Anyone who knows me personally can attest to the fact that I am a firm believer in the old-fashioned paper and pen missives. As a result, I have a whole collection of stationary, post cards, greeting cards, ect., etc., etc.; and shopping for those things is second in pleasure only to shopping for books (especially when everything is housed in one place). But sometimes the experience turns out to be bitter-sweet.
For one, I still get a little sad when I see something addressed to grandmother – because I will never buy it again. I also get strangely contemplative when I see something for either husband or wife – and no, it is not because I am not married.
You see, aside from getting my parents Birthdays and Anniversaries cards from myself (and my siblings), I used to be my parents’ (especially my Dad’s) secretary and get all this stuff for both of them as well, because my Dad is a typical guy when it comes to these matters, and my Mom was always afraid to due to the lack of English comprehension she would get something not necessarily appropriate.
As a result, a little while ago, while shopping for Birthday card for a friend born in August is suddenly dawned on me that had my parents stayed together, that August would have been their 40th Wedding Anniversary; and that led to the contemplation of what the celebration would have been like. I also remembered the 25th Anniversary I have put together for them almost single-handedly (my siblings were in camp), and how happy I was while doing it. And I also remembered the 30th, and how I decided to not throw a party because things were a bit iffy at the times.
What can I tell you – life does give you strange-shaped lemons once in a while; and this time I had no desire to make lemonade.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A POLITE REMINDER…
I found this last week while cleaning out old documents. I do not even remember how old this little piece is, but none-the-less, the message is timeless. Apparently, Pollyanna did have the right outlook on life.
"The Right Perspective
As you might know, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.
Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.
One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.
One of them missed his bus.
One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.
One's car wouldn't start.
One went back to answer the telephone.
One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.
One couldn't get a taxi.
The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore! to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.
Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone - all the little things that annoy me - I think to myself, this is exactly where G-d wants me to be at this very moment. Next time your morning seems to be going wrong; the children are slow getting dressed; you can't seem to find the car keys; you hit every traffic light; don’t get mad or frustrated; G-d is at work watching over you. May G-d continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose."
"The Right Perspective
As you might know, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.
Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.
One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.
One of them missed his bus.
One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.
One's car wouldn't start.
One went back to answer the telephone.
One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.
One couldn't get a taxi.
The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore! to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.
Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone - all the little things that annoy me - I think to myself, this is exactly where G-d wants me to be at this very moment. Next time your morning seems to be going wrong; the children are slow getting dressed; you can't seem to find the car keys; you hit every traffic light; don’t get mad or frustrated; G-d is at work watching over you. May G-d continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose."
Monday, October 26, 2009
THE IRREFUTABLE LOGIC OF THE YOUNG
Due to the recent festivities in the Beloved Sibling’s household, both MBS and MNM were exposed to sugar cubes in an attractive packaging. The said attractive packaging produced a strong desire in both munchkins to consume the said sugar cubes. So, Papi was given an official request to obtain the objects lately in vogue.
Papi agreed and promptly forgot – the disadvantages of the middle age coupled with the unfulfilled need for the visit to the local supermarket.
Lo and behold, few nights ago MNM asked me again for the dratted sugar cubes. I apologized for not getting them before and added (truthfully) that I have not been to the grocery since the official request was issued. The apology was graciously accepted, and the request not only repeated, but clarified. Apparently, I am now dispatched to obtain Spiderman sugar cubes for the neffie pooh and Hello Kitty sugar cubes for his older sister!
Papi agreed and promptly forgot – the disadvantages of the middle age coupled with the unfulfilled need for the visit to the local supermarket.
Lo and behold, few nights ago MNM asked me again for the dratted sugar cubes. I apologized for not getting them before and added (truthfully) that I have not been to the grocery since the official request was issued. The apology was graciously accepted, and the request not only repeated, but clarified. Apparently, I am now dispatched to obtain Spiderman sugar cubes for the neffie pooh and Hello Kitty sugar cubes for his older sister!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
YOM KIPPUR
Fashion/On The Lighter Side Edition
Everyone who knows our family knows that we are very punctual people and hate being late to anything. Hence, yours truly was the first to arrive on Kol Nidre Night (and even had the dubious honor of entering through the men’s entrance and opening up women’s).
After I finished Mincha, there was not much to do but wait and observe the new arrivals. And it struck me once again, not with a vengeance, but strongly enough: how come ladies in this community look like they have been taking wardrobe tips from Beau Brummell? Inasmuch as I know for a fact that there is very little interest in history amongst them in general and practically none for the English history, especially the Regency Period in particular, who is channeling the late unlamented dandy? Because about ninety seven percent of ladies attending (including the younger generation) were wearing stark, unrelieved black; about two or three of them wore pure white; and yet about seven more were in black and white. Only about six other people (including yours truly) were wearing some other colors (mainly grey, olive, and brown). And, of course, the next morning it continued in the same venue, aside from two very refreshing-looking young ladies, one of which was wearing a leather suit.
In a momentary flight of fancy I got a strong urge to inform the assembled honorable matrons that Brummell was credited by historians with simplifying the male mode of dress, not female; and then I realized something else. Apparently, there is a new rage to wear plumages in one’s hair (mainly made from feathers of small birds, but faux flowers or fruit are also popular). I suppose those fanciful hair ornaments were meant to counteract the black/male simplicity.
On the personal note, a la Cher Horowitz, I am happy to report that I broke in my off-white Vera Wang flip-flops.
I also managed, once again, without fail, to fall asleep during the Rabbi’s speeches, and during the chazzan’s repetitions, so, when Birkat Kohanim came along, the reference to dreams was very fresh.
On a serious note, it was a very uplifting day, and I profoundly hope that The Heavenly Father accepted all our prayers and sealed all of us in the Book of Life.
Everyone who knows our family knows that we are very punctual people and hate being late to anything. Hence, yours truly was the first to arrive on Kol Nidre Night (and even had the dubious honor of entering through the men’s entrance and opening up women’s).
After I finished Mincha, there was not much to do but wait and observe the new arrivals. And it struck me once again, not with a vengeance, but strongly enough: how come ladies in this community look like they have been taking wardrobe tips from Beau Brummell? Inasmuch as I know for a fact that there is very little interest in history amongst them in general and practically none for the English history, especially the Regency Period in particular, who is channeling the late unlamented dandy? Because about ninety seven percent of ladies attending (including the younger generation) were wearing stark, unrelieved black; about two or three of them wore pure white; and yet about seven more were in black and white. Only about six other people (including yours truly) were wearing some other colors (mainly grey, olive, and brown). And, of course, the next morning it continued in the same venue, aside from two very refreshing-looking young ladies, one of which was wearing a leather suit.
In a momentary flight of fancy I got a strong urge to inform the assembled honorable matrons that Brummell was credited by historians with simplifying the male mode of dress, not female; and then I realized something else. Apparently, there is a new rage to wear plumages in one’s hair (mainly made from feathers of small birds, but faux flowers or fruit are also popular). I suppose those fanciful hair ornaments were meant to counteract the black/male simplicity.
On the personal note, a la Cher Horowitz, I am happy to report that I broke in my off-white Vera Wang flip-flops.
I also managed, once again, without fail, to fall asleep during the Rabbi’s speeches, and during the chazzan’s repetitions, so, when Birkat Kohanim came along, the reference to dreams was very fresh.
On a serious note, it was a very uplifting day, and I profoundly hope that The Heavenly Father accepted all our prayers and sealed all of us in the Book of Life.
Friday, October 09, 2009
AND SHE IS HERE!!!!!
I have a brand new niece, thank G-d! She is the most amazing baby in the world right now – that is my unbiased opinion, I am sticking to it.
Aside from being around a pound bigger than her older sister, and therefore having more cheeks, she bears a striking resemblance to Mini Me at that age. Mini Me, on the other hand, graduated to striking resemblance to Beloved Sibling.
In light of these developments, the editor of this blog (yours truly) is thereby changing the given designations. Mini Me is to be called Mini Beloved Sibling, or MBS; Mini Not Me is to be abbreviated as MNM (to save typing efforts), and the newest addition is to be called Mini Mini Me, or MMM.
PS: Both parents are doing fine, mother being (understandably) on the tired side, and father busy playing with new toys (like assembling bassinets and getting excited over candy trays). Newly minted older (and more responsible) siblings are undecided, but very happy to have Mommy back.
Aside from being around a pound bigger than her older sister, and therefore having more cheeks, she bears a striking resemblance to Mini Me at that age. Mini Me, on the other hand, graduated to striking resemblance to Beloved Sibling.
In light of these developments, the editor of this blog (yours truly) is thereby changing the given designations. Mini Me is to be called Mini Beloved Sibling, or MBS; Mini Not Me is to be abbreviated as MNM (to save typing efforts), and the newest addition is to be called Mini Mini Me, or MMM.
PS: Both parents are doing fine, mother being (understandably) on the tired side, and father busy playing with new toys (like assembling bassinets and getting excited over candy trays). Newly minted older (and more responsible) siblings are undecided, but very happy to have Mommy back.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
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