Learning to Let Go

Frustration!

Before our vacation, I emptied out the entire contents of my pocketbook on our dining room table.  Then, I made a pile, to leave behind, of any items that were irrelevant to our trip, such as my teudat zehut (Israeli identity card), my credit card (Moshe took his; we figured one was enough), and various other cards and documents.

It is the New Yorker in me -- "don't carry anything you don't need, in case someone steals your bag!"

Just as we were about to leave, I realized I shouldn't leave the cards there.  Perhaps one of our various houseguests would need to use the table and would move the cards somewhere I would not be able to find them.

So, at the last minute, I placed the cards "somewhere safe."

Well, those cards were stored so safely that now I cannot find them!

I am sure they are someplace obvious, but I have completely forgotten where I put them!

I completely stressed out trying to find the cards.

I knew I could replace the cards, but worried about the time it would take, and the cost.


After a week, I decided that, whatever the cost, replacing the cards, and removing the stress, was worth it!

So, a few days ago, when I went to my health fund to pick up my medication, I asked what I needed to do to replace my health card.  The secretary asked me a few question and, before I knew it, she printed out a new card, on the spot, free of charge.

Wow.  That was easy!

Then, on Tuesday, I decided to "bite the bullet" and replace my teudat zehut.  I thought it would cost several hundred shekels and take a while, as there is often a long line.

On the way to the local branch of Misrad HaP'nim (the Ministry of the Interior), my friend, AH, reminded me that I would need new pictures, so we stopped at a local kiosk, next to Misrad HaP'nim, and got pictures.

Then, we went up to Misrad HaP'nim, took a number, and looked for a place to sit down and wait.  Just then, I noticed a sign informing the public that one's driver's license is not sufficient identity for renewing documents.  My driver's license was the only identification I had on me!  I was not even sure I knew where my Passport was!

In twenty minutes, the office would be closed.  I barely had enough time to drive home and pick up my passport, but there was a chance.... I knew that if I did not find my Passport in a matter of seconds, I would not get back in time.  I really wanted to get this task off of my head.

So, I did it!  I ran home, found the passport right away, and got back, just in the nick of time!  As the guard was about to close the door, he saw me coming (huffing and puffing) and waited the extra 30 seconds!

Our number, which we had taken before we left, was the next number to come up!  We did not even have to wait.

Best of all, getting a new teudat zehut cost only 100 NIS, which was a third of what I was expecting!

What a relief to have that out of the way!

With my new teudat zehut in hand, I went back to Mishteret HaT'nua (the Traffic Police), in Binyan Clal (in the center of town), to pick up another copy of the form we needed for the ambulance that took my son to the hospital, after he was hit by a car.

I felt like I accomplished so much!

Now, I just need to replace my credit card; then I can relax....




Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Family Dynamics (You can take them out of their routine, but you can't take their habbits out of them!)

Overall, we had a wonderful time in Orlando!

Admittedly, we had a few bumps here and there. 

I had imagined some sort of magical transformation that would create a conflict-free vacation.  I guess, even Disney/Universal do not have that power.  But we all worked hard to make our vacation a good family experience!

It also took some time to figure out who really wanted to do what! 

Surprisingly, we did not all want to do the same things at the same time. (Shocking, I know!)

That should have been obvious, but it was not (at least, not to me).  I worked on "letting go," not an easy transition for me.

Food was a big deal.  Since I barely wanted to eat (and many food smells made me nauseas), I always wanted to go on another ride, rather than sit down for an hour and ("waste time") eating lunch.  The four other members of my party actually got hungry and needed to eat.  Moreover, my kids all inherited my family's trait of getting really obnoxious when hungry! 

During our first week, I had to remind myself that we would be going back to all the parks (or most of them) the next week, and I would get another chance to do everything! 

I really missed my eldest daughter when she went back home (she's left early, so that she would not miss the final week of rehearsals for Pirates of Penzance).  She was my "permanent partner" on all the really scary roller coaster rides!  (Moshe gets motion sick, as does my younger daughter, so they skipped those rides.)    My son, God bless him, does not always want to hold his mother's hand (it is so "uncool" for a teenage boy to hold his mother's hand.  I get it.), but when my eldest left, he was really supportive and agreed to hold my hand for a few of the really scary rides (just as long as there were no witnesses).

My eldest was also a huge help getting everything ready in the mornings, and keeping things organized during the day!

That does not diminish the contribution of my other two kids, who also did their best to be helpful!  All the kids carried backpacks all day and pushed their mom around in the wheelchair (which was not always so easy).

Still, when my eldest left, the dynamic also changed.

Add to the equation that, not only did my daughter leave but, my parents joined us during that second week.

My dad actually took over a lot of the tasks that my eldest did -- especially pushing me around (he wanted the extra exercise!).

In some ways, my dad helped me to keep things in perspective.  I think (at least, I hope) I was a bit calmer during that second week.

I was surprised that I had to focus so much energy on "taking it easy."

I realized I should apply the same efforts in my "everyday life."

If our family dynamics improve as a result of this vacation, we really will have had a magical experience!



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

New Blog for Women/Mothers Living with Cancer

Way back when (about two months ago), when I got censored and forced out of the group blog for mothers with cancer, one of the women on that list suggested that I start my own group blog.

Well, I finally took her up on it and am starting a group blog, for mothers living with cancer.

All women facing cancer are welcome to join, but the blog will focus primarily on mothers who have advanced breast (or other) cancer -- i.e. we will be living with cancer for the rest of our lives or until there is a cure.

Anyone interested in joining, should contact me at:
coffeeandchemo@gmail.com

Anyone interested in reading the blog should visit us at:
http://motherslivingwithcancer.blogspot.com/

Hope to be up and running in a week or two!



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

"Spot the Jews" -- Does Anyone Else Play This Game?

When Moshe and I were in Orlando for the first time, we made up a game:  Spot the Jews.

We had noticed an interesting phenomenon: Frum (Orthodox) Jews were walking around in baseball caps, rather than wearing a kippah, tichel (scarf), or hat, like they would in New Jersey or New York.

For whatever reason, these Jews choose to "hide" their Judaism.  To us, it is obvious they are Jews.  Between the baseball caps and the modest dress, they stand out like violets in a field of daffodils.  I imagine they feel like they are "blending in."

We find this fascinating. 

Why the need to "pass"?

Why not just dress the way you normally dress, and be who you are?

Why pretend that you are not different?

Moshe and I wear our kippot and tichels (respectively). 

It never occurred to us to dress any differently.

As a result, Jewish staff workers share with us their identities.  Many are excited to learn that we are visiting from Jerusalem and share with us their hopes to visit Israel.  (I gave our contact information to several people I met, Jews and non-Jews)

This visit, we noticed a few Jewish families who dressed "normally," with kippot, etc.  Two of the families were Chabbadnikim, so that was not so surprising.  Two of the families were from Israel, one from Tel Aviv, the other from a yishuv (settlement/suburban community -- I don't remember which one, maybe Beit El).  We also met some Israelis who were not religious, but were communicating freely, in Hebrew.

It was nice to see other Jews, who were openly Jewish.

Of course, we still spotted groups of "Jews in disguise."

Fascinating.



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Food, Glorious Food -- Who Needs It??

Even though I was on a break from chemo (specifically, from Xeloda), my appetite during our vacation was nothing to write home about.

If it were up to me, I would have skipped meals altogether, and just snacked while we were on line for another ride.  I could have skipped most of the snacking too!

My family preferred actually sitting down and relaxing while they ate!  Can you believe it?

Eating sometimes took more than an hour!  We could have done two more rides (or more) during that time!

It took me a few days to accept the fact that, if we did not stop and eat, I would have a gang of grumpy campers with me! 

Towards the end of our trip, I actually skipped part of our meals and went on a few rides on my own (each time, another member of our party did come help me). 

Our last day, while Moshe met my parents for dinner, I took our two kids (the eldest was already back in Israel) to catch one of the short shows.  The kids would have an opportunity to eat after Moshe and I left for our show (La Nouba, Cirque du Soleil), and it was the last activity I would have a chance to do before we left.

There was so much to do, eating just felt like such a waste of time.



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Yuck!

***** warning: this post is about feeling sick to your stomach *****
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I used to avoid throwing up at all costs.

Moshe would see me lying in bed, suffering, and encourage me to "get up and throw up," because I would almost certainly "feel better afterwards."

I would continue to lie in bed, focussing on breathing slowly, maybe even sipping some water, praying to fall asleep and wake up after the nausea has passed.  This method usually worked for me.

I did not get nauseas that often... before chemotherapy.

Now, I walk around with Pramin (anti-nausea medication).  I do not need it often, but feeling nauseas is no longer such a rare experience.

Last night, I knew that Moshe's approach would help me.

After tossing and turning for about half an hour, I finally got out of bed, dragged myself to the bathroom, and allowed myself to throw up.

It freaked me out a little.

It felt a little bulemic -- eat too much, then throw it up.

I didn't have to do anything gross.  I just opened my mouth and did not fight to hold anything in.  It is quite amazing, how things just flow in the wrong direction.

Chemotherapy really messes with my insides.

Despite the icky feeling of throwing up, I did feel better afterwards.

I went back to bed and fell asleep almost as soon as I my head met my pillow.



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Too Much of a Good Thing

I could have gone to bed tonight without any supper.

But, since we were at a simcha (celebration), I had half a bowl of orange soup and two pieces of focaccia with a bit of feta cheese.

Had I stopped there, I would have been fine.

But they had Ben & Jerry's ice cream for dessert. 

I do not know what came over me, but I ate a LOT of ice cream.

That was a mistake.

I hate feeling nauseas.

I hate knowing that I did this to myself.

I really have to remember to eat slowly, and to eat less.

I will enjoy my food more.



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Thrill Seekers

Everyone has their fears.

Mine is of heights. 

I am not a big fan of high speeds either.

When I was a little girl, my family went to Hershey Park, in New Jersey Pennsylvania.  There was one rollercoaster with a loop and my dad wanted to take me on it.

I was terrified, just looking at the rollercoaster.  I did not want to go upside down.

But my dad, with his boyish charm, convinced me to go with him.

I think I closed my eyes the whole ride.

That was probably when I decided that rollercoasters were not "for me."

For years, I avoided rollercoasters.  (Not so challenging for someone who does not frequent amusement parks)  The last time we were at Disney/Universal, I did not go on any of the serious rollercoaster rides. 

My kids were little then.

They are bigger now.

My son (no surprise there) and my eldest daughter (she surprised me, being naturally cautious and all that) were both totally into the rollercoaster thing -- the faster and scarier, the better!

To my surprise, I was totally into it as well.

Cancer has made me a thrill seeker!  (...as long as there are safety harnesses, so there is no chance of falling!)

Don't get me wrong.  I still felt scared. 

Each time, I reminded myself that the ride only lasts a minute and a half! 

I also forced myself to focus on breathing.  Slowly in.... slowly out....

Full disclosure: I also held (read: gripped) my daughter's hand during most of the rides.

But I did them, every one. 

More than once! 

I even rode the scariest rollercoaster two more times -- on my own!

I loved it! 

And I loved sharing that experience with my kids.



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Bloggers in Israel -- Event this Saturday Night!

To register for this event, visit A Mother in Israel
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This Saturday night, December 26, at 8:00 pm, Sara Melamed (Foodbridge) will be hosting Jacob Share (Job Mob) in Nes Tziona.

All bloggers are welcome!  Advance registration is required.  You should receive confirmation and details by email within a few days.

If you are driving and can take passengers, or would like to come but need a ride, please mention it on the form.

I am looking for rides to and from the event.

Are you going from Beit Shemesh?  Are you returning to Jerusalem?

Please let me know if you have room in your car for one or two.



From Mother in Israel:

Who is Jacob Share?

Jacob Share is the job search expert who created the award-winning JobMob at http://jobmob.co.il/, one of the most popular job search blogs in the world, with over 1.5 million pageviews in 2009 alone. The founder of Share Select Media, a company focused on authority blogging, Jacob has also created Group Writing Projects at http://groupwritingprojects.com/, the original home and premier resource of the blogger favorite- group writing projects.

To get the most out of this event, please contact Jacob in advance with questions you have about blogging and he will answer as many as possible at the event. Send your questions via a direct message on Twitter ( http://twitter.com/jacobshare) or email Jacob at jacob.share@shareselectmedia.com. Include your blog url if you have one.

Please register before writing to Jacob.


Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

A New Set of Wheels -- Not Bad!

To fully appreciate this post, read this first.
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I was amazed at the number of people going around the parks in wheelchairs and electric buggies.

People were in "chairs" for all sorts of reasons.  Nobody paid much attention to us -- this was obvious from the amount of people who walked right in front of us, often receiving an unexpected bump against their shins, since we could not stop in time!

Their is a "chupar" (perk) to being in a wheelchair -- on several rides, we get to bypass the lines.

Of course, being in a wheelchair makes walking much slower, so it takes us longer to get to those lines in the first place!

So, it all probably balances out, in the end.

The parks accomodated our special needs and assigned us passes that allowed us to go in the "Express"/"Fast Pass" lines.  At Disney, we received one pass that we could use for our entire visit.  At Universal, we had to get the passes reissued each day, but it was a quick and easy process (we just handed them the previous passes and they renewed them for us).

The first Disney park attendant, at Hollywood Studios, actually emphasized that the pass was NOT for the quicker line.  So, unfortunately, we did not take advantage of the pass that day.  The next day, at Magic Kingdom, the park attendent explained that we could use it for the quicker lines, and we were able to see many more attractions as a result.

I spent most of my days in the chair.  It was a wise decision.  As is, I was exhausted by the end of the day.

But I did not was to cut the day short!

I wanted to do everything!!

My kids pushed me around and, for the most part, were extremely gracious and helpful in this department.

When my parents joined us, my dad pushed me around most of the time.  He wanted the extra exercise!  It was nice having that little bit of extra attention from my dad.

After the first day in the wheelchair, I stopped worrying about being different.  There is such diversity among the people attending the parks.  With so many people in special chairs, it felt like we were just another minority group.

Cast members (i.e. park employees) were all very attentive and helpful. 

There were two times when I wanted to repeat a ride, when the rest of the family wanted to eat.  I was prepared to go on my own.  I found it particularly challenging to roll the wheelchair long distances and gained a greater appreciation for all the help from my family.  Both times, members of my family (first my mom, then my youngest) surprised me, and chose to accompany me, even though they did not want to go on the rides (both avoid rollercoasters).  It was nice to have their company... and their assistance.

Over the two weeks, once or twice, I did get out of the chair and push it.  And I did get out to walk short distances, to the bathroom or for specific rides.

Mostly, I took full advantage of having somewhere to sit and being chauffeured about like a queen.


 Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Home Sweet Home

This post is full of details, mostly so I will remember them. 
Feel free to skip it if you get bored.
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We had a fantastic, albeit complex, family vacation!

We all left for the States on Thursday night, December 3rd, and everyone but my eldest just returned late last night, Sunday, December 20th.

We got back later than expected because of a snowstorm; our flight was delayed for FOUR HOUR.  Good fortune prevailed, and strong tailwinds shaved off two of those hours from our flight time.

Our eldest was with us for the first week, but left on Sunday morning, December 13th, so she could attend final rehearsals for the upcoming production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance; she is in the chorus.  (For those planning to attend the show, she will be in the yellow and purple costume.)

My parents joined us for our second week in Orlando.  They wanted to come earlier, to spend more time with all of us, before our eldest left; but my dad had a professional convention at the same time, so he had to attend that.

We all overlapped for one Shabbat, which was wonderful and one of the highlights of our trip.

During the week with just our immediate family, we played for one day in all of the major Disney and Universal theme parks.  We spent Sunday through Friday, as follows:  Hollywood Studios Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Animal Kingdom.  My parents, who had one less "play day" to begin with, chose to pass on both Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom and spend an extra day at Epcot. 

Since Universal is closer to the airport, we went there on Sunday (after spending the morning in the airport, making sure our daughter was secure on her first solo flight across the world).  Then we spent Monday through Wednesday at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Islands of Adventure, respectively.  For our last day, we went, again, to Epcot.  That night, while still at Epcot, our kids had several hours of "alone time" to play with their grandparents.

Moshe and I left early to see La Nouba, Cirque du Soleil, a spectacular show combining acrobatics, juggling, clowning, and dance.

All in all, we were in Orlando from Friday, the 4th, through Friday, the 18th, spending a total of 7 days in Disney parks (1 day each in Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, 2 days at Magic Kingdom, and 3 days at Epcot) and 4 days in Universal parks (2 each at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure).

On Friday, December 18th, my parents flew home to Arizona and we flew to New Jersey.

I stayed up all of Thursday night, with my mom, packing and tidying up. 

At 4:30 am, I woke up Moshe and the kids;  I was still rushing about, trying to finish up!  We got out later than we had planned, but we got to the airport in time to make our flight.... almost.

I had packed food to eat while we were waiting.  Though it became obvious that we would not have time to eat at the airport, I forgot that I had packed liquids (drinks, yoghurts, etc.).  Ridding us of all our liquids caused enough of a delay at Homeland Security that we got to the gate just as the plane was pulling away.

Ironically, we spent several hours at the airport waiting for the next available flight, during which time we could have enjoyed our food and drink!   Oh well.  We were grateful to catch another flight and get to Teaneck before Shabbat!

We spent Shabbat with very close friends of ours, who used to live in Jerusalem.

During the afternoon, my grandfather and his partner came to visit, as did a few other courageous friends, who braved the snow!  The visits were short, as I did not have a lot of energy and needed to rest.  (I still had at least 8 hours of sleep to catch up on!)

Based on Friday's weather reports, we thought our flight would be cancelled and we would "win" another day or two with our friends.  But, after Shabbat, our plane was still "on schedule."

The airline actually started the boarding process on time, until it became clear that de-icing the plane would be more complicated and the delay would be extensive. People actually de-boarded the plane, which is very unusual.

The airline ended up moving the de-icing station to the start of the runway, so the plane could take off as soon as they completed the de-icing process.

A few hours later, the airport cancelled all flights. By that point, we were well on our way home.

When we finally walked into our own doors, I was so incredibly grateful to be home!

Is It Our Last Day Already???

I wrote this last Thursday, and thought I posted it... but I see now that I did not.  So, here it is.
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I can't believe that we are nearing the end of our vacation.

Tomorrow is our last day in the parks. 

We decided to spend a third day at Epcot, rather than a second day at Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios, at Disneyworld).  We were divided -- the kids preferred Hollywood Studios (so they could repeat "The Tower of Terror" and the "Toy Story" rides) but Moshe and my parents preferred Epcott.  I could have gone either way.  Everyone was willing to

We will have spent seven days at Disneyworld (Magic Kingdom, Epcott, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) and four days at Universal  (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure).

It is not enough.

We did nothing else, and there is still plenty to do in this area of Florida -- Cape Canaveral, Discovery Cove, Sea World.....

I could spend a month here with no problem!!

We have to start some sort of  "Annual Fantasy Fund" so that we can come back in a year!

Did I mention that we could see the new Harry Potter buildings being built?

OMG!!!  It already looks awesome and it is not even finished!!!


Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Shabbat in Teaneck

Flying to Teaneck for Shabbat with ABH and her family. 

Have to leave for the airport in less than two hours.

Still not finished packing.

Oy!



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

A New Set of Wheels

I wrote this post about a week before we left for our vacation.  We are having a great time! (Sorry, no time to write about it now)
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Daria at Living with Cancer just posted about her first Public Wheelchair Ride. This post came "right on time" for me.
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We are all busy planning our upcoming family trip to Disney.

My friend, ABH, suggested that I use a wheelchair or electric buggy to get around the parks.

At first, I balked at the idea. 

Eventually, I had to acknowlege that I cannot stand or walk for extended periods of time.

I get tired. 

It would be a shame to leave the park(s) early, because I just could not stand or walk anymore.

So, I bit the bullet and borrowed a collapsible wheel chair from Yad Sarah.  You can rent wheelchairs at the parks, but they cost $12 a day, plus you lose time every day, renting and returning the wheelchair.  This way, I save time and money, and I can also use the wheelchair in the airports.

The question is: will I really use it?

I know I should.

But the thought is really hard for me -- not so much the thought of using it, but the thought of being looked at....

I don't want people feeling sorry for me or my family.

I also don't want people judging me. 

Besides the no-hair-thing (which one might not notice, since I cover my hair for religious reasons), I look like a perfectly healthy, young (ok, middle aged) woman.

I don't want people looking at me and wondering "Why is she in a wheelchair, when she can walk just fine?"

I know that if I do not use it, I will just conk out after the first day, maybe even during the first day.  I cannot be on my feet for long periods, either standing or walking.

But it is hard to make that step -- to enter the world of the "differently abled." 

I like having the option to "pass" for normal. 

Once I sit in that wheelchair, I am publicly acknowing my disability.  I won't be able to ignore it.

Will my pride get in the way of my sechel (judgement)?



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Vacation from the Internet

It took almost a week to get hooked up to the internet. 

In some ways I did not miss it.  We were way too busy for me to blog! Taking a break from email, meant not dealing with ANYTHING!

Most importantly, no one fought over the computer!!

Well, on Wednesday, my brilliant husband finally configured everything and last night there was a LINE to get onto our one computer!

You might think I had top priority, since it is my computer.  You would be wrong!

I let my daughter on for 5 minutes, which turned into 45 minutes of "I'll be done soon," (no big surprise to some of you, but really annoying to me!).  Then Moshe, who had thought he would be in daily contact with work, had to take check in there.  I think it took him less time to catch up on a week's work than it took our teenage daughter to Facebook her friends!!

I checked less than a page of back emails, posted yesterday's quick post, and went to sleep!

Special thanks goes to my dad, who FedExed a blackberry for us to use to get connected!

I know there are plenty of places with free wi-fi, but it's hard to go to a coffee shop and blog from bed at the same time!



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

House Sitter

After I posted that I am going on vacation, it occured to me that I just announced to the whole world that my house will be vacant.

Growing up in New York (OK, New Jersey, but my parents are New Yorkers...), letting people know you were going on vacation was like issuing an invitation to "come, break into my home, and steal all my stuff."

So, when a friend was looking for a place to crash in Jerusalem, I was thrilled to offer our home. 

Being the paranoid person I am, I also worry about electrical fires, water leaks, and all sorts of other disasters that can destroy your home while you are away.

It is great to have someone I trust "hold down the fort."

With someone at home, I feel free;  I can enjoy my vacation in peace.

So, if you call, and a strange man answers the phone, just leave a message.  We will get it when we get back!



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Not Taking a Break, Just Slowing Down

For a while there, I far exceeded my promise "to post at least 2-3 times a week."

Many weeks, I posted every day.  Some weeks, I even managed to post on Friday (before Shabbat), and Saturday night (after Shabbat).

There were even a few days in there when I posted TWICE!

If you ask me, that's pretty impressive.  (How's that for patting myself on the back?)

Anyway, recently things have slowed down a bit.  Between the brain mets diagnosis, radiation, my son's Bar Mitvah, family visits, the chagim (holidays), the flu (and feeling down), kidney stones, my son getting hit by a car, and planning out FAMILY VACATION, I have been a little busy.

I have to focus now on putting together our vacation, so if the blog posts are a little spotty.... please forgive me.

I am healthy (for a sick person), so don't worry.  I just don't have that much time or energy.

I am so excited.  And I am enjoying the anticipation and the planning!  (Thanks to all of you who kept emphasizing that it is part of the fun!!)

So many people are helping to make this work out for us. I feel surrounded by angels!!

But there are no angels writing my posts!  Oh, wait, I can't believe I did not think of this before!
Maybe I will find some angels to guest post....  (no promises, since that is just one more thing to organize....)
 
Anyway, between the running around, and the resting (gotta' rest), I just do not have as much time to post as I would like.

Please, bear with me, I will post when I can and when we return, I hope to pick up the pace...



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Everyone is Fine, Thank God

Just to follow up:

Moshe is fine.  The kidney stone is gone.

My son is fine.  Even his bike seems fine (though we still have to take it to the shop to be checked).

We are all vaccinated against both the flu and the swine flu -- my kids got both shots on the same day (one in each arm) -- ouch!

My eldest took two days off of school, to recover from not feeling well.  The first day (yesterday), she slept all day.  Today, she seems to be back up to par.  Letting her stay home today was a big deal for me.  I deferred to Moshe's judgement and let her decide for herself.  I would have made her go to school, even if she did "only have a tiyul shelach."  I am working on "letting go."

My youngest is worried about school, but is fine healthwise.

So, all in all, everyone seems to be "good to go."



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA