Yes, We'ere Still Here

Shalom:

Yes, we are still here.

It has been a crazy few days.

Friday, I had the joy of having a family over for Shabbath. Before Sundown, hubby looked @ my computer and fixed my wandering keyboard (no demons had taken over my Laptop, so I didn't have to lay hands on it).

Jere and Mariah have a two year old girl and that made the evening fun. Since Mariah's sister doesn't eat fish, I made both Salmon and chicken breast along with Cous-Cous, Hummus and a spinach salad. I went light on the seasoning since I had a toddler at my table and of course Moroccan Mint tea.

Little Ellie ate everything and felt @ times Mummie was too slow feeding her. Th Challah soft and sweet and Ellie loved pulling off pieces and handing it to eveyone.

Jere was new to saying the blessings, but he did great.

I rested over the weekend since PT is taking alot out of me. I kept telling my Therapist it was the balance ball that was the problem.

And today I was proved right. Since she wasn't there and it was one of the Techs working with me, I made it clear we had changed my route and I wasn't doing the balance ball.

I was able to walk to the store and come home, no pain.

As of this writing I am still pain free.

There are time we must point out with respect, that we, the patient, are the boss. We know what our bodies can handle and if there is pain, there is no gain. There are times to push through and other times pain is a warning.

And my left leg was screaming warning.

I spoke to Mark and will be sending a lovepackage. That's my new name for CarePackages.

Including a pound of Starbucks. It seems there could use some at Fort Dix.

Rather measure 10 times and cut once than do the reverse.
- Yiddish Proverb
Shalom:
It has been a busy day. Working with the Landlord, working with Cable, AOL, etc. Still a few loose ends to tie up.
I came close to deleting my AOL account, the journals and facebook.
And then I realize, if I did this, the person(s) who have made my life hell the past few days wins.
And I shall not allow that to happen.
There is much that could drive me under the bed these days. But I cannot allow fear to run my life. I will not allow it to imprison me.
The hacker was quite stupid. left many clues and I expect will be caught.
And I have learned my lesson; get a wireless card and never use a hotel hookup again.

A Warning

Shalom:
Just a word of warning.
Someone hacked into our aol account. They have also hacked into this block. If you see any porn, or recieve such, report it.
I may have to close down the blog for a few days.
I have contacted AOL.
Laini

Something To Make You Laugh :)

Shalom:
Ok, has been alittle heavy in here the past few days.
And frankly that isn't the reason why my faithful readers and friends come here for.
So, something to make you smile.
Just as I was preparing for Mark's homecoming, I stopped at one of my flavorite places to pick up some 'girlie stuff' (this is a family journal) You, stuff with lots of lace :)
Anyho, the saleswoman looked at my...hmmm...choices, then at me and then back at the 'Candy wrapping.' (Mark's words, not mine)
I smiled.
"Please forgive me if this seems rude...."
You know it's going to be good when someone says that.
"But I didn't think a woman like you...I mean....you 'wear this?'
My smile got bigger. "No offend taken. Yes, I do. Just because one is modest, doesn't mean one doesn't like to have nice things. And our husbands love them on us, too. In fact, you would be amazed at what we wear under our long skirts and blouses."
She smiled weakly.
"It's ok," I let her off the hook. "It is always better to ask a question than to stare, yes?"
I wanted until I was downstairs and the under end of the Mall before I allowed myself to laugh.

This is How it Begins

Boka Tov:
After PT yesterday fternoon (and I am still recovering) I walked to the store (which I'd done in about 10 months) While it a beautiful June afternoon, I suddenly felt this chill inside. It made me quicken my steps.
I quickly finished my shopping(forgetting the very thing I came to the store for) came home to the news: there was a shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., after a gunman opened fire inside, shooting a security guard before being shot himself. The security guard, Stephan T. Johns, a 39 year old black man, would later die.
Within an hour I would learn that the gunman would be identified as James W. von Brunn, 88, a white supremacist. This morning, it was reported one of his neighors said, Mr. von Brunn thought there was too much in the news about the Holocaust. Given what he been reported to have said about people of colour, I am sure he is none too please with who is the President of the Untied States.
I see a thread here.
There was a plan bombing at a Syngugoe. Thankfully caught in time. Members of a radical Muslim fraction. The reason: hatred of the U.S. Government, Jews
The murder of an Abortion doctor. Member of the group The Freemans, a radical, anti-government group. The reason: The doctor performed abortions
The murder of a U.S. soldier. A radical Muslim. The reason: hatred of the military's "killing of muslims".
The thread; hatred.
Lone wolves? Yes and no. They may have acted alone. Maybe. But they fed on the same mothers milk nursed by the likes of Hitler.
With a huge lost of jobs, busniesses and homes, who is it easy to blame?
With a biracial man in the White House, the bases some (both black and white would use) start a Race/Religious War.
Can't happen? It is happenings.
Mark and I have already faced seeing our house of worshiped sticked with Jew-hate sticks. Our neighorhood stickered with anti-jew and black stickers. We get "the looks" as a Jewish and biracial couple.
I have had the honour of being nurse to patients who survived the Camps many would say never existed. I had a friend die last year, who saw almost her whole family wiped out in Germany.
They have all told me, this is how it begins.
But I have a ray of hope: I believe that we will learn from the mistakes of the past. History is a wonderful teacher.
We must be watchful, prayerful and do not allow the seeds of hate to be planted in our homes or our children. We must be willing to accept our differences as adults and work thrus peace in our borders. This is the gift we, the U.S can give the world. We claim to be a Judeo-Christian Nation: let's start acting like it!
As Bill Cosby would say: Come on People!
The War on Terror still rages, Mr. President. It is in our own backyard.
And I don' believe the Terrorism, whatever their skin colour or belief, shall win that war. Not here.

It Wasn't Murder

So says Abdulhakin Muhammad in regards to his killing of a young GI. Because the US military kills Muslims, it is ok for this man to shoot to death a young Soldier, fresh out of basic training. And of course there is the outcry of "Islam is a Peaceful religion, do not judge all Muslims, etc."
I don't. I have friends who are Muslims. It is their continued silence on the voilence their fellow believers that troubles me.
When Doctor Tiller was murdered, within hours, not only was there an outcry from the WhiteHouse, but from Pro-life groups dennoucing the act.
Yet it took a three day public outcry for the WhiteHouse to even say something about the murder ( only a short statement in the local newspaper at first) Still no word from Peaceful Muslims.
I asked a Muslim friend about this. Her answer: "It isn't our problem."
"O really? You were born and raised in this country. Enjoy the rights afford you as a critizen, freedoms YOU would not have in a Muslim country and it isn't your problem?"
She had no answer.
Suspect in GI Killing: 'Eye for an Eye'
June 10, 2009Associated Press

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A Muslim convert charged with fatally shooting an American Soldier at a military recruiting center said Tuesday that he doesn't consider the killing a murder because U.S. military action in the Middle East made the killing justified.
"I do feel I'm not guilty," Abdulhakim Muhammad told The Associated Press in a collect call from the Pulaski County jail. "I don't think it was murder, because murder is when a person kills another person without justified reason."
Pvt. William Andrew Long, 23, of Conway had just completed basic training and was volunteering at the west Little Rock recruiting office before starting an assignment in South Korea. He was shot dead June 1 while smoking a cigarette outside the building, and a fellow Soldier, Pvt. Quinton I. Ezeagwula, 18, of Jacksonville was wounded.
Ezeagwula (eh-ZAG-u-la) spoke briefly at a news conference at a Jacksonville recruiting center Tuesday, saying he had wounds in his back, head and buttocks from the shooting.
The private, who also had just completed basic training, said he hopes to become a heavy equipment operator in the Army and later serve as a drill instructor. An Army captain repeatedly stopped Ezeagwula from answering questions about what happened during the shooting or his thoughts about the suspect.
Muhammad told the AP he admitted to his actions to police and said he was retaliating against the U.S. military.
"Yes, I did tell the police upon my arrest that this was an act of retaliation, and not a reaction on the Soldiers personally," Muhammad said. He called it "a act, for the sake of God, for the sake of Allah, the Lord of all the world, and also a retaliation on U.S. military."
In the interview, Muhammad also disputed his lawyer's claim that he had been "radicalized" in a Yemeni prison and said fellow prisoners that some call terrorists were actually "very good Muslim brothers."
He also said he didn't specifically plan the shootings that morning.
"It's been on my mind for awhile. It wasn't nothing planned really. It was just the heat of the moment, you know," said Muhammad, who was arrested on a highway shortly after the attack.
Prosecutor Larry Jegley, who on Monday won a gag order in the case, declined to comment specifically on Muhammad's remarks.
"I asked for the gag order to protect Mr. Muhammad's right for a fair trial," Jegley said. "I've never had a situation like this with a gag order and I'm sure Mr. Muhammad's attorney will take care of it."
The Associated Press sent an interview request to Muhammad last week, before a judge ordered parties in the case to remain quiet. After Tuesday's interview, Muhammad's lawyer Jim Hensley sent an e-mail to the AP asking it to withhold his client's remarks.
Muhammad, 23, said he wanted revenge for claims that American military personnel had desecrated copies of the Quran and killed or raped Muslims. "For this reason, no Muslim, male or female, sane or insane, little, big, small, old can accept or tolerate," he said.
He said the U.S. military would never treat Christians and their Scriptures in the same manner.
"U.S. Soldiers are killing innocent Muslim men and women. We believe that we have to strike back. We believe in eye for an eye. We don't believe in turning the other cheek," he said.
Asked whether he considered the shootings at the recruiting center an act of war, Muhammad said "I didn't know the Soldiers personally, but yes, it was an attack of retaliation. And I feel that other attacks, not by me or people I know, but definitely Muslims in this country and others elsewhere, are going to attack for doing those things they did," especially desecrating the Quran.
Muhammad was arrested on a capital murder charge in state court and could face the death penalty. FBI spokesman Steve Frazier said Tuesday a federal investigation continues and any information that's gathered is being shared with local law enforcement. He declined to comment further.
An FBI-Homeland Security intelligence assessment document obtained by The Associated Press last week suggested the gunman may have considered targeting other locations, including Jewish and Christian sites in several eastern U.S. cities.
Muhammad had moved to Arkansas in the spring to work at his father's bus tour company and had never attended the Islamic Center of Little Rock, a mosque frequented by most of the area's Muslims, said Iftikhar Pathan, the center's president.
Pathan said he spoke with most of the nearly 300 people who attend Friday prayers at the mosque and no one knew him. Those at the mosque also spoke with FBI agents in the days immediately after the shooting, he said.
"What he had in his mind, God knows," Pathan said.
Last week, Hensley said his client, born Carlos Bledsoe, had been tortured and "radicalized" in a Yemeni prison after entering the country to teach English. He was held there for immigration violations, and Yemeni officials have denied mistreatment.
"Those claims ... are all lies," Muhammad said Tuesday. "That never happened in Yemen. The officials dealt with me in a gentle way

Other Blogs

Yes, I know, I used the word....blogs.
But that is what others call them.
OK, I'm whining....
Anyho, I was reading a few military wives blogs, seeing how my sisters' doing.
Only one I would dare comment on and use her name.
The others are really struggling their husbands' deployments, not able to let it go! Let go of the anger, disappointment, pain.
Some never realized how much influence Uncle Sam had over their marriages.
I found myself doing a double take.
He does?
Yes, we have been hit with a Surprise Deployment.
Twice.
We have had to make adjustments several times.
But we have never seem Uncle Sam as the one influencing our lives.
G-d does.
Yes, the President is the Commander and Chief and he signs the orders. But it is G-d Who cuts them. Mark signed on that dotted line 15 years ago to serve, protect and defend the Consitition of the Untied States. I his wife, when I married him four years ago this month, married a soldier during a time of war and knew he could be send off at any time.
The Military only shines a light into your marriage. It can show up what is wrong.
And what is right.
The military has strenghten us as a couple and as individuals. Yes, I miss my beloved. And we should the time and distrance in created ways to share our love and keep the flames burning. Our faith in YeshuaHaMessiah keeps us focus in prayer and in our belief keeps us grounded. As Mark's wife I pray for my warrior and all our nations' heros. I am part of something greater than myself. I am part of what keeps this nation free. Free to worship or not worship as each sees fit. That our languge remains english and if a woman covers her hair it is beccause she choices to, not because she is made to.
Sorry Uncle Sam, but you are not the head of this house.
Yeshua is.

Our First Evening; Don't Go There-Go There

Boka Tov:
Second cup of coffee (hey, it's Starbucks)
Mark decided that to begin the celebration of my birthday/ our anniversary, he would take me out for a streak supper.
This gave me a chance to wear my new brown skirt and show off how nicely I am walking these days. (Mark says there is a huge improvement).
We went to a well-known streak house here in Ghent known as Magnola's. A very old landmark in Norfolk.
Pity it isn't live up to its name.
We walked into a very cold restaurant. The A/C was on full blast and the waiter gave me the "we don't like your kind," when he showed us to our table.

Yes, I am trying to put on a brave face. The building smelled of mild-dew.

And this was the lovely table we were seated at. They didn't even bother laying a tablecloth over it. So we asked to be seated outside. There we were served reheated tiny pieces of what was suppose to be corn muffin and two halves of dinner rolls that did not match. The menu? If you order your streak anything past medium (done) they could not promise if the meat would be any good. Which means the meat would be a poor cut. Plus, they couldn't promise if any part of your streak would not be raw or undercooked.

And then there is the ceiling tile over the fireplace which was about to fall and the light fixture going up into the ceiling.

After our complains went in one ear and out the other, we left.

And I have called the Health Department. They are checking into it.

So Mark took me to a wonderful nearby middle-eastern place called Pashua's We have eaten there twice and they rolled out the red carpit. making up for the other place.

Rosebush on the Patio.

Black olive pata. Yummy

A Divine Toute that when even cut in half, we couldn't finish.

And of course, Turkish cup.
It turned into a beautiful evening.

Even the rain stayed away.

It is Monday

"Come here, Baby!!!!"

A warm welcome from the other members of the family.

Boka Tov:

As always, Starbucks in in the Dinningroom brewing for Miss Laini as she works on her journal.

I still refuse to use the word blog-YUCK!

As you can see in the above pictures, Mark looks great. And yes, he is wearing an army issued kippah :)

His plane made it in at 11:01 Tuseday evening. He was tired, but there was that smile when he saw me.

And to be honest, I did alittle grinning myself.

And jumping up and down.

And of course, folks parted when they saw us running to each other.

After mum and dad stopped us off, we had a light snack and crashed. My baby was so tired.

We didn't get up before noon the next day. Because the plane was so late, things we needed to take care of that morning, pushed us way behind and took a few days to get out of the way.

But as I told Mark, it didn't matter. We were together and I wanted to enjoy the few days we had.

And we did.

The weather was wonderful.

Until Thrusday.

But then, it made for great cuddling :)

What A week :)

Shalom:
Last week at this time, I counting down the hours to when my beloved would be coming home.
This evening, I am waiting for the phone to ring, letting me know he arrived in Uath saftey.
Yes, Mark has left after nearly a week together. He had to report to his unit in Uath today.
It has been quite a week. We hit a few bumps, but then, what would our lives be without a few bumps here and there? Thank G-d no car accidents.
We stayed at a wonderful hotel. Had lousy Starbucks and left one place shaking our heads as we headed for a phone to call the health department. We met Santa on his off day and came home with two new family members.
And of course, lots of laugher, pictures and memories we shall share, G-d willing for many years. So, right now I have some suitcases to unpack and things to rise out.
Pictures forthcoming.

Plane's Late

Shalom:
The plane is twenty minutes late.
Which makes the excitement is building.
In 45 minutes, I will be in my beloved's arms.
Ahhh love :)

Insights from Marty, Beth and Betty

Shalom:
One of Mark's and mine's treasures is our friends Marty, Beth and bettyWhile we do not always agree, I love the way Marty writes. His wording is thoughtful, not attacking and gets his point across without one feeling like they have been hit over the head by a 2 by 4.
Though sometimes that is needed. That's my job :)
Here is Marty's comment to my last entry:
Hi Laini,It's tough ... I often marvel at these kinds of discussions, where everyone seems so "polarized." I agree with you that it can be tremendously frustrating. However, at the same time, I also appreciate how everyone is at least entitled -- and able to -- express their views freely in America.
Marty is right; this is one of our greatest strenghts. Freedom of Speech. The one thing I would added is; respectful speech. We adults sometimes forget; children are watching us, listening to us. And the same respect- or disrespect they see us their parnets, grandparnets, teachers and caregivers give our leaders and goverment, they will give to you. Trust me, I have seem it happen. Sadly in the view of some, if you don't go along with their view- whether Right, Left or Center-you are not a true Amercian, a true Christian, you are a hater, etc.
We are still a nation divided. This didn't come about with Mr.Obama, Mr.Bush II, Mr.Clinton, Mr. Bush I, etc. This comes from us, the Amercian people, who allow the strife. We have the power to change that. Let us stop looking to Washington to set the example and set the example of unity, respect and we share for this nation and should have for each other.
Sadly, as Beth pointed out:
For all of us who are able to say, "I see what you mean," there are plenty who will say only, "You're wrong." Sad" Very sad.
And from Betty, my sister in faith: "oh my gosh, Laini, this is so true isn't it?? and our country keeps going downhill, because honestly, I think morally we are going downhill as a country "
Yes Betty, we have.
When we start remembering the core prinpcles we were founded on and rebuid on them, we can truly leave something to our children. And therein lies the power of Change.

Different Year, Same Manure

Shalom:
While standing in line, waiting for my refill, I couldn't but hear a rather interesting conversation.
The President is the best thing that has happne to the Amercian people in years.
The President will right the wrongs of our nation and regain our standing in the world.
No, your wrong! He is destroying this country! We are the laughing stock of the world. he is arrogrant and doesn't about anyone who doesn't support his point of view.
Funny, I remember hear this coversation last year. About Mr. Bush signing papers to my own bunsiess.
When I think about it, i heard the same thing when Mr.Bush took office eight years ago.
I remember hearing this same conversation when Mr.Clinton first took office on my way to work as a Private duty LPN.
I remember hearing this same coversation at the nursing station when Mr. Reagan took officee.
Funny, only the names have changed.
While the nation continues to go to hell in a handbasket.
Manure slinging. That great American pasttime.
And people wonder why I won't let Mark enter politices.

We Made Our Huppah: Where's The Scotch?#links

We Made Our Huppah: Where's The Scotch?#links

Finally! coming up to the homestretch! I am almost sad the jouranl is almost finished.

A Most Beautiful Morning

Boka Tov:

I was awake @ 5 a.m.

Who could sleep?
So I got up, said the Modeh Ani ( blessing for rising) went through the morning routinue and made coffee. I am feeling sleepy, so coffee will have to wait.

Mark's plane arrives tonight and I am so excited.

It will be so nice to have im home.

Though we won't be home.

"I am taking you away!" Is Mark's warcry and I have never known him to break a promise.

My body is quickly recovering from PT yesterday. My therapist has changed my treatment plan. Since I am back to all my daily routinues, the two needful things is: 1. getting me back to speedwalking.

2. dance.

I have returned to the morning walk. And it feels so good :) I just need to pick it up.

I have returned to dance with small movemants. But I not only to be back up to performance strenght, but able to teach for hours without cramping or pain. Right now I can talk one throught the steps, but that isn't a tutored is paid for. To tutor dance, one must dance.

And dance I will.

We are working on balance and strenghtening the hips and leg muscles an my core. My Therapist said for daily life I am in good shape, for what I wish to do, I am @ 70%.

I want that 30%.

I visualize myself in my hebrew garb, dancing. It is what got me through the PT.

I think I shall live.

As Lauren said, this is difficult, a true challenge, but this program will meet my goals.

No pain, no gain.

Past the ice cream.

A Sad Day in Amercia

Shalom:
Yesterday was a sad day in America.
Yesterday, while performing his duties as a Deacon is his church, Doctor George Tiller, a Abortion Doctor was gunned down before his wife and family, before the people he worshipped with.
His crime? He performed abortions. Late term abortions.
As all who read this jounral knows, I do not support legalism abortion. I am Pro-Life.
Saved from an abortion myself.
While I am Pro-Life, I also it is not always an easy decision ad I believe adoption is the better choice.
I believe in the Death Penelty. If you seek out to take the life of another, you deserve to have yours taken. And that is the Power of the Sword, spoken of in Scripture.
Having said that, what happen yestersday morning was also a crime. The death of a human being. Most of us in the Pro-Life movemant prayed for his heart to be changed, not for his death. His fate was in
G-d's Hands. The way to settle this matter is to change the law, not kill doctors who perform abortions.
The problem is this: while there may be things where the life of the mother is in danger and a choice must be made (some will chose the child, otheres the mother) abortion MUST be a medical need and not because of the burden this child shall be.
We live in a throw-away world.
Quick.
Fast.
If it cramps my style, be it parnets, spouse, job, school, or a so-called unplanned pregnancy, out it goes. If you have plan to have sex, you are planning to have a child; unless you cannot have children, remember, BirthControl doesn't always work.
As long as we view the unborn as blots of so such unwanted tissue, abortion doctors will always have work.
How a nation treats its poor, children and elderly speaks volumns about that nation.
The man who shot and killed Dr.Tiller was just as wrong as the doctor.
But it wasn't his place to play G-d. His actions are unexcusable.
And now he will have to stand before G-d and Man to answer for his crime. Sadly, we who are Pro-Life are going to be lumped along side with the actions of this murder. As if we pull the gun in his hand and told him to shoot.
And that isn't right either.
He destroyed two families: the Tillers and his own.
He would have done better to leave judgement in the hands of the courts and in G-d's.

Summer Time at Last

Shalom:
OK, summer isn't really until 21 June, but for me, Summer begins June first.
Something about the sun seems to feel warmer and hangs about longer like a dear friend.

Time for lemon-aide, SunTea and grilling salmon on the grill. I plan to buy one of those tiny little grills you can use on the fire-escape. Time for salads, fried chicken, watermelon and mint chocolate ice cream.

And getting up at 6 a.m to speed walk it all off.

Mark comes home tomorrow evening. Actually around 10p.m.

And we have six wonderful days ahead of us.

I have already started planning our getaway. Williamburge of course.

We would take in a Broadway Show, but army captains don't rate for obtaining AirForce One.

This evening, after I finish the task I have set for myself, I shall paint my toenails pink.

Another one of my summer traditions: nail polish on-shoes off.

I shall wash and braid my hair and get ready for my big guy's arrival.
I have missed that man.