I've been blogging with three fabulous women for over two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, Moma Rock chose the topic: Memorial Day was originally a day to remember those who served in the military, but has expanded to include anyone whose lives touched ours in some way. It's a day of remembrance. Who did you remember on Memorial Day?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
A while back, I wrote a post about my grandparents and the memories I have of those no longer with us. This time around, I've decided to talk about someone who passed away long before she should have.
When I was in second grade (same age as my oldest child is now), I met Liz. Her name was Elisabeth, but she went by Liz. I liked that she spelled her name with an "s" though.) We were in class together and she was just nice to me in general. She'd stand up for me if other kids were being mean. We eventually started getting together outside of school to hang out at either of our houses. I loved her house, how it was nestled into the woods and looked very open and spacious, while also having a rustic cabin feel. Her mom and sister were really nice, as well. Most of the time was spent hanging out doing what girls did back when there was no Internet...making up dance routines, watching our favorite TV shows and movies, playing outside (I remember having fun just jumping through piles of leaves), having weekend sleepovers, shopping, working on school projects, etc. She was just very easygoing and we never fought. She exuded a beauty, grace and confidence that I could only wish to have, but I enjoyed basking in the radiance she gave off. We weren't really in the same circle of friends, but she didn't ignore me when she was with friends I wasn't as close with. She got along well with my family and could hold her own in conversations with my mom, sounding more like an adult than a kid when they were talking. She claimed that we were best friends and I didn't argue with that.
Then we got to junior high and ended up going our separate ways. Naturally, the popular crowd snatched her up right away. Who could blame them? And who could blame her for choosing that lifestyle? Junior high was torturous if you weren't popular. The one thing that separated her from that crowd was that she didn't lose herself. She was still genuinely nice. We didn't hang out anymore and maybe said hi in passing, but she wasn't mean like the other popular girls. (Another girl I was also friends with in grade school chose to go that route and was mean about it too. I still resent her for that.) In the meantime, I had met my BFF (even though we didn't go to the same school) and was so focused on bonding with her that Liz's foray into the popular crowd didn't faze me as much as it could have. When it comes to friendship, sometimes when one door closes, another opens. (It has happened at other times in my life as I got older, as well.)
Before I started high school, I ran into her at Children's Memorial Hospital. Again, we just said "hi" in passing, but I think we both felt awkward about seeing each other there. I was embarrassed about people knowing I had hypothyroidism at the time and she had even more of a reason for feeling weird about her classmates seeing her there. I found out a few weeks later that she was there because she had cancer. I think it might have been leukemia, but I can't remember. All I know is that things happened pretty fast after that. I'd see her around school with a scarf covering her bald head, but she'd be smiling like it was no big deal.
A couple of months into second semester of freshman year, my algebra teacher announced that Liz wasn't doing too well and that we should all sign a card for her but not tell her "get well soon," as that wasn't in the cards for her. I know this was so hard for the teacher, whose voice kept breaking as she was talking about it. I signed the card, telling her she was very brave. The very next day, the teacher had even worse news to share with the class, as Liz had passed away the same night she had received our card. The news was shocking and sad. She was so young and barely even got to experience high school. She had so much going for her until cancer took that all away. I couldn't even imagine how her family was feeling. I also couldn't bring myself to go to the funeral. I didn't tell my parents about Liz's passing because I didn't want them to make me go to it either. I don't know if it was a social anxiety (being amongst all the popular people and trying to claim that she was my friend at one time), an inability to cope with the death of someone so young, or just a complete detachment prior to her passing (something I felt in later years when Alzheimer's took my grandma long before her passing). I felt bad staking any emotional claim to her, as we hadn't spent time together at all since fifth grade. I also felt guilty not being visibly upset over her passing. It was such a conflict of emotions altogether. Looking back on it, I feel bad for hiding this information from my parents and was more forthcoming about peoples' deaths in the future. Especially since they had to hear about her passing from someone other than myself. There was also the complete awkwardness around her sister. I liked her sister, but I just didn't know what to say to her and avoided her when I saw her. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. Her sister held her own and this was just weeks after Liz's passing. It was surprising to see how calm and collected she was.
I still think about Liz often. Something will remind me of her and my mind will go back to that time when we were friends. I can still hear her voice in my head and picture her face. There are times I wonder what she would be like had she never been sick and was still alive now. I have a feeling she'd be someone who would change the world in some way. She just had that way about her and I could see her striving for world peace or helping people in less advantaged countries. She'd still be beautiful, gracious and intelligent and treat people with respect, no matter how well she knew or liked them. I think about all the stuff she has missed out on since her passing and it makes me sad for her. And at other times, I feel like she's truly at peace because she passed away during a simpler time of life, when there was more innocence in the world. She was around for such a short time but enriched others' lives just by being in them. There have been others from my class who have passed away since graduating, but I don't think about them the way I think about her.
Rest in peace, Liz.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
52 Stories: 52 Resolutions
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I met this storyteller when her book was featured on BookTrib and I wanted to her to talk about it on my book blog. I got to know her through her interview and book and found out that we have a lot of common interests. To honor her best friend's memory, she once did 52 resolutions and blogged about them, as well. I think she's gone down to 12 resolutions (one a month) since then, but it's still very inspiring!
Name you'd like to go by: Bree Housley
Age: 34
Gender: Lady
Location: Chicago
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I went to a party at the Playboy Mansion when I was 25. I was in LA during a commercial shoot and my producer’s dad had a connection that resulted in an invite. (He helped build the freaking Grotto.) I didn’t see Hugh Hefner, but I did meet INXS and that “dreamy” kid from Desperate Housewives. And saw boobs. Lots of painted boobs.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sitting in my flannel pajamas, sans shower, watching hours and hours of television. I prefer marathons (not the running kind), but anything will do.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I’d LOVE to go to the Oscars. Especially if I could sit by Meryl Streep and snark about everyone else. We would be BFFs for sure. (Or if I could sit by Ewan McGregor just because he is my movie star boyfriend.)
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I would give my entire music collection to my friend Kerry because she is always asking for music recommendations. And she is one of the only people who wouldn’t judge my taste in music. I like cool, indie music, but I’m also a sucker for Britney and the soundtrack to Newsies.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
My childhood best friend died from complications caused by preeclampsia and I wrote a memoir about it. I’ve received emails from other young people who are in the process of grieving a friend, and they said that my book made them look at the situation in a new, more positive light. Meant the world to me.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I was an accidental prude as a youngster. I was just so scared of everything. I was afraid I’d get caught drinking so I didn’t drink until I was 21. I was afraid of getting pregnant before marriage so I didn’t have sex until I was 23. I didn’t even cuss until adulthood because I was afraid of getting my mouth washed out with soap (which I did once for saying “that sucks.”) Now I’m a cussing, drinking, sex-haver and I love it.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
People falling during yoga.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love that I prefer the cheap version of everything. Purses, food, shoes, jewelry. I didn’t grow up with money so I never really developed that need for the “finest” of anything. Sure, I’ll splurge on a fancy restaurant every once in awhile, but I’m usually 100% happy with Kraft Mac n Cheese.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
This one is tough. I suppose I relate to Happy Endings quite a bit. The characters live in Chicago and are still trying to figure out who they are…while also being completely themselves. If that makes any sense.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I’ll go to a horror movie in the theater to seem tough and cool, but I stare at the chair in front of me instead of the screen on the scary parts.
I met this storyteller when her book was featured on BookTrib and I wanted to her to talk about it on my book blog. I got to know her through her interview and book and found out that we have a lot of common interests. To honor her best friend's memory, she once did 52 resolutions and blogged about them, as well. I think she's gone down to 12 resolutions (one a month) since then, but it's still very inspiring!
Name you'd like to go by: Bree Housley
Age: 34
Gender: Lady
Location: Chicago
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I went to a party at the Playboy Mansion when I was 25. I was in LA during a commercial shoot and my producer’s dad had a connection that resulted in an invite. (He helped build the freaking Grotto.) I didn’t see Hugh Hefner, but I did meet INXS and that “dreamy” kid from Desperate Housewives. And saw boobs. Lots of painted boobs.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sitting in my flannel pajamas, sans shower, watching hours and hours of television. I prefer marathons (not the running kind), but anything will do.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I’d LOVE to go to the Oscars. Especially if I could sit by Meryl Streep and snark about everyone else. We would be BFFs for sure. (Or if I could sit by Ewan McGregor just because he is my movie star boyfriend.)
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I would give my entire music collection to my friend Kerry because she is always asking for music recommendations. And she is one of the only people who wouldn’t judge my taste in music. I like cool, indie music, but I’m also a sucker for Britney and the soundtrack to Newsies.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
My childhood best friend died from complications caused by preeclampsia and I wrote a memoir about it. I’ve received emails from other young people who are in the process of grieving a friend, and they said that my book made them look at the situation in a new, more positive light. Meant the world to me.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I was an accidental prude as a youngster. I was just so scared of everything. I was afraid I’d get caught drinking so I didn’t drink until I was 21. I was afraid of getting pregnant before marriage so I didn’t have sex until I was 23. I didn’t even cuss until adulthood because I was afraid of getting my mouth washed out with soap (which I did once for saying “that sucks.”) Now I’m a cussing, drinking, sex-haver and I love it.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
People falling during yoga.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love that I prefer the cheap version of everything. Purses, food, shoes, jewelry. I didn’t grow up with money so I never really developed that need for the “finest” of anything. Sure, I’ll splurge on a fancy restaurant every once in awhile, but I’m usually 100% happy with Kraft Mac n Cheese.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
This one is tough. I suppose I relate to Happy Endings quite a bit. The characters live in Chicago and are still trying to figure out who they are…while also being completely themselves. If that makes any sense.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I’ll go to a horror movie in the theater to seem tough and cool, but I stare at the chair in front of me instead of the screen on the scary parts.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
When love and hate come together....
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, Froggie says: Choose either things you love to hate or things you hate to love.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
I didn't really give much thought to this topic until Froggie brought it up. When I first considered stuff I hate to love, I thought of guilty pleasures, but then realized that I actually love to love my guilty pleasures. And in terms of loving to hate stuff, I never thought I had it in me, but there are some things out there that I enjoy hating.
In terms of things I hate to love, Walmart would be at the top of my list. There isn't a Walmart nearby, but if we are traveling and happen upon one, just watch out. The reason I hate to love it is because so many people are against it or have issues with it and I really do feel guilty for shopping there, even though the prices are so much better than Target in some ways. I've learned to love Target, but if a Walmart moved in nearby, it wouldn't stand a chance. Walmart not only brings up fun college memories (before I became an observant Jew, my Friday nights were spent shopping at the Super Walmart in Normal, Illinois), but it's also front and center in my favorite movie of all time, Where the Heart is. So you can see why it holds a special place in my heart.
Another thing I hate to love is Chinese food. I've always been a Chinese food fanatic, but it's hard when there's not a decent Chinese restaurant nearby. I mostly get it for the meat items, so it needs to be Kosher. I was so spoiled by Chopstix in Teaneck (even though it was take-out only) that it was strange to move to a town that has a Kosher Chinese sit-down restaurant and find that it's not all that good. The only times I really enjoy it are when they have the buffet because we don't have to wait a million years to eat and the food tastes a lot fresher. The last time we went for a regular sit down meal, the rice was hard and didn't stick together. That's just so wrong! And the service has always been awful. I wouldn't complain if David Chu's decided to move away from Baltimore and come out my way, but that's just wishful thinking. I was glad to go to a party over the winter holidays where they served David Chu's take-out. Heavenly! Still, the visits to David Chu's (come on, the initials are DC....it should be in DC!!!) are few and far between. So having a craving for Chinese food is frustrating in this day and age. Thankfully, my husband makes awesome sweet and sour chicken and egg drop soup.
As for stuff I love to hate, IHOP is at the top of my list. I refer to it as I-HELL and haven't set foot inside one since I quit my serving job there in August of 1996. That's almost 17 years IHOP free and I'm proud of my personal boycott. I worked there to make some extra money one summer while I was in college, but I'm not sure the benefits (tips???) were worth all the costs (such as my sanity). The guys there were disgusting and it was like a sexual harassment lawsuit waiting to happen. They were so cheap that we had to pay for our own meals, so I didn't think suing them would really get me much other than some more headaches. The Sunday brunch crowd was pure torture. If you can afford to be a North Shore snob, you can afford to spend money at a fancier breakfast establishment and stay out of my life. The only thing that made it worthwhile at all were the weeknight customers. I had some nice ones from time to time and they made me feel good about myself. I even got to flirt with guys from time to time. (Just not the creepy ones.)
I also love to hate trendy cult book series...especially those involving a number and color in their title. I think it's mostly because some fan of another cult series decided to write some fan fiction and change a few names around, add in some eroticism, and make gobs of money from it. Yet, I have met some talented writers who are doing an honest day's work and putting their heart and soul into their books and they don't get close to the notoriety that this fan fiction writer did. It just fuels my fire even more.
There are other items that float on either side of the spectrum, but I think I've said my piece for now!
This week, Froggie says: Choose either things you love to hate or things you hate to love.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
I didn't really give much thought to this topic until Froggie brought it up. When I first considered stuff I hate to love, I thought of guilty pleasures, but then realized that I actually love to love my guilty pleasures. And in terms of loving to hate stuff, I never thought I had it in me, but there are some things out there that I enjoy hating.
In terms of things I hate to love, Walmart would be at the top of my list. There isn't a Walmart nearby, but if we are traveling and happen upon one, just watch out. The reason I hate to love it is because so many people are against it or have issues with it and I really do feel guilty for shopping there, even though the prices are so much better than Target in some ways. I've learned to love Target, but if a Walmart moved in nearby, it wouldn't stand a chance. Walmart not only brings up fun college memories (before I became an observant Jew, my Friday nights were spent shopping at the Super Walmart in Normal, Illinois), but it's also front and center in my favorite movie of all time, Where the Heart is. So you can see why it holds a special place in my heart.
Another thing I hate to love is Chinese food. I've always been a Chinese food fanatic, but it's hard when there's not a decent Chinese restaurant nearby. I mostly get it for the meat items, so it needs to be Kosher. I was so spoiled by Chopstix in Teaneck (even though it was take-out only) that it was strange to move to a town that has a Kosher Chinese sit-down restaurant and find that it's not all that good. The only times I really enjoy it are when they have the buffet because we don't have to wait a million years to eat and the food tastes a lot fresher. The last time we went for a regular sit down meal, the rice was hard and didn't stick together. That's just so wrong! And the service has always been awful. I wouldn't complain if David Chu's decided to move away from Baltimore and come out my way, but that's just wishful thinking. I was glad to go to a party over the winter holidays where they served David Chu's take-out. Heavenly! Still, the visits to David Chu's (come on, the initials are DC....it should be in DC!!!) are few and far between. So having a craving for Chinese food is frustrating in this day and age. Thankfully, my husband makes awesome sweet and sour chicken and egg drop soup.
As for stuff I love to hate, IHOP is at the top of my list. I refer to it as I-HELL and haven't set foot inside one since I quit my serving job there in August of 1996. That's almost 17 years IHOP free and I'm proud of my personal boycott. I worked there to make some extra money one summer while I was in college, but I'm not sure the benefits (tips???) were worth all the costs (such as my sanity). The guys there were disgusting and it was like a sexual harassment lawsuit waiting to happen. They were so cheap that we had to pay for our own meals, so I didn't think suing them would really get me much other than some more headaches. The Sunday brunch crowd was pure torture. If you can afford to be a North Shore snob, you can afford to spend money at a fancier breakfast establishment and stay out of my life. The only thing that made it worthwhile at all were the weeknight customers. I had some nice ones from time to time and they made me feel good about myself. I even got to flirt with guys from time to time. (Just not the creepy ones.)
I also love to hate trendy cult book series...especially those involving a number and color in their title. I think it's mostly because some fan of another cult series decided to write some fan fiction and change a few names around, add in some eroticism, and make gobs of money from it. Yet, I have met some talented writers who are doing an honest day's work and putting their heart and soul into their books and they don't get close to the notoriety that this fan fiction writer did. It just fuels my fire even more.
There are other items that float on either side of the spectrum, but I think I've said my piece for now!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
52 Stories: Where there's a "Will," there's a way...
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I've known this storyteller since I was 17 and refer to him as "Will." You can read more about our friendship here. I haven't seen him in almost four years (given we live on opposite sides of the country), but it still feels like we just hung out yesterday. He's close with my sister, as well, and I'm glad they have such a great friendship. He's someone very special to me and I hope you will enjoy learning about him in this way.
Name you'd like to go by: Daveed R.
Age (or age range): 30something
Gender: Male
Location: Orange County, CA
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Last year, I won tickets to the Grammys, but not only that, I also won a trip into the VIP gift room. It was an experience to last a lifetime that I will never forget.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate (Dark) and eating it regularly!
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
Go to Hawaii with a significant other. :-)
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
Good music. It soothes the soul, especially in live performance.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I have brought music to people at times of great need and also at times of great joy. These are intimate moments that I get to be a part of because of my job as a cantor (Jewish clergy).
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I think all parts of my personality are always there, even if they lie dormant.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
Margaret Cho-- well her old standup. She got pretty raunchy in recent years, crossing over the lines, but I still love her.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
My love for so many diverse things in life, in culture, in the world. I have an insatiable desire to learn and keep experiencing new things.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
The Wonder Years
What is something that not many people know about you?
I have a super goofy side and a more serious side, so if people only know one or the other, they don't know me fully.
I've known this storyteller since I was 17 and refer to him as "Will." You can read more about our friendship here. I haven't seen him in almost four years (given we live on opposite sides of the country), but it still feels like we just hung out yesterday. He's close with my sister, as well, and I'm glad they have such a great friendship. He's someone very special to me and I hope you will enjoy learning about him in this way.
Name you'd like to go by: Daveed R.
Age (or age range): 30something
Gender: Male
Location: Orange County, CA
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Last year, I won tickets to the Grammys, but not only that, I also won a trip into the VIP gift room. It was an experience to last a lifetime that I will never forget.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate (Dark) and eating it regularly!
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
Go to Hawaii with a significant other. :-)
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
Good music. It soothes the soul, especially in live performance.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I have brought music to people at times of great need and also at times of great joy. These are intimate moments that I get to be a part of because of my job as a cantor (Jewish clergy).
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I think all parts of my personality are always there, even if they lie dormant.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
Margaret Cho-- well her old standup. She got pretty raunchy in recent years, crossing over the lines, but I still love her.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
My love for so many diverse things in life, in culture, in the world. I have an insatiable desire to learn and keep experiencing new things.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
The Wonder Years
What is something that not many people know about you?
I have a super goofy side and a more serious side, so if people only know one or the other, they don't know me fully.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Sight for sore eyes
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, Mom of Many asks: Have you ever had an injury stop you from doing something you really wanted to do? How did you deal with that?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
Not to give myself a kaynehore, but I have thankfully never broken any bones. I can't really say I was sidelined from doing anything exciting or important. (Unlike my sister who had to travel around Disney World in a cast when she was in high school and missed a season of Color Guard competitions.)
I've dealt with some ridiculous injuries, but those didn't even stop me from doing stuff I wanted....at least until a few weeks ago.
I love to relax on Shabbat and can usually get through a good chunk of the novel I'm reading during that time. However, a few weeks ago, I was playing with my daughter and she did something where she whipped her hand at my face and managed to scratch my eye. I thought it would be something simple as her poking my eye and a washcloth with water on it would make it okay in a few minutes. No....this was like the time I injured my eye on a shelf right before my job interview. This time, she scratched the "bad eye" (meaning the one I don't see as well out of if the other one is covered). I thought I could get by with keeping that eye covered with a wet washcloth and see out of my good eye. Being in a well lit room made me want to also close my good eye, so seeing anything wasn't really an option. To top it off, my husband was at shul and I was home with all three kids who expected me to make them breakfast when I couldn't even see to get my own breakfast. I had to leave them to their own devices and hope that the boys would keep my daughter out of trouble. Naturally, I found her standing in an empty bathtub demanding to have a bath. The boys were upset that I couldn't do anything for them. And worst of all, I couldn't read! For the most part, I laid in bed with my eye covered and listened for any trouble from the kids. (Since we forgot to turn on the basement light before Shabbat, the kids had to play upstairs.)
When my husband got home, he took over getting our lunch together and watching the kids so I could sleep afterward. The nap helped a little. I was able to get out of the house by late afternoon to go to a gathering at a friends' house. Of course, I looked horrible. Everyone kept asking me what was wrong with my eye and I had to explain that my toddler did it. She had no idea she did anything wrong.
By the evening, it was feeling better and I was able to keep it open for longer periods of time. I'd go back to the washcloth every now and then. It healed on its own and was fine by the next morning. Nowadays, I keep my face away from my daughter whenever she's in one of her moods and acting all wild. She likes to play with my face, so I am very careful to watch where she's putting her hands and move them when they get to close to my eyes. I can't deal with another eye injury! (Especially when it keeps me from reading....)
This week, Mom of Many asks: Have you ever had an injury stop you from doing something you really wanted to do? How did you deal with that?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
Not to give myself a kaynehore, but I have thankfully never broken any bones. I can't really say I was sidelined from doing anything exciting or important. (Unlike my sister who had to travel around Disney World in a cast when she was in high school and missed a season of Color Guard competitions.)
I've dealt with some ridiculous injuries, but those didn't even stop me from doing stuff I wanted....at least until a few weeks ago.
I love to relax on Shabbat and can usually get through a good chunk of the novel I'm reading during that time. However, a few weeks ago, I was playing with my daughter and she did something where she whipped her hand at my face and managed to scratch my eye. I thought it would be something simple as her poking my eye and a washcloth with water on it would make it okay in a few minutes. No....this was like the time I injured my eye on a shelf right before my job interview. This time, she scratched the "bad eye" (meaning the one I don't see as well out of if the other one is covered). I thought I could get by with keeping that eye covered with a wet washcloth and see out of my good eye. Being in a well lit room made me want to also close my good eye, so seeing anything wasn't really an option. To top it off, my husband was at shul and I was home with all three kids who expected me to make them breakfast when I couldn't even see to get my own breakfast. I had to leave them to their own devices and hope that the boys would keep my daughter out of trouble. Naturally, I found her standing in an empty bathtub demanding to have a bath. The boys were upset that I couldn't do anything for them. And worst of all, I couldn't read! For the most part, I laid in bed with my eye covered and listened for any trouble from the kids. (Since we forgot to turn on the basement light before Shabbat, the kids had to play upstairs.)
When my husband got home, he took over getting our lunch together and watching the kids so I could sleep afterward. The nap helped a little. I was able to get out of the house by late afternoon to go to a gathering at a friends' house. Of course, I looked horrible. Everyone kept asking me what was wrong with my eye and I had to explain that my toddler did it. She had no idea she did anything wrong.
By the evening, it was feeling better and I was able to keep it open for longer periods of time. I'd go back to the washcloth every now and then. It healed on its own and was fine by the next morning. Nowadays, I keep my face away from my daughter whenever she's in one of her moods and acting all wild. She likes to play with my face, so I am very careful to watch where she's putting her hands and move them when they get to close to my eyes. I can't deal with another eye injury! (Especially when it keeps me from reading....)
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
52 Stories: 1,000 Envelopes
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I knew this storyteller in person before we actually connected over a shared love of the same kind of books. She now is part of my book blogging team and I'm glad it gives us an excuse to talk even more.
When I contact people to do this project, they have the option of answering all the questions or just answering one with a longer story. This is the first storyteller to choose the latter.
Name: Miriam
Age: Withheld
Gender: Female
Location: Maryland
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
Every year, I mail close to 1,000 college recommendations. Whenever I think about the sheer act of licking that many envelope flaps, my brain reels, but there it is.
As the sole eleventh-grade English instructor in a program that caters to high-achieving humanities students, I get a lot of recommendation requests. During the course of a typical school year, anywhere between 75-90 students will ask me to send in their recs. Since I tend to like almost all of my students, and because I understand just how vital the college admissions process is for their future, I have a really hard time saying no when they ask me for help.
One thing I insist upon, however, is a well-written thank you note. It's the least a student can do for subjecting me to endless unpaid hours of work. Every year, I post the notes on my office closet, and though the cards often come with little tokens like chocolate or Starbucks gift cards, it's the notes I love the most. Quite often, students tell me that they got into school because of me, or that I changed the way they look at something important. The first assertion I almost never believe, so I tell them that they got themselves into school and I just nudged it along. But the second compliment I let myself accept whole-heartedly. It's my job to teach teenagers how to think and critically analyze situations so they can carry those skills into adulthood. If I help even one student each year (and I'm hoping that it's more, but whatever), then it's worth all of those unpaid hours of sitting under piles of college forms and letters.
I knew this storyteller in person before we actually connected over a shared love of the same kind of books. She now is part of my book blogging team and I'm glad it gives us an excuse to talk even more.
When I contact people to do this project, they have the option of answering all the questions or just answering one with a longer story. This is the first storyteller to choose the latter.
Name: Miriam
Age: Withheld
Gender: Female
Location: Maryland
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
Every year, I mail close to 1,000 college recommendations. Whenever I think about the sheer act of licking that many envelope flaps, my brain reels, but there it is.
As the sole eleventh-grade English instructor in a program that caters to high-achieving humanities students, I get a lot of recommendation requests. During the course of a typical school year, anywhere between 75-90 students will ask me to send in their recs. Since I tend to like almost all of my students, and because I understand just how vital the college admissions process is for their future, I have a really hard time saying no when they ask me for help.
One thing I insist upon, however, is a well-written thank you note. It's the least a student can do for subjecting me to endless unpaid hours of work. Every year, I post the notes on my office closet, and though the cards often come with little tokens like chocolate or Starbucks gift cards, it's the notes I love the most. Quite often, students tell me that they got into school because of me, or that I changed the way they look at something important. The first assertion I almost never believe, so I tell them that they got themselves into school and I just nudged it along. But the second compliment I let myself accept whole-heartedly. It's my job to teach teenagers how to think and critically analyze situations so they can carry those skills into adulthood. If I help even one student each year (and I'm hoping that it's more, but whatever), then it's worth all of those unpaid hours of sitting under piles of college forms and letters.
Friday, May 10, 2013
I don't only read books!
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, I chose the topic: Magazines
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
When I was a kid, I developed a fascination with magazines. My parents would leave People and Redbook laying around the house and I would find articles of interest and read them to my heart's content. When my parents felt I should have age appropriate magazines, they would buy me the ones with pin-ups and information about celebrities, such as Bop!, Teen Beat, Tiger Beat, etc. My bedroom walls were covered with the pin-ups of all the hot guy celebrities of the time. (Think New Kids on the Block and Patrick Swayze here.)
I also wanted more intelligent magazines with articles of interest to pre-teen and teen girls, which is how I got started on Seventeen, Teen, YM and the best one of all, Sassy. I found some pen pals through Teen and entered a contest to write for Sassy. (I was 13 and coming off a high from working on the school newspaper.) My teen magazine addiction carried through high school and partially into college.
Around my last year of college, I started reading Cosmopolitan and subscribed shortly thereafter. Then I found out about Glamour and, of course, had to subscribe to that too! They are magazines more suited to a 20-something crowd. I lost interest in them when I became a mother. (However, I'll read parts while waiting in line at CVS or at my hairstylist's.) At that time, I got more into magazines like Parenting and Parents, as well as the freebies like Baby Talk and American Baby, which were both really thin.
Realizing that I needed some magazines that spoke to me as a woman, I subscribed to Redbook and Ladies Home Journal. I also get Family Circle, but that's more for recipes and special interest articles. In the meantime, people would bring back issues of People and US Weekly to my office and I'd grab them as soon as I saw them laying in the kitchen, waiting to be read again. (Recently, a co-worker left them on my chair instead of delivering them to the kitchen, as they'd end up with me anyway.) I also got a deal through a website for Entertainment and have a year subscription now. I love catching up on movie and TV news that way.
My magazine tastes are definitely diverse and I end up looking like a hoarder with the variety I have laying around my house. In all fairness, I give them to my friends when I'm finished, as well as bring the back issues of my woman-themed magazines for others at the office to read.
Magazines have so much to offer....advice, pop culture news, recipes, decorating tips, ways to entertain kids, fashion and make-up ideas, etc. They're just so entertaining and addictive. I am glad they're available as extra reading material when I don't have time to focus on the book I'm currently devouring or I just need something light to distract me after a long day.
This week, I chose the topic: Magazines
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
When I was a kid, I developed a fascination with magazines. My parents would leave People and Redbook laying around the house and I would find articles of interest and read them to my heart's content. When my parents felt I should have age appropriate magazines, they would buy me the ones with pin-ups and information about celebrities, such as Bop!, Teen Beat, Tiger Beat, etc. My bedroom walls were covered with the pin-ups of all the hot guy celebrities of the time. (Think New Kids on the Block and Patrick Swayze here.)
I also wanted more intelligent magazines with articles of interest to pre-teen and teen girls, which is how I got started on Seventeen, Teen, YM and the best one of all, Sassy. I found some pen pals through Teen and entered a contest to write for Sassy. (I was 13 and coming off a high from working on the school newspaper.) My teen magazine addiction carried through high school and partially into college.
Around my last year of college, I started reading Cosmopolitan and subscribed shortly thereafter. Then I found out about Glamour and, of course, had to subscribe to that too! They are magazines more suited to a 20-something crowd. I lost interest in them when I became a mother. (However, I'll read parts while waiting in line at CVS or at my hairstylist's.) At that time, I got more into magazines like Parenting and Parents, as well as the freebies like Baby Talk and American Baby, which were both really thin.
Realizing that I needed some magazines that spoke to me as a woman, I subscribed to Redbook and Ladies Home Journal. I also get Family Circle, but that's more for recipes and special interest articles. In the meantime, people would bring back issues of People and US Weekly to my office and I'd grab them as soon as I saw them laying in the kitchen, waiting to be read again. (Recently, a co-worker left them on my chair instead of delivering them to the kitchen, as they'd end up with me anyway.) I also got a deal through a website for Entertainment and have a year subscription now. I love catching up on movie and TV news that way.
My magazine tastes are definitely diverse and I end up looking like a hoarder with the variety I have laying around my house. In all fairness, I give them to my friends when I'm finished, as well as bring the back issues of my woman-themed magazines for others at the office to read.
Magazines have so much to offer....advice, pop culture news, recipes, decorating tips, ways to entertain kids, fashion and make-up ideas, etc. They're just so entertaining and addictive. I am glad they're available as extra reading material when I don't have time to focus on the book I'm currently devouring or I just need something light to distract me after a long day.
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| Some of the latest from my "collection" |
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
52 Stories: A Whole New World
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I met this storyteller through...you guessed it...my book blog. She's always participating in giveaways and I've enjoyed getting to know her through her answers to all my bonus questions. I also love that she calls herself a "Literary Chanteuse."
Name: Margaret Faria
Age: 41
Gender: Female
Location: British Columbia, Canada
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I worked on a Cultural Representative program for a year at Disney World in Orlando,Florida. It was an amazing experience! I met people from all over the world and to this day I am in touch with all of my international friends.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I have always wanted to be the voice for a Disney character both the speaking and singing.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I'd give a book and often do. I love to read and love to share the reading experience with others.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I remember a friend once was having a difficult time making a decision and I was supportive and helped her make her choice.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I used to be quite shy as a child. I've gotten over that fear and am usually very chatty.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
I love British humor. It is dry, witty and sharp but I love it.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love that I have the ability to sing and have a very good ear for music. It comes naturally and as far back as I can remember it's been a part of me.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
I'd say Selena with Jennifer Lopez. Of course more her early years as a child singing.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I love classical music and listen to it often. Although I sing music that is more popular I have always loved classical. I have also read about many composers and travelled to many European sites just to see their homes etc.
I met this storyteller through...you guessed it...my book blog. She's always participating in giveaways and I've enjoyed getting to know her through her answers to all my bonus questions. I also love that she calls herself a "Literary Chanteuse."
Name: Margaret Faria
Age: 41
Gender: Female
Location: British Columbia, Canada
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I worked on a Cultural Representative program for a year at Disney World in Orlando,Florida. It was an amazing experience! I met people from all over the world and to this day I am in touch with all of my international friends.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I have always wanted to be the voice for a Disney character both the speaking and singing.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I'd give a book and often do. I love to read and love to share the reading experience with others.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I remember a friend once was having a difficult time making a decision and I was supportive and helped her make her choice.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I used to be quite shy as a child. I've gotten over that fear and am usually very chatty.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
I love British humor. It is dry, witty and sharp but I love it.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love that I have the ability to sing and have a very good ear for music. It comes naturally and as far back as I can remember it's been a part of me.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
I'd say Selena with Jennifer Lopez. Of course more her early years as a child singing.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I love classical music and listen to it often. Although I sing music that is more popular I have always loved classical. I have also read about many composers and travelled to many European sites just to see their homes etc.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Treasures over Time
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, Moma Rock chose the topic: Talk about some of the items you have in your possession that you've had for a really long time. They can be heirlooms, or other priceless treasures of yours that you've held onto.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
Back in good ol' 1990, I graduated from the most hellish place on earth...junior high. To commemorate this milestone in my life, my (late) maternal grandmother got me a necklace with my name. It was simplistically pretty. The writing was in gold (probably not authentic gold, but it was still gold to me) and there was a little diamond-like gem dotting the "i". I wore it every day for quite some time. I even made a speech about it in a Forensics class that I took during sophomore year of high school. What drove me crazy was people thinking they could call me by name without actually knowing me. Although I didn't mind the cute guy who figured out my last name just by looking at my necklace that bore only my first name. I still have that necklace and still wear it often. It's something I'll always be able to remember my grandma by.
I don't really know what else to talk about in terms of what I've owned for a long period of time. Some of it is random, like journals or mix tapes that friends made for me. I have some clothes dating back to my college days. I still even have my high school jacket and ring. I have photos from various periods of time. I also have stuff in our china cabinet that was passed down from grandparents on my side and my husband's side.
The other item I'd like to give mention to is the diamond from my engagement ring. After the Holocaust, my husband's grandparents moved from Hungary to Cleveland. His grandfather was a jeweler and saved two diamonds for my husband and brother-in-law to give to their wives when they asked for their hand in marriage. I love that there's history behind my ring, even though I never met my husband's grandparents. It's more meaningful to me to know that these diamonds were chosen by someone who instinctively knew that they'd go to the right people someday and that they weren't just chosen at a random jewelry store.
This week, Moma Rock chose the topic: Talk about some of the items you have in your possession that you've had for a really long time. They can be heirlooms, or other priceless treasures of yours that you've held onto.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
Back in good ol' 1990, I graduated from the most hellish place on earth...junior high. To commemorate this milestone in my life, my (late) maternal grandmother got me a necklace with my name. It was simplistically pretty. The writing was in gold (probably not authentic gold, but it was still gold to me) and there was a little diamond-like gem dotting the "i". I wore it every day for quite some time. I even made a speech about it in a Forensics class that I took during sophomore year of high school. What drove me crazy was people thinking they could call me by name without actually knowing me. Although I didn't mind the cute guy who figured out my last name just by looking at my necklace that bore only my first name. I still have that necklace and still wear it often. It's something I'll always be able to remember my grandma by.
I don't really know what else to talk about in terms of what I've owned for a long period of time. Some of it is random, like journals or mix tapes that friends made for me. I have some clothes dating back to my college days. I still even have my high school jacket and ring. I have photos from various periods of time. I also have stuff in our china cabinet that was passed down from grandparents on my side and my husband's side.
The other item I'd like to give mention to is the diamond from my engagement ring. After the Holocaust, my husband's grandparents moved from Hungary to Cleveland. His grandfather was a jeweler and saved two diamonds for my husband and brother-in-law to give to their wives when they asked for their hand in marriage. I love that there's history behind my ring, even though I never met my husband's grandparents. It's more meaningful to me to know that these diamonds were chosen by someone who instinctively knew that they'd go to the right people someday and that they weren't just chosen at a random jewelry store.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
52 Stories: A yarn of a tale
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I met this storyteller through my book blog, as well. She's taken the time to e-mail me to thank me for books that she's won, and I've enjoyed chatting with her about other topics, as well. I found that this 52 Stories post was a great way to get to know even more about her, which led to conversations I never thought we would have.
Name: Lauren McCormick
Age: 48
Gender: Female
Location: Fort Worth, TX
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I agreed to go on a blind date and it was love at first sight! We went to dinner and a movie on a Friday, then Saturday we spent 12 hours at Six Flags, and on Sunday I invited him to my house for dinner and a movie. It was on that day, our third date in a row, that we both knew we'd get married. We dated seven months, spending every day together, and got engaged on Christmas Eve. Two months later, my husband, who was a crew chief on the B52 in the Air Force, was scheduled to go to the Gulf War. He asked me to marry him before he left, so we sort of eloped, however my parents gave us the loveliest wedding ceremony and party in very short notice! Since my in-laws couldn't make the trip, we had them on speaker phone so they could be a part of our wedding. Our pictures have a phone cord running down the center between us! We have been happily married for 21 years as of Valentine's Day 2013. Other than the birth of our son, our Valenersary, is our favorite day of the year! The best part is, a month later, his plane was taken off the list and he never went to war! He told me I was his lifesaver, and even bought me a lifesaver jacket charm!
What is your guilty pleasure?
I'm a chocoholic! I have to be careful because once I get a craving for chocolate its hard to control myself! My favorite guilty pleasure however, is Bottle Caps! I've loved them since childhood and now they come in a box for just a dollar! When I go to a movie theater there's a box in my purse. Shhh, don't tell. I say an open box is an empty box!
What is something you've never done but would like to do?
That's an easy question for me! Through an online game, I met my best friend who lives in Spain. We would communicate on each other's walls and wanted privacy after a few months, so my husband found an App that we could text and send pics for free. After a few months we wanted so much to speak to one another. Again, my husband found an App that allowed us to talk on our cell phones for free! We talked for hours every day! We just celebrated one year of our blessed friendship, and now I pray with tax return I'll go to Spain, so we can finally meet!
I'm actually afraid of flying even though I've flown a lot, and going all the way to Spain has my heart beating in my throat! Getting to meet my best friend, however, is well worth facing my fear!
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I've been crocheting for 40 years now. This hobby allows me to create items from my heart.
When I'm making something, I meditate and pray with every stitch I make. Giving what I make to someone is very therapeutic for me. I love to make washcloths while waiting for the nurse to call me for back for my doctor appointment. It warms my heart to surprise her with it!
What I enjoy most, is giving an elderly woman in a nursing home a prayer shawl or lapghan to an elderly man. That act of kindness has blessed me ten fold throughout the years. I rarely keep anything I make. I always have someone in mind, and when I hand them an item, I know they'll cherish it for many years to come. Crocheting is a blessing and I love sharing it with everyone!
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
When my son was nine years old, after years of infertility and artificial insemination procedures to give him a younger sibling, and being told by one of the top professionals that my husband and I were one of the one percent of couples who have a biological child and have no reason to not reproduce, we chose to adopt. Our son had just seen the movie, Annie, and exclaimed, "I want a sister and she needs to be five years old!" Out of the mouths of babes!
We had workshops and licensing classes for about a year. When our adoption agency called us and told us they had found exactly what our son wanted, only she had a younger brother that they didn't want to separate, my first thought was, "Oy Vey, what are we doing?!?"
We met the children a few days later and instantly knew in both our hearts, these were our kids!
Yes, it was a difficult transformation to go from a family of three to a family of five overnight! There were counseling appointments twice a week and many hours of documenting behavior, conversations, and how we as a family were acclimating to our new lives together. We had home visits by our agency and CPS three times a month. All this and learning to parent three kids, all with their own baggage! Yet through it all, my husband and I knew without a shadow of a doubt, we signed on for a life long Mitzvah, and God had hand picked these kids for us!
What part of your personality is extinct?
I was a workaholic from the time I graduated college to just six years ago. For 22 years I was a school teacher and my day started at five a.m., because I "had" to walk into the school with the custodial staff! Even though I was working on curriculum and my classroom for a good two hours prior to students walking in, I then stayed after school for another two hours. The routine was, when my husband called, it was time for me to head home! Time seemed to fly during those years!
I loved teaching, and unfortunately my career was cut short way before I was ready to retire. Due to a spinal injury, neck and shoulder damage, and nerve pain, my day starts whenever I wake up. I move much slower, and make appointments as late in the day as possible.
So, I'd say for sure, being a workaholic is definitely extinct! I went from the speedy rabbit in the race to the turtle. I'm okay with that though, as I sure can read a lot more books than I've ever read! And time still seems to fly by.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
I'm going to say there are two things I find really funny. My husband and my oldest son always know how to have me in tears from laughter! Whether I'm feeling sad or stressed out, one of them or both together, will tell me a joke or act out someone's actions, and every time without fail, I'm laughing, giggling, and feeling much better! I love that about them! I have to be very careful when we're out in public, because when they get going, I may not have a bathroom close enough to run to from laughing so hard!!
Tell me one thing you love about yourself or a gift you'd get yourself where money isn't an issue?
I like how easily I can strike up a conversation with anyone. I have a very outgoing personality and when I go into a store I'll talk to the clerk behind the counter or someone standing in line. I'll tell a woman passing by me that I like her purse and ask where she bought it too! Haha
What TV show, book, or movie is most like your life?
I think the relationship between Monica and Chandler, from the sitcom Friends, reminds me very much of my husband and I. One of my favorite moments was when Monica was upset that she was high maintenance, and Chandler told her, But I like maintaining you. My husband and I laughed all day about that because he'd already told me that long before we saw it on the show!
If you are familiar with the show you'll understand the comparison when I say my husbands always telling me to be quieter as I speak very loudly, and like I mentioned earlier, my husbands always making me laugh, just like Chandler always had something funny to say no matter how serious the situation was.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I don't have a sense of smell. I had to do a lot of diaper changing because of that! Smell and taste are very important together for most foods, so I also taste foods differently than most people. My kids favorite thing to do, whennt hey were young, was to have me taste Jelly Belly's and tell them what flavor they were. I could never win at this game!
I met this storyteller through my book blog, as well. She's taken the time to e-mail me to thank me for books that she's won, and I've enjoyed chatting with her about other topics, as well. I found that this 52 Stories post was a great way to get to know even more about her, which led to conversations I never thought we would have.
Name: Lauren McCormick
Age: 48
Gender: Female
Location: Fort Worth, TX
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I agreed to go on a blind date and it was love at first sight! We went to dinner and a movie on a Friday, then Saturday we spent 12 hours at Six Flags, and on Sunday I invited him to my house for dinner and a movie. It was on that day, our third date in a row, that we both knew we'd get married. We dated seven months, spending every day together, and got engaged on Christmas Eve. Two months later, my husband, who was a crew chief on the B52 in the Air Force, was scheduled to go to the Gulf War. He asked me to marry him before he left, so we sort of eloped, however my parents gave us the loveliest wedding ceremony and party in very short notice! Since my in-laws couldn't make the trip, we had them on speaker phone so they could be a part of our wedding. Our pictures have a phone cord running down the center between us! We have been happily married for 21 years as of Valentine's Day 2013. Other than the birth of our son, our Valenersary, is our favorite day of the year! The best part is, a month later, his plane was taken off the list and he never went to war! He told me I was his lifesaver, and even bought me a lifesaver jacket charm!
What is your guilty pleasure?
I'm a chocoholic! I have to be careful because once I get a craving for chocolate its hard to control myself! My favorite guilty pleasure however, is Bottle Caps! I've loved them since childhood and now they come in a box for just a dollar! When I go to a movie theater there's a box in my purse. Shhh, don't tell. I say an open box is an empty box!
What is something you've never done but would like to do?
That's an easy question for me! Through an online game, I met my best friend who lives in Spain. We would communicate on each other's walls and wanted privacy after a few months, so my husband found an App that we could text and send pics for free. After a few months we wanted so much to speak to one another. Again, my husband found an App that allowed us to talk on our cell phones for free! We talked for hours every day! We just celebrated one year of our blessed friendship, and now I pray with tax return I'll go to Spain, so we can finally meet!
I'm actually afraid of flying even though I've flown a lot, and going all the way to Spain has my heart beating in my throat! Getting to meet my best friend, however, is well worth facing my fear!
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I've been crocheting for 40 years now. This hobby allows me to create items from my heart.
When I'm making something, I meditate and pray with every stitch I make. Giving what I make to someone is very therapeutic for me. I love to make washcloths while waiting for the nurse to call me for back for my doctor appointment. It warms my heart to surprise her with it!
What I enjoy most, is giving an elderly woman in a nursing home a prayer shawl or lapghan to an elderly man. That act of kindness has blessed me ten fold throughout the years. I rarely keep anything I make. I always have someone in mind, and when I hand them an item, I know they'll cherish it for many years to come. Crocheting is a blessing and I love sharing it with everyone!
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
When my son was nine years old, after years of infertility and artificial insemination procedures to give him a younger sibling, and being told by one of the top professionals that my husband and I were one of the one percent of couples who have a biological child and have no reason to not reproduce, we chose to adopt. Our son had just seen the movie, Annie, and exclaimed, "I want a sister and she needs to be five years old!" Out of the mouths of babes!
We had workshops and licensing classes for about a year. When our adoption agency called us and told us they had found exactly what our son wanted, only she had a younger brother that they didn't want to separate, my first thought was, "Oy Vey, what are we doing?!?"
We met the children a few days later and instantly knew in both our hearts, these were our kids!
Yes, it was a difficult transformation to go from a family of three to a family of five overnight! There were counseling appointments twice a week and many hours of documenting behavior, conversations, and how we as a family were acclimating to our new lives together. We had home visits by our agency and CPS three times a month. All this and learning to parent three kids, all with their own baggage! Yet through it all, my husband and I knew without a shadow of a doubt, we signed on for a life long Mitzvah, and God had hand picked these kids for us!
What part of your personality is extinct?
I was a workaholic from the time I graduated college to just six years ago. For 22 years I was a school teacher and my day started at five a.m., because I "had" to walk into the school with the custodial staff! Even though I was working on curriculum and my classroom for a good two hours prior to students walking in, I then stayed after school for another two hours. The routine was, when my husband called, it was time for me to head home! Time seemed to fly during those years!
I loved teaching, and unfortunately my career was cut short way before I was ready to retire. Due to a spinal injury, neck and shoulder damage, and nerve pain, my day starts whenever I wake up. I move much slower, and make appointments as late in the day as possible.
So, I'd say for sure, being a workaholic is definitely extinct! I went from the speedy rabbit in the race to the turtle. I'm okay with that though, as I sure can read a lot more books than I've ever read! And time still seems to fly by.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
I'm going to say there are two things I find really funny. My husband and my oldest son always know how to have me in tears from laughter! Whether I'm feeling sad or stressed out, one of them or both together, will tell me a joke or act out someone's actions, and every time without fail, I'm laughing, giggling, and feeling much better! I love that about them! I have to be very careful when we're out in public, because when they get going, I may not have a bathroom close enough to run to from laughing so hard!!
Tell me one thing you love about yourself or a gift you'd get yourself where money isn't an issue?
I like how easily I can strike up a conversation with anyone. I have a very outgoing personality and when I go into a store I'll talk to the clerk behind the counter or someone standing in line. I'll tell a woman passing by me that I like her purse and ask where she bought it too! Haha
What TV show, book, or movie is most like your life?
I think the relationship between Monica and Chandler, from the sitcom Friends, reminds me very much of my husband and I. One of my favorite moments was when Monica was upset that she was high maintenance, and Chandler told her, But I like maintaining you. My husband and I laughed all day about that because he'd already told me that long before we saw it on the show!
If you are familiar with the show you'll understand the comparison when I say my husbands always telling me to be quieter as I speak very loudly, and like I mentioned earlier, my husbands always making me laugh, just like Chandler always had something funny to say no matter how serious the situation was.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I don't have a sense of smell. I had to do a lot of diaper changing because of that! Smell and taste are very important together for most foods, so I also taste foods differently than most people. My kids favorite thing to do, whennt hey were young, was to have me taste Jelly Belly's and tell them what flavor they were. I could never win at this game!
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