teacher made them stop fighting. SO he wanted to come home. But by the time they took the kids outside, he was fine and would have stayed the rest of the day. But that's ok. We picked him up and did some other various errand running.
Ooh, our pizza just arrived (DELIVERY!!!) so I will write more later.
Hope you're enjoying.....................
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Our Aliyah - Day #1
Sunday, September 7th - Go to JFK. See Friedman cousins who did a wonderful job shlepping bags! What would we have done without them?? Kalman and Eli stop by to say goodbye along with Mr. and Aliza Starshefsky. Catch the end of the goodbye ceremony and eat Israeli flag cake - Jonah was excited there were blueberrys on it. Head to the terminal and board the plane. We are in row 57 ......last row of the plane. But seats recline so that's a relief. Jonah complains because he doesn't have window seat or even a window seat row. But the one across from us seems empty so he takes it. Keeps checking to see if the TV's are on yet. They were showing a little slideshow with pictures from Israel. Sammy is already being crazy and not wanting to sit still. So I chase after him for awhile. Flight was supposed to leave at 2pm. We boarded maybe 15 minutes before then. And then we sat and sat and sat. It seemed like the back section was pretty empty but at about 3pm it started filling up. Apparently "Final Boarding Call" doesn't really mean final boarding call. People are still in the aisles putting away their stuff, getting settled - and the plane starts to move. No, please be seated everyone or anything of the sort. Just starts driving.....
We sat on the runway for another half hour or so. There were lots of planes in front of us waiting in line. Jonah was getting impatient. Our seats were strange. We had 4 but the rows were 3, 3, and 3. So we had the 3 seats in the middle and one on the side (next to 2 boys). Our middle row was the last row and the single seat was the second to last row. The back 2 side rows were empty. So Jonah took over one and I sat with him. Sammy was crawling all over us trying to get to the window and stepping on Jonah so he went with Shauli to the other window seat. That's where we did take-off.
Jonah was happy once the TV's were on and he went from movies to TV shows to games. He was very independant sitting in his own little row.
Sammy on the other hand. Also somewhat independent but that meant he just wanted to run all over the plane and smile at everyone. His favorite game was running up the aisles and down the aisles. And up the aisles and down the aisles......... and falling. Again and again and again.
Both boys stayed wide awake until about the last 2 or 3 hours of the flight. Oh joy. Then Ifinally convinced Jonah to lay down across his seats. And although I tried again and again and again to get Sammy to sleep, he refused. But I handed him over to Shauli and BOOM he was out. Does Shu have the magic touch or was he just so tired that he finally fell asleep?
Then I finally went to sleep for the first time that flight. And after about a half hour, they woke me up for breakfast. Yum. That's what I want to eat at 10:30pm........
And I guess that counts for Day 1..........
STAY TUNED................................
We sat on the runway for another half hour or so. There were lots of planes in front of us waiting in line. Jonah was getting impatient. Our seats were strange. We had 4 but the rows were 3, 3, and 3. So we had the 3 seats in the middle and one on the side (next to 2 boys). Our middle row was the last row and the single seat was the second to last row. The back 2 side rows were empty. So Jonah took over one and I sat with him. Sammy was crawling all over us trying to get to the window and stepping on Jonah so he went with Shauli to the other window seat. That's where we did take-off.
Jonah was happy once the TV's were on and he went from movies to TV shows to games. He was very independant sitting in his own little row.
Sammy on the other hand. Also somewhat independent but that meant he just wanted to run all over the plane and smile at everyone. His favorite game was running up the aisles and down the aisles. And up the aisles and down the aisles......... and falling. Again and again and again.
Both boys stayed wide awake until about the last 2 or 3 hours of the flight. Oh joy. Then Ifinally convinced Jonah to lay down across his seats. And although I tried again and again and again to get Sammy to sleep, he refused. But I handed him over to Shauli and BOOM he was out. Does Shu have the magic touch or was he just so tired that he finally fell asleep?
Then I finally went to sleep for the first time that flight. And after about a half hour, they woke me up for breakfast. Yum. That's what I want to eat at 10:30pm........
And I guess that counts for Day 1..........
STAY TUNED................................
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
You Have 15 Seconds to Say a Psalm Before Kassam Explodes
'You Have 15 Seconds to Say a Psalm Before Kassam Explodes'
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The National Council of Young Israel in the United States has announced a new project that simulates the pressures facing Sderot residents after a Code Red warning gives them 15 seconds to run for cover from an incoming Kassam rocket fired by Arab terrorists.
Project SMS (Solidarity Messages for Sderot) sends a text message to subscribers after the early warning system sounds in Sderot. The message reads. "A Kassam has been launched at Sderot. You have 15 seconds" to recite Psalm Chapter 130, give charity, call the United Nations, the White House, Senators and Congressmen or pause for a moment and pray for the people of Sderot.
Sderot has been under siege for more than seven years since the Oslo War broke out in September, 2000. The Committee for a Secure Sderot reports that Arab terrorists have attacked the city with 6,913 rockets. The government promised that the siege would end after carrying out the expulsion program that included the forced removal of Jews from the Gaza region and the withdrawal of all IDF personnel.
Shaul Mofaz, who was Defense Minister at the time, vowed that Israel would respond quickly "if even one rocket is fired" on Sderot. Since then, the Olmert administration has agreed to a number of ceasefires, but each one was quickly broken. More than half a dozen rockets have hit the western Negev since the latest truce began less than two weeks ago.
Young Israel executive vice president Rabbi Pesach Lerner told its members the group wants them to experience the sense of urgency Sderot residents face when the warning siren is sounded.
"The people of Sderot have been forced to live in a time warp of 15 seconds for the last seven years," he stated. "When a rocket is fired at Sderot and the alarm is sounded, they have fifteen seconds to run for cover, find their children, gather the sleeping family from the top floor to the basement and wonder if today is the last day of their life."
Young Israel President Shlomo Z. Mostofsky added, "While the citizens of Sderot use those 15 seconds to try and avoid the deadly rockets and the ensuing damage, we need to use those 15 seconds to undertake a meaningful action, such as saying a prayer or giving charity on their behalf."
Click here to sign up: Project SMS
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The National Council of Young Israel in the United States has announced a new project that simulates the pressures facing Sderot residents after a Code Red warning gives them 15 seconds to run for cover from an incoming Kassam rocket fired by Arab terrorists.
Project SMS (Solidarity Messages for Sderot) sends a text message to subscribers after the early warning system sounds in Sderot. The message reads. "A Kassam has been launched at Sderot. You have 15 seconds" to recite Psalm Chapter 130, give charity, call the United Nations, the White House, Senators and Congressmen or pause for a moment and pray for the people of Sderot.
Sderot has been under siege for more than seven years since the Oslo War broke out in September, 2000. The Committee for a Secure Sderot reports that Arab terrorists have attacked the city with 6,913 rockets. The government promised that the siege would end after carrying out the expulsion program that included the forced removal of Jews from the Gaza region and the withdrawal of all IDF personnel.
Shaul Mofaz, who was Defense Minister at the time, vowed that Israel would respond quickly "if even one rocket is fired" on Sderot. Since then, the Olmert administration has agreed to a number of ceasefires, but each one was quickly broken. More than half a dozen rockets have hit the western Negev since the latest truce began less than two weeks ago.
Young Israel executive vice president Rabbi Pesach Lerner told its members the group wants them to experience the sense of urgency Sderot residents face when the warning siren is sounded.
"The people of Sderot have been forced to live in a time warp of 15 seconds for the last seven years," he stated. "When a rocket is fired at Sderot and the alarm is sounded, they have fifteen seconds to run for cover, find their children, gather the sleeping family from the top floor to the basement and wonder if today is the last day of their life."
Young Israel President Shlomo Z. Mostofsky added, "While the citizens of Sderot use those 15 seconds to try and avoid the deadly rockets and the ensuing damage, we need to use those 15 seconds to undertake a meaningful action, such as saying a prayer or giving charity on their behalf."
Click here to sign up: Project SMS
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Coming Home
Kollel Torah Mitzion had a party last night for those families making Aliyah from the community this year. And there are actually quite a few!!
They asked me to speak so I quickly wrote down a few words. I promised to post it on my Blog for everyone else to read. SO...enjoy.
The first time I went to Israel, I was 17 years old - and it was probably the most difficult time in my life. My father had passed away a few months before my trip and it was a trip we were supposed to take together - if he got well.
After my father died, I felt an emptiness inside me that I was worried would never be filled. Could never be filled. And that summer, the uncertainty of where my life would lead - was like none I had ever experienced. My parents were divorced, I had lived with my dad, I had started that year at a high school out of town, and wasn't sure if I was homeless....or had many homes.
But I'll never forget when we landed. I'll never forget my first breath of Israeli air. Climbing down the steps from the airplane, seeing the palm trees in the distance, and feeling the blast of hot air. Beautiful, sweet air. Tears were streaming down my face as I knelt and kissed the ground. I had finally come home......
The next few years I seemed to spend back and forth between Israel and the States and everytime I had to leave Israel - I always promised myself, I was coming back. Next time, perhaps for good.
When I was in Israel, I felt complete. Almost. The emptiness was filled. Somewhat. And I always told people that in Israel, I felt almost complete. I was just missing my husband.
I returned to the States after a very fulfilling year at Ben Gurion University where I also had volunteered for the Israeli army and found my potential career path with Magen David Adom. I returned to the States to get certified as an EMT and started dating, got engaged, and married to Shauli. But on one condition - we would make Aliyah.
We made a five year plan which at one point almost disappeared.
People have been telling me for the 11 years that I've had this dream that if I keep pushing it off, it won't happen. They'd tell me their stories, they'd compare themselves to me and say then they got married, had kids, and here they are - 20 years later. And still in America.
But I always said - it won't happen to me. I WILL make Aliyah.
But I can't take credit here. Everything is truly in G-d's hands. Who would have though that the summer Shu and I got married, his siblings Simmy and Golda would make Aliyah. And in the next few years, David, Sarra, and Arye and Aviva would follow!! That's incredible! We now have 4 of our 6 siblings living in Israel, plus one going to seminary there next year. Not to mention 9 nieces and nephews. And they've all moved in the past 5 years.....
This was out of my hands. This was Hashem's plan.
As for our five year plan, Shauli and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary in a week and a half.
And IYH, we'll be moving to Israel shortly after.
My dream will come true and I, or we, will finally be complete.
They asked me to speak so I quickly wrote down a few words. I promised to post it on my Blog for everyone else to read. SO...enjoy.
The first time I went to Israel, I was 17 years old - and it was probably the most difficult time in my life. My father had passed away a few months before my trip and it was a trip we were supposed to take together - if he got well.
After my father died, I felt an emptiness inside me that I was worried would never be filled. Could never be filled. And that summer, the uncertainty of where my life would lead - was like none I had ever experienced. My parents were divorced, I had lived with my dad, I had started that year at a high school out of town, and wasn't sure if I was homeless....or had many homes.
But I'll never forget when we landed. I'll never forget my first breath of Israeli air. Climbing down the steps from the airplane, seeing the palm trees in the distance, and feeling the blast of hot air. Beautiful, sweet air. Tears were streaming down my face as I knelt and kissed the ground. I had finally come home......
The next few years I seemed to spend back and forth between Israel and the States and everytime I had to leave Israel - I always promised myself, I was coming back. Next time, perhaps for good.
When I was in Israel, I felt complete. Almost. The emptiness was filled. Somewhat. And I always told people that in Israel, I felt almost complete. I was just missing my husband.
I returned to the States after a very fulfilling year at Ben Gurion University where I also had volunteered for the Israeli army and found my potential career path with Magen David Adom. I returned to the States to get certified as an EMT and started dating, got engaged, and married to Shauli. But on one condition - we would make Aliyah.
We made a five year plan which at one point almost disappeared.
People have been telling me for the 11 years that I've had this dream that if I keep pushing it off, it won't happen. They'd tell me their stories, they'd compare themselves to me and say then they got married, had kids, and here they are - 20 years later. And still in America.
But I always said - it won't happen to me. I WILL make Aliyah.
But I can't take credit here. Everything is truly in G-d's hands. Who would have though that the summer Shu and I got married, his siblings Simmy and Golda would make Aliyah. And in the next few years, David, Sarra, and Arye and Aviva would follow!! That's incredible! We now have 4 of our 6 siblings living in Israel, plus one going to seminary there next year. Not to mention 9 nieces and nephews. And they've all moved in the past 5 years.....
This was out of my hands. This was Hashem's plan.
As for our five year plan, Shauli and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary in a week and a half.
And IYH, we'll be moving to Israel shortly after.
My dream will come true and I, or we, will finally be complete.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Rental Cars
So, what do you think of my new blog look?
We probably need to rent a car when we go to St. Louis in a couple weeks for about a week or so and since we really have NO extra money to spare - I was just wondering if anyone knew of good deals on rental cars.
Do you have a favorite company?
Coupon code?
Let me know.
Thanks!
We probably need to rent a car when we go to St. Louis in a couple weeks for about a week or so and since we really have NO extra money to spare - I was just wondering if anyone knew of good deals on rental cars.
Do you have a favorite company?
Coupon code?
Let me know.
Thanks!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Touring Israel
2 blogs in one day??? What??? This is unheard of!!
Don't get too used to it.....
I'm helping my friend plan her trip (with her husband) to Israel (I wish I were a tour guide!) and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions of a tour guide for random places like Tsfat, Har Arbel, and Masada. How much do they generally charge?
And what are your suggestions of Must See places?
She really wants to go on the Tunnel Tours and the Water Tunnel Tours (do you know what that is) but is having trouble finding out how to schedule them or who to talk to.
Also, if they were to stay in Jerusalem for Shabbas but don't know anyone - where should they stay? Are there any good youth hostels? Do the Machlis Family still have open meals?
Does anyone have a suggestions of a good tour guide book or website?
That's all for now. More to come!
Thanks for your help - in advance.
Don't get too used to it.....
I'm helping my friend plan her trip (with her husband) to Israel (I wish I were a tour guide!) and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions of a tour guide for random places like Tsfat, Har Arbel, and Masada. How much do they generally charge?
And what are your suggestions of Must See places?
She really wants to go on the Tunnel Tours and the Water Tunnel Tours (do you know what that is) but is having trouble finding out how to schedule them or who to talk to.
Also, if they were to stay in Jerusalem for Shabbas but don't know anyone - where should they stay? Are there any good youth hostels? Do the Machlis Family still have open meals?
Does anyone have a suggestions of a good tour guide book or website?
That's all for now. More to come!
Thanks for your help - in advance.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Quotable Quotes
We were driving to Kensington Metropark yesterday, enjoying the beautiful weather and as we were driving on the highway, we drove past a convertible.
Jonah looked at it and said in a shocked voice, "Hey! Where's the roof"?
Jonah looked at it and said in a shocked voice, "Hey! Where's the roof"?
Friday, May 23, 2008
Stand Your Ground
I know you were not happy with my last post so here's a better one.
About a month or so ago, I was at K-mart and saw they had some kid's bike helmets in the Clearance section. They were just a few dollars and were real cute. But I restrained myself and didn't buy one because even though they were a great price - Jonah didn't have a bike.... aren't you proud of me?
Last weekend was the Huntington Woods City Wide Garage Sale and I made it for the last 20 minutes on Friday (and of course some time on Sunday but most of the good stuff was gone by then). The 3rd and last garage sale I stopped at had a little boys bike for sale. It was in good condtion, had training wheels on it and looked the right size for Jonah. $10!!! Definitely the right price. So I ran home and got Jonah (and his friend) and we went back to try it out. They both approved it and it came home with us. Jonah has not wanted to get of it since we bought it!! And he's doing very well with riding it!!! But then he needed a helmet.
I didn't think K-mart would have them anymore but when we were driving by Kmart on Sunday, I asked Shu if he wanted to stop in and check if they still had them. We went to the back of the store and there they were!! Not only that but they had dinosaurs on them. Jonah was so excited! I was so excited!! He thought it was silly that they had cavemen on them also because everyone knows dinosaurs were around long before people....
They had some other helmets and I checked if there was one or my niece because I knew she needed one. They had some for bigger kids but they were like $16.00. I checked the other 2 Toddler helmets and they were marked $4.00 also so I figured it couldn't be a mistake. THey must be cheap cuz they are smaller. That was the retail person in me. Checking to see if the cheap price was a mismark!
We went up to the front to pay and the lady rang up our other two items and then the helmet. It came out to $10 too much. I asked her what she charged us or everything and she said $15.99 for the helmet. I showed her the sticker and she took it and walked away. She went over to Customer Service and then came back. Then another woman came over and said no, that's not the right price. I said, well that's what it is marked. And she said I'm sorry it's incorrect. I told her there were a few more back there with the same price and that's not my fault. So the second lady went back to check it out. I should have gone with her......
She came back and said no, she didn't see any others marked that back there. I told her I was pretty sure there were at least 2 more back there and I was almost positive they had a $4.00 sticker on them. She said no, too bad. Do you want it or not? I said no way. Not if they aren't going to honor the marked price.
I was annoyed about the situation but even more annoyed about the attitude! They gave such attitude and were SOOO obnoxious!! That made me even madder than everything else. Also, I am used to working at Kohl's where customers come first and we basically do whatever they want. :) But we keep them happy.
We walked out to the car and my blood was really boiling. I was pretty sure I had seen other helmets with the same price and really felt the woman was lying to me. I canNOT stand when people lie to me and I canNOT stand when people give me attitude when it is uncalled for. But I wasn't sure what to do about it. Well, first step is I wanted to go in and check the helmets. I asked Shu if he minded and ended up sending him home with the kids because who knows how long it would take.
I went back inside and back to the helmets. I saw one hanging there which had a sticker scratched off it. How conveniant..... I was annoyed because I KNEW she had taken the sticker off. I would have remembered if there was one without a sticker on it. Oooooooooh, I was so mad. But what was I going to do? Well, I was pretty sure there was another one so I started looking for it. And G-d must have been on my side because there was one all the way in the back. And lo and behold, it had a $4.oo sticker on it. Oooooooooooh I was mad. Who is she trying to mess with???? The Customer Service Queen???
So I marched back to the customer service desk and waited....and waited.....and waited..... finally it was my turn and I explained very calmly the situation. I said I was here earlier and tried to buy a bicycle helmet that was marked $4.00 but rang up full price at $15.99. I said I would understand if it had been one helmet but I knew there were others back there with the same sticker. I said a woman went back to go check and it and maybe I should have gone with her but when she came back she said she didn't see any others marked that back there. I said we left but I was pretty sure I had seen others so I came back to check it out. I said I went back there myself and there was one with a tag scratched off which I know was not there before and there was one in the back with a $4.00 sticker. So it was their mistake and they need to honor the marked price. I threw in the lingo of the "Michigan Scan Law" and whether they knew what it was or not, I don't know. But technically it would not have applied here. They prob didn't know that.
She called over the original person who went to check on the helmet and asked what she did with the helmet. It was still in the basket up front. So she hadn't removed the sticker and put it back. I gave her the evil eye big time like I knew what she did and I knew she was a BIG FAT lier and I caught her in a lie and she was NOT going to get away with it!!!
The person helping me said they had asked the manager who said they could give me 10 or 15% off the original price. Um, no not gonna cut it. So I asked to speak to a manager. The cust service person called someone over and explained the situation and she basically repeated what the store manager had supposedly said. I asked if she was a manager, she said yes. I asked if she was the store manager, she said no. So I asked to speak to the store manager...... they paged her and paged her and paged her again. No answer. I don't know if she was really in the store or not but I think once they saw I wasn't leaving, the cust svc person said she would give it to me for $4.00
WOOOHOOO!!!! VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At the end it wasn't even the money that I cared about so much. I was so angry that that lady had tried to trick me. Liar liar, pants on fire! And I couldn't stand their attitude either.
So I won!!
That teaches you - stand your ground when you are right and ALWAYS ask for a manager!!!!
As a funny side note, after I came home Shu reminded me to get the bag of our other things from the car before I left that night for basketball. When I got in the car, I looked for them and there was nothing there. I came inside and checked and nothing. I realized we must have left it at the store and I was pretty sure I had left it in the cart. So I had to go back to the same cust service person and ask if someone had returned our bag.....
Luckily - they did!!! I joked with the lady saying something how wouldn't that show me for causing trouble! :)
Better post? It was a long one!
About a month or so ago, I was at K-mart and saw they had some kid's bike helmets in the Clearance section. They were just a few dollars and were real cute. But I restrained myself and didn't buy one because even though they were a great price - Jonah didn't have a bike.... aren't you proud of me?
Last weekend was the Huntington Woods City Wide Garage Sale and I made it for the last 20 minutes on Friday (and of course some time on Sunday but most of the good stuff was gone by then). The 3rd and last garage sale I stopped at had a little boys bike for sale. It was in good condtion, had training wheels on it and looked the right size for Jonah. $10!!! Definitely the right price. So I ran home and got Jonah (and his friend) and we went back to try it out. They both approved it and it came home with us. Jonah has not wanted to get of it since we bought it!! And he's doing very well with riding it!!! But then he needed a helmet.
I didn't think K-mart would have them anymore but when we were driving by Kmart on Sunday, I asked Shu if he wanted to stop in and check if they still had them. We went to the back of the store and there they were!! Not only that but they had dinosaurs on them. Jonah was so excited! I was so excited!! He thought it was silly that they had cavemen on them also because everyone knows dinosaurs were around long before people....
They had some other helmets and I checked if there was one or my niece because I knew she needed one. They had some for bigger kids but they were like $16.00. I checked the other 2 Toddler helmets and they were marked $4.00 also so I figured it couldn't be a mistake. THey must be cheap cuz they are smaller. That was the retail person in me. Checking to see if the cheap price was a mismark!
We went up to the front to pay and the lady rang up our other two items and then the helmet. It came out to $10 too much. I asked her what she charged us or everything and she said $15.99 for the helmet. I showed her the sticker and she took it and walked away. She went over to Customer Service and then came back. Then another woman came over and said no, that's not the right price. I said, well that's what it is marked. And she said I'm sorry it's incorrect. I told her there were a few more back there with the same price and that's not my fault. So the second lady went back to check it out. I should have gone with her......
She came back and said no, she didn't see any others marked that back there. I told her I was pretty sure there were at least 2 more back there and I was almost positive they had a $4.00 sticker on them. She said no, too bad. Do you want it or not? I said no way. Not if they aren't going to honor the marked price.
I was annoyed about the situation but even more annoyed about the attitude! They gave such attitude and were SOOO obnoxious!! That made me even madder than everything else. Also, I am used to working at Kohl's where customers come first and we basically do whatever they want. :) But we keep them happy.
We walked out to the car and my blood was really boiling. I was pretty sure I had seen other helmets with the same price and really felt the woman was lying to me. I canNOT stand when people lie to me and I canNOT stand when people give me attitude when it is uncalled for. But I wasn't sure what to do about it. Well, first step is I wanted to go in and check the helmets. I asked Shu if he minded and ended up sending him home with the kids because who knows how long it would take.
I went back inside and back to the helmets. I saw one hanging there which had a sticker scratched off it. How conveniant..... I was annoyed because I KNEW she had taken the sticker off. I would have remembered if there was one without a sticker on it. Oooooooooh, I was so mad. But what was I going to do? Well, I was pretty sure there was another one so I started looking for it. And G-d must have been on my side because there was one all the way in the back. And lo and behold, it had a $4.oo sticker on it. Oooooooooooh I was mad. Who is she trying to mess with???? The Customer Service Queen???
So I marched back to the customer service desk and waited....and waited.....and waited..... finally it was my turn and I explained very calmly the situation. I said I was here earlier and tried to buy a bicycle helmet that was marked $4.00 but rang up full price at $15.99. I said I would understand if it had been one helmet but I knew there were others back there with the same sticker. I said a woman went back to go check and it and maybe I should have gone with her but when she came back she said she didn't see any others marked that back there. I said we left but I was pretty sure I had seen others so I came back to check it out. I said I went back there myself and there was one with a tag scratched off which I know was not there before and there was one in the back with a $4.00 sticker. So it was their mistake and they need to honor the marked price. I threw in the lingo of the "Michigan Scan Law" and whether they knew what it was or not, I don't know. But technically it would not have applied here. They prob didn't know that.
She called over the original person who went to check on the helmet and asked what she did with the helmet. It was still in the basket up front. So she hadn't removed the sticker and put it back. I gave her the evil eye big time like I knew what she did and I knew she was a BIG FAT lier and I caught her in a lie and she was NOT going to get away with it!!!
The person helping me said they had asked the manager who said they could give me 10 or 15% off the original price. Um, no not gonna cut it. So I asked to speak to a manager. The cust service person called someone over and explained the situation and she basically repeated what the store manager had supposedly said. I asked if she was a manager, she said yes. I asked if she was the store manager, she said no. So I asked to speak to the store manager...... they paged her and paged her and paged her again. No answer. I don't know if she was really in the store or not but I think once they saw I wasn't leaving, the cust svc person said she would give it to me for $4.00
WOOOHOOO!!!! VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At the end it wasn't even the money that I cared about so much. I was so angry that that lady had tried to trick me. Liar liar, pants on fire! And I couldn't stand their attitude either.
So I won!!
That teaches you - stand your ground when you are right and ALWAYS ask for a manager!!!!
As a funny side note, after I came home Shu reminded me to get the bag of our other things from the car before I left that night for basketball. When I got in the car, I looked for them and there was nothing there. I came inside and checked and nothing. I realized we must have left it at the store and I was pretty sure I had left it in the cart. So I had to go back to the same cust service person and ask if someone had returned our bag.....
Luckily - they did!!! I joked with the lady saying something how wouldn't that show me for causing trouble! :)
Better post? It was a long one!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
For Sale by A Friend
I'm posting this for a friend of mine. Let me know if you are interested and I will send you her contact info. Or send her your contact info. :)
For Sale
What: Gift certificate valued at $150
Where: Truth Spa in West Bloomfield
How Much: Asking $125
The Catch: There really is none! :) The gift certificate expires May 19, but I just called and they said they would extend it. I don't have that in writing, but I expect they will be flexible. Spas are really just not my thing.....
Let me know if you are interested.
For Sale
What: Gift certificate valued at $150
Where: Truth Spa in West Bloomfield
How Much: Asking $125
The Catch: There really is none! :) The gift certificate expires May 19, but I just called and they said they would extend it. I don't have that in writing, but I expect they will be flexible. Spas are really just not my thing.....
Let me know if you are interested.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Great Deal!!!
Kudos to Lisa for telling me about this deal and splitting a case with me!
If anyone likes Don Pepino Sauce, you can order it from their website for less than $1.00 a can!!No tax and no shipping.
(I think they charge shipping if you are west of the Mississppi or something)
In our kosher store, they sell it for $1.89!!!! So there is a considerable difference.
You do have to order a case of 24 cans at a time but if you get a friend or 2 to split it, it's worth it. I know we use it to make pizza about once a week so 12 cans will last 3 months. And it's only $12!!!
So you should check it out: http://www.donpepino.com/
Happy Pizza Eating!
If anyone likes Don Pepino Sauce, you can order it from their website for less than $1.00 a can!!No tax and no shipping.
(I think they charge shipping if you are west of the Mississppi or something)
In our kosher store, they sell it for $1.89!!!! So there is a considerable difference.
You do have to order a case of 24 cans at a time but if you get a friend or 2 to split it, it's worth it. I know we use it to make pizza about once a week so 12 cans will last 3 months. And it's only $12!!!
So you should check it out: http://www.donpepino.com/
Happy Pizza Eating!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Answer?
I was getting ready to serve dinner last night and Jonah came into the kitchen to ask for a cup of milk (he had eaten dinner earlier and was getting ready for bed). He told me he knows he can't drink it at the table. He said he knows milk is dairy and we can't have it with meat. I said he was right because it wouldn't be kosher. Then he asked why? And I said because Hashem said we have to eat kosher. He said why? I said because we are Jews and Hashem wants us to. Hashem said we should not eat milk and meat together so we don't.
I could tell he was really thinking about something and trying to process the information and something wasn't sitting well with him.
Then he stumped me....... he said, "But Mommy, what will happen?"
And I didn't know what to say. My immediate thought was, "Nothing." There is not going to be a lightning bolt coming down from heaven. He's not going to get sick from it. And he won't understand the reward of Olam Haba yet.
I told him to go ask his father. And I felt really bad about that. I felt like I should have an answer for him. But I was just totally thrown off. I didn't expect my 3 1/2 year old to be asking what will happen if he doesn't keep kosher?!
Jonah is smart and he has a good memory and he's not going to forget it. So I want to bring it up again and give him an answer.
From a Chinuch perspective - what do I tell him? How do I explain it to him on his level? Is there a way? What should I say?
I could tell he was really thinking about something and trying to process the information and something wasn't sitting well with him.
Then he stumped me....... he said, "But Mommy, what will happen?"
And I didn't know what to say. My immediate thought was, "Nothing." There is not going to be a lightning bolt coming down from heaven. He's not going to get sick from it. And he won't understand the reward of Olam Haba yet.
I told him to go ask his father. And I felt really bad about that. I felt like I should have an answer for him. But I was just totally thrown off. I didn't expect my 3 1/2 year old to be asking what will happen if he doesn't keep kosher?!
Jonah is smart and he has a good memory and he's not going to forget it. So I want to bring it up again and give him an answer.
From a Chinuch perspective - what do I tell him? How do I explain it to him on his level? Is there a way? What should I say?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sleep....or lack thereof
Last night, we were up from 1:45am - 4:30am.
Two nights ago, we were up countless times. Honestly. Can't even count them.
Nope, I'm not pregnant. Nope, we aren't the parents of a newborn. And nope, it wasn't 10 month old Sammy waking us up.
It was 3 1/2 year old Jonah. I do NOT know what to do with him!!!!! He has never been a good sleeper. But it hasn't been this bad in a looooong time. This is out of control.
Bedtime is a ridiculously long process as it is. Shu and I both read books to him and then he stalls and stalls and wants this and that. And tells us he's not sleepy or tired. And the newest one is that he doesn't want to go to sleep because he is going to have bad dreams. Nothing we say can convince him otherwise.
Eventually, he gets to sleep and we have peace and quiet for a few hours. The fun begins around 1am or so.
Jonah wakes up crying for Mommy and/or Daddy. He tells us he had a bad dream. He dreamt about bad guys. He wants to come in our room and sleep in our bed. When we say no to that, he wants someone in the room with him. Apparently, Sammy isn't good enough. He wants a grownup in the room with him. But last night no matter what we did, he wouldn't fall back asleep. And if he did fall asleep, he would wake up as soon as we got up to leave the room or within 5 minutes of that. It was ridiculous!!!!
And I don't know what to do............
No matter what we do, it doesn't seem to work. Except for him sleeping in our room. But that's where we got into trouble in the first place. He's too smart for the usual tricks. Or some things will appear to work during the day - like discussions and bribes... I mean incentives. But at night, he just doesn't care. He's scared and that's it.
Sammy, thank G-d is a great sleeper. He goes to sleep at night after crying for a little bit (sometimes) and he sleeps through the night. Unless Jonah wakes him up. And then I get really mad.
We need help!!!!!!!
PLEASE if you have any suggestions or have been through this - let us know!!!!!!
I just want a little peace and quiet at night...........
Two nights ago, we were up countless times. Honestly. Can't even count them.
Nope, I'm not pregnant. Nope, we aren't the parents of a newborn. And nope, it wasn't 10 month old Sammy waking us up.
It was 3 1/2 year old Jonah. I do NOT know what to do with him!!!!! He has never been a good sleeper. But it hasn't been this bad in a looooong time. This is out of control.
Bedtime is a ridiculously long process as it is. Shu and I both read books to him and then he stalls and stalls and wants this and that. And tells us he's not sleepy or tired. And the newest one is that he doesn't want to go to sleep because he is going to have bad dreams. Nothing we say can convince him otherwise.
Eventually, he gets to sleep and we have peace and quiet for a few hours. The fun begins around 1am or so.
Jonah wakes up crying for Mommy and/or Daddy. He tells us he had a bad dream. He dreamt about bad guys. He wants to come in our room and sleep in our bed. When we say no to that, he wants someone in the room with him. Apparently, Sammy isn't good enough. He wants a grownup in the room with him. But last night no matter what we did, he wouldn't fall back asleep. And if he did fall asleep, he would wake up as soon as we got up to leave the room or within 5 minutes of that. It was ridiculous!!!!
And I don't know what to do............
No matter what we do, it doesn't seem to work. Except for him sleeping in our room. But that's where we got into trouble in the first place. He's too smart for the usual tricks. Or some things will appear to work during the day - like discussions and bribes... I mean incentives. But at night, he just doesn't care. He's scared and that's it.
Sammy, thank G-d is a great sleeper. He goes to sleep at night after crying for a little bit (sometimes) and he sleeps through the night. Unless Jonah wakes him up. And then I get really mad.
We need help!!!!!!!
PLEASE if you have any suggestions or have been through this - let us know!!!!!!
I just want a little peace and quiet at night...........
Friday, February 22, 2008
11 years........
Tonight and tomorrow are my dad's yarzeit. It has been 11 years. Hard to believe. 11 years.
Apparently, I've had this blog for quite some time now because I have blogged on my dad's yarzeit for the past 2 years. It must be therapeutic for me.
Last year I wrote about The News. The day my dad told us that he wasn't going to survive. That the treatments weren't working and the cancer spread. And that's it.
That was an agonizing day. Oh G-d, it hurts to think about it. I still can't comprehend how a parent can tell a child they are going to die. He was so strong......
I was looking through some boxes and found my diary from that year. And so I think I am going to write about the day my dad died. And the weekend leading up to it.
WARNING: It's a sad one. I'm going to basically just write from my diary........ adding a few things here and there. Maybe I'll put the exact words in quotes or something. This was written about a month and a half after he died. I don't expect anyone to read the whole thing. And I apologize to everyone that I am not writing anything original this year.
I don't know why I am not. But I found this a week or so ago and just thought I wanted to post it.
We really knew we were getting to the end. We knew almost down to the week. The last week was so hard. He was in so much pain and seemed to get worse everyday. At this point we had him in a hospital bed in our living room with hospice and a nurse's aid coming. We took care of him most of the time.
"Friday he was very out of it but better than Thursday. His breathing was so bad. It could drive a person crazy just sitting next to him. At some point on Friday evening, I went to the Winter's (our Rabbi). They had invited me for dinner but I wasn't comfortable with leaving Pa (short for Papa, that's what we called my Dad) for so long. So I went to let them know and came back with chicken, chicken soup, kugel, etc. It was so nice of them. And for the first time in a long time, we had a hot Shabbas meal. After dinner, Adrian went out. Grandma, Mom, and I all sat with Pa. He seemed to be doing worse all of a sudden. We just sat around with him. We were crying and holding his hand. I think we all thought he wouldn't make it. I was just hoping Adrian would come home. We were telling Pa it's ok to go. We'll be all right. Finally, Adrian came home. I was holding Pa's hand and squeezing it and stroking it. I was waiting for a response of any kind. Finally, Pa squeezed my hand. It must have taken so much strength. But it felt so good to me.
Adrian and Mom went to sleep because he seemed stable. Grandma was going to sleep on the couch in the living room. She was lying down and I was sitting with Pa. I couldn't leave. Grandma fell asleep and told me to wake her if I go upstairs. He would occasionally open his eyes and I would talk to him and he understood - or seemed to. One time he woke up and was looking at me. He seemed so scared. So scared. I looked him in the eyes and said something like, "Pa, I love you so much but it's ok to go. I will be ok. I will miss you so much but it's ok." He got tears in his eyes and I told him that I knew he was in so much pain. But he is going to a much better place. He is going straight to Shamayim. Heaven. Gan Eden. I told him it will be wonderful there. He is such a Tzadik. I learnt so much from him. I told him he would be up there with Avraham and Moshe Rabeinu. He would be by Sara Emainu and Adam and Chava. He gave me a half smile, like one side of his mouth. It made me so happy. I kept telling him stuff and some of the fear left his eyes. It meant so much to me....
I don't remember much about Shabbas. I don't think that too much happened. Pa slept and we just stayed with him. Around Seudah Shlishi time, I got a bencher and just sat next to him and sang songs. Song after song after song. He loved music so much and used to love to sing. I wanted to make this time enjoyable for him. And music was a way I really felt connected to Hashem.
Saturday night I was home a bit but then I needed to get out. So I made plans to go to "Empire Strikes Back" with Edan and Eli S. A bunch of people came over Saturday night and kind of made a kumsitz for Pa. They sang Nigunim from Twersky and others. I think Pa enjoyed it. Although he couldn't talk, he made that moaning sound when he tried to communicate. So when they were singing, it was like he did it extra loud. Like he was singing along. It was nice.
At about 11:30, I was going to leave. I came downstairs and everyone was still there. It kind of annoyed me because I wanted to say bye and talk to Pa in private but whatever. So I went over to his bed. I gave him a hug and told him I was going out to a movie with friends. I said I would be home and see him later. I gave him a kiss and said "I love you".
Those are the last words I said to my father.......
I came back late that night and went into the kitchen. I had something to eat and listened to my father. Before I went upstairs, I was drawn towards the doorway of the living room. I wanted to go in and give my father a kiss but I didn't want to disturb Grandma who was sleeping on the couch. So I just stood there in the doorway. I wonder if Pa was awake and knew I was there.
Then I went upstairs to go to sleep. Pa was breathing and moaning so loud I could hear him all the way in my room. It kept me up for awhile but finally I fell asleep.
The next morning (Mom told me) she went downstairs to do laundry. She went in to check on Pa and he didn't seem like he was doing well. Mom felt his pulse and it was weak. He gazed into her eyes and she saw a tear in his eyes. Then he stopped breathing.
Mom called Grandma into the room and they were both with him until his pulse stopped a few moments later.
Mom ran upstairs into my room and tried to wake me up. Lazy me didn't want to get out of bed until Mom said, "Nattie, it's Pa. He's dying." I sat bolt upright in bed and said "What? What are you saying? What are you talking about?" I vaguely remember jumping out of bed and leaping across the room in one step. I don't remember walking down the stairs. I remember floating. I ran into the living room and Grandma was by his bed trying to close his eyes and mouth. She kept saying they won't close. They won't stay shut. As soon as I entered the room, I felt a peace settle on me. I wasn't crying or anything. I walked over to the other side of the bed and took Pa's hand. I kissed his head and started saying Tehillim, Kuf Lamed. "Shir Hamaalot, Mimaakim Karaticha Adoshem......"
Then I started crying. Mom and Adrian came downstairs and Mom stood next to me. Adrian stood at the foot of the bed. I just kept saying, "I love you" and kissing his hand and face. I think it hit me then because I fell to the floor crying and almost shrieking. Mom was saying Shema. It was about 9:30am. I don't know how long we stood there with him. There was a time when I was alone with him. I knew I was supposed to cover his face. But I couldn't. I knew it was the last I would see of him. So slowly I inched the blanket up to his face. Finally, I covered it.
Goodbye............
There is plenty more in my diary about that day. Details and details and how things played out. And plenty about the funeral too.
But I decided to stop here.
There isn't much to say. No, the pain isn't there the way it used to be. Maybe that's why I typed this. I felt like I needed to relive some of the pain. Some of the hell. Because I don't feel it every day anymore. Which is good. But when I do think of it.....I just miss him. I miss him so badly. And I wish he could be here with his grandchildren. Jonah and Sammy. And now new baby Iluma. (my niece)
It's not fair.......
So that's the story. I don't have plans for tomorrow. I am not doing anything special. Just the usual. I feel bad about that.
But if you are still reading this I want to make a request.......
Will you do something today for my Dad? Will you do something "Lilui Neshama" To raise up his Neshama? Please do a mitzvah - or have a L'Chaim - say a Bracha. And say that it is L'ilui Neshama Dovid ben Avraham (or if it's supposed to be the mother's name then it's Dovid ben Malka". If you have a chance to let me know you did something, that would be nice. But you don't have to.
Thank you.... and may we only know and celebrate good things!
Apparently, I've had this blog for quite some time now because I have blogged on my dad's yarzeit for the past 2 years. It must be therapeutic for me.
Last year I wrote about The News. The day my dad told us that he wasn't going to survive. That the treatments weren't working and the cancer spread. And that's it.
That was an agonizing day. Oh G-d, it hurts to think about it. I still can't comprehend how a parent can tell a child they are going to die. He was so strong......
I was looking through some boxes and found my diary from that year. And so I think I am going to write about the day my dad died. And the weekend leading up to it.
WARNING: It's a sad one. I'm going to basically just write from my diary........ adding a few things here and there. Maybe I'll put the exact words in quotes or something. This was written about a month and a half after he died. I don't expect anyone to read the whole thing. And I apologize to everyone that I am not writing anything original this year.
I don't know why I am not. But I found this a week or so ago and just thought I wanted to post it.
We really knew we were getting to the end. We knew almost down to the week. The last week was so hard. He was in so much pain and seemed to get worse everyday. At this point we had him in a hospital bed in our living room with hospice and a nurse's aid coming. We took care of him most of the time.
"Friday he was very out of it but better than Thursday. His breathing was so bad. It could drive a person crazy just sitting next to him. At some point on Friday evening, I went to the Winter's (our Rabbi). They had invited me for dinner but I wasn't comfortable with leaving Pa (short for Papa, that's what we called my Dad) for so long. So I went to let them know and came back with chicken, chicken soup, kugel, etc. It was so nice of them. And for the first time in a long time, we had a hot Shabbas meal. After dinner, Adrian went out. Grandma, Mom, and I all sat with Pa. He seemed to be doing worse all of a sudden. We just sat around with him. We were crying and holding his hand. I think we all thought he wouldn't make it. I was just hoping Adrian would come home. We were telling Pa it's ok to go. We'll be all right. Finally, Adrian came home. I was holding Pa's hand and squeezing it and stroking it. I was waiting for a response of any kind. Finally, Pa squeezed my hand. It must have taken so much strength. But it felt so good to me.
Adrian and Mom went to sleep because he seemed stable. Grandma was going to sleep on the couch in the living room. She was lying down and I was sitting with Pa. I couldn't leave. Grandma fell asleep and told me to wake her if I go upstairs. He would occasionally open his eyes and I would talk to him and he understood - or seemed to. One time he woke up and was looking at me. He seemed so scared. So scared. I looked him in the eyes and said something like, "Pa, I love you so much but it's ok to go. I will be ok. I will miss you so much but it's ok." He got tears in his eyes and I told him that I knew he was in so much pain. But he is going to a much better place. He is going straight to Shamayim. Heaven. Gan Eden. I told him it will be wonderful there. He is such a Tzadik. I learnt so much from him. I told him he would be up there with Avraham and Moshe Rabeinu. He would be by Sara Emainu and Adam and Chava. He gave me a half smile, like one side of his mouth. It made me so happy. I kept telling him stuff and some of the fear left his eyes. It meant so much to me....
I don't remember much about Shabbas. I don't think that too much happened. Pa slept and we just stayed with him. Around Seudah Shlishi time, I got a bencher and just sat next to him and sang songs. Song after song after song. He loved music so much and used to love to sing. I wanted to make this time enjoyable for him. And music was a way I really felt connected to Hashem.
Saturday night I was home a bit but then I needed to get out. So I made plans to go to "Empire Strikes Back" with Edan and Eli S. A bunch of people came over Saturday night and kind of made a kumsitz for Pa. They sang Nigunim from Twersky and others. I think Pa enjoyed it. Although he couldn't talk, he made that moaning sound when he tried to communicate. So when they were singing, it was like he did it extra loud. Like he was singing along. It was nice.
At about 11:30, I was going to leave. I came downstairs and everyone was still there. It kind of annoyed me because I wanted to say bye and talk to Pa in private but whatever. So I went over to his bed. I gave him a hug and told him I was going out to a movie with friends. I said I would be home and see him later. I gave him a kiss and said "I love you".
Those are the last words I said to my father.......
I came back late that night and went into the kitchen. I had something to eat and listened to my father. Before I went upstairs, I was drawn towards the doorway of the living room. I wanted to go in and give my father a kiss but I didn't want to disturb Grandma who was sleeping on the couch. So I just stood there in the doorway. I wonder if Pa was awake and knew I was there.
Then I went upstairs to go to sleep. Pa was breathing and moaning so loud I could hear him all the way in my room. It kept me up for awhile but finally I fell asleep.
The next morning (Mom told me) she went downstairs to do laundry. She went in to check on Pa and he didn't seem like he was doing well. Mom felt his pulse and it was weak. He gazed into her eyes and she saw a tear in his eyes. Then he stopped breathing.
Mom called Grandma into the room and they were both with him until his pulse stopped a few moments later.
Mom ran upstairs into my room and tried to wake me up. Lazy me didn't want to get out of bed until Mom said, "Nattie, it's Pa. He's dying." I sat bolt upright in bed and said "What? What are you saying? What are you talking about?" I vaguely remember jumping out of bed and leaping across the room in one step. I don't remember walking down the stairs. I remember floating. I ran into the living room and Grandma was by his bed trying to close his eyes and mouth. She kept saying they won't close. They won't stay shut. As soon as I entered the room, I felt a peace settle on me. I wasn't crying or anything. I walked over to the other side of the bed and took Pa's hand. I kissed his head and started saying Tehillim, Kuf Lamed. "Shir Hamaalot, Mimaakim Karaticha Adoshem......"
Then I started crying. Mom and Adrian came downstairs and Mom stood next to me. Adrian stood at the foot of the bed. I just kept saying, "I love you" and kissing his hand and face. I think it hit me then because I fell to the floor crying and almost shrieking. Mom was saying Shema. It was about 9:30am. I don't know how long we stood there with him. There was a time when I was alone with him. I knew I was supposed to cover his face. But I couldn't. I knew it was the last I would see of him. So slowly I inched the blanket up to his face. Finally, I covered it.
Goodbye............
There is plenty more in my diary about that day. Details and details and how things played out. And plenty about the funeral too.
But I decided to stop here.
There isn't much to say. No, the pain isn't there the way it used to be. Maybe that's why I typed this. I felt like I needed to relive some of the pain. Some of the hell. Because I don't feel it every day anymore. Which is good. But when I do think of it.....I just miss him. I miss him so badly. And I wish he could be here with his grandchildren. Jonah and Sammy. And now new baby Iluma. (my niece)
It's not fair.......
So that's the story. I don't have plans for tomorrow. I am not doing anything special. Just the usual. I feel bad about that.
But if you are still reading this I want to make a request.......
Will you do something today for my Dad? Will you do something "Lilui Neshama" To raise up his Neshama? Please do a mitzvah - or have a L'Chaim - say a Bracha. And say that it is L'ilui Neshama Dovid ben Avraham (or if it's supposed to be the mother's name then it's Dovid ben Malka". If you have a chance to let me know you did something, that would be nice. But you don't have to.
Thank you.... and may we only know and celebrate good things!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Life oh life oh liiiiiiife
Sometimes I feel like I need an instruction manual for life. Maybe The Idiot's Guide to Life.
I'm not talking about the emotional ups and downs. I've dealt with some hard stuff. And there are books to help. And shoulders to lean on. People that stuck by my side no matter how cooky and emotional I got at times. And besides, everybody deals with that type of stuff differently.
I'm not talking about the spiritual stuff. We've got the Good Book. And plenty of books on the Good Book. And rabbi's and teachers and other various spiritual leaders to help with that stuff.
I'm just talking about the practical things. The stuff you don't neccesarily learn in school. Or forget it because school was so long ago. Certainly for those of that didn't go to college. And I don't think they teach these courses in college.
I'm talking about the stuff that Grown-ups know. :)
I don't feel like a Grown-Up. But I've got a husband, 2 kids, and a house. That seems like a grown-up thing.
But there is SO much I don't know.
Aside from parenting of course!!! I learn new things about that every day!!!
I'm talking about Owning a House. I'm talking about Owning a Car. I have learned that I don't have a clue about those things. I didn't know anything when we bought the house and now that we are selling, I am learning about all the things involved and what people look at when they buy a house. I don't know about painting and sealing windows and replacing screens. I didn't know about changing air filters and turning on humidifers. I didn't know about oil changes and new windshields.
And I haven't even touched on the subject of Finances!!!!!!
How do people learn these things? Where do they pick them up from? Their parents? Do-It-Yourself books? Trial and Error?
Why do I feel so uneducated????
It's overwhelming at times...........
I'm not talking about the emotional ups and downs. I've dealt with some hard stuff. And there are books to help. And shoulders to lean on. People that stuck by my side no matter how cooky and emotional I got at times. And besides, everybody deals with that type of stuff differently.
I'm not talking about the spiritual stuff. We've got the Good Book. And plenty of books on the Good Book. And rabbi's and teachers and other various spiritual leaders to help with that stuff.
I'm just talking about the practical things. The stuff you don't neccesarily learn in school. Or forget it because school was so long ago. Certainly for those of that didn't go to college. And I don't think they teach these courses in college.
I'm talking about the stuff that Grown-ups know. :)
I don't feel like a Grown-Up. But I've got a husband, 2 kids, and a house. That seems like a grown-up thing.
But there is SO much I don't know.
Aside from parenting of course!!! I learn new things about that every day!!!
I'm talking about Owning a House. I'm talking about Owning a Car. I have learned that I don't have a clue about those things. I didn't know anything when we bought the house and now that we are selling, I am learning about all the things involved and what people look at when they buy a house. I don't know about painting and sealing windows and replacing screens. I didn't know about changing air filters and turning on humidifers. I didn't know about oil changes and new windshields.
And I haven't even touched on the subject of Finances!!!!!!
How do people learn these things? Where do they pick them up from? Their parents? Do-It-Yourself books? Trial and Error?
Why do I feel so uneducated????
It's overwhelming at times...........
Friday, December 28, 2007
Cyber-Garage Sale
I want to start trying to sell some of the things we want to get rid of before The Big Move.
Does anyone know of a webpage where I can basically just post pictures, prices, and descriptions of things that I am selling?
It wouldn't be like Craig's List. More like a page that I can refer people to and it will always have the pics of whats for sale on it.
Also, any ideas of sites besides Craig's List and E-bay where I can sell things? Preferably local and no charge.
Let me know if you know of anything!
Thanks!
Does anyone know of a webpage where I can basically just post pictures, prices, and descriptions of things that I am selling?
It wouldn't be like Craig's List. More like a page that I can refer people to and it will always have the pics of whats for sale on it.
Also, any ideas of sites besides Craig's List and E-bay where I can sell things? Preferably local and no charge.
Let me know if you know of anything!
Thanks!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Homeopathic Cures
Here's the deal:
My baby has a perianal absess on his cute little tushie.
We've already been to the pediatrician 3-4 times about this.
We've been to the emergency room once to have it drained.
We've already been on antibiotics (2 kinds really because the first he was on for an ear infection and developed this absess and the second was a different kind to get rid of it. Didn't work)
And we have been to the pediatric surgeon.
The surgeon wants to wait 5-6 weeks to see if it will get better on it's own. If not, he will put my baby under and operate. The operation may or may not get rid of it. Thanks, doc.
In the meantime, there is nothing I can do except try hot baths and hot compresses.
Well, it's really hard to just sit around and do nothing - knowing that if this yucky thing doesn't go away, your 8 month old baby will have to have a surgical procedure!
So I'm thinking of trying out some holistic/homeopathic remedies for it. However, not sure how to pursue that. Anyone have any ideas????
My baby has a perianal absess on his cute little tushie.
We've already been to the pediatrician 3-4 times about this.
We've been to the emergency room once to have it drained.
We've already been on antibiotics (2 kinds really because the first he was on for an ear infection and developed this absess and the second was a different kind to get rid of it. Didn't work)
And we have been to the pediatric surgeon.
The surgeon wants to wait 5-6 weeks to see if it will get better on it's own. If not, he will put my baby under and operate. The operation may or may not get rid of it. Thanks, doc.
In the meantime, there is nothing I can do except try hot baths and hot compresses.
Well, it's really hard to just sit around and do nothing - knowing that if this yucky thing doesn't go away, your 8 month old baby will have to have a surgical procedure!
So I'm thinking of trying out some holistic/homeopathic remedies for it. However, not sure how to pursue that. Anyone have any ideas????
Monday, December 10, 2007
Cameras
I know, I know. I haven't written in months. I'm really bad.
Ok, I will TRY to start writing again. There is certainly a lot to say. Just no time to sit down in front of the computer and write it. When I'm at the computer, I'm generally working.
Anywhoo - DOES ANYONE STILL READ THIS???? IS ANYONE STILL OUT THERE??????
Now that I got that out of my system, um, we left our camera in a cab in Jerusalem along withour 200+ pictures from our trip to Israel. AHHH - the agony! Keep the camera but I just want our pictures back. Yah, that's not gonna happen.
ANYWHOO - so for our Chanukah present, we are pooling all the money we get and buying a new camera. Apparently, there are a LOT of cameras out there. I walked into a store and I walked out because there was too much variety.
So, I turn to you people to ask for recommendations of which digital camera is a good one. Or which is a bad one. Any comments, suggestions, helpful hints. All are appreciated.
THANKS!
And I really will try to blog more interesting stuff soon....one of these days.....
Ok, I will TRY to start writing again. There is certainly a lot to say. Just no time to sit down in front of the computer and write it. When I'm at the computer, I'm generally working.
Anywhoo - DOES ANYONE STILL READ THIS???? IS ANYONE STILL OUT THERE??????
Now that I got that out of my system, um, we left our camera in a cab in Jerusalem along withour 200+ pictures from our trip to Israel. AHHH - the agony! Keep the camera but I just want our pictures back. Yah, that's not gonna happen.
ANYWHOO - so for our Chanukah present, we are pooling all the money we get and buying a new camera. Apparently, there are a LOT of cameras out there. I walked into a store and I walked out because there was too much variety.
So, I turn to you people to ask for recommendations of which digital camera is a good one. Or which is a bad one. Any comments, suggestions, helpful hints. All are appreciated.
THANKS!
And I really will try to blog more interesting stuff soon....one of these days.....
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Dippin Dots
Every time we go to the zoo, we wonder if Dippin Dots are kosher. S and I have both heard that they are kosher in Pittsburgh and we always say we'll have to check it out when we get home. But we never do.
Tonight I was online catching up on e-mails and I have no idea what made me think of it but I went to the Dippin Dots website to check the kosher status. I saw the following paragraph in the FAQ section.
Are Dippin' Dots Kosher?
Tonight I was online catching up on e-mails and I have no idea what made me think of it but I went to the Dippin Dots website to check the kosher status. I saw the following paragraph in the FAQ section.
Are Dippin' Dots Kosher?
In addition to our plant being FDA and USDA approved, Dippin' Dots are certified Kosher. The certification is Kosher-Dairy for year-round use (excluding Passover) by the Vaad Hoeir of St.Louis, MO. The symbol for the Vaad Hoeir is a circled V.
I thought that was so interesting. I don't know if it was interesting that they are Kosher and no one knows it or it was interesting that it's the Vaad of St.Louis that certifies it. Anywhoo, I wanted to confirm so I went to the Vaad of St.Louis website but didn't find a list of places that they certify. So I e-mailed them and we'll see what I hear back!
Anyone know anything about it?Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Present Etiquette
I may have posted this before but I forgot the answer.
What's the deal with bridal shower presents and wedding presents? Are we supposed to give both? Is one supposed to be bigger than the other?
If we go in for an out-of-town wedding - do we still have to give a gift?
Let me know what you think!!
What's the deal with bridal shower presents and wedding presents? Are we supposed to give both? Is one supposed to be bigger than the other?
If we go in for an out-of-town wedding - do we still have to give a gift?
Let me know what you think!!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
MPG-CAP
Does anyone know anything about this capsule that is supposed to increase your miles per gallon? Has anyone tried it?
I'm very curious why it's not a bigger thing........
Let me know your thoughts.
You can check out www.earthremedy.com for a news story about it. And it seems you can actually purchase it at www.gassyrealtors.com
What do you think???
I'm very curious why it's not a bigger thing........
Let me know your thoughts.
You can check out www.earthremedy.com for a news story about it. And it seems you can actually purchase it at www.gassyrealtors.com
What do you think???
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Doula
Oops. Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. And a lot has gone on in my life. One day perhaps I will have a chance to sit down and write about it. Ha.
Anywhoo, I've been thinking about doing this for awhile but haven't done anything about it. I am ready to do something about it but don't know where to begin. So I turn to my blogging audience (anyone left out there?) for your help and possible knowledge.
I am thinking of becoming a doula. And perhaps further down the road - a midwife. But I'll stick with a doula for now.
And that is what I am up to. Where do I go from here?
Anyone know anything about becoming a doula or know anyone who is one/has used one. Etc?
If so, let me know!!!!
Anywhoo, I've been thinking about doing this for awhile but haven't done anything about it. I am ready to do something about it but don't know where to begin. So I turn to my blogging audience (anyone left out there?) for your help and possible knowledge.
I am thinking of becoming a doula. And perhaps further down the road - a midwife. But I'll stick with a doula for now.
And that is what I am up to. Where do I go from here?
Anyone know anything about becoming a doula or know anyone who is one/has used one. Etc?
If so, let me know!!!!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Friday, April 06, 2007
Almost New Baby Day Today
So, I woke up this morning at 7:30am and thought to myself. Huh, I could have been going to the hospital right now for my scheduled c-section.
Then I woke up at 8 something and thought. Hmm... I wonder what I would have been doing now. Filling out paperwork, getting into a hospital gown. Would I be tired? Excited? Scared?
Then I woke up at 9:30 and said wow, this is when my c-section was supposed to start. So they would have just been making the first slice. :)
And then when I woke up at 10 (yes, I got to sleep in today. G-d bless mothers-in-laws!!) I thought to myself, well, they probably would have just been delivering my baby. I guess I will get up.
:)
Those are some crazy thoughts!!!!!!!! But today was when my c-section was scheduled for. Until the baby flipped (yay!!). Although even after they saw that the baby flipped, they asked if I still wanted to cancel it. Well, I thought about it for a second but opted against it. The conveniance of it all just wasn't worth the pain and risk of a c-section.
So, now we are just waiting....and waiting....and waiting......
Wish us luck! We'll keep you posted!
Then I woke up at 8 something and thought. Hmm... I wonder what I would have been doing now. Filling out paperwork, getting into a hospital gown. Would I be tired? Excited? Scared?
Then I woke up at 9:30 and said wow, this is when my c-section was supposed to start. So they would have just been making the first slice. :)
And then when I woke up at 10 (yes, I got to sleep in today. G-d bless mothers-in-laws!!) I thought to myself, well, they probably would have just been delivering my baby. I guess I will get up.
:)
Those are some crazy thoughts!!!!!!!! But today was when my c-section was scheduled for. Until the baby flipped (yay!!). Although even after they saw that the baby flipped, they asked if I still wanted to cancel it. Well, I thought about it for a second but opted against it. The conveniance of it all just wasn't worth the pain and risk of a c-section.
So, now we are just waiting....and waiting....and waiting......
Wish us luck! We'll keep you posted!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Woo hoo!!!!
The baby turned!!!! And now it's head down and hopefully not going anywhere (yet).
So, I guess all those rough nights with baby moving all over the place were worth it. Whew.
So my scheduled c-section is canceled and now we just wait around for labor to start.
It may still end up being a c-section but at least it's in a better position.
Keep ya posted.....................
So, I guess all those rough nights with baby moving all over the place were worth it. Whew.
So my scheduled c-section is canceled and now we just wait around for labor to start.
It may still end up being a c-section but at least it's in a better position.
Keep ya posted.....................
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Questions
I've started a list of questions. They are things I want to ask G-d after 120. Most of them are pretty big ones. But I added a new one on Tuesday. Not as big. But something I am really wondering about.
As most people reading my blog know, I am expecting and the due date is about 3 weeks away. With my first child, I ended up having a C-section after 32 hours of labor and I had a very difficult recovery. I'm sure it was not helped by the gallstones and gallbladder removal 3 months post c-section but whatever the case may be, it was rough. While pregnant with my first, I read a LOT of books and had hopes of delivering with no pain meds and even started off the first 12 hours in the Birthing Center at Providence Hospital. A VERY comfortable place that I recommend everyone start at even if they end up moving to labor and delivery. :)
Anyway in the books I read I pretty much breezed past the c-section parts thinking no way, not me. But I do remember reading that a lot of women feel cheated after a c-section. They are upset, they feel like they failed, etc. I did not feel that way after my delivery. I wasn't happy about it but it was just the way things were.
Until I got pregnant with #2. Then I started wondering...... can I handle a regular delivery? Would I be able to do it? Would I really be able to push a CHILD out of my body??? I don't know. Drugs or no drugs, that's a pretty scary thing. Maybe I can't do it. Maybe my body doesn't work that way.
As little girls, we grow up learning that we are supposed to get married, get pregnant, and have a baby. Babies come out of certain parts of our body and scary as it is, if you push a baby out of your body - you can do anything!!!!!! It's an impressive task and I am always amazed hearing people talk about their birthing experience. I am always really awed by it.
And I question whether or not I can do it. I want to do it. I want to have that experience. Even if it's just once. So pregnant, with Baby #2 - that was my plan. 3 of the 4 doctors in my practice were very supportive of it. There are risks involved with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Delivery) but they are small and the docs felt there was no reason not to try for it as long as I am aware that it may not work out and I may have to have another section. Ok, fair enough. So over the past 2 months, I have started my reading again. Learning about the different stages of labor, coping with the pain of contractions, various pushing positions. I was getting ready for the big marathon. As friends have described it, the hardest physical thing you will EVER do in your life. So I was preparing. And I was actually getting excited. Scared, but excited. I spoke with friends about their birthing experiences, trying to understand how it works, how it feels. And weird as it sounds, I was looking forward to going into labor. To reaching the pushing stage. To that amazing moment when a child actually comes out of me??!?!??! WOAH.
Then my plans came screeching to a halt. I went to the doc on Tuesday and it turns out, the baby is sideways. Not only sideways but spine down. Normally the doctors would manually turn the baby. However, since I had a C-section the first time, this doctor doesn't want to try and turn it because she is afraid of my scar rupturing. That could end up in a very bad outcome for the baby and possibly for me. So that means they will do a scheduled C-Section. Sorry, no chance for VBAC.
Not only that but if the baby stays in this position with the spine down, they will have to do a vertical incision to get it out because they can't deliver a back. My first section was a horizontal incision so one consolation I had in regards to a second c-section was that they will be cutting over scar tissue and dead nerves so it won't be quite as bad a recovery as the first time. Woo hoo.... But if they do a vertical incision, it means a whole new pain, a whole new recovery AND no chance for VBAC with any future children. The chance of rupture with a vertical incision is much higher than a horizontal one.
And I will never know. I will never know whether or not I could have birthed a baby the way women are "supposed" to. I will never know if I have that in me. I will never be able to say, I can do anything - I pushed a child out of my body!!!
So it's on my list of questions.
Why me?
Why not someone else who wants a c-section?
Could I have done it??
Why didn't I get the chance to find out??
There are more thoughts about this upcoming experience but I have to go to work so they will be saved for another time.
Stay tuned..................
As most people reading my blog know, I am expecting and the due date is about 3 weeks away. With my first child, I ended up having a C-section after 32 hours of labor and I had a very difficult recovery. I'm sure it was not helped by the gallstones and gallbladder removal 3 months post c-section but whatever the case may be, it was rough. While pregnant with my first, I read a LOT of books and had hopes of delivering with no pain meds and even started off the first 12 hours in the Birthing Center at Providence Hospital. A VERY comfortable place that I recommend everyone start at even if they end up moving to labor and delivery. :)
Anyway in the books I read I pretty much breezed past the c-section parts thinking no way, not me. But I do remember reading that a lot of women feel cheated after a c-section. They are upset, they feel like they failed, etc. I did not feel that way after my delivery. I wasn't happy about it but it was just the way things were.
Until I got pregnant with #2. Then I started wondering...... can I handle a regular delivery? Would I be able to do it? Would I really be able to push a CHILD out of my body??? I don't know. Drugs or no drugs, that's a pretty scary thing. Maybe I can't do it. Maybe my body doesn't work that way.
As little girls, we grow up learning that we are supposed to get married, get pregnant, and have a baby. Babies come out of certain parts of our body and scary as it is, if you push a baby out of your body - you can do anything!!!!!! It's an impressive task and I am always amazed hearing people talk about their birthing experience. I am always really awed by it.
And I question whether or not I can do it. I want to do it. I want to have that experience. Even if it's just once. So pregnant, with Baby #2 - that was my plan. 3 of the 4 doctors in my practice were very supportive of it. There are risks involved with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Delivery) but they are small and the docs felt there was no reason not to try for it as long as I am aware that it may not work out and I may have to have another section. Ok, fair enough. So over the past 2 months, I have started my reading again. Learning about the different stages of labor, coping with the pain of contractions, various pushing positions. I was getting ready for the big marathon. As friends have described it, the hardest physical thing you will EVER do in your life. So I was preparing. And I was actually getting excited. Scared, but excited. I spoke with friends about their birthing experiences, trying to understand how it works, how it feels. And weird as it sounds, I was looking forward to going into labor. To reaching the pushing stage. To that amazing moment when a child actually comes out of me??!?!??! WOAH.
Then my plans came screeching to a halt. I went to the doc on Tuesday and it turns out, the baby is sideways. Not only sideways but spine down. Normally the doctors would manually turn the baby. However, since I had a C-section the first time, this doctor doesn't want to try and turn it because she is afraid of my scar rupturing. That could end up in a very bad outcome for the baby and possibly for me. So that means they will do a scheduled C-Section. Sorry, no chance for VBAC.
Not only that but if the baby stays in this position with the spine down, they will have to do a vertical incision to get it out because they can't deliver a back. My first section was a horizontal incision so one consolation I had in regards to a second c-section was that they will be cutting over scar tissue and dead nerves so it won't be quite as bad a recovery as the first time. Woo hoo.... But if they do a vertical incision, it means a whole new pain, a whole new recovery AND no chance for VBAC with any future children. The chance of rupture with a vertical incision is much higher than a horizontal one.
And I will never know. I will never know whether or not I could have birthed a baby the way women are "supposed" to. I will never know if I have that in me. I will never be able to say, I can do anything - I pushed a child out of my body!!!
So it's on my list of questions.
Why me?
Why not someone else who wants a c-section?
Could I have done it??
Why didn't I get the chance to find out??
There are more thoughts about this upcoming experience but I have to go to work so they will be saved for another time.
Stay tuned..................
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Our Purim Theme
The job of being parents
is never quite done,
We started off quiet
with our number one son.
We decided this year
on a new little addition,
Ignoring the expenses
of diapers and tuition!
Please enjoy some "tools"
to celebrate our renovation,
We're so happy to share
our news and jubilation.
We promise we'll share pictures
when the "labor" is all done.
Purim Sameyach from
Shauli, Natalie, Jonah Z.,
and soon-to-be plus one!
And these were our Mishloach Manot.......
Thanks so much to my mom for help with the general theme idea and to Sho for the poem!!!!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill
There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the
"drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on.
PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below. You need not give more than your name and zip code number.
"drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on.
PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below. You need not give more than your name and zip code number.
This takes about 2 seconds. PLEASE PASS THIS ON to your friends and family too!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Bad Day
I haven't mentioned this to a lot of people. Maybe I haven't mentioned it to anyone. What tomorrow is.
My dad died 10 years ago tomorrow.
It snuck up on me this year. I felt like I should recount the years. Has it really been 10? February 23rd, 1997.
Seems like ages ago.
I don't have anything planned. And it's not his Hebrew Yarzeit yet. That's next week. Tuesday after Purim. Not sure what I am doing for that either but I will have someone say Kaddish and maybe we will sponsor something at shul or give Tzedaka. There are "things" to do in Judaism to help deal with the loss. I don't know if it is really dealing with the loss anymore. More like keeping his memory alive. Or just remembering in general.
But I don't want to treat tomorrow like it is just another day. Because it's not. It's the day my life changed. My world came crashing down. That sounds dramatic. But it's true.
There have been many days in the past 10 years that I wondered if I would ever be happy again. Truly happy. I haven't asked myself that question in a couple years though. I know the answer now. I am happy. I have an amazing husband and an incredible son and a new baby on the way. It's nice to be happy.
So what do I do with a day like tomorrow? I can't act like I did when I was younger. Just close up and not do anything. Sit around and be sad. Even though that's what I want to do. I want to take the day off. From everything.
But I have to get up with Jonah and cook for Shabbas, run some errands, get some work done, do laundry. Just another day. Maybe I will be on strike. For a day.
Well, maybe that's why I am blogging. This is an outlet for me. A place where I can just type my feelings. They don't have to make sense. But it's also a way to let other people know what's going on in my life.
The hardest part is losing the memories. I don't remember the things I used to. Every year I feel like I lose more. And I wonder - when Jonah is old enough to ask about my dad, will I have anything left to tell him? I don't have a lot of pictures. My dad was the photographer so he was always taking pics not being in them. We have very few of him. I've got a "box of memories". Random things I saved after he died. Things we found in his dresser drawer. He used to take the change that would accumulate in his pocket and put it in a little glass bowl. I have the change from that bowl. I imagine him emptying out his pocket for the last time before he ended up in the hospital. He lived for another month after that stay in the hospital. But he certainly never emptied out any more change from his pockets. I have some old eyeglasses of his. And an old drivers license. I think I may have his wallet. Just miscellaneous stuff. But that's tangible.
Memories aren't tangible. And it's hard to hold on to them. The strongest memories I have are from when he was sick. And when he died. Maybe because those are the most recent. Or maybe because those are the ones I consciously held on to. I knew that I wouldn't have him around much longer. So I had to engrave those memories into my head.
I don't think I will ever lose the memory of when he told us The News. The final news. It's not the actual memory that I remember so well. But it's my thoughts I had at the time. I don't think I will forget what I was thinking.
My brother and I were in his hospital room. My brother was sitting on a chair and I was sitting on the ledge near the window. My dad called that room his "winter chalet" because the view was of some woods and they were all covered in a beautiful snow. I even remember I was sitting on the vent because it kept blowing air. But it was cool air because I kept pressing my hand against the vent and then against my face. My face felt like it was burning up.
I don't remember the exact words he used. Isn't that weird? The worst thing I had ever heard in my life and I don't remember the words.
He told us that the doctors didn't give him much time left. That there was nothing more they could do. The cancer was spreading. It had spread to his liver and eventually his liver will just shut down. And so will he.
I remember that we were interrupted by a nurse. She came in to see how my father was feeling. He told her he was doing better and he thinks he was just sick before as an emotional reaction to the news. I remember thinking that was strange. My dad getting sick. Of course, he is sitting there with cancer but I thought it was strange because he was so calm in telling us. It was weird thinking of him getting emotional when we weren't there.
But what other reaction would someone have when hearing they will die.
She left and he kept talking to us. But there wasn't much to say.
I remember sitting there, looking out the window. With the tears running down my face. I didn't know what to say. Part of me just wanted to curl up next to him and cry. Just hold onto him and never ever let him go. But I didn't. I remember that I wanted my brother to talk to him and work things out. Sometimes they had a rocky relationship and I just wanted everything to be ok.
I think I saw that he was crying. And that struck me also. It made it more real to me. If Adrian is crying, it has to be true.
And I remember thinking it's not fair. It's not fair that my dad has to sit there and tell his children that he is going to die. That is WRONG!! How does a person do that? How do you find the strength?
It's just wrong. It's not fair.
After we left the room, I think he was going to tell my mom or maybe someone else. My aunt? We were in the waiting room. And a rabbi from my elementary school came by to visit. I felt bad. He had no idea that it wasn't a good time. I don't even remember what we said. I was just numb. He left his business card (he is also a moyel) and said to call if/when we need anything. It was a nice gesture but I remember thinking - how can he just go about his regular life when my dad is lying there dying???
That was a common thought throughout the experiance. How does the world go on? Don't they know what's happening???????
That's enough for now...........
Sorry no upbeat messages this year.
Not tonight at least.
But it's ok to be sad. It's healthy to be sad.
I'm sad.
My dad died 10 years ago tomorrow.
It snuck up on me this year. I felt like I should recount the years. Has it really been 10? February 23rd, 1997.
Seems like ages ago.
I don't have anything planned. And it's not his Hebrew Yarzeit yet. That's next week. Tuesday after Purim. Not sure what I am doing for that either but I will have someone say Kaddish and maybe we will sponsor something at shul or give Tzedaka. There are "things" to do in Judaism to help deal with the loss. I don't know if it is really dealing with the loss anymore. More like keeping his memory alive. Or just remembering in general.
But I don't want to treat tomorrow like it is just another day. Because it's not. It's the day my life changed. My world came crashing down. That sounds dramatic. But it's true.
There have been many days in the past 10 years that I wondered if I would ever be happy again. Truly happy. I haven't asked myself that question in a couple years though. I know the answer now. I am happy. I have an amazing husband and an incredible son and a new baby on the way. It's nice to be happy.
So what do I do with a day like tomorrow? I can't act like I did when I was younger. Just close up and not do anything. Sit around and be sad. Even though that's what I want to do. I want to take the day off. From everything.
But I have to get up with Jonah and cook for Shabbas, run some errands, get some work done, do laundry. Just another day. Maybe I will be on strike. For a day.
Well, maybe that's why I am blogging. This is an outlet for me. A place where I can just type my feelings. They don't have to make sense. But it's also a way to let other people know what's going on in my life.
The hardest part is losing the memories. I don't remember the things I used to. Every year I feel like I lose more. And I wonder - when Jonah is old enough to ask about my dad, will I have anything left to tell him? I don't have a lot of pictures. My dad was the photographer so he was always taking pics not being in them. We have very few of him. I've got a "box of memories". Random things I saved after he died. Things we found in his dresser drawer. He used to take the change that would accumulate in his pocket and put it in a little glass bowl. I have the change from that bowl. I imagine him emptying out his pocket for the last time before he ended up in the hospital. He lived for another month after that stay in the hospital. But he certainly never emptied out any more change from his pockets. I have some old eyeglasses of his. And an old drivers license. I think I may have his wallet. Just miscellaneous stuff. But that's tangible.
Memories aren't tangible. And it's hard to hold on to them. The strongest memories I have are from when he was sick. And when he died. Maybe because those are the most recent. Or maybe because those are the ones I consciously held on to. I knew that I wouldn't have him around much longer. So I had to engrave those memories into my head.
I don't think I will ever lose the memory of when he told us The News. The final news. It's not the actual memory that I remember so well. But it's my thoughts I had at the time. I don't think I will forget what I was thinking.
My brother and I were in his hospital room. My brother was sitting on a chair and I was sitting on the ledge near the window. My dad called that room his "winter chalet" because the view was of some woods and they were all covered in a beautiful snow. I even remember I was sitting on the vent because it kept blowing air. But it was cool air because I kept pressing my hand against the vent and then against my face. My face felt like it was burning up.
I don't remember the exact words he used. Isn't that weird? The worst thing I had ever heard in my life and I don't remember the words.
He told us that the doctors didn't give him much time left. That there was nothing more they could do. The cancer was spreading. It had spread to his liver and eventually his liver will just shut down. And so will he.
I remember that we were interrupted by a nurse. She came in to see how my father was feeling. He told her he was doing better and he thinks he was just sick before as an emotional reaction to the news. I remember thinking that was strange. My dad getting sick. Of course, he is sitting there with cancer but I thought it was strange because he was so calm in telling us. It was weird thinking of him getting emotional when we weren't there.
But what other reaction would someone have when hearing they will die.
She left and he kept talking to us. But there wasn't much to say.
I remember sitting there, looking out the window. With the tears running down my face. I didn't know what to say. Part of me just wanted to curl up next to him and cry. Just hold onto him and never ever let him go. But I didn't. I remember that I wanted my brother to talk to him and work things out. Sometimes they had a rocky relationship and I just wanted everything to be ok.
I think I saw that he was crying. And that struck me also. It made it more real to me. If Adrian is crying, it has to be true.
And I remember thinking it's not fair. It's not fair that my dad has to sit there and tell his children that he is going to die. That is WRONG!! How does a person do that? How do you find the strength?
It's just wrong. It's not fair.
After we left the room, I think he was going to tell my mom or maybe someone else. My aunt? We were in the waiting room. And a rabbi from my elementary school came by to visit. I felt bad. He had no idea that it wasn't a good time. I don't even remember what we said. I was just numb. He left his business card (he is also a moyel) and said to call if/when we need anything. It was a nice gesture but I remember thinking - how can he just go about his regular life when my dad is lying there dying???
That was a common thought throughout the experiance. How does the world go on? Don't they know what's happening???????
That's enough for now...........
Sorry no upbeat messages this year.
Not tonight at least.
But it's ok to be sad. It's healthy to be sad.
I'm sad.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Stand Up to Ahmadinejad
Watch this 2 Minute Film from Aish and then sign the petition.
Pass it on!!
http://www.aish.com/Iran/HR/
Pass it on!!
http://www.aish.com/Iran/HR/
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Savings Bond
I just found a US Savings Bond from 1991. What am I supposed to do with it?
I assume I am supposed to take it to the bank but is there any chance I will get any extra money from it because it's so old?
I assume I am supposed to take it to the bank but is there any chance I will get any extra money from it because it's so old?
Aches and Pains
BEWARE!! WARNING!!! This blog contains many many complaints!!!!
Is it pregnancy or old age (haha) that is making my body fall apart?
From the top of my head to the soles of my feet- I think I am having a rough week.
Last night I had a terrible headache for the first time since I got pregnant. I took 1 and 3/4 Tylenol because that is all that was left in the bottle.
I have a nasty eye infection that makes my left eye BRIGHT scary red and when I sleep it sticks together. Ew.
Don't worry I saw an excellent eye doctor. He gave me drops and told me to take out my contacts. So on top of everything else I have to wear my glasses. Boo. They make my eyes tired. Maybe that's where the headache came from
I'm fighting something. I don't know if it is a cold or sore throat or what but it's taking ALL of my little remaining strength from me and I am completly worn out.
I can't get comfortable when I sleep because the baby is getting so big. So when I sleep on either side - which is the position I am supposed to sleep in when pregnant - I feel like I am smushing the baby. I think it is still sideways. When does it turn head down????
And I have a weird yucky thing on my left foot and toe. It's been there for awhile and I thought it was a callous but now it actually hurts when I walk. I don't know if it is something worth going to the foot doctor for because I feel like it can probably be cured with an over the counter thing. Maybe I should know what it is.
I'm thinking of asking my OB if he knows what it is or if I should go to the foot doctor about it when I go next week. I like to treat my OB as an all around general practitioner. :)
And those are my complaints. All in all, not terrible by themselves but heaped together - they got to me. Thanks for listening to (reading) my whining. I'll be fine soon.
Wish me luck at work today. BLAH!!!!!!!! Maybe they will send me home because the customers will complain about the lady with the gross red eye.
Also, there is supposed to be a BIG snowstorm coming this afternoon. So I will have to attempt to drive through it wearing my glasses. AH!
Is it pregnancy or old age (haha) that is making my body fall apart?
From the top of my head to the soles of my feet- I think I am having a rough week.
Last night I had a terrible headache for the first time since I got pregnant. I took 1 and 3/4 Tylenol because that is all that was left in the bottle.
I have a nasty eye infection that makes my left eye BRIGHT scary red and when I sleep it sticks together. Ew.
Don't worry I saw an excellent eye doctor. He gave me drops and told me to take out my contacts. So on top of everything else I have to wear my glasses. Boo. They make my eyes tired. Maybe that's where the headache came from
I'm fighting something. I don't know if it is a cold or sore throat or what but it's taking ALL of my little remaining strength from me and I am completly worn out.
I can't get comfortable when I sleep because the baby is getting so big. So when I sleep on either side - which is the position I am supposed to sleep in when pregnant - I feel like I am smushing the baby. I think it is still sideways. When does it turn head down????
And I have a weird yucky thing on my left foot and toe. It's been there for awhile and I thought it was a callous but now it actually hurts when I walk. I don't know if it is something worth going to the foot doctor for because I feel like it can probably be cured with an over the counter thing. Maybe I should know what it is.
I'm thinking of asking my OB if he knows what it is or if I should go to the foot doctor about it when I go next week. I like to treat my OB as an all around general practitioner. :)
And those are my complaints. All in all, not terrible by themselves but heaped together - they got to me. Thanks for listening to (reading) my whining. I'll be fine soon.
Wish me luck at work today. BLAH!!!!!!!! Maybe they will send me home because the customers will complain about the lady with the gross red eye.
Also, there is supposed to be a BIG snowstorm coming this afternoon. So I will have to attempt to drive through it wearing my glasses. AH!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Purim
I need a good idea for a Purim Costume - preferably one that incorporates my will be 8 month pregnant belly!!!!!!
If I can, I would love to do a theme with Shu and Jonah.
Any ideas?
Also looking for a theme for Shaloch Manot.
I'm drawing a blank............
If I can, I would love to do a theme with Shu and Jonah.
Any ideas?
Also looking for a theme for Shaloch Manot.
I'm drawing a blank............
Thursday, February 08, 2007
The Hulkster
Hulk Hogan learns about Kosher from his new Jewish Neighbors.
This is a clip from Hulk Hogan's reality show on VH1.
Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv1AJ53WfFc
Haha!
This is a clip from Hulk Hogan's reality show on VH1.
Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv1AJ53WfFc
Haha!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Happy Pregnancy to Me!
I am 30 weeks today!!!
WOAH!!!
That means 10 to go.....................I"YH. B"IH
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
WOAH!!!
That means 10 to go.....................I"YH. B"IH
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Cool Video
My friend sent me a link to this cool video. Reminds me of England. :)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xf9oo_jerome-murat
Enjoy!
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xf9oo_jerome-murat
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Where Did It Go?
Just wanted to let those of you who may be wondering where my LOOOONG Blog went that yes, I deleted it.
It served it's purpose and the situation is resolved.
I'm not even sure who still reads my blog so many of you may not know what I am talking about but for those of you who DID read it and especially the ones who commented to try and help me out (wow, Adrian, I was impressed - good to get a comment from you!!) This was the resolution to the drama!
I sent a LOOOOOOONG e-mail to the lady basically stating my case and going through some points from our e-mails over the past month. I told her at which points I thought she had ducked out of the deal and at which points I wanted to get OUT of the situation.
That night she sent me a very apologetic e-mail for the whole mess.
In the end there was a little more craziness. She was supposed to come pick up the things but their van wouldn't start yada yada. But I gave her another chance and this morning she finally came and picked up the 4 items for the original agreed upon price.
Phew, I'm glad that's over!!!!!
It served it's purpose and the situation is resolved.
I'm not even sure who still reads my blog so many of you may not know what I am talking about but for those of you who DID read it and especially the ones who commented to try and help me out (wow, Adrian, I was impressed - good to get a comment from you!!) This was the resolution to the drama!
I sent a LOOOOOOONG e-mail to the lady basically stating my case and going through some points from our e-mails over the past month. I told her at which points I thought she had ducked out of the deal and at which points I wanted to get OUT of the situation.
That night she sent me a very apologetic e-mail for the whole mess.
In the end there was a little more craziness. She was supposed to come pick up the things but their van wouldn't start yada yada. But I gave her another chance and this morning she finally came and picked up the 4 items for the original agreed upon price.
Phew, I'm glad that's over!!!!!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Animal Magic
I just wanted to say THANK YOU to Mark Rosenthal, the guy who we met at the Novi Family Pet Expo who gave me my Fear Factor Experience. I feel he deserves a real Shout Out!!!
His website is: www.iwantanimalmagic.com.
I had seen him before at the Pizza People's Birthday Party and he did an AMAZING show with all kinds of dangerous and exotic animals. Jonah was talking about the Alligator he brought for weeks afterwards.
So, if you are looking for a cool birthday party idea, you should check this guy out.
And even if you are not, check out when he will be doing public shows because he is absolutly fascinating!!!!!
Don't worry, he won't make you hold a tarantula....hehehe. Not unless you want to.
His website is: www.iwantanimalmagic.com.
I had seen him before at the Pizza People's Birthday Party and he did an AMAZING show with all kinds of dangerous and exotic animals. Jonah was talking about the Alligator he brought for weeks afterwards.
So, if you are looking for a cool birthday party idea, you should check this guy out.
And even if you are not, check out when he will be doing public shows because he is absolutly fascinating!!!!!
Don't worry, he won't make you hold a tarantula....hehehe. Not unless you want to.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
I'm Craaaaaazy!!
Jonah and I went to the Novi Family Pet Expo with Mrs. and Mini AP today. We figured that we would see puppies and kittens and all kinds of cute furry things. And while we did see some of those, we also saw some not so cuddly animals too. :)
And I took my first Fear Factor Challenge......
That big smile on my face is really a look of TERRORRRRRRR!!!
Yes, that really is a LIVE and LARGE tarantula!!!
And I took my first Fear Factor Challenge......
What's hiding underneath those hands??
That big smile on my face is really a look of TERRORRRRRRR!!!
Yes, that really is a LIVE and LARGE tarantula!!!
Am I craaaazy or what?
Wow, was my adrenaline pumping during that! My heart was pounding, my hands were shaking. It was quite a rush!
I knew I still had some "WackyNat" in me!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
ET Phone Home
The title doesn't mean anything aside from the fact that it has the word phone in it.
I just want to share another customer service story with everyone. Nope, it wasn't at my store. This time I was the customer! And am VERY satisfied. I must recommend STAPLES to everyone. Their customer service is really exceptional. Anytime I have had an issue, they always clear it up with no problem. But this time, they really impressed me.
I only went in to the store thinking they would be able to help me out but I thought it would be a real hassle. Ok, here's the story.
We bought a phone there awhile ago and we have been having problems with it for about the past 6 months. The phone was an AT&T cordless with 2 extra handsets. The kind that you just plug in one phone to the phone jack and the other 2 handsets just need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. I bought it because we use Vonage and I don't know how else to use other phones with it. So the problem we were having was with all 3 of the keypad buttons. You had to press them REALLY hard to enter the number and sometimes, it would enter the number twice. I can't tell you how frustrating it could be to dial a phone number. It would take 3-4 times!! Or like when you are calling an automated system and it asks for your LOOONG account number, you get halfway through and boom, double 2's when you only want one!
So it was quite annoying but we didn't do anything about it. We just dealt with it. It has been really bad lately so I started looking at new phone to buy. I had no idea when we bought this one but I didn't think it was SOOO long ago.
Today I decided to try and fix it. I found the manuel and read that, nothing there. I went on the AT&T website and tried to find an answer, nothing there. Then I figured before I call AT&T or Staples, I should figure out when I bought it. So I went on a search and found not only my receipt - from October 13, 2004 (!!) but also an extra warranty protection that I bought from Staples to cover for a year past the manufacturers warranty. So I called the Staples Warranty Number and they said that the manufacturers warranty covers one year and their warranty covers one more year. So basically it ran out 3 weeks ago! And no, they couldn't extend it or do anything for me. I could have kicked myself!
Well, I decided to go into Staples and see if they would be able to help me out anymore because the people on the phone were just a third party place. I knew Staples was generally helpful and I really hoped they could do something because it was only 3 weeks past the deadline........
Also, I didn't want my money back. I just wanted to fix my phone or get store credit for a new one or something.
So I held my breath and there I went. I expected they may do it for me but only after I argued for it.
Well, I walked in and 3 people offered to help me. Two were behind the counter and another man who looked more like a manager. So I just explained that I bought this phone - apparently 2 years ago and I bought the extended service plan and I had been having trouble with it for about 6 months and I really just wanted to fix it or get a new phone or something. But my warranty had ran out 3 weeks ago!! Is there anyway they could help me?
The manager said they would go ahead and take care of me. They can return the phone for what I paid for it and switch me up to a newer model and get me taken care of with a new service plan and that way, I won't have lost any money on it. He was SO nice and understanding about it! It was really great.
Then he sent me off with the sales guy to pick out a phone and we picked out a fancy new Uniden phone with 3 extra handsets and all kinds of extra features. The main thing I wanted was the extra handsets and a speaker phone but this one came with a whole lot more. So that was exciting.
We went back to the front. He returned my phone for the price I paid (even though now it was worth only $12.50) and bought the new one - which was the same price as the one I originally paid for and charged me $10 for the warranty plan. It covers everything and anything - even if I drop and break the phone or something like that. And I can just bring it in for a replacement.
Well, this time I will make sure to bring it in right away if it does break - that's for sure.
But I just felt like I should share this story with everyone and compliment Staples on their EXCELLENT customer service!!!!
I'll keep you posted on how the phone is working out. It has to charge for 15-20 hours before we can use it!
I just want to share another customer service story with everyone. Nope, it wasn't at my store. This time I was the customer! And am VERY satisfied. I must recommend STAPLES to everyone. Their customer service is really exceptional. Anytime I have had an issue, they always clear it up with no problem. But this time, they really impressed me.
I only went in to the store thinking they would be able to help me out but I thought it would be a real hassle. Ok, here's the story.
We bought a phone there awhile ago and we have been having problems with it for about the past 6 months. The phone was an AT&T cordless with 2 extra handsets. The kind that you just plug in one phone to the phone jack and the other 2 handsets just need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. I bought it because we use Vonage and I don't know how else to use other phones with it. So the problem we were having was with all 3 of the keypad buttons. You had to press them REALLY hard to enter the number and sometimes, it would enter the number twice. I can't tell you how frustrating it could be to dial a phone number. It would take 3-4 times!! Or like when you are calling an automated system and it asks for your LOOONG account number, you get halfway through and boom, double 2's when you only want one!
So it was quite annoying but we didn't do anything about it. We just dealt with it. It has been really bad lately so I started looking at new phone to buy. I had no idea when we bought this one but I didn't think it was SOOO long ago.
Today I decided to try and fix it. I found the manuel and read that, nothing there. I went on the AT&T website and tried to find an answer, nothing there. Then I figured before I call AT&T or Staples, I should figure out when I bought it. So I went on a search and found not only my receipt - from October 13, 2004 (!!) but also an extra warranty protection that I bought from Staples to cover for a year past the manufacturers warranty. So I called the Staples Warranty Number and they said that the manufacturers warranty covers one year and their warranty covers one more year. So basically it ran out 3 weeks ago! And no, they couldn't extend it or do anything for me. I could have kicked myself!
Well, I decided to go into Staples and see if they would be able to help me out anymore because the people on the phone were just a third party place. I knew Staples was generally helpful and I really hoped they could do something because it was only 3 weeks past the deadline........
Also, I didn't want my money back. I just wanted to fix my phone or get store credit for a new one or something.
So I held my breath and there I went. I expected they may do it for me but only after I argued for it.
Well, I walked in and 3 people offered to help me. Two were behind the counter and another man who looked more like a manager. So I just explained that I bought this phone - apparently 2 years ago and I bought the extended service plan and I had been having trouble with it for about 6 months and I really just wanted to fix it or get a new phone or something. But my warranty had ran out 3 weeks ago!! Is there anyway they could help me?
The manager said they would go ahead and take care of me. They can return the phone for what I paid for it and switch me up to a newer model and get me taken care of with a new service plan and that way, I won't have lost any money on it. He was SO nice and understanding about it! It was really great.
Then he sent me off with the sales guy to pick out a phone and we picked out a fancy new Uniden phone with 3 extra handsets and all kinds of extra features. The main thing I wanted was the extra handsets and a speaker phone but this one came with a whole lot more. So that was exciting.
We went back to the front. He returned my phone for the price I paid (even though now it was worth only $12.50) and bought the new one - which was the same price as the one I originally paid for and charged me $10 for the warranty plan. It covers everything and anything - even if I drop and break the phone or something like that. And I can just bring it in for a replacement.
Well, this time I will make sure to bring it in right away if it does break - that's for sure.
But I just felt like I should share this story with everyone and compliment Staples on their EXCELLENT customer service!!!!
I'll keep you posted on how the phone is working out. It has to charge for 15-20 hours before we can use it!
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