Is Life Good?

I was in the makolet (our local grocery) today and saw a friend. We greeted each other, asked each other how things are going, both said good...  and after that exchange he noted that we're good liars.

I thought about it and beg to disagree. I'm sorry for him if he was lying, but I wasn't. Life is good. Not perfect, there are things I would change. But good overall. I live in Israel, in a community with people I like and respect, my daughters live nearby with my grandchildren, enjoying new friends. Even my job is going well (and I was - and still am a little - concerned due to circumstances beyond my control) - I'm doing things I enjoy, hoping it will evolve in new directions.

Baruch HaShem.

Renewal and Changes

B"H My third grandchild, Yishai, was just born a week ago, and he's so sweet (bli ayin hara), and number 4 is on the way. Elroee and Leah, the first and second grandchildren, are adorable, both characters, happy children. It's wonderful being a grandmother. (I only wish I had more time to spend with them and to help their parents.) They're so much fun to be with, and of course I have many things I'm waiting to do with them as they get older such as hiking and camping. And I'm thinking they'll be my excuse to buy a large trampoline ;-)

As for me, trying to make some changes, and also to figure out employment possibilities and development, hopefully with present employer. And I'm trying to focus on health improvement and using my (very limited) free time more creatively. I'm planning to start going through The Artist's Way next week with a friend. And last week I took out my soldering iron for the first time in a long time to fix a piece of jewelry, and also looked over the earrings I've created which are awaiting finishing touches so they can be worn.

Hashgacha Pratit

Hashem has plans for all of us, he's always taking care of us and running things. At times it's really hard to truly internalize that we're not in charge, Hashem is.

I just had a wonderful example of it. A little over a year ago I heard of a job in Shilo and I jumped at the opportunity to work near home, 10 minute commute instead of 2 hours. I applied and got the job. And being near home and in this job was good in many ways; My daughters each gave birth this year and I was near and easily able to be with them, I got to know different people in Shilo outside of my usual circle, and I enjoyed working with many of my coworkers. But it wasn't the ideal job, to put it mildly, for various reasons.                          
Among other things, the salary was ridiculously low and the job often extremely stressful. Just when I was reaching the point of deciding it was time to start looking for something else, I got a call from a job agency asking if I was looking, so I asked for details, went for an interview, and have just started working in a great non-profit organization, better salary for less hours, working for a very interesting and inspiring man.

And the kicker is the job agency that called me was calling on the basis of a CV I'd sent them 4 years ago.  They called out of the blue with a job that seems great for me in an organization whose goals I can identify with and am glad to be working for.

Thank you Hashem.

Take your mind off its leash and let it play!

Was looking at a conversation thread on a friend's fb wall and was quite surprised at where it lead to in my mind. It's fun to let your mind loose to play!  At the moment mine's still on the loose, jumping from stone to stone...

New Beginnings

Long time since I've written. Just gave notice to my boss and about to start new job in a couple weeks. Exciting and scary...

My present job has been extremely draining. Hoping to  reclaim my life! B"H it'll be good. More money for less hours, and an end to angry phone calls and threats.  Wish me luck!

Hoping new job will usher in other changes and new beginnings, working on it...

Aside from work, life has been good. Two happily married daughters, two beautiful healthy grandchildren - what more could one ask for? Bli ayin hara.

Ahavat Chinam Should be Our Goal

It is sad and difficult to see the news these days. It seems that many wish to drive a wedge between the various sectors of society rather than to bring them together. Israelis need to learn to treat each other with respect, even when they don't agree with each other, not to be afraid of differences.  Only love can unite us. Nobody ever drew closer to another or influenced them though hatred. When will we learn? What price will we pay for our intolerance/hatred until we learn?  Wake up!

Chanuka on the beach

Thinking of past Chanukas, I think the most intersting place I ever lit Chanuka candles was in  a tent on a beach at the Dead Sea on a rainy windy night. I was camping with my 2 young daughters and we had 2 tents, but it turned out only the smaller was windproof enough for lighting candles -so we lit in the small tent and sat there playing games while the candles burned.  We were there 2 nights and on the 2nd night a friend showed up, with some friends, on the way to Masada.  In the end he stayed with us and hiked Ein Gedi with us the next day - so the 2nd night we were 2 adults and 2 kids in the little pup tent for the duration of the candles.  A fun evening, the girls enjoyed having a captive audience with whom to play games.

Sundays in Israel

Sunday is a regular workday in Israel.  This is hard for many olim, vastly curtailing the opportunity for leisure and family  activities, especially for those of us who are religious who use Friday to prepare for Shabbat and cannot engage in secular activities on Shabbat.  For years the idea has been bandied about that Sunday should become part of the weekend.  Lately it seems to be spreading - it has even been discussed in Knesset.

It would be wonderful to have Sunday off and I think it would benefit Israel in many ways. Many people would have time to unwind and meet with family and friends more frequently.  This could lead to less tension, more relaxed people.  It would also give people more time to engage in hobbies and cultural activities, a break from the daily grind, possibly even broadening people's horizons.