Tuesday 31 March 2009

My Friend Beth

One of the these about Blogs that I love is how they manage to bring people together.
Such as my friend Beth, who left a comment to my last post.
First, I need to go and see what she wrote on the matter. (I really need to catch up on my Blog readings.)
Second, she brought the other side of the issue, in a fair and beautiful way that was not only well thought out, but worded in such a way that she showed respect to me and my views.
This is the kind of example we as Amercians need; the ability to be able to sit down, talk , and work together for the betterment and healing of our nation.
I would agree with Beth on this point; I do believe that this will soon die down and we will once again put our focus back where it belongs.
Hugs Beth.

I Have A Different Take

Boka Tov:
Well it is one of those stories that just will not die.
Notre Dame and Mr.Obama.
While I am not Catholics, in many ways, including the stance on abortion, I do agree with the moral outrage with Mr.Obama's being invivted.
Now that the invitation has been offered and accepted, Mr. Obama must as President must be given the respect that comes with being the holder of the Offcer.
But my question is; why would the head of Notre Dame make such an offer to a man who clearly does not share the school's of churches views?
As a Catholic School, has Notre Dame abanden the moral and scriptural teachings it was builded upon?
And knowing the firestorm, why would Mr. Obama accept, given he doesn't share the same moral conviction? And why is it, those of us who take a moral stand, try to live our lives according to scripture accurse of being "haters" "gay-basher" and "robbing a woman of her rights."
True, there have been those (and still are) those who try to shove the Bible down everyone's throat and have set themselves up as G-d. But why paint the rest of us with the same board brush?
There are times we must take a moment, take a step back and think about the conqueneses of our actions.
Mark and I chose serve punch at our wedding, the only people who drank wine was Mark and I and that was because it was part of the service. We had several family memebers who at one time had a drinking problem and not wanting to cause an occasion for someone to struggle with staying away from the Bar, the strongest drink was fruit punch. Did we have the right to serve drinks? Yes.
But we chose to take the moral highground. For the sake of peace.
And I believe Mr. Obama should have been advised to do the same.
But then, that's just my opinion.
I know others disagree with me. I just ask you to be nice about it.

Monday 30 March 2009

Thanks :)

Just a quick note to say thanks for the support guys.
It got me through Mark's last deployment and I know it will this time as well.
May G-d bless each of you and your household for your kindness.

I found a new Blog today: Kalola World. While I have problems with the movie Twilight for spiritual reasons, I find myself agreeing wit.h the author's comments. I found it an interesting and whether you agree with me or not, check out Kalola's World for yourself.
Shalom
http://kalola52.blogspot.com/2008/11/twilight-wrong-message.html

Nice Day, Good Visit

Doctor's visit went well, she is pleased with how I am coming along and has already referred me to mental health with Mark's upcoming deployment.
It seems what I am experencing is Panic Attacks and she feels it was caught in time. She also gave us some numbers to call for Family Support, for which I am thankful .
It was in the 50's today, but the sun was out and this made the day warmer.
I was tired from being up half the night, so Mark let me sleep the afternoon, so off I am to make supper.
Have a great evening.

A New Week



Boka Tov:
It is a new week and I am looking forward to it.

This morning I have a doctor's appointment and I get to see how I am doing.

I was alittle axious about the visit last night: I shouldn't be. PT is going well, I am walking better and with the my activity level increase, this is good for my overall health.

So why am I chewing on my toenails?

Mark is on his morning run and the Dinning Room window is open, letting in the warm Spring day. It feels nice outside and I am looking to going out for awhile.

This week our attention turns to preparing for Passover, which is next week. Time to clean the house of yeast; using up wha we already have and not bringing in anymore.

Today I start with the Bedroom and the Little Shul. Sweep, dust and mop. Once each room in clean, there will be no eating in these rooms. We have a door that separates the bedroom, bath and shul from the rest of the house. That way as each room is clean I can close it off.

Of the last room will be the kitchen, which comes a few days before Passover.

And this year, I have my beloved's hands to help out.

We have so much fun during this time, so it wouldn't be such a chore.

Sunday 29 March 2009

Here Comes The Sun...I Think

Boka Tov;
Just finsihed my second cup of coffee and now about to set to work cleaning the bedroom.
Since it is now Spring, (though it doesn't look like it outside) it is time to change the Autumn?Winter coverings, curtians, etc, to the Spring?Summer ones.
It's nice having a change, not looking at the same thing day after day.
Soon, we will be looking at new livingroom furishings. I'd had this same Loveseat since before I met Mark and it is way time for a new sofa.
The Sun peeped out for a few minutes and went back into hiding.
Ah, how my heart longs for Spring.
But then again, I have Mark :)

Earth Hour

Boka Tov:
Earth Hour.
Yesterday, March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm, tens of millions of people in hundreds of cities around the world came together once again to make a bold statement about their concern about climate change by doing something quite simple—turning off their lights for one hour. Earth Hour symbolizes that by working together, each person can make a positive impact in the fight against climate change.
Here in the U.S., it sends a message that Americans care about this issue and stand with the rest of the world in seeking to find solutions to the escalating climate crisis.
Mark and I heard about this "Earth Hour" as we prepared for Shabbat and couldn't help but smile.
For within a few hours, the only lights in our home would be the tiny white lights overhead and Shabbat Candles. Twenty munites before sunset, I would kindle the last of the Candles and with the saying of the blessings, Welcome Shabbat.
No TV, Radio, Computers, Radios. No stoves or micowaves turned on.
We spend time in the House of G-d, studying His Word, and with family. Mama makes enough food Friday afternoon so that she doesn't have to cook Saturday and thrus enjoy a day away from the oven.
In observant Jewish homes around the world for 24 hours the only light enjoyed is the twinkling of CandleLight reflecting off of water glasses and forks digging into chocolate cake.
Interesting, by the Keeping of Shabbat we have been "doing our part concerning the escalaing climate crisis" for years.
Shabbat: G-d's weekly Earth Day.

Saturday 28 March 2009

One Angery Lamb

It is said that March comes in like a Loin and goes out like a Lamb.
Well this year, March is going out one angery Lamb.
Today started out sunny and even warm. No coats needed as we headed to friends for Torah Study. Even when we came home, it was still lovely. A house two doors down from the home we visited had red and orange tulips surrounded the mailbox. Such a pretty scene.
But when we awoke from our nap, the weather had changed; I stood before the stove to get warm as the heat started to kick in.
So now it is cold and raining. The heat is on and we just finish hot coco.
Ah Spring.

Wednesday 25 March 2009

She's Mad????

http://news.aol.com/article/octomom-accuses-nurses-of-spying/394140

Nadya Suleman has fired the nonprofit group of nurses that helped care for her children, accusing the group of spying on her and reporting her to child welfare officials, her spokesman said Monday.
If true, good for them! It is about time!
Miss. Suleman doesn't have the ability to care for the six children she already has, let alone the eight she just brought into the world. And while I am not a supporter of Abortion, I do believe every child has the right to be brought up in a loving home. The family doesn't have to be waelthy, just be able to care for the children they bring into the world.
I love children too: but love alone wouldn't pay for food, Pampers, shoes and clothes. Nor do I believe the State has the right to just walk inot one's home and then us how to raise our children or take them.
But what if that child's health and/or well being is in danger?
A few months ago, there was a News report, showing the condition of the home where Miss Suleman lived with her mother and her six children. It wasn't fit to live in, let alon bring eight babies to. This is called Child Abuse.

She has no husband, no job, no decent home and yet she fights and complains louder than the babies she birthed because the Nannies are doing their job?
I am sorry, but Social Services should have been involved long before now.
I can only pray that wiser heads will see the wisdom of placing these children into loving homes with mature couples until Miss Suleman gets her act together.
But I fear things will get worse before that happens.

A Scare and Warming Up

Boka Tov;
Around 4:30am, I woke up with a cramp in my hamstring. I tried to get up to stretch it out when my foot slipped on a fallen pillow and I slid in the Heater, which stopped me from falling. With Mark's help, I was able to stetch out the cramps, not only in the right hamstring, but now in the left one as well. Plus I banged my shin into the heater and bend back my thumb.
Not a happy camper.
As I sat up with an ice pack on my thumb, I realize it could have been worse: I could have fallen and really injuried myself. The tyenol kicked in quickly and soon I was back to bed.
Never a dull moment.
So, I am finishing up my morning cup of coffee and about to take a warm shower, knowing it will feel good. I will have to take it easy during PT today.
Mark is working today at the unit. He already gave me a head's up he will be late this evening. Since I made supper last night, all I have to do is heat it up when he gets home and have a bath ready for im.
He will need it.
As Mark left this morning, we could feel that today is going to be warmer than yesterday.
Finally! Spring comes to Virginia.

Tuesday 24 March 2009

Yep! It's Chilly

Boka Tov.
Yep! it is chilly out there.
I am cleaning out me desk, taking outside each draw to knock out the dustbunnies and it is chilly.
So under my tee-shirt goes the longjohns.
Reminds me of living in Boston: this is Spring in Boston. I am use to warmer weather by now.
Time for another cup of coffee.
Sounds like a chicken soup night.

A few hours later: well I just came home from PT.
It is 43 outside. And bless G-d the heat is on.
I am making coffee to go with my tylenol.
I am also planning a nap before I prepare supper.
Mark called; he may be working late.
That's good. The Dinningroom is still a mess and it will give me a chance to finish cleaning up.
PT. Going very well. The hamstrings are responing nicely to the treatment and I am able to so much more. We are also working on my balance. It seems like a long time. And it has been.
But given last November I was on crutches and now I am standing with no hip pain and my hamstrings nolonger as tight, I have come a very long way.
The good news is after my therapy is over, I can still go to the Center and work out and thus not lose any of the ground I have gain.
Yawning. Time for that nap.

Bright, Sunny, COLD, Day

Boka Tov:
The sun is out and when Mark came in from his morning run, he announced that it is cold outside, dress warmly.
Since he has to report in this morning, I have to talk to PT, which means I will be slipping on his army PT jacket. It is nice and warm and of course, part of the warmth comes from his wearing it earlier in the morning.
So, as always, as I write this, I am enjoying coffee Mark made, going over my day.
It is not only time to start getting the house ready for Passover, but preparing for Mark's birthday, which is the night before Passover ends. Since his birthday falls in the middle of the week, I will plan his party for the weekend. I am turning over in my mind a few themes:
Cats and Dogs keep coming to mind.

Sunday 22 March 2009

A New Week

Boka Tov;
It is a bright sunny Spring day here in Virginia.
The past few days the sun is out, but it has been chilly. I am hoping it will be a nice warm one today.
Later in the day, Mark and I plan to visit our parnets. It is so much fun seeing Mummie. She is such a giggle.
And I know Mark's folk would love to see him, in light of his being deployed this summer.
Right now, all of this seems surreal. Mark hasn't been home a year and off he goes again.
But I am also proud of Mark. He wasn't just a randon pick, but requested because of the fine job he did on his last deployed.
That doesn't often happen and it is very good for his career.
So, right now, we are enjoying being together. The unit's Family Support is excellent I hear and I am looking forward to warking with them.
There is tenison in the air; how care there not be. This causes us to work harder to be kinder and more patient with each other, remembering the other isn't the enemy.
The enemy is hiding in a cave somewhere.

Friday 20 March 2009

Morning Coffee

Boka Tov:
I am enjoying a cup of morning coffee that my beloved made before he headed out to work.
I have to put on my socks, braid my hair and wait for the tylenol to kick in before I head out to PT.
The past few days have been sunny and spring-like, though we had a thunderstorm last night and it cooled things down.
As I sipp on my coffee, enjoying the warmth, I realize I have to relearn how to make coffee.
Mark makes the coffee in our house and with his leaving this summer, it becomes my job once again.
I am not going to think about the summer and the changes it holds. Tomorrow holds its own cares. Doesn't mean we don't plan.
But I don't have do that today.
Right now, it is coffee and PT.

Wednesday 18 March 2009

And So it Begins

Mark just called.
His orders have been cut for the next three days, starting today, preparing him to join his new unit.
We don't know where the unit is heading, but it will be sometime this summer.
And so it begins.....
Again.

Pea Souper and A New Task


Boka Tov:
This morning when I walked into the DinningRoom, I thought for a moment I was in the city of London, in the mist of a Pea Soup, better known as a Smog. We get these from time to time.
Goes great with Starbucks.
Yesterday afternoon, I finished the Blog, Love From Iraq. The intend was to add military news and imformation from time to time, keeping it open until we face a new Task.
I just didn't it would be so soon.
Just as I shut down the LapTop, Mark recieved a call; new orders came down this morning and Mark had been tagged once again. He has to go to the Center today and make sure all his paperwork is in order and find out when, where and for how long.
So, a new adventure begins.
When Mark asked me to marry him, he told me our life together would be one long honeymoon and adventure.
He didn't lie.

Tuesday 17 March 2009

Top of the Morning To Ya!

Boka Tov:
It is a rainy Saint Patrick's Day here.
But it's cool: it brings Springs.
But I do confess, I am tired of this rain.
After PT, we are heading for Starbucks. Maybe they will have something special for this day.
In our neighood, we have the 'Greening of Ghent," in honour of St. Patty's day. I don't think the weather will too many people away.
Mark wants Cornbeef and Cabbage for supper. Since we both have an Irish herediage, I have to remember to add the pototoes.
But no green beer.
Soon, I have to get ready for PT.
And I need to find my "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" buttom.

Monday 16 March 2009

Gray Day

Boka Tov;
Today it is a gray day in Virgina. The sun is trying to come out. But Spring isn't far away.
Today is laundry day. And since Mark returned home from a three day Drill, there is lots of laundry :)
I spoke to my brother-in-law yesterday. We haven't spoken in a few months and that is more out of the busniess of life more than anything else. Since he and his wife live in another state, we don't see each other as much as we like. We spoke for a bit, catching up other each other's lives and he called later when Mark was home.
So, laundry is together and while Mark is gone, I will catch up on e-mail and then pickup the apartment, then work on a needlepoint project. I took out chicken wings for supper; Chicken and Rice for supper.
Ah! the sun just came out :)

Sunday 15 March 2009

The Sun Will Come

Shalom:
I know that it has been awhile since I have written.
It has been busy around here.
Mark had a busy weekend coming up, so we had much to do.
Purim was quiet for us. We stayed home, enjoyed reading the story of Esther and discussing the jewels found in this book.
The theme of Esther; G-d is faithful even when we are faithless.
Until the Messiah comes, there will always be an Hama, Someone who wants to see the Jewish People, People of faith driven into the Sea of Forgetfullness. But G-d always steps in and settles the matter.
That is why we write Haman's name in calk on our shoes, so that when his name is mention, there is great noise and stooping of feet.
And then there are the treats that come.
I never notice this before, but after we tell the story of Esther, treats are served. After bitter trials and battles, there comes the sweet.
I remember the peace that came over Mark's face when he came home from Iraq. Peace.
There is a sweetness after the bitterness.
If we are willing to look for it.
Every storm must end. Winter does fade into Spring. The rain does end and afterwards, a rainbow can be found.
It is a lession I am slowly beginning to learn.

Sunday 8 March 2009

A New Week

Boka Tov:

It is a new week and I am looking forward to it.

I am letting Mark sleep in, it has been a busy several days and he is tired. He has to get the rest of his paperwork in to Fort Bragg tomorrow.

Depending on the outcoming, we could be moving to North Carolina by summer.

I have mixed feelings about that.

I love our apartment. But with the change of landlords, the building is slowly going downhill and doen't seen to care dispite our complains. Plus we have several neighors who really don't care what their surroundings look like an I have to go out and sweep the hallway and the court because of trash and broken beer bottles. I am not use to this.

So, we have already started talking about moving.

But it is time to move on, it is time for a chance. Plus, there is a large military community, so if Mark is deployed again (and there is a good chance) I will have build-in support.

But that is a way's away. This week it PT and getting in touch with the Muse, a writer's group Mark was telling me about.

The weather in lovely. Spring is coming to Tidewater.

And I'm looking it :)

Saturday 7 March 2009

Fried Chicken

Shalom:
It has been a wonderful few days and a lovely Shabbath.
The weather is warming up and we even went out without coats the past few days. The work I am doing to repair my hamstirngs is painful, but needful and I am willing to do the work (slowly) to recover. My hamstrings must be retaught to relax and stretch, so they may lenghten and be flexable once again.
My therapist believes if I stretch them during the weekend, it will go a long way in the healing progress.
Last night, after welcoming Shabbat, we attended a play based on the works of Dr.Sesus. We both know the young lady who directed the Play; she and I have danced together for years and she was also of the dancers in our wedding.
It was so good and the children actually had a good time, singing, dancing and performing. But then, they were charaters in some ot their flavorite Dr. Sesus's story. There was with the Cat in the Hat.
Becca did a wonderful job and the children love her.
This morning, Mark had to attend classes to keep up his skills as a teacher, The woman leading the workshop is part of writer;s group, called the Muse, not far from us. He told her about his wife who writes "beautiful stories", and I have been offered an invivation to come and be part of the group.
That's my Mark; looking out for his beloved.
So, I spend a quiet morning at home and then we went to Torah study, which was about building the Tent of Meetings. Being a crafter, this has always been one of my flavorite chapters to study.
We came home, took a long nap and then Mark decided he had a taste for fired chicken.
So off he went to get fried chicken for supper and I don't have to cook.
I told him a piece of fried chicken once in a while will not hurt. It is good to have atrick once in a while.
The weather is so much nicer, almost Spring. But I am not looking forward to turning my clock forward.
Yuck!

Wednesday 4 March 2009

Middle of the Week Blues

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference."– Virginia Satir

Shalom: It is cold today.
But then, it is still winter.
About three weeks away.
Cold has set into the hips.
Hurts.
Taking medication and hot tea to warm up.
May take another nap.
Exciting, huh?
Well, life gets like that sometimes.
Sometimes it is full of sunshine, laugher, ecitement and thrills.
Others, it is like a cold, winter day, where growth goes on unseem until the Spring comes.
Today, I feel nothing is happening, but that is not ture.
I am alive, sharing my day with friends and will soon have tea and leftov er chili I made and frozen a few weeks ago.
With my beloved husband.
Blessings, my friends.

Sunday 1 March 2009

Rainy Sunday and Coffee

Afternoon:
I know my first post of the day, of the month was a downer.
But spouse abuse is a cause I feel strongly about, because I am a survial.
It isn't something I often talk about: I don't feel the need.
But is a dark place in our nation's soul and with all of the awarness and help we have today, we are still reading about husbands and wives who are slicing the person they claim to love with a razor tonuge, raising their fist and even killing their spouses.
There is no reason why a man or woman should ever have to stay with someone that hurts them, or for an an abuser to remain so. There is help out there for both. There is also healing and hope. Sometimes the marriage can be saved. Sometimes it cannot.
But if my and Rihanna's story can help even one person who reads this post, then what I went through would have been worth it.
I come from a backgroud of child and spouse abuse. And through hard work, support, healing and the love of a good man, I am living proof that one can overcome their past. I am a survour of school bullying: so bad that I quit highschool. Yet, I went back, obtained my GED and went on to have a wonderful nursing career and right now trying to keep my small busniess afloat.
Again, one can rise above their past.
If they so use.
We are having a dear friend over for supper, celebrating his birthday.
So, I need to finish getting the apartment.
So, my dear friends: be safe, be well.
Know you are loved by G-d.
And me :)

I Wish I Could Talk To Her

Boka Tov:
Up intil a few weeks ago, I never heard their names before.
Rihanna and Chris Brown.
But then, this male singer (?) beating up his girlfriend singer (?) hits the news. I saw the pictures of this beautiful woman's swollen face and cried.
It's been over twenty years since I saw that same face staring me back in the mirror, but the emotions flooded back and I felt that pain fresh and anew.
Mark had to hold me and assure me of his love.
I hoped Rihanna would have the wisdom to get away, keep away and go for counseling to help her through and give her the tools never to get into this situration again.
Last night, I heard the news that she has returned to her woman-beating boyfriend.
I cried again.
My son's father was abusive: I literaly ran out the house with only the clothes on my back and a baby in my arms to save my life.
Years later, this man was long out of my life, I married a man who I thought would love me and my son.
I was wrong.
A year and a half later, this man was in jail and my son and I would back home with my mum.
It took years of couseling and support group for me to work through the issues of how I got myself into those snakepits and praise G-d got out alive. I returned to the G-d of my childhood and assisted in the healing progress and finding myself worth, not in a man or another human being. But in my Creator and who He created me to be.
I am now married to a man who would silt his own throat before he would lay a hand on me other than to love, hold, comfort, pray for (with) tickle or wipe away tears. His words are not punches and shoves, but affirming, loving, healing, peaceful, humour, tender.
Maybe I am too way out in left field in this one, but I hope somehow, someway, Rihanna reads this post.
That someone gets ahold of this young woman before she winds up beaten up again.....or worse.
I want her to know "they are all sorry after the next day, honey coated words dripping from thier lips as they place roses in your arms and promise "this will never happen again."
Of course it is never their fault: "Baby you know how I get when I' wasted" or "well baby, if you show me more love and/or respect, you pushed my buttoms, if you weren't so fat," and my flavorite; "I saw the way that dude/woman was lookin at you and you were digging it."
Most abusers (and women can and do abuse as well) keep things home and under wraps. They manage to confine thier behavour to the house.
But when the beatings get public, your guy/gal has reached the place of no control, because they believe no one will stop them. This is when you don't walk, but run for your life.
You are a beautiful person, a person of worth and valve. No one has the right to raise their to you other than to love you. You need to find out why you are staying with a person who sees you as a punching bag.
Your love and prayers wouldn't change him/her. The power to change lies in the abuser alone. They must go for help, they must pray-first repentance, forgiving and then for the power to change.
In a way Rihanna has a leg up than most of those in abusvie marriages/relationships. She has the ways and means to support herself and a good support system in her family. I hope she finds her way out of the darkness and into the life, leave the cave and return to those who truly love her.
I pray she wises up before her own songs are played at her funeral and her father is not "standing by her side," but by her coffin.