It’s two steps forward and one step back. That’s the way Barbara has been viewing our progress – or lack thereof – towards acquiring and fixing up THE apartment for occupancy by the agreed upon date of Dec. 3 (2024). I see things differently – because that’s what I do. Here’s how I described what was going on to my brother over the telephone.
Month: October 2024
The bee’s knees and similar matters
It wasn’t what I expected from a highly regarded international wine guy, now living with his American wife in New Jersey. Out of the blue, there he was on Facebook, presenting his thoughts about the American elections – as opposed to his preferences in Pinot Noir or Malbec. He was not, he wrote, trying to influence anyone’s vote. He was just suggesting that those who do cast a ballot should ‘set aside your personal opinions about the candidates’ personalities and character, and consider their records.’ And, ‘Once you’ve done your homework, evaluate whose policies align better with your values and beliefs, and make an informed decision about who to vote for.’ Fair enough; not too much to quarrel with there. Then I noticed a comment below from his adoring, all-knowing other half, which for the moment put a stop to any further pontification. ‘Ok but u should become a citizen …’ (Bata-boom.)
The Dreaded ‘M’ Word — Part 16
Let’s begin this segment with something fairly innocuous, a retelling of a typical conversation between a mother and an adult daughter, going something along these lines:
Mother (a/k/a Barbara) What are your plans for the week?
Daughter (a/k/a Natania) I have a whole bunch of experiments to do, and then there’s all the follow-up I need to get done….
Father (a/k/a Fred, butting in) At least you don’t have to worry about the hagim. Everyone else will also be off Thurs, and Fri., not just you. So whatever you don’t get done…
Daughter I need to remind Oded (her boss) to let our Indian student know it’s Rosh Hashana and not to show up…
As I keep announcing to anyone in earshot, that’s one of the beauties of living in The Land. More often than not, you can actually focus on what’s important, what these holidays are about, without the noise, without the baggage of trying to fit them into the rest of your life, or what everyone around you is involved in – as is usually the case anywhere in the Exile. However, that only works here in The Land if you’re not up to your eyeballs in matters of such consequence that they can’t be put off, that force you to obsess over them and take over a good part of your life. Otherwise, you might as well be in Des Moines or some such. (Well, not really!) One such matter of consequence is known as the “Dreaded ‘M’ Word,” which is why it should be avoided if at all humanly possible.
alittlebiteast 