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Goodbye 2009
I've been hearing a lot about how this is the end of the decade lately. It's making many people nostalgic as they think back over the last ten years. Personally, I was clueless until yesterday. That just goes to show where my attention is these days. Rather than think about this decade or the next decade, I'd rather focus on most recent events. 2009 has been a year of mass changes for me. I tried my hand at writing young adult fiction, I bought my first condo/home, and I got engaged. It doesn't sound like all that much when I look at it...only three things really. But these are all fairly major accomplishments. Looking forward to the next year, I forsee changes continuing. I can't wait to see what happens next, but I'm fully enjoying the right here, right now. Happy New Year to you all! Labels: holidays, random musings
Chanukah and all that jazz...
 I hope you all were able to come join me over at Emily Bryan's blog last Friday. Emily invited me over to share a little of my Chanukah traditions, as well as a recipe. If you didn't get a chance, you can visit here. A few of the readers followed up with some questions about Chanukah, and I thought I'd take this week's blog to answer them. Please remember that I am NOT the spokeswoman for all things Jewish. Some families have different traditions and beliefs. Everything that follows here is my understanding, and there may be some inaccuracies.
First off, both spellings are correct. You can spell it Chanukah (which is translated from the Hebrew letters used to spell the word) or Hannukkah. I promise, you won't offend me if you use one over the other. My guess is that the second spelling comes more from American traditions, where the "ch" sound is unproducable by over half the country (see The Boy).
Second, despite common misconceptions, Chanukah is a minor holiday. It has become bigger mostly due to the proximity to Christmas. In short, it's the celebration of a miracle that occured after the Maccabee's defeated the Seleucid Empire. The Seleucid Empire had desecrated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. After battling, and eventually defeating the Empire, the Maccabees set off to re-consecrate the temple. The oil used to light the lamps was only supposed to last a day, and it last eight. This is why we celebrate Chanukah for 8 nights and 8 days. With that said, it is still considered fairly minor when compared with most of our other Holy Days, such as Rosh Hashanah.
Third, the gifts. This one is very dependent on the family. I do not remember ever receiving one gift a night for 8 nights. I wouldn't have made it that long. If you ask the Boy, he'll vouch for me. I'm horrible at waiting. Heck, if my parents didn't insist, half my presents were opened the week before. Traditionally, small amounts of Chanukah gelt, money, were given to children for Chanukah. Over time this has changed greatly. My opinion is that this tradition has changed due to Christmas and social pressure...but that's just my two cents. Typically my family does small gifts all around, but then again, that's just us. I hope this gives you a little better idea about Chanukah. Feel free to ask questions, I promise I'll do my best to answer. And if I don't have the answer? Well, I'll try to find it for you. Labels: holidays
Almost!
I'm feeling very proud of myself, so I had to share. I've got almost all my Chanukah shopping done...and 2 days before the actual holiday! Okay, so I like to leave things to the last minute. That's when I think of (or randomly find) the best gifts for people. Apparently I think well under pressure. Of course, it's not all about the gifts, but it sure feels good to have that off my plate. And in more exciting news...I'm guest blogging over at Emily Bryan's blog on Friday, in celebration of Chanukah. Come join me!Labels: holidays
Back in the saddle...
With the craziness of the new school year, finishing my YA manuscript, sending off requested partials of other manuscripts, getting into National Boards, and buying and moving into my condo let's just say writing hasn't been on the top of the list for a little while. But that's about to change. With the long Thanksgiving weekend approaching, and a handle on my grading for report cards, I'm planning to get at least a couple of pages done on my new manuscript. There are still a ton of kinks to work out, but just the act of pulling out the alphasmart to charge last night already has me feeling a little less shaky, a little less antsy.Now, I'm not expecting to get a ton done. Not with so many people around. But a little bit. I'm good with a little bit. It's like dipping a toe into the baby pool. What are your plans for Thanksgiving?Labels: holidays, random musings, writing
And the winner is...
Carolynn! Drop me an email and let me know your mailing address (or if you'll be at the meeting next week, I'll just bring it then.)In other news, Passover is well on it's way. Two days in and I'm already tired of matza. This doesn't bode well for the duration. Wednesday was a crazy busy day. I ran around doing last minute shopping until about 3, then came home to have The Boy move furniture while I made soup. Lots of soup. Two big pots of soup. But boy, did my apartment smell yummy.The evening went smashingly, without the smashing of plates or glasses. We managed to fit three tables, 14 chairs, and 14 people into my apartment...and there was still room to maneuver. Well, mostly. Note to self, in the future, don't give inside seat at card table to the 6'1" guy. It's just mean, not to mention a hazard to all wine glasses. I love hosting gatherings at my place, and Wednesday was no exception. Despite the matza crumbs that I'm sure are still hiding in the carpet, despite the fact I've managed to lose (and quite possibly throw out) the spout cover to my tea pot, I'm already looking forward to the next get together.Labels: contests, holidays, Jewish musings
Back to reality...
Why is a four day weekend is never long enough? I went down to Cannon Beach with the boy for the holiday weekend...time to meet the family, you know. Four days of forced relaxation. And it only took a day for him to finally stop telling me I looked bored. What can I say? I'm used to constant motion forward. I finally did relax, however, just in time for the weekend to end. But no weekend is complete without a walk on the beach (all be it bundled up) followed by hot apple cider. Which I thoroughly enjoyed.Sadly it's now back to the reality of the end of the trimester...also known as report card time. I'll try to post at least once more before they are do, but it'll likely be short. Now, enough about me, how about you? How is your December shaping up?Labels: holidays, random musings
Happy New Year!
 The new year brings about a time of reflection for many of us. We take stock of our lives, and think about what we need to change. It's not a coincidence that so many people start a diet or exercise program on January 1st. Or they pledge to give up smoking, drinking or another vice. But rather than try to change our current situation, why don't we put out the energy to bring us what we want exactly. Do you want a book contract? Put it out into the Universe. Do you want to change your position in life? Figure out what you want and ask for it. What can the world say, but no? And then are you really worse off? Shoot for the moon, you just might hit a star on the way down.
Happy New Year to all of you. May it bring you your dreams.Labels: holidays, random musings
I made it...
Of course, by about 8 a.m. yesterday I was literally on the hour countdown to when I could leave work. I love my students, but the day before winter break? Heck, we're all ready to not be there. But we made it through their poetry recital (they did great!), and the reception following, and now I'm home. I'm home and I can finally start to feel some of the stress leaking away. Of course, when I look around at the mess that is my apartment, my shoulders are up by my ears again, but I can deal with that. It's just a little filing...and vacuuming...and dusting...and washing...and moving...and empyting...and...well, I think you get the picture.
So happy winter break to all teachers out there. Enjoy!Labels: holidays, teaching
"It's time to light the lights..."
Yes, it's time for an homage to The Muppet Show. Or at the very least, time to quote them. Tonight's the 6th night of Hanukkah, the 6th night of lighting the menorah and watching the candle flames dance. The first night I found myself reading a little bit about the ritual I was performing. For instance, how many of you know that the purpose of the lights is to be beautiful? That's it, nothing more. We are only supposed to watch them, and enjoy them. They aren't meant to warm, or to usher in a holy day. They are only meant to be pretty. I kind of like that idea.So tonight I lit my candles and watched them dance. And soon I'll be off to my last Hanukkah party of the season. All in all a good night.Labels: happy times, holidays
And the winner is...
The Chanukah festivities began today with a brunch-time gathering with friends. About 14-15 of us gathered in my friends' home to share in latkes (potato pancakes), home-made sufganyot (donuts), and many other yummy treats. It was an afternoon of food, fun, games and conversation...all of which were capped off by our gift exchange. We played by the rules that before you opened a new gift, you had the option to "steal" from another participant. The most traded was probably the Starbucks gift card. Never mind that as one friend pointed out, we could all go and buy  our own $10 card if we really wanted to. It wasn't the amount...it was the principal!
At one point I almost walked away with this lovely prize, but another friend stole it. The menorah lights up when you pour in hot liquid. And in the end? I walked away with the gift card. Yay!Labels: holidays, Jewish musings
Let's talk turkey...
 Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! May you all find much in your life to be thankful for, and even more to enjoy. I'm thankful for my friends and family, for a life I love, and for all the opportunities I have. Labels: holidays
Jewish Guilt
A friend recently pointed out to me that I'm suffering from a major case of unnecessary Jewish guilt. I feel guilty that others are having problems with their writing and that things (in my humble opinion) are going in the general direction I want them to. Life's not perfect. I'm still unpublished. I still have to clean my own bathroom. I'm still single. I still wake up every day and go to work.
But life's pretty good.
So how did I get to the point where I feel like something's seriously wrong because nothing is wrong? I know I'm not alone here. I know other's have felt this way before.
And to make it worse? I feel guilty for acknowledging that life is pretty good. Well, again if you ignore the whole having to clean my own bathroom bit. Or the fact that UPS is all set to deliver a package on Monday that ISN'T MY PACKAGE! I've tried contacting the shippers to tell them they are sending me the wrong order, but thanks to Shabbat they aren't answering emails. Or phones (even if I called them). *sigh* And I feel horrible because it's a not-for-profit company, so they'll have to foot the bill for shipping to the wrong location.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we must be closing in on the High Holidays. Only Yom Kippur can bring about this amount of unnecessary guilt.
So Shana Tova to all of my fellow Jews. May this be a sweet and healthy new year for all. As for the rest of you? I'm ducking from the rotten tomatoes I know you're throwing my way.Labels: holidays, Jewish musings, life, shabbat
Passover fun...
 Let's be honest. Passover and fun rarely go in the same paragraph let alone the same sentence. But last night, they did. I invited about six of my friends to join me in celebrating the first night seder. I spent most of the weekend cleaning and cooking in preparation. See? Here's what my dining room looked like Sunday night, before everyone arrived.
I have never laughed so hard in my life, during a seder. All I can say is: Cabbage Patch Kids, Evil Troll armies, outstretched arms, G-d v. He, and a darn stubborn bottle of wine. The chicken soup I made came out fantastic, despite not using a real chicken. The charoset? Fantastic. And I have so many leftovers, my fridge won't stop rattling. We even did the whole seder, frankly an unheard of concept in my family o ver the last few years. Low blood sugar and little patience has led to the 30 minute seder (and tonight might have even set a new record).
By the time everyone left, I was beyond exhausted, but at least I could eventually fall asleep knowing the night was a success.Labels: food, holidays, Jewish musings
Only four more nights...
 Until the Great Passover Seder (or GPS as it will be known for at least the next few weeks). In light of the fact I've had a very yucky day (I knew I should have sent that chain letter on!) I've decided to enlighten you all about one of the more traditional foods for Pesach. And the one Ms. K. finds either the most amusing, or the most disgusting. Yes, I've probably told this story before, but it makes me laugh, and like I said, I had a yucky day.
So our lesson of the day is Gefilte Fish. See, this is one of those foods you tend to grow up with when you're Jewish. It's a mixture of different white fishes, ground up, formed into balls and then boiled.
Yeah, I know. Not the most appetizing sounding.
But when you stop thinking of how it is made, it's actually fairly good.
Unless you're Ms. K. and you're sitting in on your first ever (and probably her only, though she'll make that final call) Seder. A seder is the special meal we share on the first two nights of Pesach. Literally, the word means Order, and the meal gets its name from the fact that everything in the meal has a meaning. An order.
Anyway, back to the fish. First off, Ms. K. only agreed to come after I promised she wouldn't offend anyone. Then she ran into one of my mother's oldest rules. You can't say you don't like it if you don't try it. (This would be the only reason I've eaten a brussel sprout...ever.) Mom told her she could not claim she didn't like Gefilte fish if she didn't at least taste it. We promised her she wouldn't have to eat the whole thing, which I think she found only slightly comforting.
Ms. K.'s opinion? Taste like tuna with the texture of Spam.
Seeing as how I've never had Spam, I'll have to take her word for it. But it does NOT taste like tuna fish. Labels: food, holidays, Jewish musings
What Jews do on Christmas
Ever wonder what Jews do on Christmas while the rest of the world is with their families opening gifts and gorging themselves on holiday foods? We gather and eat. Why be home alone watching bad television, when you can be at a "party" with friends? This would be what prompted me to accept a friend's invitation to her house this evening. It had the potential to be a very fun time, filled with lots of laughter and food. What it became was mostly an hour and a half of uncomfortable chit chat. Oh I had fun, don't get me wrong, but it's hard to fully enjoy a party when you stick your foot into your mouth within the first five minutes. Now, had I known most of the people at the party, the whole situation would have turned out significantly differently. Most of my friends understand, and appreciate, my ability to stick my foot into my mouth on a fairly regular basis. What can I say, it's a talent. Unfortunately, I did not know most of the people there. In fact, the only person I knew was the hostess...a fellow teacher and very sweet person. This would be the point when I mention that I was the youngest person at the party, barring the 13 month old daughter of another guest. Everyone else was approximately 40-years or older. At one point another woman there was complaining about how she doesn't go to YLD events any more because every guy there is too young for her. I, in a commisserating mood, replied that I usually have the opposite problem. I don't usually go to the YLD events because most of the guys are too old for me, and all they do is hit on the 20 year olds. "How old is old?" the woman asked. Right there I should have stopped. I should have shut my mouth and walked away. There was no redeeming myself at that point. Did I listen to my own mental advice? No. Not a word of it. Instead, like an idiot, I answered her. "They're all like 40 and up," I replied. Sigh. I should have shut up. I should have glued my lips shut, or stuffed myself with cornbread. Anything to not have said what I did. Thankfully, they all laughed, but I felt like a moron. I spent the rest of the hour or so that I was there trying hard to not say anything stupid, while still trying to have a good time. Thankfully I'm easily amused, and most people seemed to forget what I said pretty quickly. Too bad I couldn't do the same. Instead I came home, called my sister, then sat down to report this all back to you. Labels: holidays
The Festival of Lights
 Happy Hanukkah!! Labels: holidays
Happy Thanksgiving...
 Wow, is it that time of year already? Seems like just last week Lil Sis and I were sitting on my couch, sharing leftovers from the restaurant she was working at. Ah...good times. It's the time of year we're supposed to contemplate what we are thankful for. Sounds a bit cheesy, I know, but I think it has some merit. Of course, I also believe we need to stop limiting these thoughts to once a year. But, in light of the holiday, I thought I'd share a few thoughts with you all. - Long weekends
- The Tiaras!
- Ms. K.
- My family
- a job
- an apartment that keeps me (mostly) warm
- sunny days
- good books
- good music
- all my friends
- my blog readers
So here's to you all. May your day be filled with laughs, good food and good company. And most importantly? Happy thoughts. Labels: holidays
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