Random

I had a couple people come in today to pick up items they had on hold and they had very strange last names.

One was Ovary....... and the other was Bottom or Bottoms.

Interesting.

Favorite Words

My current favorite word of Jonah's is the way that he says "Rabbit".

He calls it a "Rabbip".

Priceless Interview

This is classic! The BBC apparently interviewed the wrong man on their news show!! A French cabbie was interviewed instead of a computer expert.

Watch the interview here.

Urgent Tehillim

I saw this on The Sabra blog.

URGENT TEHILLIM IS NEEDED FOR A YOUNG KALLAH IN OUR COMMUNITY!

Please take a minute of your time and say a Kapitel Tehillim for CHANA BAS RASHA ZELDA - A Kallah, less than a month before her wedding, who has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Please say Kapital Chof and Kapitel Chof Beis and in the zchus of everyone's Tehillim may she be able to walk down to her Chupah very very soon!! Amen!

Please pass this message on to at least 5 people...or put it on your blog.(do not not ignore this. please. we know her.)

Little Lindsay

I was watching the news last night and I saw a story about a little girl that really touched me.
Her name is Lindsay and she is 2 years old. When she was 5 months old, she was diagnosed with a very rare disease called Progeria. From what I understand, she will age 8 times faster than a regular baby. She already shows signs of aging like balding, very visable veins on her head, stiff joints, and wrinkly, old looking legs.
From the few clips I saw of her on TV, she was a child full of life and happiness. And a BIG Pistons fan!!!! Her parents are trying to just enjoy every moment with her and appreciate everything while they can, because they don't know when it will end.
I don't know how they do it.
I believe they will be showing her story again tonight (May 17th) on Channel 2 at 5pm with Lila Lazareth. You should watch it. It makes you stop and take a second glance at life. And appreciate. We are SO lucky.
She also has a website you should check out. It is LittleLindsay.com
She's a pretty amazing little girl. I wish her luck and happiness and good health.
And a cure.

A Show Me St. Louis Wedding

There is a contest going on through one of St. Louis's TV Stations (I guess it is the NBC affiliate?). Their tagline is Show Me St.Louis and they are going to pick one couple and pay for and plan (?) their St. Louis wedding. It is down the 3 couples and one of the people is the kosher butcher's son (Israeli Menashe who works at Simon Kohn's). The son, Yeshai, is engaged to a girl named Tracy from New Orleans. She and her family lost everything in the hurricane.
They have a really good story (you can read it on the website) and deserve to win this contest!!
So please cast your vote at the following website for Yeshai Gibli & Tracy Bronik.
Thank you!!!!!

Etiquette

Ok, so what is the proper etiquette for Bridal Shower and Wedding Presents?
Are you supposed to get two seperate presents? One that you give at the shower and one that you give at the ...... wedding?
Is one supposed to be bigger than the other one?
What about if you aren't really friends with the person. More like aquantances. And you can't quite figure out why you were invited to the shower in the first place. Does this mean you will be invited to the wedding too?
And what happens with the present issue?

Let me know your thoughts on that one - as I head out to Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Ooh, one more question. Can I get the same thing as a shower and a wedding present? Like if this person requested 2 sets of Dinnerware (16 piece sets) - can I buy one for the shower and one for the wedding?

As if we have money to just toss around on wedding presents of people we really have nothing to do with.....................................

An Embarrassing Moment

Well. I finally have one of those "Embarrassing Stories" ....... thanks to the little J man.

We got last minute tickets to a Playoff Pistons game last night which was REALLY exciting. But we already had plans. We were able to rearrange most of them but had no one to watch Jonah. So we brought him with us. We were a little concerned about how he would do but it was an early game (6pm) and we brought a sandwich and snacks for him and figured he would fall asleep on the way home at bedtime. He had really enjoyed the baseball game we went to over Pesach so we figured we would see how he does at the basketball game. Once he got over his initial fear of all the people and noise and once we gave him the thunder sticks - he was happy.

We all enjoyed the game until we thought Jonah needed a diaper change. I told Shu I would take him because I figured there may only be changing stations in the women's restroom and I thought Shu deserved a little break and some time to concentrate on the game.
So........................
I picked Jonah up and began to carry him down the stairs. He had his paci in his mouth and as we were going down the stairs I think he got excited and opened his mouth to say something and POP, out fell the paci. I felt like I was watching the whole thing in slow motion as the paci fell and bounced on the stairs and then...................... right into some guy's cup of beer. SPLASH!

In my head, I picured the man picking up his beer and taking a big swig only to find a bright red paci in it!!! So I rushed down the 5-10 stairs it was to get to him, tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Sir, I am so so sorry but my son dropped his pacifier and it ended up in your cup of beer! I am so so so sorry. I can't believe he did that." I was kind of nervously laughing and kept apologizing. The man gave me a strange look and looked over at his beer and then back at me with a REALLY grossed out look. I apologized a few more times and then offered to buy him a new beer. He said he would appreciate that if I have time. I asked him what kind it was and he just said a regular beer. I guess they don't have many options at the game. A beer is a beer.

As I was leaving, I glanced up to see if Shu saw what happened and by his smile, it appeared that he did. Along with the rest of our section!!!!!
As I got to the bottom of the stairs some women who was just coming up made a comment to me about what a great shot that was and Jonah deserves something for that!!

We went to go change his diaper (which apparently needs to be changed in the Family bathroom not just the regular bathroom) and it didn't even turn out to be dirty!!!! We came back to get the beer and it was a whopping $8!!!!!! I tried to tell the lady my "sob story" but she wasn't impressed and was more concerned that Jonah was going to drink the beer. I then had to try and juggle Jonah and his bag and the beer and try to get back up the stairs. We made it into the arena but then there was HUGE cheer and Jonah got completly freaked out and was grabbing onto my legs. I was looking around trying to find Shu to get some help and I started thinking we were in the wrong section. I didn't see Shu and I didn't see the man who wanted the beer and I felt totally lost!! But then I saw Shu coming down the stairs to help me. He took Jonah and I took the beer. The man looked a little surprised to see me (probably because we took so long) but his wife seemed quite amused at the whole story.

So that was that. Hope you all enjoyed and got a laugh out of it. :)

Better Pic For You (and me)

I am tired of going to my blog and seeing the same old picture of our "Dog that got away..." But then I start thinking of things I want to blog about and I feel like I should do something more productive. Like working on my medical billing job or doing laundry or cleaning stuff or all the other things that come along with LIFE and being a wife and mom.
So.... this is the end of my post for today because I really just wanted to post a better picture to look at than that cute dog which is still up for adoption (Awwwwwww).
So here is a GREAT one of my Little Guy. Enjoy and don't give up on me yet. I WILL post again someday.........
Hey, does anyone have a good/easy recipe for spagetti and meatballs or meat sauce?
There, that's something to comment on if the picture wasn't enough. :)
Have a good one!!!!!

The One That Got Away

Ok, it didn't get away as much as we had to give her back. She was just too much of a puppy for Jonah (and us) to handle.
To update you (although most who read my blog also read Shu's so they know about our trial-run doggy) we were trying out a doggy for a few days to see if this was the One for us. To be honest, she really was the perfect dog. She was sweet and affectionate and good with kids and gorgeous!! But she was a puppy. And we are looking for a Dog.
In her defense, she was housetrained which was #1 on our list. But that was pretty much it in the training department. She jumps up on people and furniture, she bites (A LOT - probably because she is teething), she doesn't walk well on a leash, she doesn't like to go in her crate at night, and she likes to wake up at 6 am!!!! She doesn't sit or stay or shake hands. But she does fetch. Maybe that is an inherent dog trait.
Jonah and I REALLY liked her. Shu......well, tolerated her, perhaps? He doesn't understand why people want to have animals live in their homes. If you would like, you can read his commentary on that at Just Shu.

The problem was, Jonah mostly enjoyed the dog from a distance. Like on the couch or on our laps. Every once in awhile he would sneak off the couch and grab a toy and quickly run to get back on the couch. He did share well with the dog and loved to give her her bone and treats. He also learned how to say "DOWN" which was cute.
But it wasn't really fair to let the new doggy rule the house and have Jonah banished to the couch.
So to recap, the dog would have been the PERFECT dog if:
A. She was older
B. Jonah was older
C. She was smaller (?)

That being said, here are a few pictures in tribute to our dog "Doggy" and Jonah and their few fond moments together. Just imagine some nice music playing in the background as you scroll through the pics. :)

Also, once the dog was gone. Jonah found a new playhouse.....................................................

As you can see, Shu joined him the dog house! JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am curious where this hatred of animals came from? Shu's whole family seems to have an unnatural hatred of animals. Except Dad? And Shev? And supposedly Sarra? Any ideas?

Broken Blog

Is anyone else having trouble viewing my previous post? For some reason, when I open up my blog, it doesn't show up. It is just empty space.
Anyone know what is up with that?????
Let me know if you can read it.
Thanks!!

What To Do??

The Kohl's Employees are having a campaign called "What to Do" or something like that. We are collecting toys and games for kids in Childrens Hospital. So if you have any extra games or coloring books or other "Things to Do", let me know and I will bring it into work. This campaign is running through April 1st. If you need more information or have questions, let me know. Thanks!!!

Yarzeit

David "Rick" Martinez

June 16, 1945 - February 22, 1997

Tonight and tomorrow is my dad's Yarzeit. His name was Dovid ben Avraham.

If you want to make a L'Chaim for an aliyah for his neshama, feel free. :) Or you can do something else and have in mind that his neshama should have an aliyah.

I think this will be the end of my depressing posts (at least for now). The blog is getting too dark.
Stay tuned for Purim pics of Jonah!!!!!

Death's Eyes

I wrote this about 3 weeks after my dad passed away. Same time as the last poem I posted. I was on a plane going somewhere when I wrote these. Maybe to New York? Possibly back to Pittsburgh?
Looking back at it, it's pretty morbid.

Death's Eyes
March 16, 1997

I look out into the darkness
And what do I see
But a pair of dark blue eyes
Looking back at me.
Who are you? I cry.
And why are you here?
What do you want?
Do I have cause to fear?
I am your worst nightmare
I have come to take you away
Come quickly now
For I cannot stay.
You claim you are my worst nightmare
Yet I am not scared
You've come to take me away
I have no belongings but am prepared.
Is your name Death?
Is that who you are?
If I have guessed the truth
Then please take me and take me far
For then I will find my father
The hole in my heart he can fill
And we will have found happiness
Yes I know that we will.

I'm It. Again.

I got tagged. Personally, I don't like this one as much as the last one but I will fill it out anway.
Oh yah, and I tag.............Malkie C., Shelley S., and Milaine. I know you don't have blogs but you say you read mine so you can post your response in the comments section. :)

Q: Who's the 4th person on your received call list?
A: Seth

Q: What's your main ringtone on your phone?
A: Latin

Q: What were you doing at midnight last night?
A: Working (medical billing)

Q: What did the last text message on your cell phone say?
A: I am so sick. Sorry for not replying earlier. Ill try calling u tomorrow. Good night. Lena.

Q: Whose bed did you sleep in last night?
A: Mine

Q: What color shirt are you wearing?
A: Denim

Q: Most recent movie that you watched?
A: Closer (UGH)

Q: Name 3 things that you have on you at all times?
A: engagement ring, wedding band, necklace

Q: What's the color of your bedsheets?
A: Blue

Q: How much cash do you have on you right now?
A: 26 cents

Q: What is your favorite part of the chicken?
A: The part that someone else cleaned and cooked.

Q: What's your favorite town/city?
A: How about State? Israel.

Q: I can't wait to (til)...?
A: Be out of debt.

Q: When was the last time you saw your mom?
A: January

Q: When was the last time you saw your dad?
A: February 23rd, 1997.

Q: When was the last time you talked to them?
A: Mom, Thursday night.
Dad - see above. Unless you count talking to his "soul".

Q: What did you have for dinner LAST NIGHT?
A: Broccolli quiche, sesame noodles, and 7 layer cake.

Q: How long have you been at your current job?
A: Job #1 - 2 years and 3 months
Job #2 - almost a year

Q: Look to your left. What's there?
A: The door to the porch, cabinets, a stereo

Q: Who is the last person you spent over $50 on?
A: Our company- I bought food for Shabbas.

Q: What's the last piece of clothing you borrowed from someone?
A: Jocey's cute grey hat

Q: What website(s) do you visit the most during the day?
A: I am usually just trying to catch up with e-mail. Or if I am working, I am on the work website.

Q: Do you have an air freshener in your car?
A: nope

Q: Do you have plants in your room?
A: nope

Q: Does anything hurt on your body right now?
A: Nope, thank G-d

Q: What city was your last taxi cab ride in?
A: St. Louis - in the wee hours of the morning

Q: Do you own a camera phone?
A: Yep

Q: What's your favorite Starbucks drink?
A: Don't go to Starbucks. But if I did, it would either be hot chocolate or hot apple cider (I assume they have those)

Q: Recent time you were really upset?
A: At the doctor.

Q: Have you been in love with anyone?
A: Oh yes.

I Once Was A Daddy's Girl

I wrote this poem about 3 weeks after my dad passed away.

I Once Was A Daddy's Girl
March 16, 1997

Daddy's Girl
Yes, that was me
Daddy's Girl
Didn't you see?

Now he is gone
And I am all alone
I feel so lost
I have no home.

How will I get through
When he is not here?
Living on my own
Is what I fear.

How could this happen?
How could he die?
Why did he leave me?
Why, oh why?

I once was a Daddy's Girl
Did you look? Did you see?
Once it was me and daddy.
Now it's just me.

To Dad, With Love

I wrote this in January of 1997. My father had been diagnosed with cancer 2 months before, around Thanksgiving. In January, he came down with a blood infection and was not expected to live through the night. I was in school in Pittsburgh at the time and booked a flight home as soon as I could get one - which wasn't until the next morning.
I had to call my dad that night and basically say goodbye to him over the phone. What do you say in a phone call like that??????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wrote this poem for him while waiting to go home. I read it to him in the ICU, while wearing a surgical mask. I was not allowed to give him the hug, kiss, or even show him the smile I wrote about.
But I hung the poem on the wall when I left.

And this is the poem I was asked to read at his funeral.

To Dad, With Love
To me you mean the world
You're my dad and you should know.
That I love you and I miss you
Although these feelings rarely show.

You're sick right now and in pain
It hurts me too, you see
I am your only daughter,
Your youngest I'll always be.

Things are rough right now
They have been for awhile
I don't know how to cheer you up
But here's a hug, a kiss, and a smile.

I try to be strong and keep my chin high
I daven, I pray everyday
I know my Tefilot will reach Hashem
I know they will find the way.

Around the world and back again
People are hoping and praying for you.
And no matter what happens,
Please know that I love you.

Poems

I was going through some of my files the other day and I came across a notebook of poetry I had kept while my dad was sick and after he passed away.
That was one of the ways I dealt with all the emotions raging inside of me. I wrote. I would not say it's very good poetry, but it's how I felt, for the most part.
Ever since my last post, I have been thinking of my dad a lot more often. Maybe I am building up for his Hebrew yarzeit (which is 2 days after Purim). In case you are confused about why the two don't coincide, when he passed away, it was a Hebrew leap year so there were 2 months of Adar. He passed away in the first one and Purim was in the second one. Does that help?
Well, I have been thinking of my dad more often and want to share things about him. I haven't decided exactly how I want to do that but I figure my poetry is a good start. So I am going to toss a few poems out there for ya. Once again, they aren't very good but they are real.
This is just my Introduction. And I will post poems separately.
Enjoy.
Or don't.
Whatever.

February 23rd, 1997

This is the third time I have opened up blogger to post. But I don't know what to write or how to write it.
I have been meaning to write for the past week - random stories or thoughts but never got around to it.
But today, I feel I should post. It has just been a strange day for me. I am not sure how to feel.

9 years ago today my father passed away. 9 years is a long time. Almost a decade. And I don't know how to feel about it anymore. I'm not saying that I am not sad. But the pain is not the same as it once was. And I feel guilty about that. I didn't go through today all day thinking about what happened at this moment 9 years ago. I didn't wake up this morning thinking how I didn't want to get out of bed and I just wanted the day to be over.
I woke up because Jonah woke up and my alarm went off. I was feeling pretty sick (I am fighting something but at this point I am not sure who is winning). I had breakfast and got my lunch together. And went to work.
At work, I was pretty busy so my mind wasn't on it that much. I didn't think about the exact moment when he died or what happened right afterwards. I thought about it briefly when customers would ask the date. Feb. 23rd.
Feb. 23rd.
Feb. 23rd.
When he died, I think there were ways that it hurt me very badly and messed me up. And there were ways that getting through it helped me grow. It made me a better person in some ways. It made me grow up in a LOT of ways. It obviously changed my entire life. Not for the better - just for the different.
The hard thing is, I can't imagine him in my life right now. I am such a different person. It's hard for me to imagine a conversation with him. What would we talk about? Would we be as close as we once were?
The crazy thing is, the one thing I can imagine is him and Jonah. My dad LOVED kids. And I can just picture Jonah running up to him and giving him a HUGE hug. I can imagine the two of them having a conversation in Jonah's little language. I can see my dad's eyes light up at the sight of him and Jonah's eyes light up playing with him. I think Jonah has my dad's eyes.
Sometimes when Jonah stares at me - he has such a knowing look. Like he stares deep inside of me. He looks at me the way my dad sometimes looked at me when he wasn't able to communicate so well anymore. Maybe that's freaky. Or maybe it's just my mind playing tricks on me. Trying to hold on to some part of my dad. I don't know.
It is what it is.
The one thing I hate about my dad's death is how it has desensitized me. Like when I hear about an older person passing away, it's very hard for me to feel sad about it. I automatically think, wow, you were lucky to have had them around for that long. They lived a long and full life, what is there to be sad about? But you can't say that to someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. I think it is a terrible attitude for me to have. I hear about people losing grandparents and I really don't know what to say. Because that is the way things happen. That is a normal time for them to die.
When my dad died, all 4 of my grandparents were still living. Within 3 years of his death, 3 of them had passed away. My mom's parents died when I was in Israel for seminary (they died within about 2 months from each other) and my dad's father died while I was in New York. I wasn't very close with those grandparents and so while I was very sad when they died, it was not something that haunted me day and night for weeks or months afterward. I think I was more sad for what we missed out on as opposed to just the fact of losing them. When I hear of someone losing a grandparent, after my initial reaction where I can't really understand their pain, I think of losing my living grandmother. And that shock wakes me up and I realize that yes, it still hurts. I can't even think about it because I can't imagine her not around.
So, I guess I am still somewhat mixed up.
While I wrote this, I did shed a few tears. Mostly when I was writing about my dad and Jonah. Maybe because I knew that my thoughts are all that I will have of them. Picturing them together in my head is as close as I will get to it.
Part of me still wishes I had more of the pain that I had when I lost him. Maybe I feel like I would be a better daughter if I was more miserable today. Or maybe this is just what happens almost a decade after you lose someone...................

Maybe I am normal.

Finances

Does anyone know of a good financial planning/tracking program? I tried Quicken but Shu's computer wouldn't let me get updates from the Internet so I had to put everything in manually. After 3 hours, I really didn't accomplish much because I was still missing so much information and didn't understand how it all works.
Does anyone know of an easier program?
I basically just want to track my expenses and maybe get some help with budgeting.
Any suggestions?