- Each week, I've worked 60-70 hours. Ouch. But next week is super light, so I'll get to prop my feet up a bit.
- Pepper had a HUGE medical scare. She stopped moving, basically. The vet initially thought it was cancer, but after lots of tests and prayers, she was diagnosed with disco-spondylitis and arthritis in the hips. That long word means that her vertebrae on her backbone try to fuse together, and when they do, it can break and cause a lot of pain. I'm coordinating her care between here and Israel, so we're back on track. And this pug mommy is so relieved that her baby is okay!
- I FINALLY have a court date for my divorce to be finalized in about two weeks. There was a huge mix up at my lawyer's office (and she graciously took responsibility for it, so I still like her ;-)), and I could've been out of here on my original date of June 18th, but we're going to chalk this up as an "everything happens for a reason" moment. Basically, I'll know my departure date by the end of June. Exciting times are ahead!
- Finally, I'm getting ready for a massive garage sale with my best friend, Christina. Now I have extra pressure to get everything out and gone, as leaving is now in the foreseeable future as opposed to up in the air and no idea.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Welcome Back!...to me?
Well, y'all, I've almost survived the past few weeks. They have been TRYING to say the least. I'll give you a small taste:
Friday, May 18, 2012
Advice to Men
Gentlemen, might I offer this advice for you: Please do not hit on a woman when she is buying feminine hygiene products. It's an uncomfortable enough time, please don't make it more uncomfortable.
Case in point. Scene: Walgreens early Thursday morning on my way to an exceptionally long day at work. In need of above mentioned products because that just makes this day even more brilliant. I get what I need an enter a very empty checkout section of the store, already feeling awkward that the cashier is male (yes, I may be 26, but things like that still make me blush), when he turns to his coworker and says, "You were right, Kathy, she IS a knockout!" He's looking directly at me, but I look around - ALL around - in hopes that someone else was the intended recipient of this message. No, no, it is indeed me. I look up at him, probably with big doe eyes, and say as firmly as I can, "Good morning. How are you?" He goes all ghetto on me, saying things like, "Oh girl, it's going to be a good day," and "You take care of yourself now, girl, you hear?" Mind you, he is mid-40s, yellowed and jagged teeth, t-shirt tucked into jeans, etc. I tried not to blush, but I'm sure I did simply out of embarrassment, but lordy, he probably thought I was diggin' his attempt at hitting on me. Of course, I immediately text Christina and Liran and proceed to tell everyone I can at my office, probably in an attempt to get it out of my brain.
Guys, don't do this. Don't be this guy. G-d help him.
Shabbat Shalom, chaverim!
Case in point. Scene: Walgreens early Thursday morning on my way to an exceptionally long day at work. In need of above mentioned products because that just makes this day even more brilliant. I get what I need an enter a very empty checkout section of the store, already feeling awkward that the cashier is male (yes, I may be 26, but things like that still make me blush), when he turns to his coworker and says, "You were right, Kathy, she IS a knockout!" He's looking directly at me, but I look around - ALL around - in hopes that someone else was the intended recipient of this message. No, no, it is indeed me. I look up at him, probably with big doe eyes, and say as firmly as I can, "Good morning. How are you?" He goes all ghetto on me, saying things like, "Oh girl, it's going to be a good day," and "You take care of yourself now, girl, you hear?" Mind you, he is mid-40s, yellowed and jagged teeth, t-shirt tucked into jeans, etc. I tried not to blush, but I'm sure I did simply out of embarrassment, but lordy, he probably thought I was diggin' his attempt at hitting on me. Of course, I immediately text Christina and Liran and proceed to tell everyone I can at my office, probably in an attempt to get it out of my brain.
Guys, don't do this. Don't be this guy. G-d help him.
Shabbat Shalom, chaverim!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Musings about Relationships
I was able to do a fair amount of people watching while I was in the mall yesterday with my mom, and I noticed a lot of couples, holding hands, shopping together, sharing...life things? This hypersensitivity probably comes from my recent "breaking out" of the longing for a relationship, and my negative attitude towards the whole togetherness paradigm is probably well-rooted in that realization. I just can't shake that icky feeling when I think "together," "love," and "commitment."
Am I ruined forever on love? Or just for some undefined amount of time? I really can't answer that question, although I do see myself as a wife and a mother in the future, so I guess forever is out. But G-d bless the next man who is put into my life because I. Am. Jaded.
I am having the hardest time in the world picturing a relationship that is completely without abuse. Completely devoid of one partner manipulating the other or one person changing to satisfy the other. Maybe it's just because I've had to work so hard these past few months to regain myself, and I am and will be very protective of ME from now on.
But let's break this down a little more. And forgive me because perhaps my experience in this matter has been on the negative side and has tainted my view. A relationship consists of two people who find each other attractive and who ultimately make the commitment to either work together as each person is or to conform/change to fit within some way of being that will benefit the relationship as whole. Ultimately, change must happen, and the couple can grow together and morph through those changes as a couple. Am I right so far?
That sounds all fine and dandy, sweet and optimistic even, but changing myself for someone or asking someone to change for me sounds ridiculous at this point, while the prospect of finding that "perfect match" who compliments me in every single way sounds daunting and unrealistic. Couple that with me ever feeling like I want to know as much about someone as I know about my ex or have someone know that much about me again, and I'm feeling rather hopeless and...vindictive? I suppose this is just a good cue that I'm at a time in my life that is supposed to be lived for me, not for me and a partner. I will get over this whole love-is-icky syndrome, though, right? I mean, I love love. Just loving me now instead of someone else. Yeah, that's a good place to be.
Am I ruined forever on love? Or just for some undefined amount of time? I really can't answer that question, although I do see myself as a wife and a mother in the future, so I guess forever is out. But G-d bless the next man who is put into my life because I. Am. Jaded.
I am having the hardest time in the world picturing a relationship that is completely without abuse. Completely devoid of one partner manipulating the other or one person changing to satisfy the other. Maybe it's just because I've had to work so hard these past few months to regain myself, and I am and will be very protective of ME from now on.
But let's break this down a little more. And forgive me because perhaps my experience in this matter has been on the negative side and has tainted my view. A relationship consists of two people who find each other attractive and who ultimately make the commitment to either work together as each person is or to conform/change to fit within some way of being that will benefit the relationship as whole. Ultimately, change must happen, and the couple can grow together and morph through those changes as a couple. Am I right so far?
That sounds all fine and dandy, sweet and optimistic even, but changing myself for someone or asking someone to change for me sounds ridiculous at this point, while the prospect of finding that "perfect match" who compliments me in every single way sounds daunting and unrealistic. Couple that with me ever feeling like I want to know as much about someone as I know about my ex or have someone know that much about me again, and I'm feeling rather hopeless and...vindictive? I suppose this is just a good cue that I'm at a time in my life that is supposed to be lived for me, not for me and a partner. I will get over this whole love-is-icky syndrome, though, right? I mean, I love love. Just loving me now instead of someone else. Yeah, that's a good place to be.
What a Week!
This past week has been a whirlwind of activity, all on the positive spectrum of life. Let me update you.
So, since I last *really* posted, I went to this great fundraiser for the Gregory Kistler Center here in Fort Smith (they work with kids who need occupational, speech, and physical therapies) with a salsa band, live auction, and lots of food and spirits. I went with my amazing friend and former dance partner (I guess we could be considered temporary partners until I up and leave again), Marcus, and we really tore up the dance floor! Unfortunately, neither of us won our silent auction bids, and let me tell you, mine really got out of control, so it's probably good I didn't win it.
Next up was a conscious effort to NOT let work overwhelm me and to not let the lack of professionalism from other coworkers to affect me as much as it has these past few weeks. Boy, was I successful! I spent the absolute minimum time necessary in the office, spent extra free time/lunch time in local coffee shops, and found that I was much more energized to see my kids and do fun things after work. This will most definitely become the norm in my life. Plus, how much cool stuff is there waiting on Historic Main Street in Van Buren for me to find?!
Here are some pictures from my outing to a very eccentric, local coffee shop:
The owner made a pretty killer dirty chai, as well. I'll be back this week for sure! And you can vintage shop while taking a break! Even better.
I danced some more, worked both jobs some more, and found myself with energy to spare, believe it or not. Wednesday, I had the privilege of spending an evening with a really great college friend, Bryan, who is now a Captain in the Marine Corp and pilots a V-22 Osprey, you know, just for shits and giggles. Bryan hasn't changed a bit from those awesome college days in Pomfret Honors Quarters at the UofA. Judge for yourself -
So, since I last *really* posted, I went to this great fundraiser for the Gregory Kistler Center here in Fort Smith (they work with kids who need occupational, speech, and physical therapies) with a salsa band, live auction, and lots of food and spirits. I went with my amazing friend and former dance partner (I guess we could be considered temporary partners until I up and leave again), Marcus, and we really tore up the dance floor! Unfortunately, neither of us won our silent auction bids, and let me tell you, mine really got out of control, so it's probably good I didn't win it.
Next up was a conscious effort to NOT let work overwhelm me and to not let the lack of professionalism from other coworkers to affect me as much as it has these past few weeks. Boy, was I successful! I spent the absolute minimum time necessary in the office, spent extra free time/lunch time in local coffee shops, and found that I was much more energized to see my kids and do fun things after work. This will most definitely become the norm in my life. Plus, how much cool stuff is there waiting on Historic Main Street in Van Buren for me to find?!
Here are some pictures from my outing to a very eccentric, local coffee shop:
The owner made a pretty killer dirty chai, as well. I'll be back this week for sure! And you can vintage shop while taking a break! Even better.
I danced some more, worked both jobs some more, and found myself with energy to spare, believe it or not. Wednesday, I had the privilege of spending an evening with a really great college friend, Bryan, who is now a Captain in the Marine Corp and pilots a V-22 Osprey, you know, just for shits and giggles. Bryan hasn't changed a bit from those awesome college days in Pomfret Honors Quarters at the UofA. Judge for yourself -
Bryan and me in his dorm room during the AWESOME going away party he and his roomie threw me before I moved to Rome in 2005.
Me and Bryan, modern day. He's badass.
Thursday came, and so did a publication about me making Aliyah in the statewide newspaper, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette! I tried to get the whole article on the web, but it costs money, so I'll try to scan it in or photograph it and post it up here later. But the front of the article looks like this:
It was a pretty sweet write-up about what I'm doing and where I'm going. The article even mentions Pepper! Score!
Friday morning came with another surprise, relating back to the salsa dancing Marcus and I did last Saturday. Goodness gracious, I must be famous because the Southwest Times Record, a more regional newspaper, published this picture of us getting our groove on!
To cap my extraordinary week off, I finished all the dental work that has been necessary to get my mouth healthy and beautiful over the past year, including having a root canal finished AND all four of my wisdom teeth taken out. I am currently recovering from the latter, getting really sick of antibiotics and salt water rinses, but I'm happy that it's finished and that it's given me a reason to be totally lazy this weekend. Y'all, I'm actually having a two day weekend. This is absurd! Two and a half days if you count the fact that surgery was midday on Friday, so I only worked half a day. What am I going to do, being so spoiled and all?
Take a nap. That's exactly what I'll do. More to tell later! Have a fantastic Sunday/Mother's Day!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Neglect
Hey, y'all! So sorry to have not written much recently. This week is totally focused on taking the stress out of my life, and with that said, I have been super busy doing FUN things. I will be sure to write all about it as soon as I have a moment to breathe. Possibly after my wisdom teeth surgery Friday? A Valium-driven post might be kind of humorous, no? Until then, make the most out of today! Baci!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
A New Perspective
Hello, friends! For awhile now, I've been thinking of topics that I really want to write about on the blog, and they've all been negative or heavy subjects - stress, guilt, abuse of power, etc. I will get to them, however, my dear friends keep bombarding me with all these beautiful, funny, positive things. My friend Christina emailed me an article titled "The 21 Most Useless College Majors for Pugs" that made me laugh until I almost cried (google it!). I had this awful training to go to in Northwest Arkansas, but the ride up there with Amanda and Christina was so funny that we all almost peed ourselves before we got there, and I almost lost my voice from screaming with laughter. My friend, Liran, keeps making me laugh and inspiring me with his project about being positive and the Law of Attraction (thanks for the blog shoutout, dear!). My long lost Canadian sister, Bonnie, gave me a huge and unprompted pep talk today about my move and all the amazing changes I've made happen in my life, shifting my focus from the negative to the positive almost immediately. Geez, I can't get away from it, so I might as well just live it. :-)
I'm thinking, too, that I can take all the negative in my life and twist it into the positive. The immense amount of stress at work...is a huge test in how patient I can be, and I'm actually gaining a lot of skills and becoming a great therapist before even going to school for it. The stress of getting into grad school worked itself out, and I'm probably going to get to stay in America for an extra month (mostly due to this darn divorce not being finalized yet!)...but that allows me to go to Las Vegas with 'Stina for her birthday, which made her super happy and was so worth it (and duh, I'm pumped about it, too!). I'll also have some badass Hebrew skills by taking these intensive Ulpans and Hebrew classes which will really have me ready for grad school. I'm in one piece, and great news, I'm cancer free! Save for one test which I'm waiting on, I will have a stunningly clean bill of health (as soon as I stop letting the stress overwhelm me as it has done this past week). Lastly, I've created more savings than I thought possible in such a short amount of time, and I can't believe that I'm actually financially secure. What a feeling! Sell my car, and I'll be 100% debt free, too! Yeah, lots of positive going on.
So, Liran, you think this huge burst of positivity and change in perspective will help with my own Law of Attraction??? I think so. :-)
Have a wonderful day! Put a huge smile on your face, and as Bonnie told me, KEEP IT THERE!
I'm thinking, too, that I can take all the negative in my life and twist it into the positive. The immense amount of stress at work...is a huge test in how patient I can be, and I'm actually gaining a lot of skills and becoming a great therapist before even going to school for it. The stress of getting into grad school worked itself out, and I'm probably going to get to stay in America for an extra month (mostly due to this darn divorce not being finalized yet!)...but that allows me to go to Las Vegas with 'Stina for her birthday, which made her super happy and was so worth it (and duh, I'm pumped about it, too!). I'll also have some badass Hebrew skills by taking these intensive Ulpans and Hebrew classes which will really have me ready for grad school. I'm in one piece, and great news, I'm cancer free! Save for one test which I'm waiting on, I will have a stunningly clean bill of health (as soon as I stop letting the stress overwhelm me as it has done this past week). Lastly, I've created more savings than I thought possible in such a short amount of time, and I can't believe that I'm actually financially secure. What a feeling! Sell my car, and I'll be 100% debt free, too! Yeah, lots of positive going on.
So, Liran, you think this huge burst of positivity and change in perspective will help with my own Law of Attraction??? I think so. :-)
Have a wonderful day! Put a huge smile on your face, and as Bonnie told me, KEEP IT THERE!
Monday, April 30, 2012
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