This summer we received a gift certificate to a restaurant in the city. Actually, the gift certificate was good at one of three restaurants in the city, all of them pricey. Two of them we had already been to, so we took the opportunity to try the new place, since it was a freebie. If we hated it, well, we didn't pay, and if we loved it, we had a new place we had just tried out for with no cost to us (except the bridge. Unbelievably, with all that snow and immobile cars we found a spot on the street...right across from a parking garage!).
The place was really nice, the ambiance cool and sleek, but warm. We were seated upstairs, the cocktail was delicious, so I definitely had a little buzz going as we ordered. Wanting to learn from my mistakes, I decided, when in a Japanese restaurant, order something Japanese. Well, now there is a corollary to that. When in an EXPENSIVE Japanese restaurant/steakhouse order a steak, and order the most expensive one if you're going with a gift certificate!. You're not likely to be disappointed. What we ordered was good, just not super flavorful or filling. It was definitely traditional, and an experience. Thin pieces of meat in sweet broth with vegetables was the Sukiyaki, and the other dish, Shabu,Shabu came as a broth and vegetables in a tureen suspended over a butane fire accompanied by a plate of paper thin pieces of raw meat that you swish around in the broth to cook it.
They put the swishy soup in front of me, and gave MBB the other one. I cook every night....we switched after about two minutes! The desserts were excellent , amazing, really, the service a little too on top of things, they cleared really quickly,( but we did not feel rushed at all). When we were finished, we took a look downstairs before we left....
There are a few things in this world that tell you you're old. Being put upstairs in this particular establishment seems to be one of them. I guess they leave that area for the cool people, cuz it was hopping and big and fun looking. The bar and the sushi bar were down there.
We're going to have to go back (maybe just dessert and drinks), just so we can sit in the A list section...we will dress accordingly.
Oh, and guy with the sweater and bow-tie with jeans? There's a reason they stuck a twenty-something like you upstairs with us old folks.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who Has The Highest Tax Rate of Them All?
In 2011, new corporate tax rates will take effect in Japan, lowering the corporate tax rate from 40.69% to 35.64%.
By virtue of this fact, the developed nation with the highest corporate tax rate will be...
The United States of America.
Feel free to read that last line again if you will, but I can assure you that you read it correctly.
Corporations in the U.S. are taxed at both the federal and state level. Considering the 35% federal tax rate, and using an average 4.2% state tax rate, corporations in the U.S. are subject to a total tax rate of 39.2%, the highest in the developed world.
As a means of comparison, here are the top 10 countries, in terms of combined corporate tax rates, according to CNBC:
Canada: 29.52%
New Zealand: 30.00%
Spain: 30.00%
Australia: 30.00%
Mexico: 30.00%
Germany: 30.18%
Belgium: 33.99%
France: 34.43%
Japan (beginning in 2011): 35.64%
United States: 39.21%
I've long felt that we needed to reduce the corporate tax rate, in order to stimulate our economy (and to anger liberals, which is an important end unto itself), and our nation's dubious status as the developed nation with the highest combined corporate tax rate does nothing to squelch that opinion.
Beyond that, however, it's simply embarrassing.
On a serious note, Japan's relinquishing to the U.S. of the hardly-coveted #1 corporate tax rate status could very well be a blessing in disguise to U.S. companies, and by extension, our economy as a whole.
The situation has gotten a reasonable amount of press, and I can imagine a lower corporate tax rate becoming a significant plank in the Republican legislative platform over the next two years.
For now, at least, we can hang our heads in shame, as our nation continues to build up its socialist credentials.
By virtue of this fact, the developed nation with the highest corporate tax rate will be...
The United States of America.
Feel free to read that last line again if you will, but I can assure you that you read it correctly.
Corporations in the U.S. are taxed at both the federal and state level. Considering the 35% federal tax rate, and using an average 4.2% state tax rate, corporations in the U.S. are subject to a total tax rate of 39.2%, the highest in the developed world.
As a means of comparison, here are the top 10 countries, in terms of combined corporate tax rates, according to CNBC:
Canada: 29.52%
New Zealand: 30.00%
Spain: 30.00%
Australia: 30.00%
Mexico: 30.00%
Germany: 30.18%
Belgium: 33.99%
France: 34.43%
Japan (beginning in 2011): 35.64%
United States: 39.21%
I've long felt that we needed to reduce the corporate tax rate, in order to stimulate our economy (and to anger liberals, which is an important end unto itself), and our nation's dubious status as the developed nation with the highest combined corporate tax rate does nothing to squelch that opinion.
Beyond that, however, it's simply embarrassing.
On a serious note, Japan's relinquishing to the U.S. of the hardly-coveted #1 corporate tax rate status could very well be a blessing in disguise to U.S. companies, and by extension, our economy as a whole.
The situation has gotten a reasonable amount of press, and I can imagine a lower corporate tax rate becoming a significant plank in the Republican legislative platform over the next two years.
For now, at least, we can hang our heads in shame, as our nation continues to build up its socialist credentials.
Dash for the Cash
One of the bigger business stories of 2010 was the fact that throughout the year, corporations large and small were hoarding their cash.
I'm referring specifically to non-financial companies, whose balance sheets were generally in decent shape entering the year.
As 2010 progressed, many companies recorded strong profits, driven mostly by cost savings (read: reduced headcount), generating healthy operating cash flow in the process.
However, given the lingering uncertainty in the economy, including the perceived threat of a double-dip recession, most companies held on to their cash, eschewing such cash-utilizing activities as dividend payouts, stock repurchases and capital investments. Companies aren't simply deleveraging either; aided by historically low interest rates and more favorable yield spreads, large, credit-worthy corporations stocked up on inexpensive debt in 2010 as well.
This resulted in some extremely cash-rich balance sheets. According to the Wall Street Journal, the aggregate amount of cash on corporate balance sheets amounted to approximately $1.93 trillion as of September 30, 2010, up about 6% from June 30, 2010, and substantially higher than one year earlier. According to the Federal Reserve, cash and equivalents amounted to 20% of total assets on the aggregate corporate balance sheet, the highest level since 1959. While there are several factors which play into that last statistic, it became quite clear throughout the year that companies in the U.S. are holding on to their cash.
Looking ahead, I think that this situation will give rise to what I expect to be one of the major U.S. business trends of 2011, the hostile takeover.
As in the 1980's when hostile takeovers were very popular, companies sitting on lots of cash will be targeted by other companies, many of whom boast relatively high stock prices. The stock market is up nearly 40% since the end of 2008, giving many companies richly valued currency with which to do deals. Buying a company with a large cash balance introduces a risk-free return element to any deal, lowering the effective cost of the transaction, thereby improving the effective return on investment (ROI). Add to that the fact that benchmark interest rates are still extremely low, reducing a company's cost of capital (and in return, its "hurdle rate"), and the idea of doing acquisitions, friendly or otherwise, becomes even more attractive. In other words, with a dearth of high-return options available (consider what you are getting on your money market accounts in the bank), buying another company becomes that much more viable an option.
All in all, it would make for a very interesting merger-and-acquisition landscape in 2011. I'm not sure if the purchasers will be strategic (a company in the same or a related industry) or financial (a private equity or buyout firm), but companies who refrain from investing their cash today might find those investment decisions in someone else's hands tomorrow.
I'm referring specifically to non-financial companies, whose balance sheets were generally in decent shape entering the year.
As 2010 progressed, many companies recorded strong profits, driven mostly by cost savings (read: reduced headcount), generating healthy operating cash flow in the process.
However, given the lingering uncertainty in the economy, including the perceived threat of a double-dip recession, most companies held on to their cash, eschewing such cash-utilizing activities as dividend payouts, stock repurchases and capital investments. Companies aren't simply deleveraging either; aided by historically low interest rates and more favorable yield spreads, large, credit-worthy corporations stocked up on inexpensive debt in 2010 as well.
This resulted in some extremely cash-rich balance sheets. According to the Wall Street Journal, the aggregate amount of cash on corporate balance sheets amounted to approximately $1.93 trillion as of September 30, 2010, up about 6% from June 30, 2010, and substantially higher than one year earlier. According to the Federal Reserve, cash and equivalents amounted to 20% of total assets on the aggregate corporate balance sheet, the highest level since 1959. While there are several factors which play into that last statistic, it became quite clear throughout the year that companies in the U.S. are holding on to their cash.
Looking ahead, I think that this situation will give rise to what I expect to be one of the major U.S. business trends of 2011, the hostile takeover.
As in the 1980's when hostile takeovers were very popular, companies sitting on lots of cash will be targeted by other companies, many of whom boast relatively high stock prices. The stock market is up nearly 40% since the end of 2008, giving many companies richly valued currency with which to do deals. Buying a company with a large cash balance introduces a risk-free return element to any deal, lowering the effective cost of the transaction, thereby improving the effective return on investment (ROI). Add to that the fact that benchmark interest rates are still extremely low, reducing a company's cost of capital (and in return, its "hurdle rate"), and the idea of doing acquisitions, friendly or otherwise, becomes even more attractive. In other words, with a dearth of high-return options available (consider what you are getting on your money market accounts in the bank), buying another company becomes that much more viable an option.
All in all, it would make for a very interesting merger-and-acquisition landscape in 2011. I'm not sure if the purchasers will be strategic (a company in the same or a related industry) or financial (a private equity or buyout firm), but companies who refrain from investing their cash today might find those investment decisions in someone else's hands tomorrow.
Welcome (Once Again) to the Soothsayer's Ball
It’s that time of year again.
Actually, it’s a bit past that time of year again.
We’re getting a late start, but with only three trading days left in the year, there’s still time for…
The 3rd Annual Iceberg Carwash Stock Market Contest.
The rules are simple, and unchanged from previous years.
Using the comments section, tell us where you think the S&P 500 Index will be at the end of 2011.
To qualify for entry into the contest, your forecast must be received by no later than the market’s open on the first trading day of next year, 9:30 AM EST on Monday, January 3, 2011.
The contestant whose prediction comes closest to the actual closing level of the Index at year-end wins the contest.
Perhaps we’ll give out a prize, although I tend to feel that the prestige of winning such a contest should be reward enough for any right-minded individual.
For reference, the S&P 500 closed yesterday at 1258.51, up 12.9% so far in 2010.
My prediction for the S&P 500 Index’s level at the end of 2011 is 1,130.00. I’m fairly certain that we’ll get a correction in the stock market during the first quarter of the year, and then trade mostly sideways after that.
We’ll announce the winner of the 2010 contest sometime over this coming weekend.
One thing that is already pretty certain is that for the second year running I will not win the contest.
Perhaps I need to go back to the drawing board, and tweak my stock-picking algorithm.
Or, deliver a sharply-worded pep talk to my dart-throwing monkey.
Actually, it’s a bit past that time of year again.
We’re getting a late start, but with only three trading days left in the year, there’s still time for…
The 3rd Annual Iceberg Carwash Stock Market Contest.
The rules are simple, and unchanged from previous years.
Using the comments section, tell us where you think the S&P 500 Index will be at the end of 2011.
To qualify for entry into the contest, your forecast must be received by no later than the market’s open on the first trading day of next year, 9:30 AM EST on Monday, January 3, 2011.
The contestant whose prediction comes closest to the actual closing level of the Index at year-end wins the contest.
Perhaps we’ll give out a prize, although I tend to feel that the prestige of winning such a contest should be reward enough for any right-minded individual.
For reference, the S&P 500 closed yesterday at 1258.51, up 12.9% so far in 2010.
My prediction for the S&P 500 Index’s level at the end of 2011 is 1,130.00. I’m fairly certain that we’ll get a correction in the stock market during the first quarter of the year, and then trade mostly sideways after that.
We’ll announce the winner of the 2010 contest sometime over this coming weekend.
One thing that is already pretty certain is that for the second year running I will not win the contest.
Perhaps I need to go back to the drawing board, and tweak my stock-picking algorithm.
Or, deliver a sharply-worded pep talk to my dart-throwing monkey.
Learn from Others
There are many things we can learn from sports. Teamwork, commitment, stick -to -it-iveness, and the harder you practice the better you become. There are other lessons as well, and there's the entertainment factor, but as lessons go, this football season has taught some big ones.
The older people get the more their flaws become noticeable. As we age our facial features continue to grow, so too with our character traits. Unless we work hard to overcome things we do regularly, and our nature, we will continue to do these things, but as we age the qualities and abilities that accompanied lousy character traits and helped mask them, diminish. So all you are left with are the flaws. They were always there, but the triumphs helped to hide them.
Also, know your place. Know when your time is up. Know that you cannot recapture the past, and as much as you want something you cannot alter the laws of science, physiology, gravity and probability.
These lesson can be extrapolated for most situations, but in a nut shell:
Go away, Brett Favre.
The older people get the more their flaws become noticeable. As we age our facial features continue to grow, so too with our character traits. Unless we work hard to overcome things we do regularly, and our nature, we will continue to do these things, but as we age the qualities and abilities that accompanied lousy character traits and helped mask them, diminish. So all you are left with are the flaws. They were always there, but the triumphs helped to hide them.
Also, know your place. Know when your time is up. Know that you cannot recapture the past, and as much as you want something you cannot alter the laws of science, physiology, gravity and probability.
These lesson can be extrapolated for most situations, but in a nut shell:
Go away, Brett Favre.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The World We Live In
Today, I found myself at the local Michael's arts and crafts store. I needed frames for some stunning photos my aunt gave me. After a long while (waaaay longer than I expected) I was finished and checked out.
I had the baby with me and three 16 x 20 wood frames perched on a cart that does not leave the store. To ensure that it doesn't leave the store there's a long pole attached to the side which won't fit through the door. I guess technically you could tilt the cart ALLLLL the way backwards and walk through the door, but if you can do that and keep your stuff intact, chances are you didn't need the cart in the first place.
Well, I wasn't tilting the baby or the frames, but the cashier told me I could leave the cart at the exit door, and pull up in the car. I pushed the cart over to the door, took off the infant car seat with my cutie snoozing cozily, and went to the car. I pulled up to the front of the store, and entered the vestibule. The doors that take you from inside the store back out to the vestibule were right next to me on my right. My cart, through the glass door, was inches from me , and by extension, only a few feet from my car and baby.
The doors to enter the store were in front of me, and had I gone inside I would then have to walk around a display area and the returns desk to get back to the exit door and my stuff, thus putting me many tens of feet from my baby, losing visible contact with the vehicle,while illegally parked in a fire lane. The automatic doors did not look to be my friend this day, as the exit door only opened from inside the store, not from the vestibule, and there did not appear to be anyone online to pay (and subsequently exit the store giving quick access to my purchases.).
As one very large man hurried past me , a woman entered right in front of me, and I saw my chance to ask a stranger to walk by the electric eye on the inside of the store to let me in "the out".
"Excuse me, can you help me please?"
"I'm really in a rush," she said very brusquely as her body visibly tensed up.
I very quickly blurted out, as she was walking into the store, that I just needed my wagon, but didn't want to walk all the way into the store with my baby in the car at the curb. She seemed to soften, but I wasn't sure she heard me.
As she entered the store, the burly fellow who had past me mere moments before, probably figured he walked into the wrong place (but still left smelling of potpourri, it's unavoidable!!),and made his way to the exit, opening the doors to my purchases.
Lo and behold, the woman I had asked for help, was just coming around the service desk to activate the doors for me, and I said
"Thank you anyway for trying to help me."
To which she replied:
"I'm sorry I was so suspicious."
I had the baby with me and three 16 x 20 wood frames perched on a cart that does not leave the store. To ensure that it doesn't leave the store there's a long pole attached to the side which won't fit through the door. I guess technically you could tilt the cart ALLLLL the way backwards and walk through the door, but if you can do that and keep your stuff intact, chances are you didn't need the cart in the first place.
Well, I wasn't tilting the baby or the frames, but the cashier told me I could leave the cart at the exit door, and pull up in the car. I pushed the cart over to the door, took off the infant car seat with my cutie snoozing cozily, and went to the car. I pulled up to the front of the store, and entered the vestibule. The doors that take you from inside the store back out to the vestibule were right next to me on my right. My cart, through the glass door, was inches from me , and by extension, only a few feet from my car and baby.
The doors to enter the store were in front of me, and had I gone inside I would then have to walk around a display area and the returns desk to get back to the exit door and my stuff, thus putting me many tens of feet from my baby, losing visible contact with the vehicle,while illegally parked in a fire lane. The automatic doors did not look to be my friend this day, as the exit door only opened from inside the store, not from the vestibule, and there did not appear to be anyone online to pay (and subsequently exit the store giving quick access to my purchases.).
As one very large man hurried past me , a woman entered right in front of me, and I saw my chance to ask a stranger to walk by the electric eye on the inside of the store to let me in "the out".
"Excuse me, can you help me please?"
"I'm really in a rush," she said very brusquely as her body visibly tensed up.
I very quickly blurted out, as she was walking into the store, that I just needed my wagon, but didn't want to walk all the way into the store with my baby in the car at the curb. She seemed to soften, but I wasn't sure she heard me.
As she entered the store, the burly fellow who had past me mere moments before, probably figured he walked into the wrong place (but still left smelling of potpourri, it's unavoidable!!),and made his way to the exit, opening the doors to my purchases.
Lo and behold, the woman I had asked for help, was just coming around the service desk to activate the doors for me, and I said
"Thank you anyway for trying to help me."
To which she replied:
"I'm sorry I was so suspicious."
Monday, December 27, 2010
WE HAVE A WINNER!!!
As many of you are aware, we were walloped with quite a storm yesterday. More than "two inches" was far exceeded by an estimated 14-20 inches. With all the blowing and drifting snow it was hard to get an accurate reading, and the National Weather Service gave that range for this area.
Although a few of you entered, only one has been victorious. Remember we we gave a two day window on each side of the pick...the winner and the first to enter...with a guess of December 28... is:
DOOBIE
Congratulations....your prize will be forthcoming....stay tuned!
Although a few of you entered, only one has been victorious. Remember we we gave a two day window on each side of the pick...the winner and the first to enter...with a guess of December 28... is:
DOOBIE
Congratulations....your prize will be forthcoming....stay tuned!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Here It Comes...
The snow has started!! Though I've already experienced snow this season on my trip to Michigan, it's not the same as getting ready for a good old fashion Nature Whoopin' when you're home.
Provisions are in ample supply, the sleds are waiting in the garage, the snowpants are found, boots are being wrangled, and little girls are giving me updates on the percip!
"It's doing well!" was the latest update I received, considering that there is currently about 1/4 of an inch on the ground, she's being kind of optimistic.
"There's not enough for slushes yet," chimed one. "Ugh, there's so little you'll get bugs," responded another..(yes, I know snow adheres to dirt particles, yadda yadda, it still is fun to eat with soda poured on a cupful of fresh snow)
Ahhh, I hear the rumble of the salt trucks. It's real and it's here and it's happening...
Yaaaaaaaay!
Provisions are in ample supply, the sleds are waiting in the garage, the snowpants are found, boots are being wrangled, and little girls are giving me updates on the percip!
"It's doing well!" was the latest update I received, considering that there is currently about 1/4 of an inch on the ground, she's being kind of optimistic.
"There's not enough for slushes yet," chimed one. "Ugh, there's so little you'll get bugs," responded another..(yes, I know snow adheres to dirt particles, yadda yadda, it still is fun to eat with soda poured on a cupful of fresh snow)
Ahhh, I hear the rumble of the salt trucks. It's real and it's here and it's happening...
Yaaaaaaaay!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
You're So Vain, You Probably Think This Blog is About You
I've never been a big fan of vanity license plates.
For one thing, they make you instantly recognizable. People know where you are and where you've been, all the time. Unless you actually enjoy being approached by people with whom you're only mildly acquainted, who will say things like, "I see that you were at the pizza shop three times yesterday. You must really like that stuff, don't you fatboy," I would strongly recommend avoiding vanity license plates.
Another problem with vanity license plates is that they might seem clever at the time, but eventually, they might just become annoying, obsolete and stupid, leaving you to wonder why you thought it was a good idea in the first place. I guess it's sort of like getting a tattoo.
Finally, I seem to have a mental block of sorts when it comes to these things. In other words, I see these plates, and I completely miss the point.
Something like that happened to me yesterday. I saw a car with a New Jersey plate, which read "STK WIZ."
Immediately, my mind was flooded with questions:
Is this person a whiz at preparing steak, or eating it?
Or, perhaps he/she is a beef jobber, who is particularly skilled at selecting only the choicest cuts of steak for his/her wholesale clients.
Eventually, I realized that this had nothing to do with steak expertise. Rather, the owner of this license plate was proclaiming himself/herself to be a stock market whiz of some sort. This really bothered me. Even if someone had a decent run in the stock market, would it make sense to get a license plate which arrogantly declares him/her to be a "stock whiz?"
Even worse, the stock market has a way of humbling even its most arrogant practitioners. Perhaps the owner of this plate generated some solid returns in 2006 and 2007, when everyone was making money in the market. Then, like everyone else, he got creamed in 2008 and early 2009. At that point, such a license plate would only add insult to injury. Imagine leaving the office on a particularly brutal trading day, where the market exacted a terrible toll on the trader's P&L (and ego). Making his way to the parking lot, he sees his car, with the vanity license plate, "STK WIZ" mocking him, torturing him. "Stock whiz my foot," he mutters, as he climbs behind the wheel.
A sad scenario indeed. But he's got no one to blame but himself.
As far as my issue with properly interpreting vanity license plates is concerned, this is not a new issue. A couple of years ago, while driving around my town, I spied a license plate which read "ILVJRSLM."
Two questions formed in my mind:
(1) Who is Junior Slim?
(2) What makes him so beloved?
I'm still searching for the answers to those questions.
For one thing, they make you instantly recognizable. People know where you are and where you've been, all the time. Unless you actually enjoy being approached by people with whom you're only mildly acquainted, who will say things like, "I see that you were at the pizza shop three times yesterday. You must really like that stuff, don't you fatboy," I would strongly recommend avoiding vanity license plates.
Another problem with vanity license plates is that they might seem clever at the time, but eventually, they might just become annoying, obsolete and stupid, leaving you to wonder why you thought it was a good idea in the first place. I guess it's sort of like getting a tattoo.
Finally, I seem to have a mental block of sorts when it comes to these things. In other words, I see these plates, and I completely miss the point.
Something like that happened to me yesterday. I saw a car with a New Jersey plate, which read "STK WIZ."
Immediately, my mind was flooded with questions:
Is this person a whiz at preparing steak, or eating it?
Or, perhaps he/she is a beef jobber, who is particularly skilled at selecting only the choicest cuts of steak for his/her wholesale clients.
Eventually, I realized that this had nothing to do with steak expertise. Rather, the owner of this license plate was proclaiming himself/herself to be a stock market whiz of some sort. This really bothered me. Even if someone had a decent run in the stock market, would it make sense to get a license plate which arrogantly declares him/her to be a "stock whiz?"
Even worse, the stock market has a way of humbling even its most arrogant practitioners. Perhaps the owner of this plate generated some solid returns in 2006 and 2007, when everyone was making money in the market. Then, like everyone else, he got creamed in 2008 and early 2009. At that point, such a license plate would only add insult to injury. Imagine leaving the office on a particularly brutal trading day, where the market exacted a terrible toll on the trader's P&L (and ego). Making his way to the parking lot, he sees his car, with the vanity license plate, "STK WIZ" mocking him, torturing him. "Stock whiz my foot," he mutters, as he climbs behind the wheel.
A sad scenario indeed. But he's got no one to blame but himself.
As far as my issue with properly interpreting vanity license plates is concerned, this is not a new issue. A couple of years ago, while driving around my town, I spied a license plate which read "ILVJRSLM."
Two questions formed in my mind:
(1) Who is Junior Slim?
(2) What makes him so beloved?
I'm still searching for the answers to those questions.
Why Do I Bother?
When I returned home from my trip last week, the seven year old informed me:
"You should not leave us with Daddy; he SHOWERS US with treats!!!"
This was followed on Sunday morning by the four year old informing me: "I want Daddy to watch us, you go."
SHE WASN'T EVEN HOME WHEN I WENT AWAY!!! My dear friend took her for a few days, to help things go easier in my house. So where did she get this? Is there a vibe in the house that:
"Daddy means fun?" Apparently. Apparently so.
How did this happen? I plan all the fun activities around here, I take them on trips when they are off from school, I play games with them in the evenings, I get the new toys and gadgets in the house, but Daddy...Daddy, I'll tell you what Daddy does.
He buys cupcakes and "good" nosh. And gets takeout for dinner.
I think this all makes sense now. When the seven year old was almost four she went to day camp. On Safety Day the camp brought in an Ambulance with volunteer paramedics, a fire truck with the volunteer firefighters, and police officers. The cops were talking to the kids about "Stranger Danger," and the newsletter that was sent home reflected some of the information they were given.
In order to help re-enforce those lessons we asked about them.
"So if you're playing outside, and a stranger comes by in a car and says-Little girl, do you want to come in my car with me, I have candy-do you go with him?"
"Oh, yes! I LOVE CANDY!"
So the way to the kids' hearts is through rotting teeth and expanding waistlines.
I don't stand a chance.
"You should not leave us with Daddy; he SHOWERS US with treats!!!"
This was followed on Sunday morning by the four year old informing me: "I want Daddy to watch us, you go."
SHE WASN'T EVEN HOME WHEN I WENT AWAY!!! My dear friend took her for a few days, to help things go easier in my house. So where did she get this? Is there a vibe in the house that:
"Daddy means fun?" Apparently. Apparently so.
How did this happen? I plan all the fun activities around here, I take them on trips when they are off from school, I play games with them in the evenings, I get the new toys and gadgets in the house, but Daddy...Daddy, I'll tell you what Daddy does.
He buys cupcakes and "good" nosh. And gets takeout for dinner.
I think this all makes sense now. When the seven year old was almost four she went to day camp. On Safety Day the camp brought in an Ambulance with volunteer paramedics, a fire truck with the volunteer firefighters, and police officers. The cops were talking to the kids about "Stranger Danger," and the newsletter that was sent home reflected some of the information they were given.
In order to help re-enforce those lessons we asked about them.
"So if you're playing outside, and a stranger comes by in a car and says-Little girl, do you want to come in my car with me, I have candy-do you go with him?"
"Oh, yes! I LOVE CANDY!"
So the way to the kids' hearts is through rotting teeth and expanding waistlines.
I don't stand a chance.
Green Greetings
A few years ago, I read a book about management, which pointed out that in business, it's necessary to be skeptical, but very dangerous to be cynical.
That made a great deal of sense to me, so I've attempted to draw the line between skepticism and cynicism, in both my business and personal lives.
Unfortunately, every so often, something comes along which pulls my inner cynic out of hibernation.
Such an event occurred this week.
Typically, at this time of year, I will receive holiday cards or e-mail messages from co-workers, colleagues, former colleagues, and a variety of people with whom I've done business in the past, like lawyers, bankers and brokers.
This week, I received an e-mail from someone, which stated "Due to our concern for the environment, we are sending out these e-mail messages, in lieu of the holiday cards we've mailed in the past."
Sure, it's the environment. Clearly, that's the only possible motivating factor here. It couldn't possibly have something to do with saving all that money on designing, printing and mailing holiday cards, could it?
Nah. Only the most cynical person would even allow such a thought to enter his/her mind.
Look. I'm all for saving corporate funds. But don't insult my intelligence by trying to wrap your company in a righteous, green cloak. I'm not buying it.
Perhaps there will be consequences to my cynicism. Maybe I'll find a proverbial lump of coal in my stocking.
Interestingly, shortly after receiving the cheapskate holiday greeting, I looked into my laptop bag, and saw a small, black, round, hard object. Could it be?
Turns out that it was just a prune.
It was also quite tasty.
That made a great deal of sense to me, so I've attempted to draw the line between skepticism and cynicism, in both my business and personal lives.
Unfortunately, every so often, something comes along which pulls my inner cynic out of hibernation.
Such an event occurred this week.
Typically, at this time of year, I will receive holiday cards or e-mail messages from co-workers, colleagues, former colleagues, and a variety of people with whom I've done business in the past, like lawyers, bankers and brokers.
This week, I received an e-mail from someone, which stated "Due to our concern for the environment, we are sending out these e-mail messages, in lieu of the holiday cards we've mailed in the past."
Sure, it's the environment. Clearly, that's the only possible motivating factor here. It couldn't possibly have something to do with saving all that money on designing, printing and mailing holiday cards, could it?
Nah. Only the most cynical person would even allow such a thought to enter his/her mind.
Look. I'm all for saving corporate funds. But don't insult my intelligence by trying to wrap your company in a righteous, green cloak. I'm not buying it.
Perhaps there will be consequences to my cynicism. Maybe I'll find a proverbial lump of coal in my stocking.
Interestingly, shortly after receiving the cheapskate holiday greeting, I looked into my laptop bag, and saw a small, black, round, hard object. Could it be?
Turns out that it was just a prune.
It was also quite tasty.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Tax on the Stupid
Earlier today, I found myself at the QuickCheck convenience store near my office, purchasing a beverage.
Chronically short on time, I was looking to execute a quick transaction. I wanted to get in, get out, and get hydrated and caffeinated.
Upon entering the store, I quickly headed to the store's fountainous region, where I prepared my drink, and walked towards the counter.
So far, so good.
Unfortunately, upon approaching the counter, I witnessed the following scene.
A shabbily-dressed woman (I'm being very charitable here, trust me) of at least 70 years of age, was standing at the counter, between me and Joy, the ironically-named QuickCheck cashier.
Over the next five minutes, I watched with mounting dismay while this woman proceeded to purchase $12 worth of lottery tickets, requesting specific numbers for each one.
My dreams of a quick transaction hopelessly dashed, I turned my thoughts to the unfortunate soul in front of me in the line, who was counting out 12 one-dollar bills to pay for her ridiculous lottery tickets.
Twelve dollars for lottery tickets? Is there really any point to that? One dollar isn't enough? Did it make her feel better to have a 12 in 50,000,000 chance at winning, as opposed to a 1 in 50,000,000 chance?
The worst thing about it is that she looked like a homeless woman. Was this really the wisest use of her funds?
On second thought, I realized that she appeared to be one step up from a homeless person. Perhaps I had misjudged her. I decided that she had probably escaped from a mental institution.
This led to some further thinking on my part. (In scientific terms, this is known as the "slippery mental slope."). If I ever escaped from a mental institution, would I go to a convenience store and purchase $12 worth of lottery tickets?
I decided that I would not do so, for several reasons:
(1) I am fundamentally opposed to buying lottery tickets. On a weighted-average probability, after-tax present value basis, a $1 lottery ticket is not worth $1. Even if I felt like doing something irresponsibly impulsive, like buying a lottery ticket, I wouldn't buy 12 of them, even on my way out of the loony bin. I might be clinically insane, but I'm no idiot.
(2) At the risk of sounding anti-social, if I ever did escape from a mental institution, I would probably embark on a killing spree. I'm not talking about running down squirrels in my car, either (I do that every other Wednesday). I mean people. Again, it wouldn't be anything personal. Rather, it's the kind of thing one is expected to do after escaping from a mental institution. You don't escape and then simply return to normal life. It's just not done, and completely inappropriate.
(3) For some reason, I am under the impression that mental institutions serve jello. Some of them even serve it at every meal. If my assumption is correct, I can't imagine ever wanting to leave a mental institution upon being given the option, let alone escaping.
Fortunately for me (and perhaps for society at large), the $12 lottery transaction wrapped up at this point, forcing me to abandon that particular train of thought. I paid for my soda and left the store, nearly bumping into the lottery-playing, escapee woman, who was now feeding all of her spare change into the lottery scratch-off ticket vending machine located right next to the front door.
Chronically short on time, I was looking to execute a quick transaction. I wanted to get in, get out, and get hydrated and caffeinated.
Upon entering the store, I quickly headed to the store's fountainous region, where I prepared my drink, and walked towards the counter.
So far, so good.
Unfortunately, upon approaching the counter, I witnessed the following scene.
A shabbily-dressed woman (I'm being very charitable here, trust me) of at least 70 years of age, was standing at the counter, between me and Joy, the ironically-named QuickCheck cashier.
Over the next five minutes, I watched with mounting dismay while this woman proceeded to purchase $12 worth of lottery tickets, requesting specific numbers for each one.
My dreams of a quick transaction hopelessly dashed, I turned my thoughts to the unfortunate soul in front of me in the line, who was counting out 12 one-dollar bills to pay for her ridiculous lottery tickets.
Twelve dollars for lottery tickets? Is there really any point to that? One dollar isn't enough? Did it make her feel better to have a 12 in 50,000,000 chance at winning, as opposed to a 1 in 50,000,000 chance?
The worst thing about it is that she looked like a homeless woman. Was this really the wisest use of her funds?
On second thought, I realized that she appeared to be one step up from a homeless person. Perhaps I had misjudged her. I decided that she had probably escaped from a mental institution.
This led to some further thinking on my part. (In scientific terms, this is known as the "slippery mental slope."). If I ever escaped from a mental institution, would I go to a convenience store and purchase $12 worth of lottery tickets?
I decided that I would not do so, for several reasons:
(1) I am fundamentally opposed to buying lottery tickets. On a weighted-average probability, after-tax present value basis, a $1 lottery ticket is not worth $1. Even if I felt like doing something irresponsibly impulsive, like buying a lottery ticket, I wouldn't buy 12 of them, even on my way out of the loony bin. I might be clinically insane, but I'm no idiot.
(2) At the risk of sounding anti-social, if I ever did escape from a mental institution, I would probably embark on a killing spree. I'm not talking about running down squirrels in my car, either (I do that every other Wednesday). I mean people. Again, it wouldn't be anything personal. Rather, it's the kind of thing one is expected to do after escaping from a mental institution. You don't escape and then simply return to normal life. It's just not done, and completely inappropriate.
(3) For some reason, I am under the impression that mental institutions serve jello. Some of them even serve it at every meal. If my assumption is correct, I can't imagine ever wanting to leave a mental institution upon being given the option, let alone escaping.
Fortunately for me (and perhaps for society at large), the $12 lottery transaction wrapped up at this point, forcing me to abandon that particular train of thought. I paid for my soda and left the store, nearly bumping into the lottery-playing, escapee woman, who was now feeding all of her spare change into the lottery scratch-off ticket vending machine located right next to the front door.
Drowning My Calories
Over at the Good Doctor, he is chronicling his efforts to create a waffle that tastes good on its own. On its own, as in unencumbered by syrup or ice cream or chocolate chips or blueberries.
This got me thinking about the various foods that we eat, that are essentially conduits for the toppings or sauces we put on them. There are times, as I watch my children consume some delectable treat completely smothered in ketchup, that I wonder why they don't just get a spoon, open the ketchup bottle, and have at it? Why waste the time and calories on whatever that day's delivery system is? (To be fair, my kids are not big "ketchupers," though a point of contention when we first got married was ketchup on mashed potatoes, I mean who DOES that? Well, we know who, but what is the point of making mashed potatoes if they are just going to be smothered in ketchup? Just bake a potato- or boil it- smash it and add ketchup. Why bother with the spices and the fat? MBB still looks at me and says "you mind if I put ketchup on these?")
Salsa and chips is an example of this. Yes, the chips are crunchy and salty, but I think those of us who have dieted are well aware that when you dip baby carrots or other crunchy veggies into salsa there's a similar effect...you're eating salsa!
Anything with marzipan or chocolate could fall into this category for me. Because you could put those two items on pretty much anything, and if they retained their taste, I WOULD EAT IT!
There are also plenty of lousy French fries out there that are really just a means to deliver the ketchup, Now, don't get me wrong, I am not averse to condiments. When used properly they certainly go a long way to enhancing the flavor of what ever particular item is being consumed, but when it drowns out the flavor, if it IS flavorless to begin with (see:waffles and the like)then really what are we trying to taste?
So the next time you set yourself up with a nice plate of something, before you gob on the accouterments, think if what you want is the base, or just the topping. If it's the latter? Then just have that!
Oh, and Doc? Forget the waffles, just get some cinnamon buns, you NEVER go wrong with those.
This got me thinking about the various foods that we eat, that are essentially conduits for the toppings or sauces we put on them. There are times, as I watch my children consume some delectable treat completely smothered in ketchup, that I wonder why they don't just get a spoon, open the ketchup bottle, and have at it? Why waste the time and calories on whatever that day's delivery system is? (To be fair, my kids are not big "ketchupers," though a point of contention when we first got married was ketchup on mashed potatoes, I mean who DOES that? Well, we know who, but what is the point of making mashed potatoes if they are just going to be smothered in ketchup? Just bake a potato- or boil it- smash it and add ketchup. Why bother with the spices and the fat? MBB still looks at me and says "you mind if I put ketchup on these?")
Salsa and chips is an example of this. Yes, the chips are crunchy and salty, but I think those of us who have dieted are well aware that when you dip baby carrots or other crunchy veggies into salsa there's a similar effect...you're eating salsa!
Anything with marzipan or chocolate could fall into this category for me. Because you could put those two items on pretty much anything, and if they retained their taste, I WOULD EAT IT!
There are also plenty of lousy French fries out there that are really just a means to deliver the ketchup, Now, don't get me wrong, I am not averse to condiments. When used properly they certainly go a long way to enhancing the flavor of what ever particular item is being consumed, but when it drowns out the flavor, if it IS flavorless to begin with (see:waffles and the like)then really what are we trying to taste?
So the next time you set yourself up with a nice plate of something, before you gob on the accouterments, think if what you want is the base, or just the topping. If it's the latter? Then just have that!
Oh, and Doc? Forget the waffles, just get some cinnamon buns, you NEVER go wrong with those.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Back Home
It's amazing how quickly you fall back into routine after being away. I did keep the house neat for a couple of days, but beyond that it all feels the same.
I think it has to do with the temperature. When you go to a more tropical climate and then return to New York you notice two things: 1) IT'S FREEZING!!! 2) It's so grey, everything is grey and dirty looking.
Apparently most cold weather climes are the same, except, as noted, the Midwest has more snow. Since there was no great shift in climate other than a few degrees warmer, here in New York, the re-acclimation was seamless. I'm still freezing, and everything looks grey.
But the memories are toasty warm.
I think it has to do with the temperature. When you go to a more tropical climate and then return to New York you notice two things: 1) IT'S FREEZING!!! 2) It's so grey, everything is grey and dirty looking.
Apparently most cold weather climes are the same, except, as noted, the Midwest has more snow. Since there was no great shift in climate other than a few degrees warmer, here in New York, the re-acclimation was seamless. I'm still freezing, and everything looks grey.
But the memories are toasty warm.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Winter Games
When we got home from the game last night, my sister was all smiles, and excited about her attendance at her first NFL game. We then both mentioned which professional sports we had each been to, and I was coming up short. She was up one sport on me. I had never been to a professional basketball game.
My brother in law has a good friend with Season Tickets to the Detroit Pistons, at the Palace of Auburn Hills. She has a suite (we visted at half time-good refreshments), and floor seats right behind the basket(we did not want their sweat on us!), and regular seats(we took those). Regular, if you are used to sitting five row up from the floor seats (about eight rows off the court). So close you could hear the trash talk. So close you could hear the rustle of the cheerleaders' pom-poms. You could almost hear the swish of the basket.
The Palace itself is gorgeous, the name quite fitting. But this is Detroit. And like many things Detroit it has been abandoned. The place looks great, the service is nice, but no one was there.Mostly because the team has gotten off to a slow start. Being from New York, I was making fun of my hosts as they decried the "traffic" getting to the game. The traffic was an extra four minutes on the exit ramp to get to the arena. The empty arena. The arena that holds 22,000 people, the arena that was MAYBE one quarter full. These games are more fun in an energized crowd, and it can be hard to get that when it's so sparse, but as all things basketball the tempo picked up in the last few minutes.
It was a lot of fun,the Pistons won by a nice margin,and we got our picture taken with the 2004 Championship Trophy.
How odd is it that I went to visit the sister least interested in sports, both individually and as a family,and we went to two games!
So: Baseball-Check. Hockey-Check. Football-Check. Basketball-Check.
Tennis, anyone?
My brother in law has a good friend with Season Tickets to the Detroit Pistons, at the Palace of Auburn Hills. She has a suite (we visted at half time-good refreshments), and floor seats right behind the basket(we did not want their sweat on us!), and regular seats(we took those). Regular, if you are used to sitting five row up from the floor seats (about eight rows off the court). So close you could hear the trash talk. So close you could hear the rustle of the cheerleaders' pom-poms. You could almost hear the swish of the basket.
The Palace itself is gorgeous, the name quite fitting. But this is Detroit. And like many things Detroit it has been abandoned. The place looks great, the service is nice, but no one was there.Mostly because the team has gotten off to a slow start. Being from New York, I was making fun of my hosts as they decried the "traffic" getting to the game. The traffic was an extra four minutes on the exit ramp to get to the arena. The empty arena. The arena that holds 22,000 people, the arena that was MAYBE one quarter full. These games are more fun in an energized crowd, and it can be hard to get that when it's so sparse, but as all things basketball the tempo picked up in the last few minutes.
It was a lot of fun,the Pistons won by a nice margin,and we got our picture taken with the 2004 Championship Trophy.
How odd is it that I went to visit the sister least interested in sports, both individually and as a family,and we went to two games!
So: Baseball-Check. Hockey-Check. Football-Check. Basketball-Check.
Tennis, anyone?
Enjoy the View...
In case the description did not do it justice, here is the picture I took with my phone (no zoom) during the stupid Giants warm ups, when we got to our seats....
Serendipity
When I got off the plane with the boy in a stroller on Sunday, I walked to baggage claim (ignoring the woman I asked for directions to the elevator to get to the baggage claim. She insisted I needed to go up a long flight of stairs to get the elevator to go down to baggage claim. I don't know if it's my skeptical nature, or my knowledge of the Americans with Disabilty Act, or just my general knowledge of the world, that you don't put an elevator UP A FLIGHT OF ABOUT THIRTY STAIRS!!!!). I took the opportunity to call MBB and tell him about the flight with the boy, and to see how things were going at home.
It was then that he informed me that the Minnesota Vikings would be playing in Detroit after the collapse of the roof of their stadium. "I so want to go to that game." That's what I said. First to him, and then to my sister, who doesn't really watch football, but is pretty open to new experiences. Really, how could I not go? A home game of the Vikings falls into my geographic area, where tickets will be really cheap? I HAVE TO GO.... Little did I know.
The tickets were free! The Lions (who play in Ford Field, but were lending it to the Vikings)were giving 30,000 tickets away, were accepting tickets from Sunday's Packers-Lions game, and were giving preferential seating to Vikings tickets holders.
We had none of those. The free tickets were gone in about an hour and a half, no one we knew was giving up their used Sunday tickets. And Minnesota was too far away to try to get tickets. Until the first two options were totally off the table. Then I made a phone call.
I don't really know why, but my cousin in Minneapolis decided it was his mission to get us to the game. He actually HAD tickets to the game, and had been planning to go on Sunday, until it was postponed until Monday. He still would have gone, but then they move it to Detroit. Lousy for him, lucky for us. Except he was in Minneapolis, and I was in Detroit, and the game was in seven hours. He tried numerous things, none of which were working out. Finally, he realized, he knew a guy who knew a guy. That guy worked for the Vikings. So he called the guy who called the guy and two tickets ended up at the Vikings will call window down at Ford Field.
Due to the nature of this oddity, changed venue, short notice, no "fans," there was open seating in all sections. We had gotten to the game about an hour early, and based on reports on the radio, even that would possibly leave us, literally,out in the cold (really cold, it's 10 degrees here, and the wind was blowing like crazy). So we picked up the tickets at Will Call, got a special bracelet indicating our seating in the "preferred section," and walked into the stadium.
The place is really nice, and it was really crowded. We were still a little apprehensive about it working out well, since no one was given a seat assignment. Potentially 60,000 people were going to show up at the venue and "work out seating?" I make seating when I have a few extra people at my house for dinner!
We walked to one of the three sections we were told our little plastic bracelets would give us access to. I'm not sure how we ended picking the right one, but when we got the nod of approval, and were allowed into the preffered section, and we walked down the steps, there was the fifty yard line. We found an empty row, and sat directly on the fifty yard line. 30 rows back. That may sound far, but you may recall that MBB and I took a trip to Minneapolis last year, and sat at the fifty yard line, in the front row. That seat was great for seeing the players on the sidelines, but it made it harder to see the game. This was the opposite. The players on the sidelines were further away (but I learned last time they completely ignore the fans, completely, they don't even look in that direction), but the action was so easy to follow.
Of course most of the action on the Vikings side was disappointing and flat, and after a great start and two interceptions we were feeling good. That didn't last, as the game ended with a loss, 21-3.
But we had such an awesome time, and it was so much fun, it didn't really matter!
I still can't believe it really happened.
It was then that he informed me that the Minnesota Vikings would be playing in Detroit after the collapse of the roof of their stadium. "I so want to go to that game." That's what I said. First to him, and then to my sister, who doesn't really watch football, but is pretty open to new experiences. Really, how could I not go? A home game of the Vikings falls into my geographic area, where tickets will be really cheap? I HAVE TO GO.... Little did I know.
The tickets were free! The Lions (who play in Ford Field, but were lending it to the Vikings)were giving 30,000 tickets away, were accepting tickets from Sunday's Packers-Lions game, and were giving preferential seating to Vikings tickets holders.
We had none of those. The free tickets were gone in about an hour and a half, no one we knew was giving up their used Sunday tickets. And Minnesota was too far away to try to get tickets. Until the first two options were totally off the table. Then I made a phone call.
I don't really know why, but my cousin in Minneapolis decided it was his mission to get us to the game. He actually HAD tickets to the game, and had been planning to go on Sunday, until it was postponed until Monday. He still would have gone, but then they move it to Detroit. Lousy for him, lucky for us. Except he was in Minneapolis, and I was in Detroit, and the game was in seven hours. He tried numerous things, none of which were working out. Finally, he realized, he knew a guy who knew a guy. That guy worked for the Vikings. So he called the guy who called the guy and two tickets ended up at the Vikings will call window down at Ford Field.
Due to the nature of this oddity, changed venue, short notice, no "fans," there was open seating in all sections. We had gotten to the game about an hour early, and based on reports on the radio, even that would possibly leave us, literally,out in the cold (really cold, it's 10 degrees here, and the wind was blowing like crazy). So we picked up the tickets at Will Call, got a special bracelet indicating our seating in the "preferred section," and walked into the stadium.
The place is really nice, and it was really crowded. We were still a little apprehensive about it working out well, since no one was given a seat assignment. Potentially 60,000 people were going to show up at the venue and "work out seating?" I make seating when I have a few extra people at my house for dinner!
We walked to one of the three sections we were told our little plastic bracelets would give us access to. I'm not sure how we ended picking the right one, but when we got the nod of approval, and were allowed into the preffered section, and we walked down the steps, there was the fifty yard line. We found an empty row, and sat directly on the fifty yard line. 30 rows back. That may sound far, but you may recall that MBB and I took a trip to Minneapolis last year, and sat at the fifty yard line, in the front row. That seat was great for seeing the players on the sidelines, but it made it harder to see the game. This was the opposite. The players on the sidelines were further away (but I learned last time they completely ignore the fans, completely, they don't even look in that direction), but the action was so easy to follow.
Of course most of the action on the Vikings side was disappointing and flat, and after a great start and two interceptions we were feeling good. That didn't last, as the game ended with a loss, 21-3.
But we had such an awesome time, and it was so much fun, it didn't really matter!
I still can't believe it really happened.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
First Snow!!
Ok, not really. Certainly not "officially" for the contest But for the next few days icebergcarwash is coming to you from the snowy midwest. No, not two feet of snow snowy as in Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin, or Illinois. One half of icebergcarwash is in five-inch Afghaned (too little to be blanketed) South-Eastern Michigan.
Lucky for me, I'm not in Minnesota, that's a whole lotta snow, dontcha know. Plus I wouldn't have the option of going to a Vikings game...since they are playing the New York Giants in DETROIT. The Vikings play in a stadium in Minneapolis with a roof that is kinda like a big balloon held up by air. Apparently, two feet of snow is too much for it, and the whole thing collapsed on Sunday morning. It's a good thing they had already postponed the game to Monday night.
Hopefully we will get to the game tomorrow night, and will report back.
And no, for those of you keeping track, I haven't been to Dunkin Donuts yet.
Lucky for me, I'm not in Minnesota, that's a whole lotta snow, dontcha know. Plus I wouldn't have the option of going to a Vikings game...since they are playing the New York Giants in DETROIT. The Vikings play in a stadium in Minneapolis with a roof that is kinda like a big balloon held up by air. Apparently, two feet of snow is too much for it, and the whole thing collapsed on Sunday morning. It's a good thing they had already postponed the game to Monday night.
Hopefully we will get to the game tomorrow night, and will report back.
And no, for those of you keeping track, I haven't been to Dunkin Donuts yet.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
What I Learned Last Night
1) I love to drive
2) If you go to a chuppa and there is a gorgeous rendition of "Me Bontziach," (written by the kallah's father and performed by him and his sons)DO NOT REPLAY YOUR VIDEO OF IT DURING THE REST OF THE CHUPPAH!!!
3)It felt like bizzaro world...the women were all totally quiet, and the men were YAPPING away...really loudly too. (I guess that partially explains how #2 happened).
4)There is nothing like family, and I am so fortunate to have been able to participate in this simcha, I hope it never feels rote.
2) If you go to a chuppa and there is a gorgeous rendition of "Me Bontziach," (written by the kallah's father and performed by him and his sons)DO NOT REPLAY YOUR VIDEO OF IT DURING THE REST OF THE CHUPPAH!!!
3)It felt like bizzaro world...the women were all totally quiet, and the men were YAPPING away...really loudly too. (I guess that partially explains how #2 happened).
4)There is nothing like family, and I am so fortunate to have been able to participate in this simcha, I hope it never feels rote.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Is It Wrong To Laugh At Your Children?
Last night I took two of the girls out to take care of something. We were gone for all of two hours, and for some reason, towards the end of the trip, 13 year old started talking like a 60 year old woman who has been smoking for the past forty years.
I know she has a cold, but this sudden onset and escalation of what we often call "Camp voice," was a bit jarring. Partially for the reasons above (sudden onset-like really sudden-one minute to the next), and partially because she is in a choir on Thursday. a choir in which she has a solo and does harmonies on a few songs. Yikes!
I suggested, on the drive home, that perhaps she refrain from speaking for the evening, and when we arrive home she have some tea. She thought this a good idea, and all was quiet in the backseat...for seven minutes. After seven minutes she SHOUTED:
"I CAN'T STAND IT! HOW DO SHY PEOPLE DO THIS?!?!?!"
I know she has a cold, but this sudden onset and escalation of what we often call "Camp voice," was a bit jarring. Partially for the reasons above (sudden onset-like really sudden-one minute to the next), and partially because she is in a choir on Thursday. a choir in which she has a solo and does harmonies on a few songs. Yikes!
I suggested, on the drive home, that perhaps she refrain from speaking for the evening, and when we arrive home she have some tea. She thought this a good idea, and all was quiet in the backseat...for seven minutes. After seven minutes she SHOUTED:
"I CAN'T STAND IT! HOW DO SHY PEOPLE DO THIS?!?!?!"
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Buyout Blues
The other day, FBB politely requested that I resume blogging on at least a semi-regular basis.
While I casually responded with something like, "Sure, I'll see what I can do," it was quite obvious to me that I was being set up.
Clearly, FBB is attempting to force me out of IcebergCarwash, and is going to use my current hypoblogastia (an unfortunate condition characterized by significantly reduced frequency of blog posting) against me.
I did what any rational blogger would do. I called an attorney and an investment banker. We decided that FBB's attempted coup would require me to sell my stake in IcebergCarwash.
The difficulty would lay in finding a buyer who would be willing to pay my price.
I could just sell my 50% stake to FBB, but as an insider, she is well aware of the true value (or lack thereof) of IcebergCarwash. The spread between the bid and offer would be impossibly wide, and the negotiations would be dead-on-arrival.
Another important thing to consider is that when we set up this blog, FBB and I agreed to grant each other a right of first refusal in the case of the sale. Simply put, if either of us wanted to sell his/her stake in IcebergCarwash, he/she would have to first offer to sell that stake to the other at the same price to which it was being offered to the third party. This is pretty standard stuff for blogs which feature a joint ownership structure.
Considering this, perhaps I could simply call in a favor or two, and get someone to make a "stalking horse" bid, designed just to establish a price at which FBB would need to execute her right of first refusal. Then again, it's a "right" of first refusal, not an obligation, so FBB could simply call my bluff, and decline to match the other "offer." In this case, I'd be left with no transaction.
Clearly, I'm going to have to find a real, third-party buyer to take my piece of IcebergCarwash off my hands.
But whom?
It would be great if I had a time machine, and I could go back to 1999, and attempt to sell my stake in IcebergCarwash.blogspot.com. Using the valuation models which prevailed in 1999, just the ".com" piece would be worth approximately $1,500,000,000. I'd then take the proceeds, use one of those off-the-shelf tax shelters that all of the tax advisory firms were selling to their high net worth clients back then, squirrel the money away in the Isle of Man, and get back into my time machine, pausing briefly to short the heck out of the NASDAQ Composite index.
Sounds great, but there are two fundamental problems with that plan:
(1) I do not have a properly-functioning time machine at my disposal.
(2) If I did have a properly-functioning time machine, I'd need to make several stops along the way to 1999.
With any time travel-based plan off the table, I needed to come up with a solution that could work in 2010.
Perhaps I could package my ownership stake in IcebergCarwash into some sort of exotic security, replete with an option and a credit default swap, and sell it to a German bank. These geniuses are willing to buy any U.S.-originated asset-backed security. American bankers might be reckless and greedy, but German bankers are downright dumb. From the commodity trading fiascos of the late 1980s, to the disastrous losses in the U.S. subprime mortgage market of the past few years, the Germans have proven themselves to be completely devoid of any banking or financial skill. Perhaps that's the kind of thing that naturally happens to a society a couple of generations after they murder or expel their entire Jewish population.
Satisfying as it would be to fleece the Fourth Reich (or whatever number they're up to), I soon realized that this option was also not realistic. The German banks do not have the kind of cash they'd need to buy out my stake in IcebergCarwash, having loaned it all to the Greeks and the Irish. ("Hi, Rudolf. Paddy O'Reilly here. Need to borrow about $6 billion 'till next Tuesday. I'm good for it, by Mary and Joseph.")
So that leaves me a bit disappointed, but undeterred. I will continue to attempt to find a purchaser for my half of IcebergCarwash, while fending off FBB's attempts to snatch it away from me via what is sure to be a lowball offer.
In the meantime, feel free to make your best offers, using the comments section.
While I casually responded with something like, "Sure, I'll see what I can do," it was quite obvious to me that I was being set up.
Clearly, FBB is attempting to force me out of IcebergCarwash, and is going to use my current hypoblogastia (an unfortunate condition characterized by significantly reduced frequency of blog posting) against me.
I did what any rational blogger would do. I called an attorney and an investment banker. We decided that FBB's attempted coup would require me to sell my stake in IcebergCarwash.
The difficulty would lay in finding a buyer who would be willing to pay my price.
I could just sell my 50% stake to FBB, but as an insider, she is well aware of the true value (or lack thereof) of IcebergCarwash. The spread between the bid and offer would be impossibly wide, and the negotiations would be dead-on-arrival.
Another important thing to consider is that when we set up this blog, FBB and I agreed to grant each other a right of first refusal in the case of the sale. Simply put, if either of us wanted to sell his/her stake in IcebergCarwash, he/she would have to first offer to sell that stake to the other at the same price to which it was being offered to the third party. This is pretty standard stuff for blogs which feature a joint ownership structure.
Considering this, perhaps I could simply call in a favor or two, and get someone to make a "stalking horse" bid, designed just to establish a price at which FBB would need to execute her right of first refusal. Then again, it's a "right" of first refusal, not an obligation, so FBB could simply call my bluff, and decline to match the other "offer." In this case, I'd be left with no transaction.
Clearly, I'm going to have to find a real, third-party buyer to take my piece of IcebergCarwash off my hands.
But whom?
It would be great if I had a time machine, and I could go back to 1999, and attempt to sell my stake in IcebergCarwash.blogspot.com. Using the valuation models which prevailed in 1999, just the ".com" piece would be worth approximately $1,500,000,000. I'd then take the proceeds, use one of those off-the-shelf tax shelters that all of the tax advisory firms were selling to their high net worth clients back then, squirrel the money away in the Isle of Man, and get back into my time machine, pausing briefly to short the heck out of the NASDAQ Composite index.
Sounds great, but there are two fundamental problems with that plan:
(1) I do not have a properly-functioning time machine at my disposal.
(2) If I did have a properly-functioning time machine, I'd need to make several stops along the way to 1999.
With any time travel-based plan off the table, I needed to come up with a solution that could work in 2010.
Perhaps I could package my ownership stake in IcebergCarwash into some sort of exotic security, replete with an option and a credit default swap, and sell it to a German bank. These geniuses are willing to buy any U.S.-originated asset-backed security. American bankers might be reckless and greedy, but German bankers are downright dumb. From the commodity trading fiascos of the late 1980s, to the disastrous losses in the U.S. subprime mortgage market of the past few years, the Germans have proven themselves to be completely devoid of any banking or financial skill. Perhaps that's the kind of thing that naturally happens to a society a couple of generations after they murder or expel their entire Jewish population.
Satisfying as it would be to fleece the Fourth Reich (or whatever number they're up to), I soon realized that this option was also not realistic. The German banks do not have the kind of cash they'd need to buy out my stake in IcebergCarwash, having loaned it all to the Greeks and the Irish. ("Hi, Rudolf. Paddy O'Reilly here. Need to borrow about $6 billion 'till next Tuesday. I'm good for it, by Mary and Joseph.")
So that leaves me a bit disappointed, but undeterred. I will continue to attempt to find a purchaser for my half of IcebergCarwash, while fending off FBB's attempts to snatch it away from me via what is sure to be a lowball offer.
In the meantime, feel free to make your best offers, using the comments section.
Monday, November 29, 2010
CONTEST!!!
OK, all you blog readers, time to get involved.
It's almost December, and things have finally taken a turn towards the chilly. MBB asked me this morning "Is it going to be cold today?"
My response "It's the end of November, and the current temperature is 34 degrees, my guess would be yes."
Seven year old was in the room and asked if it would get snowy soon. I said maybe, though it tends to snow more in January around here, though things have gotten a late start I would not be surprised to still have significant snow in March.
Either way "When will it snow?" is now on our minds, and YOU can give in a prediction for a chance to win a cool prize!
The guess is for the first significant snow fall of two inches or more where we live. You do not need to live anywhere near here to put in your guess. If dates of participants do not overlap we will give a two day window on either side (so if you pick November 29, you would win if it snows on November 27, 28, 29, 30 or 1st of December, unless one of those exact dates are picked by someone else). If we don't know who you are, use the "contact us" button on the side bar to let us know!
Good Luck and Happy Shoveling!
It's almost December, and things have finally taken a turn towards the chilly. MBB asked me this morning "Is it going to be cold today?"
My response "It's the end of November, and the current temperature is 34 degrees, my guess would be yes."
Seven year old was in the room and asked if it would get snowy soon. I said maybe, though it tends to snow more in January around here, though things have gotten a late start I would not be surprised to still have significant snow in March.
Either way "When will it snow?" is now on our minds, and YOU can give in a prediction for a chance to win a cool prize!
The guess is for the first significant snow fall of two inches or more where we live. You do not need to live anywhere near here to put in your guess. If dates of participants do not overlap we will give a two day window on either side (so if you pick November 29, you would win if it snows on November 27, 28, 29, 30 or 1st of December, unless one of those exact dates are picked by someone else). If we don't know who you are, use the "contact us" button on the side bar to let us know!
Good Luck and Happy Shoveling!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Movin' Out
Normally the babies in this family are kind enough to sleep through the night either from a few days old all the way to as old as a month. By "sleep through the night," I mean seven hours or more.
This baby, who is just so incredibly delicious, had not gotten the memo. So, to make my life easier, and maintain the sleep patterns of his teen-aged roommate, he has been in my room since his birth at the very beginning of June.
Apparently, almost six months old is when he has realized the wonderful nature of uninterrupted sleep, and has been doing a nice stretch from 10pm until 5am, eating and going back to sleep until seven or eight.
So last night was the night. His crib was all set up by his very eager, aforementioned roommate, and in he went. He looked so tiny in that big huge crib, so vulnerable in smooshed into the corner with this wide expanse of mattress before him. I swaddled him really well, and put him in.
I think my mistake was that he was already asleep when he went in. So 2 o'clock in the morning, he woke up with a "Where the heck am I?" cry that continued for an hour. An hour of patting and cooing, and pacifier reinserting. The eager roommate groggily made her way to her sister's conveniently vacant bed, and eventually the boy fell back to sleep.
I hope he doesn't miss me as much as I miss him. It feels really weird that he's not in my room anymore, but really, I should have moved him months ago.
Hopefully we'll all get some sleep this week, and he will take to his new digs.
In the meantime, I think I need a nap.
This baby, who is just so incredibly delicious, had not gotten the memo. So, to make my life easier, and maintain the sleep patterns of his teen-aged roommate, he has been in my room since his birth at the very beginning of June.
Apparently, almost six months old is when he has realized the wonderful nature of uninterrupted sleep, and has been doing a nice stretch from 10pm until 5am, eating and going back to sleep until seven or eight.
So last night was the night. His crib was all set up by his very eager, aforementioned roommate, and in he went. He looked so tiny in that big huge crib, so vulnerable in smooshed into the corner with this wide expanse of mattress before him. I swaddled him really well, and put him in.
I think my mistake was that he was already asleep when he went in. So 2 o'clock in the morning, he woke up with a "Where the heck am I?" cry that continued for an hour. An hour of patting and cooing, and pacifier reinserting. The eager roommate groggily made her way to her sister's conveniently vacant bed, and eventually the boy fell back to sleep.
I hope he doesn't miss me as much as I miss him. It feels really weird that he's not in my room anymore, but really, I should have moved him months ago.
Hopefully we'll all get some sleep this week, and he will take to his new digs.
In the meantime, I think I need a nap.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
If You Rouse Me, Do I Not Wake?
If I look really tired, I probably AM really tired, and pointing out the dark circles under my eyes...IS NOT PARTICULARLY HELPFUL!.
That is all.
That is all.
Friday, November 19, 2010
It's Hard to Know
There are a number of people who stand outside the local grocery stores collecting money for themselves.
They don't come everyday, but each seems to have his "day," and his spot. They are mostly men, and mostly old looking. They could be very young actually, but they look so weathered and beaten. I often wonder the circumstances that got them to this point, and I always notice my own reaction to each one, based on nothing but a twelve second or so interaction.
Some I give and some I don't give, and it's all very visceral. The aggressive guys, who come up to my car, I have a harder time giving to. The guy who chased me through the parking lot shouting I should write him check I don't give to. It was years ago, and I still just react negatively to him.
Then there's the guy who stands quietly at the door, says nothing, but if you give him something he will shower you with Brachos. I don't know what he does if you don't give him, I don't know what any of them do, or say, under their breath in that situation. I wouldn't want anyone wishing ill on me. Today I gave him something as I went in. When I came out I put the bags and the baby in the car, and he walked up behind me, and took my cart back to the sidewalk. I thanked him, and thought "that was nice, he seems like a nice guy." Really though I don't know.
He spends at least one day a week begging, and relying on the kindness of strangers. Was he a nice guy who never got a break? Did he have a full life in his country of origin, and the language and cultural barriers were too difficult for him here that he ended up doing this to sustain himself? Or did he have years of misspent opportunities, illegalities and now bad health that has brought him to this juncture? Does he have a family? Is he an ogre to them, mean and hateful, perhaps violent, so that they want nothing to do with him, and his personal interactions have been reduced to a few fleeting moments with passing shoppers? Is he quiet and low key because he is embarrassed by his situation, or because he is a misanthrope who must rely on strangers even as he loathes them? If I knew him better would he be the type of guy to shake my hand while sticking the other one in my purse?
I have no way of knowing. The guy I choose not to give could be the guy who is more gregarious, generous with his family and his peers, perhaps even collecting not only for himself, thus more willing to be aggressive.
I don't even know if these guys keep Shabbos, though ostensibly that is what they are collecting for.
There are different schools of thought on this whole topic. Does giving these people perpetuate something that should be stopped? Do we pay the charlatans so if there is one honestly needy person, they will be helped? And what does charlatan mean? Does it mean these people are going home to houses with nothing missing, but they solicit funds because they get a thrill by getting over on people? Or have they chosen this as a way to "make money?" If so, we could opt out. But people who are at the point in which they are reliant on others for their sustenance, have chosen a tough way to go. Granted, they have no schedule, no boss, no dress code, but no security, scorn and disdain as well. Does paying these people help elevate this way of life to something less scornful, thereby encouraging more of the same? If we take a way the shame, how can we know who is real? Do we use the "Vietnam" model- pay 'em all and let G-d sort it out?"
I have many questions, and no real answers. I am suspect of anyone who thinks this issue is black and white, from either viewpoint.
They don't come everyday, but each seems to have his "day," and his spot. They are mostly men, and mostly old looking. They could be very young actually, but they look so weathered and beaten. I often wonder the circumstances that got them to this point, and I always notice my own reaction to each one, based on nothing but a twelve second or so interaction.
Some I give and some I don't give, and it's all very visceral. The aggressive guys, who come up to my car, I have a harder time giving to. The guy who chased me through the parking lot shouting I should write him check I don't give to. It was years ago, and I still just react negatively to him.
Then there's the guy who stands quietly at the door, says nothing, but if you give him something he will shower you with Brachos. I don't know what he does if you don't give him, I don't know what any of them do, or say, under their breath in that situation. I wouldn't want anyone wishing ill on me. Today I gave him something as I went in. When I came out I put the bags and the baby in the car, and he walked up behind me, and took my cart back to the sidewalk. I thanked him, and thought "that was nice, he seems like a nice guy." Really though I don't know.
He spends at least one day a week begging, and relying on the kindness of strangers. Was he a nice guy who never got a break? Did he have a full life in his country of origin, and the language and cultural barriers were too difficult for him here that he ended up doing this to sustain himself? Or did he have years of misspent opportunities, illegalities and now bad health that has brought him to this juncture? Does he have a family? Is he an ogre to them, mean and hateful, perhaps violent, so that they want nothing to do with him, and his personal interactions have been reduced to a few fleeting moments with passing shoppers? Is he quiet and low key because he is embarrassed by his situation, or because he is a misanthrope who must rely on strangers even as he loathes them? If I knew him better would he be the type of guy to shake my hand while sticking the other one in my purse?
I have no way of knowing. The guy I choose not to give could be the guy who is more gregarious, generous with his family and his peers, perhaps even collecting not only for himself, thus more willing to be aggressive.
I don't even know if these guys keep Shabbos, though ostensibly that is what they are collecting for.
There are different schools of thought on this whole topic. Does giving these people perpetuate something that should be stopped? Do we pay the charlatans so if there is one honestly needy person, they will be helped? And what does charlatan mean? Does it mean these people are going home to houses with nothing missing, but they solicit funds because they get a thrill by getting over on people? Or have they chosen this as a way to "make money?" If so, we could opt out. But people who are at the point in which they are reliant on others for their sustenance, have chosen a tough way to go. Granted, they have no schedule, no boss, no dress code, but no security, scorn and disdain as well. Does paying these people help elevate this way of life to something less scornful, thereby encouraging more of the same? If we take a way the shame, how can we know who is real? Do we use the "Vietnam" model- pay 'em all and let G-d sort it out?"
I have many questions, and no real answers. I am suspect of anyone who thinks this issue is black and white, from either viewpoint.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
RANT!
I'm sure somewhere in the archives there is a similarly titled post. It's actually amazing to me, knowing me, that there aren't more of these annoyed ranting posts. There is so much I can rant about, but at this time my attention turns to chicken.
Yes, chicken. Not the live ones, but the repackaged kind you find at your local friendly grocery/deli/meat/fish/sushi/bakery/let's try to put everyone else out of business-establishment. The store I frequent generally does not sell manufacturers' packaged chicken, and repacks all the brands that don't come pre-packed, thus the repackaging!
Usually my chicken of choice is chicken in quarters, and often just thighs. Recently and at other occasional instances I have purchased chicken in eighths.
HOW CAN YOU CALL IT "CHICKEN IN EIGHTHS" IF YOU LEAVE OUT ONE OR BOTH OF THE WINGS!?!!?!? THEN IT'S CHICKEN IN SIXTHS OR SEVENTHS!!!!!
I'm no math wiz, but come on!! it's not in eighths if there are pieces missing is it? (No, really, now I wonder if I'm wrong...hmmm...)
Some might say, "don't worry it evens out," like the time there was a WING IN MY PACK OF THIGHS!!! A WING????
You go shopping, come home thinking you have all the pieces everyone likes, and boom! Either not enough wings, or in this last case an extra one. What is up with that? Sell the chicken with the darn wings, and if they're missing or broken they should fill it in with a wing from the breast used for cutlets and then have one less in the "pack of wings" they sell.
This isn't Rocket Science, it's not any kind of science. It's hardly even math. It's common sense. When people buy chicken they want all the pieces, or they would buy packages of specific pieces separately.
And end up with my missing wing!
Yes, chicken. Not the live ones, but the repackaged kind you find at your local friendly grocery/deli/meat/fish/sushi/bakery/let's try to put everyone else out of business-establishment. The store I frequent generally does not sell manufacturers' packaged chicken, and repacks all the brands that don't come pre-packed, thus the repackaging!
Usually my chicken of choice is chicken in quarters, and often just thighs. Recently and at other occasional instances I have purchased chicken in eighths.
HOW CAN YOU CALL IT "CHICKEN IN EIGHTHS" IF YOU LEAVE OUT ONE OR BOTH OF THE WINGS!?!!?!? THEN IT'S CHICKEN IN SIXTHS OR SEVENTHS!!!!!
I'm no math wiz, but come on!! it's not in eighths if there are pieces missing is it? (No, really, now I wonder if I'm wrong...hmmm...)
Some might say, "don't worry it evens out," like the time there was a WING IN MY PACK OF THIGHS!!! A WING????
You go shopping, come home thinking you have all the pieces everyone likes, and boom! Either not enough wings, or in this last case an extra one. What is up with that? Sell the chicken with the darn wings, and if they're missing or broken they should fill it in with a wing from the breast used for cutlets and then have one less in the "pack of wings" they sell.
This isn't Rocket Science, it's not any kind of science. It's hardly even math. It's common sense. When people buy chicken they want all the pieces, or they would buy packages of specific pieces separately.
And end up with my missing wing!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A Nice Monday Night
Based on my background, I'm not that into the whole Rebbe thing. Neither is MBB, but it's in his blood. His family goes way back with the Vizhnitz Chassidim and Rebbes, with his great and great great grandparents being in the Rebbe's inner circle, and also hosting the Rebbe when he came to their town in Europe. As the story goes, the Rebbe saved MBB's grandfather's life. In the 1920s MBB's grandfather wanted to go to America with his twin brother, so their father said "fine, we'll ask the Rebbe," assuming that the Rebbe would never agree to send them to such a G-dless place. The Rebbe said they should go. Their father never made it out of Europe, and ended up ashes like so many other Jews of that time.
Once a year, the current Rebbe from Bnei Brak's son, the Av Bais Din, comes to New York. He goes to a few different cities, one of them our fair town. Mostly it's a fund raising trip, and his gabbaim/shamashim (the entourage, if you will)put on the hard sell to get you to come see him, and to donate. MBB got the call this week (as he has in the past),and set up a time to meet with Rav Mendel. Last year MBB's uncle pressed upon him that I should go along. After much back and forth, I ended up going.
Rav Mendel was so warm and welcoming, and speaking in Yiddish to MBB,catching up on the old family connections, he turned to me and asked if I understood that language. I responded no, at which time he switched to a beautiful ISRAELI Hebrew, and continued our meeting that way. I was very taken by his smile, and his genuine desire to daven (give brachos) for the names we had written on the paper.
So this year, I told MBB I wanted to come along, there had been some things he had said in our last meeting that I found very helpful and uplifting in a non spiritual way, and I wanted to go. We brought the boy along.
In the past, MBB has made sure to get the first appointment, because these meetings tend to run overtime for some people. However, this year The Rav was here on a weekday, and we had a seven o'clock time. We managed to make it there on time, but we had to wait. After about ten minutes, MBB came over to me (I was in a corridor with another woman,off the main room where all the men were waiting), and showed me that we had mistakenly taken the checkbook that had no more checks in it. He felt we needed to rectify the situation immediately and I offered to run home and get a checkbook while he would continue to wait, and hopefully I'd be back in time to see the Rav for a few minutes.
MBB was going to walk me to the car, so as we started to leave the Shamash, a really friendly, happy fellow, came over and asked why MBB was going, it would only be a few more minutes. At which time, MBB showed him the mistake, the empty checkbook.
"Hust du a credit card?"
MBB laughed, and turned toward the door. I looked at him and said "Really?"
So MBB turned back and asked the guy "Du takkeh nemen credit cards? (do you really take credit cards?)"
"Zicher!"
So I stayed, and we went in soon after, again the Rav inquired if I understood, and then turned to Hebrew, asking me how I was, and again giving me chizuk for my role as a mother. More catch up on the family, a note of being impressed with the name of my sixth girl, who is named for my grandmother, but it's an approximation of what her name was, so it's the same name as the Rav's grandmother. He then davened for those people we asked him to, and we left.
It was a nice experience.
Even for this Yekkish girl.
Once a year, the current Rebbe from Bnei Brak's son, the Av Bais Din, comes to New York. He goes to a few different cities, one of them our fair town. Mostly it's a fund raising trip, and his gabbaim/shamashim (the entourage, if you will)put on the hard sell to get you to come see him, and to donate. MBB got the call this week (as he has in the past),and set up a time to meet with Rav Mendel. Last year MBB's uncle pressed upon him that I should go along. After much back and forth, I ended up going.
Rav Mendel was so warm and welcoming, and speaking in Yiddish to MBB,catching up on the old family connections, he turned to me and asked if I understood that language. I responded no, at which time he switched to a beautiful ISRAELI Hebrew, and continued our meeting that way. I was very taken by his smile, and his genuine desire to daven (give brachos) for the names we had written on the paper.
So this year, I told MBB I wanted to come along, there had been some things he had said in our last meeting that I found very helpful and uplifting in a non spiritual way, and I wanted to go. We brought the boy along.
In the past, MBB has made sure to get the first appointment, because these meetings tend to run overtime for some people. However, this year The Rav was here on a weekday, and we had a seven o'clock time. We managed to make it there on time, but we had to wait. After about ten minutes, MBB came over to me (I was in a corridor with another woman,off the main room where all the men were waiting), and showed me that we had mistakenly taken the checkbook that had no more checks in it. He felt we needed to rectify the situation immediately and I offered to run home and get a checkbook while he would continue to wait, and hopefully I'd be back in time to see the Rav for a few minutes.
MBB was going to walk me to the car, so as we started to leave the Shamash, a really friendly, happy fellow, came over and asked why MBB was going, it would only be a few more minutes. At which time, MBB showed him the mistake, the empty checkbook.
"Hust du a credit card?"
MBB laughed, and turned toward the door. I looked at him and said "Really?"
So MBB turned back and asked the guy "Du takkeh nemen credit cards? (do you really take credit cards?)"
"Zicher!"
So I stayed, and we went in soon after, again the Rav inquired if I understood, and then turned to Hebrew, asking me how I was, and again giving me chizuk for my role as a mother. More catch up on the family, a note of being impressed with the name of my sixth girl, who is named for my grandmother, but it's an approximation of what her name was, so it's the same name as the Rav's grandmother. He then davened for those people we asked him to, and we left.
It was a nice experience.
Even for this Yekkish girl.
Friday, November 5, 2010
How You Take It
I am not one for attributing reasons for events. I think it's a slippery slope, and we cannot pretend to know the mind (k"y) of G-d. I also know, that many people look at Hashgacha Pratis stories and snicker, thinking, "Hey, I already know there's a G-d." Then there's the school of thought, "well why did the bad thing that was avoided have to happen at all, who caused that? The same Being, that allowed it to turn out well, that's who, so what's your point."
It's all related, and it's all about the message. Sometimes, it could just be G-d's way of reminding us that He is there, and we need to pay attention, or fix something, or pray better, and sometimes He just wants to show us how much He loves us. It's up to the person who hears the story, or has it happen to them to determine how it will affect their life. Because to just let it sit there, as nothing but a good story, that would be sad.
I learned a lot personally about the power of prayer, when I had my son. There is so much that we beseech G-d for, but we also try on our own. If we pray for good kids, or a good living, or a good mate, we also do things that will help accomplish this goal, and that can sometimes muddy the picture of how it comes from Above.
There was nothing I could do to have a boy, except pray. That was the only part that I could have a hand in. That was it. It became so clear that the power of prayer was all I had. I received this gift, and there was no way for me to point to something that I had done, and attribute even a part of it to my efforts. And truthfully, all things in this world are like that, we think we have a hand in it, and G-d did set up the world to run in a natural way,so we have to try, but this just opened my eyes to how much it's really all about Him.
For those of you who have been in this place for years I envy you. I've read in the past about the joy that comes from knowing that He rules and runs the world, but when you have a chance to see it and feel it? It's indescribable. There's knowing it, and there's KNOWING it.
So on that note....I know why my fridge broke.
The fridge I wanted to replace the fridge I had, now comes only with an ice maker and water dispenser(inside). I didn't feel I needed it, but if I was going to have a filter blocking up part of the fridge and the ice maker taking up space in the freezer, I might as well use them!
The best place to hook it up was through the wall to the Pesach kitchen(it came with the house)because the sink is on the exact same wall as the fridge. The plumber TOUCHED THE PIPE WITH HIS HAND, and it broke in half!
Can you say flood Erev Yom Tov?
It's all related, and it's all about the message. Sometimes, it could just be G-d's way of reminding us that He is there, and we need to pay attention, or fix something, or pray better, and sometimes He just wants to show us how much He loves us. It's up to the person who hears the story, or has it happen to them to determine how it will affect their life. Because to just let it sit there, as nothing but a good story, that would be sad.
I learned a lot personally about the power of prayer, when I had my son. There is so much that we beseech G-d for, but we also try on our own. If we pray for good kids, or a good living, or a good mate, we also do things that will help accomplish this goal, and that can sometimes muddy the picture of how it comes from Above.
There was nothing I could do to have a boy, except pray. That was the only part that I could have a hand in. That was it. It became so clear that the power of prayer was all I had. I received this gift, and there was no way for me to point to something that I had done, and attribute even a part of it to my efforts. And truthfully, all things in this world are like that, we think we have a hand in it, and G-d did set up the world to run in a natural way,so we have to try, but this just opened my eyes to how much it's really all about Him.
For those of you who have been in this place for years I envy you. I've read in the past about the joy that comes from knowing that He rules and runs the world, but when you have a chance to see it and feel it? It's indescribable. There's knowing it, and there's KNOWING it.
So on that note....I know why my fridge broke.
The fridge I wanted to replace the fridge I had, now comes only with an ice maker and water dispenser(inside). I didn't feel I needed it, but if I was going to have a filter blocking up part of the fridge and the ice maker taking up space in the freezer, I might as well use them!
The best place to hook it up was through the wall to the Pesach kitchen(it came with the house)because the sink is on the exact same wall as the fridge. The plumber TOUCHED THE PIPE WITH HIS HAND, and it broke in half!
Can you say flood Erev Yom Tov?
Thursday, November 4, 2010
My Bills Will Be Lower...
We all know how much people need people. That's what's so great about family and friends, it's hard to go through this life without either. Sometimes though, they provide more of a lifeline then we realize.
I know my two closest friends are there for me. Moral support, helping hands and sounding boards.
I did not realize how much they motivate and organize me. It's hard, sometimes, when you're not working to push yourself to stay scheduled, to do that one extra errand now, as opposed to waiting until the next day when it will be raining and you have to schlep out and do something with a baby in tow, trying to maneuver between the raindrops and keeping the little fella dry (of course there's always that third friend who steps in, and says, give me your list, you are NOT taking your baby out on a day like this!).
It seems that the first two friends, (along with another friend, who I really don't speak to often enough)went off on a trip, where there's a time difference, and a calling card involved in contacting them. I am so happy for them, But I miss them. Not only shooting the breeze, but when I want to pick up the phone and just get that extra push to finish what I need to finish, I don't have anyone to call. Well, I do (see above, shopping for me friend),but how many times can I call one person? When the other two are around, I get to spread amongst three of them. There should be a rule that only one of my friends can go away at any one time. But that would be selfish, and if there's anything friendship teaches you, it's the opposite of that.
Travel safe! Come home soon!
I know my two closest friends are there for me. Moral support, helping hands and sounding boards.
I did not realize how much they motivate and organize me. It's hard, sometimes, when you're not working to push yourself to stay scheduled, to do that one extra errand now, as opposed to waiting until the next day when it will be raining and you have to schlep out and do something with a baby in tow, trying to maneuver between the raindrops and keeping the little fella dry (of course there's always that third friend who steps in, and says, give me your list, you are NOT taking your baby out on a day like this!).
It seems that the first two friends, (along with another friend, who I really don't speak to often enough)went off on a trip, where there's a time difference, and a calling card involved in contacting them. I am so happy for them, But I miss them. Not only shooting the breeze, but when I want to pick up the phone and just get that extra push to finish what I need to finish, I don't have anyone to call. Well, I do (see above, shopping for me friend),but how many times can I call one person? When the other two are around, I get to spread amongst three of them. There should be a rule that only one of my friends can go away at any one time. But that would be selfish, and if there's anything friendship teaches you, it's the opposite of that.
Travel safe! Come home soon!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Quick Thoughts Early on Election Night
Richard Blumenthal has won the Senate seat from Connecticut. Inexplicably, he was smashed in the head with a metal chair as he ran up for the acceptance
I tried to follow the coverage on Fox News.com, but the drool emanating from the computer threatened to electrocute me.
We would have voted for Jimmy Mcmillan, from the Rent is Too Damn High party, but when we saw him listed on the ballot on the "Rent is 2 Damn High" Party, we deemed it too unprofessional.
Jon Stewart is not as powerful as he thinks he is.
Sign of a shoo-in: I didn't even know Schumer was running until I went to vote.
If the crooked non-lawyer running for Town Justice wins...I will probably do nothing interesting.
Carl Palladino is projected to have lost the race for governor, and now can continue his life as a regular crazy person, instead of as a famous crazy person
I tried to follow the coverage on Fox News.com, but the drool emanating from the computer threatened to electrocute me.
We would have voted for Jimmy Mcmillan, from the Rent is Too Damn High party, but when we saw him listed on the ballot on the "Rent is 2 Damn High" Party, we deemed it too unprofessional.
Jon Stewart is not as powerful as he thinks he is.
Sign of a shoo-in: I didn't even know Schumer was running until I went to vote.
If the crooked non-lawyer running for Town Justice wins...I will probably do nothing interesting.
Carl Palladino is projected to have lost the race for governor, and now can continue his life as a regular crazy person, instead of as a famous crazy person
We All Come Around...
I was completely unaware that certain things in life are only appreciated at a certain age. I mean, I knew it, I just was so shocked when it happened. Basically, I became my Mother. Not in a "go to your room," way (though there is some of that), more in a "look children, horses," kind of way.
Specifically the fall. I use to hate to drive over the GW Bridge when my mother was driving because she took the boring old Palisades Parkway, nothing but trees to look at. My father always took the Rt.4 and Rt.17 way, and you could play about three rounds of the A-B-C game by the time you got to the local back roads (where if you knew where to look, you'd find an X at Fox Run Road, which is a U shaped street, so if you missed it the first time there was a second sign you could catch). My mother always marveled at how stunning the Palisades was in the fall, I would just snort, and settle in for a boring old drive.
Last week I went over the GWB via the Palisades Parkway, I could not get over how magnificent it was. Truthfully, my own streets and neighborhood are just as gorgeous with the mountains rising up in all their red, orange and yellow bedecked splendor. I was just so taken by it. Not just last week either. I drove up to the Bear Mountain Bridge to really get good foliage views. The first time, I was too early. There was a lot of color around here, but as I traveled north it got greener and greener. The second time I went it had just started:
Why does it take so long to appreciate this?
Specifically the fall. I use to hate to drive over the GW Bridge when my mother was driving because she took the boring old Palisades Parkway, nothing but trees to look at. My father always took the Rt.4 and Rt.17 way, and you could play about three rounds of the A-B-C game by the time you got to the local back roads (where if you knew where to look, you'd find an X at Fox Run Road, which is a U shaped street, so if you missed it the first time there was a second sign you could catch). My mother always marveled at how stunning the Palisades was in the fall, I would just snort, and settle in for a boring old drive.
Last week I went over the GWB via the Palisades Parkway, I could not get over how magnificent it was. Truthfully, my own streets and neighborhood are just as gorgeous with the mountains rising up in all their red, orange and yellow bedecked splendor. I was just so taken by it. Not just last week either. I drove up to the Bear Mountain Bridge to really get good foliage views. The first time, I was too early. There was a lot of color around here, but as I traveled north it got greener and greener. The second time I went it had just started:
Why does it take so long to appreciate this?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
The Associated Press announced today that American Media, the publisher of The National Enquirer, announced that it plans to file for bankruptcy protection in about two weeks.
The company plans to file a "prepackaged" plan, which would allow it to emerge from Chapter 11 relatively quickly.
Under a "pre-pack" (as cool Finance people refer to it), a company negotiates terms with its major creditors prior to filing the bankruptcy petition.
American Media said that 80% of its existing bondholders already favor the plan, which calls for them to forgive their debt in exchange for an equity stake in the new, post-bankruptcy company.
At this time, it is unclear to us whether or not the prepackaged bankruptcy plan will include any sort of cash infusion from outside investors. However, IcebergCarwash has learned that there might very well be such an investor group, and that its members are rumored to include:
* Elvis
* Three aliens
* A day-old, 35-pound, two-headed baby
As of press time, the Loch Ness Monster's spokespeople had yet to return IcebergCarwash's calls seeking comment.
The company plans to file a "prepackaged" plan, which would allow it to emerge from Chapter 11 relatively quickly.
Under a "pre-pack" (as cool Finance people refer to it), a company negotiates terms with its major creditors prior to filing the bankruptcy petition.
American Media said that 80% of its existing bondholders already favor the plan, which calls for them to forgive their debt in exchange for an equity stake in the new, post-bankruptcy company.
At this time, it is unclear to us whether or not the prepackaged bankruptcy plan will include any sort of cash infusion from outside investors. However, IcebergCarwash has learned that there might very well be such an investor group, and that its members are rumored to include:
* Elvis
* Three aliens
* A day-old, 35-pound, two-headed baby
As of press time, the Loch Ness Monster's spokespeople had yet to return IcebergCarwash's calls seeking comment.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Did That Really Happen?
The few items that needed to be refrigerated and had the status of "essential," ended up in a cooler on the counter. It's amazing how much of what we keep in the fridge really doesn't need to stay in there.
The repair guy came, checked the compressor, and told me, basically, that I had cleaned my fridge for the garbage man. That was it. It was done. Finished. Kaput. Time to move on.
I got on the phone with an appliance company that I very much enjoy using, and had a nice discussion with the sales woman as to what my options were. Of course they don't make my exact fridge anymore, that would be too simple. They make just two models that are almost exactly what I had, but not. And the colors and the options available had also changed. Alrighty. Now I had to make decisions. I vacillated back and forth a few times, still unsure what to do. I weighed the pros and cons of each model, and just could not decide. I'm usually very good at BIG decisions like this, it's the small things (what to wear, what to order in a restaurant) that give me some pause.
As I am in the throes of full on indecision, the phone rings.
"Hi, is this F.....BB"
"Yes, it is."
"Hi I'm calling from Alliance Incorporated, we'd like to know if you would like an extended warranty on your refrigerator."
"Is that for the new fridge I'm about to buy, or is that for my fridge that just died?"
"uh....uh..."
"you picked the wrong day to call!!!"
I kid you not.
The repair guy came, checked the compressor, and told me, basically, that I had cleaned my fridge for the garbage man. That was it. It was done. Finished. Kaput. Time to move on.
I got on the phone with an appliance company that I very much enjoy using, and had a nice discussion with the sales woman as to what my options were. Of course they don't make my exact fridge anymore, that would be too simple. They make just two models that are almost exactly what I had, but not. And the colors and the options available had also changed. Alrighty. Now I had to make decisions. I vacillated back and forth a few times, still unsure what to do. I weighed the pros and cons of each model, and just could not decide. I'm usually very good at BIG decisions like this, it's the small things (what to wear, what to order in a restaurant) that give me some pause.
As I am in the throes of full on indecision, the phone rings.
"Hi, is this F.....BB"
"Yes, it is."
"Hi I'm calling from Alliance Incorporated, we'd like to know if you would like an extended warranty on your refrigerator."
"Is that for the new fridge I'm about to buy, or is that for my fridge that just died?"
"uh....uh..."
"you picked the wrong day to call!!!"
I kid you not.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Just Call Me O. Henry
My fridge is not working. The repair guy, a super human being, really smart, really kind, the definition of integrity will be here soon. He is such a mentsch that I won't buy extended warranties because I'm not interested in having someone else come in and work on my stuff. (Also, MBB, the numbers man is against them, though I'm not sure if that's on some principle or a reasoned argument). This guy will always try to help you over the phone, and gives you tips that basically decrease his house calls, but he does it anyway.
The problem started yesterday, and he came, and adjusted the door, which hadn't been closing properly, and probably over taxed the motor (The Obama door!), and he showed me some things I could do, and said "let's see if this is enough," charged me for the minimum repair call, and told me to be in touch.
A few hours later there was no change. The fridge and freezer were no colder, and something had to happen. I called and he told me to take everything out of the fridge, turn it off for six hours, then turn it back on, and see what happened.
So last evening we emptied the freezer first, got rid of some things that have been in there for a few years (we sell that freezer for Pesach), put other things in the second freezer, and then got to work on the fridge. Some stuff went on the counter (condiments and fruit), some stuff went to my parents' fridge, and some stuff I really needed to have for the morning. Y'know the kids' lunches, milk,cream cheese...essentials.
Where's a micro fridge when you need one?
The problem started yesterday, and he came, and adjusted the door, which hadn't been closing properly, and probably over taxed the motor (The Obama door!), and he showed me some things I could do, and said "let's see if this is enough," charged me for the minimum repair call, and told me to be in touch.
A few hours later there was no change. The fridge and freezer were no colder, and something had to happen. I called and he told me to take everything out of the fridge, turn it off for six hours, then turn it back on, and see what happened.
So last evening we emptied the freezer first, got rid of some things that have been in there for a few years (we sell that freezer for Pesach), put other things in the second freezer, and then got to work on the fridge. Some stuff went on the counter (condiments and fruit), some stuff went to my parents' fridge, and some stuff I really needed to have for the morning. Y'know the kids' lunches, milk,cream cheese...essentials.
Where's a micro fridge when you need one?
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Gift That Keeps Giving Me Grief
So, I turn my back on IcebergCarwash for a little while (which might be analogous to saying that Rip van Winkle took a catnap), essentially turning the management of this site over to FBB, and things go completely haywire.
Just within the past few days, she has done the following:
(1) Blogged about breaking a primary rule of our marriage.
(2) Compared my appearance to that of a "hobo." (Hey FBB, the 1930s called. They want their slang back).
(3) Revealed her plan to have me dress in a similar fashion to that of my 4.7 month old son. (Although I'll admit to having grown fond of my one-sie with the monkeys on it, despite its tendency to cause rather unfortunate chafing).
(4) Demeaned a thoughtful gift I had given her.
Therefore, dear people who are probably only reading this post because they stumbled upon this blog after doing a Google search for the phrase "Arctic Glacier-Scented Turtle Wax," allow me to set the record straight, at least about that last item.
I did not purchase a mini-fridge for FBB. I purchased her a micro-fridge. It was just large enough to hold two bottles of wine. Or two 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor. Or a six pack or so of Diet Coke.
Sure, FBB thought it was a dumb idea, but there were some people who considered it to be quite nifty. Such as the people who made the micro-fridge a veritable staple of the Sharper Image catalogue. The very same people who made The Sharper Image a household name. The people who made The Sharper Image one of the most popular, successful and long-lasting brands in the specialty retail sector...
On second thought, I take it back. The micro-fridge was easily the worst gift idea I've ever conceived...for now.
Just within the past few days, she has done the following:
(1) Blogged about breaking a primary rule of our marriage.
(2) Compared my appearance to that of a "hobo." (Hey FBB, the 1930s called. They want their slang back).
(3) Revealed her plan to have me dress in a similar fashion to that of my 4.7 month old son. (Although I'll admit to having grown fond of my one-sie with the monkeys on it, despite its tendency to cause rather unfortunate chafing).
(4) Demeaned a thoughtful gift I had given her.
Therefore, dear people who are probably only reading this post because they stumbled upon this blog after doing a Google search for the phrase "Arctic Glacier-Scented Turtle Wax," allow me to set the record straight, at least about that last item.
I did not purchase a mini-fridge for FBB. I purchased her a micro-fridge. It was just large enough to hold two bottles of wine. Or two 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor. Or a six pack or so of Diet Coke.
Sure, FBB thought it was a dumb idea, but there were some people who considered it to be quite nifty. Such as the people who made the micro-fridge a veritable staple of the Sharper Image catalogue. The very same people who made The Sharper Image a household name. The people who made The Sharper Image one of the most popular, successful and long-lasting brands in the specialty retail sector...
On second thought, I take it back. The micro-fridge was easily the worst gift idea I've ever conceived...for now.
Don't Pop the Gas Bubble
Is the Israeli government about to kill the golden goose, before it lays its first egg?
According to the Wall Street Journal, a group of oil companies, led by Israel's Delek Energy Ltd. and Texas-based Noble Energy, are about to begin exploratory drilling on what is potentially one of the world's largest natural gas fields. According to seismic data, the Leviathan prospect, located about 85 miles off Israel's northern coast, might hold enough natural gas to supply all of Israel's needs for 100 years. This follows the recent discovery of the offshore Tamar field, which was the world's largest natural gas discovery in 2009.
Needless to say, these developments could be real economic and political game-changers for Israel. Before long, a country that had long been frustrated by its inability to discover any meaningful hydrocarbons in a region which seems to be awash in oil and natural gas could become a net exporter of energy.
However, even on the threshold of such momentous developments, Israel's government seems determined to mess things up. Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz has ordered a review of the methodology through which Israel taxes oil and gas exploration. Some lawmakers are considering an increase in royalty rates on existing leases from 12.5% to 20%, according to the Journal.
While these lawmakers are surely congratulating themselves over their ability to exercise their leverage at a seemingly perfect moment, I find their actions to be foolhardy and reckless. One of Israel's greatest strengths in the energy race is the reputation its business and political sector have garnered as relatively stable and sane entities, in contrast to the rogue states which surround it. Why is Israel suddenly acting like Turkmenistan? Trying to hold its partners over a barrel at this stage will only discourage potential partners from contributing their significant capital and expertise to Israel's nascent energy industry in the coming years. In the oil and gas business, shifting royalty schemes can be a real turn-off. Is Israel really willing to throw away so much long-term benefit in the name of increased short-term tax revenue?
One can only hope that Israel's leaders can quickly be cured of their economic myopia, and that the nation will indeed reap the benefits of these seemingly wonderful opportunities.
According to the Wall Street Journal, a group of oil companies, led by Israel's Delek Energy Ltd. and Texas-based Noble Energy, are about to begin exploratory drilling on what is potentially one of the world's largest natural gas fields. According to seismic data, the Leviathan prospect, located about 85 miles off Israel's northern coast, might hold enough natural gas to supply all of Israel's needs for 100 years. This follows the recent discovery of the offshore Tamar field, which was the world's largest natural gas discovery in 2009.
Needless to say, these developments could be real economic and political game-changers for Israel. Before long, a country that had long been frustrated by its inability to discover any meaningful hydrocarbons in a region which seems to be awash in oil and natural gas could become a net exporter of energy.
However, even on the threshold of such momentous developments, Israel's government seems determined to mess things up. Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz has ordered a review of the methodology through which Israel taxes oil and gas exploration. Some lawmakers are considering an increase in royalty rates on existing leases from 12.5% to 20%, according to the Journal.
While these lawmakers are surely congratulating themselves over their ability to exercise their leverage at a seemingly perfect moment, I find their actions to be foolhardy and reckless. One of Israel's greatest strengths in the energy race is the reputation its business and political sector have garnered as relatively stable and sane entities, in contrast to the rogue states which surround it. Why is Israel suddenly acting like Turkmenistan? Trying to hold its partners over a barrel at this stage will only discourage potential partners from contributing their significant capital and expertise to Israel's nascent energy industry in the coming years. In the oil and gas business, shifting royalty schemes can be a real turn-off. Is Israel really willing to throw away so much long-term benefit in the name of increased short-term tax revenue?
One can only hope that Israel's leaders can quickly be cured of their economic myopia, and that the nation will indeed reap the benefits of these seemingly wonderful opportunities.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
I Broke the Rule
Every marriage has its own set of, for lack of a better word, I'll say RULES. Really more of a mutual understanding that certain actions are just not appreciated by the other spouse, and since there should be some modicum of affection between such spouses, each should respect the other's specific requests. You know, like "please don't invite your brother," type thing.
I alluded in a different post to a change in MBB's appearance. A change that necessitated the purchase of some new clothing, even though he really didn't want to buy anything. A well dressed man like him NEEDS to buy clothing when he looks like a hobo with his cinched pants, the only accoutrement missing a rope belt. No, not a braided belt, a ROPE belt.
Over the years I have learned that no matter how careful and particular I am about an article of clothing I purchase for him, I am just not particular enough. Did I notice that the polo has open sleeves, no I did not. Did it register that he doesn't like textured dress shirts, did I notice what type of collar or stitching, no, no I did not. Thus it was requested of me that I please not buy him clothing.
Ever.
So I didn't. For years and years.
However, I've been doing a lot of boy shopping lately, (my friend is not pleased with my choices, preferring I dress my 4 1/2 month old like a baby. Pffft. I love his newsboy cap and I bought him a tie today...though the latter may just be in my DNA), and MBB has become very easy to shop for. He's still particular, but he can wear anything, and now he has someone who can match him! How fun is that.
As much as I really respect his wishes, most of the time, I just could not resist. He probably would have done a better job, but at least now he can get up a little later in the morning, because he has something to wear.
Maybe the girls are rubbing off on him.
I alluded in a different post to a change in MBB's appearance. A change that necessitated the purchase of some new clothing, even though he really didn't want to buy anything. A well dressed man like him NEEDS to buy clothing when he looks like a hobo with his cinched pants, the only accoutrement missing a rope belt. No, not a braided belt, a ROPE belt.
Over the years I have learned that no matter how careful and particular I am about an article of clothing I purchase for him, I am just not particular enough. Did I notice that the polo has open sleeves, no I did not. Did it register that he doesn't like textured dress shirts, did I notice what type of collar or stitching, no, no I did not. Thus it was requested of me that I please not buy him clothing.
Ever.
So I didn't. For years and years.
However, I've been doing a lot of boy shopping lately, (my friend is not pleased with my choices, preferring I dress my 4 1/2 month old like a baby. Pffft. I love his newsboy cap and I bought him a tie today...though the latter may just be in my DNA), and MBB has become very easy to shop for. He's still particular, but he can wear anything, and now he has someone who can match him! How fun is that.
As much as I really respect his wishes, most of the time, I just could not resist. He probably would have done a better job, but at least now he can get up a little later in the morning, because he has something to wear.
Maybe the girls are rubbing off on him.
Monday, October 18, 2010
No Computer, No Problem
Even though our computer is eight years old (and just went in for a major cleanup) and all of the software on that computer is that ancient (in computer terms, of course) or older (is that even possible? Yes. Yes it is), I have nonetheless joined the technological age.
I am posting this on my new kindle, the new kindle that MBB got me as yom tov gift. You all remember MBB, right? He looks a little different these days, but he's still his non blogging self. I really like the kindle, though I don't usually buy books, I'm more of the library type. Luckily, there are magazine subscriptions, some free word games, and free classiics. Not to mention free 3G wireless, and thus my current posting.
MBB suggested that perhaps I should rate the gifts from the past. They're mostly all good, except one. Man was that a doozy. I dont mean that to sound ungrateful. You know that moment when you open a gift and it is just so off the charts anything you either want/need /expect that you just think: "Really? C'mon, Really?" I'll be happy to generalize and say that most women are not interested in a gift......hmmm, how should i put this? That really just makes a put upon husband's life easier. Essentially this gift was to take the place of something that he was doing for me, up until which time I didn't even realize how much he hated! Why would I want a MINI FRIDGE in my bedroom? Decor? Hello? Why would I need a MINI FRIDGE for my room, when I had a super nice husband who went to get me diet coke? Appparently, he was unhappyw ith this arraangement. Who knew? Well, he did, but chose not to share this tidbit.
Needless to say I did not keep this gift. I exchanged it for lovely solar outside lights (they stopped working a few years ago and i sold them to an electrician who wanted them), and stopped asking MBB for liquid refreshment.. So I guess it was win-win.
If the worst gift you have ever given someone ends up making both people happy-you're a pretty good gift giver. Now if I could just get him to blog a little.........
I am posting this on my new kindle, the new kindle that MBB got me as yom tov gift. You all remember MBB, right? He looks a little different these days, but he's still his non blogging self. I really like the kindle, though I don't usually buy books, I'm more of the library type. Luckily, there are magazine subscriptions, some free word games, and free classiics. Not to mention free 3G wireless, and thus my current posting.
MBB suggested that perhaps I should rate the gifts from the past. They're mostly all good, except one. Man was that a doozy. I dont mean that to sound ungrateful. You know that moment when you open a gift and it is just so off the charts anything you either want/need /expect that you just think: "Really? C'mon, Really?" I'll be happy to generalize and say that most women are not interested in a gift......hmmm, how should i put this? That really just makes a put upon husband's life easier. Essentially this gift was to take the place of something that he was doing for me, up until which time I didn't even realize how much he hated! Why would I want a MINI FRIDGE in my bedroom? Decor? Hello? Why would I need a MINI FRIDGE for my room, when I had a super nice husband who went to get me diet coke? Appparently, he was unhappyw ith this arraangement. Who knew? Well, he did, but chose not to share this tidbit.
Needless to say I did not keep this gift. I exchanged it for lovely solar outside lights (they stopped working a few years ago and i sold them to an electrician who wanted them), and stopped asking MBB for liquid refreshment.. So I guess it was win-win.
If the worst gift you have ever given someone ends up making both people happy-you're a pretty good gift giver. Now if I could just get him to blog a little.........
Sunday, October 3, 2010
What Happened to Sharing?
I was speaking to a Yeshiva guy recently about his meals. Really more about the lack of decent options, and what he planned to do about it. Obviously contraband items were a definite, as in most yeshivas, and he would need to cook some of his own meals to fill in the gaps left bare by those charged with filling the gastronomic needs of these young men, who need to achieve their spiritual goals with the requisite energy and fervor.
One of items he intends to use is a crockpot, with goulash and chulent his meals of choice. The pot is actually fairly medium sized, and I asked him what he intended to do with the leftovers. His plan was to eat his fill, and then sell the rest.
Hmmm. I understand a guy who decides, "I will make enough chulent and goulash for everyone, and sell it to them, if they want it." But I don't understand how it gets to the point, where it is not thought of as a business, per se, but a way to recoup the costs of the food that you ate, and make a little money on the side if it comes up when there's a little left. So, your buddy comes into your room hungry, and you have a portion left, and you SELL it to him?
Imagine if this happened in grade school. How often do kids have enough of their snack, and are willing to give it away? Should they be encouraged to sell that half empty bag of chips? Have the words "Up for grabs," lost all of their meaning?
I can understand not wanting to be taken advantage of. I get not wanting to be the one who consistently pays for all the food, and then ends up the provider for all. So why not split the costs with a few guys, and then eat it together when it's ready.
I know that the system that's in place for many of these men is one in which they need to learn all the angles and find ways to make some money to support themselves, but everyone is in the same boat. So going back to the grade school example, why not trade? Give the leftovers to the guy who gives haircuts, the guy who charges to use his treadmill, the guy who rebinds seforim. Everyone wants an angle, and they're finding it...at each other's expense.
One of items he intends to use is a crockpot, with goulash and chulent his meals of choice. The pot is actually fairly medium sized, and I asked him what he intended to do with the leftovers. His plan was to eat his fill, and then sell the rest.
Hmmm. I understand a guy who decides, "I will make enough chulent and goulash for everyone, and sell it to them, if they want it." But I don't understand how it gets to the point, where it is not thought of as a business, per se, but a way to recoup the costs of the food that you ate, and make a little money on the side if it comes up when there's a little left. So, your buddy comes into your room hungry, and you have a portion left, and you SELL it to him?
Imagine if this happened in grade school. How often do kids have enough of their snack, and are willing to give it away? Should they be encouraged to sell that half empty bag of chips? Have the words "Up for grabs," lost all of their meaning?
I can understand not wanting to be taken advantage of. I get not wanting to be the one who consistently pays for all the food, and then ends up the provider for all. So why not split the costs with a few guys, and then eat it together when it's ready.
I know that the system that's in place for many of these men is one in which they need to learn all the angles and find ways to make some money to support themselves, but everyone is in the same boat. So going back to the grade school example, why not trade? Give the leftovers to the guy who gives haircuts, the guy who charges to use his treadmill, the guy who rebinds seforim. Everyone wants an angle, and they're finding it...at each other's expense.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Sorry
We didn't real mean to neglect the blog, life just got busy. Good busy, but busy. I forgot how a baby takes up so much of your "free" time...and brain cells.
I had some really good blogs in me, but then the moment passed and/or it was Friday night or Shabbos morning.
I had a great one come to me on Yom Kippur night. I was dealing with the three and half year old, as I was putting in her in bed I was struck so strongly by the relationship of parent/child as it pertains to man and G-d. It just becomes so much clearer when you pay attention to your own relationship with your kids.
There was one about the absolutely crazy things my kids said in one week, all of which I have completely forgotten.
Those are the few I can remember right now, as I run in between the kitchen, the succah, shopping with the big girls, and feeding the baby. Honestly, if I didn't feed him, I don't think I'd have seen him at all in the last week.
Speaking of him, you can all join us at his Ushpizza on the fourth night of Succos. You'll get his name right, if you keep in mind the nusach we would follow (it goes by the father, folks!).
I kinda thought I'd have a certain someone very ably pick up the slack, as one of his stellar postings would equal to quite a few of mine, but apparently, SOMEONE has to "work for a living..."
We plan to get better. Hang in there.
Thanks.
I had some really good blogs in me, but then the moment passed and/or it was Friday night or Shabbos morning.
I had a great one come to me on Yom Kippur night. I was dealing with the three and half year old, as I was putting in her in bed I was struck so strongly by the relationship of parent/child as it pertains to man and G-d. It just becomes so much clearer when you pay attention to your own relationship with your kids.
There was one about the absolutely crazy things my kids said in one week, all of which I have completely forgotten.
Those are the few I can remember right now, as I run in between the kitchen, the succah, shopping with the big girls, and feeding the baby. Honestly, if I didn't feed him, I don't think I'd have seen him at all in the last week.
Speaking of him, you can all join us at his Ushpizza on the fourth night of Succos. You'll get his name right, if you keep in mind the nusach we would follow (it goes by the father, folks!).
I kinda thought I'd have a certain someone very ably pick up the slack, as one of his stellar postings would equal to quite a few of mine, but apparently, SOMEONE has to "work for a living..."
We plan to get better. Hang in there.
Thanks.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Perspective
Perspective is something that can be gained in many different ways. You can go to Niagara falls and feel and comprehend the awesomeness of this world God has created. You can have hindsight after mistakes have been made, or even when things went the way you wanted them to.
Or you can speak to your sister.
Yesterday, we were discussing her 40th birthday, which was on Friday, while she was busy with the open house portion of her son's bar mitzvah. I asked if she would have liked more of a celebration. Her answer keeps ringing in my ears:
"I can't think of a better way to have spent that day. I was with every person who matters to me."
Or you can speak to your sister.
Yesterday, we were discussing her 40th birthday, which was on Friday, while she was busy with the open house portion of her son's bar mitzvah. I asked if she would have liked more of a celebration. Her answer keeps ringing in my ears:
"I can't think of a better way to have spent that day. I was with every person who matters to me."
On the Road
We finally did it. My sister has lived in Detroit for seventeen years, and we managed in all that time NOT to drive the six hundred miles (one way)to go see her. Until now.
Sheand her husband made a beautiful bar mitzvah this past weekend, and we made a trip of it. We left Wednesday and drove to Niagara Falls, where we stayed overnight, and enjoyed the sights on Thursday before climbing back into the car and arriving at her house at midnight.
Niagara was gorgeous. The falls are beyond magnificent, their power and constancy, awesome. We did all the activities that bring you up close and personal with one of the (not official!)wonders of the world.
Everyone says Niagara is cheesy and very touristy. I found that when walking on the promenade between the American falls and the horseshoe falls, and on the maid of the mist, journey behind the falls, and the rapid river walk this was not the case. It was a natural wonder in its natural state, and you could enjoy different viewpoints and perspectives at varying degrees of proximity and dryness.
Except for one thing.
Every attraction let you out through a gift shop. You could not avoid it. It put France and Wisconsin to shame. It put shame to shame in its shamelessness. The only place that didn't do that was Aero car that was built in 1916, and if they could figure out away to enclose it in a gift shop, you can be darn sure they would have by now.
It was a great trip. It was magnificent, the kids had a blast, and we got to go see the family in Michigan. Then we drove home. Am event we've dreaded for a long time, and thankfully was not as bad as we thought. Apparently it was fine for the kids too, because the three year old told my sister this morning "I want Mommy to drive me back to your house."
Sheand her husband made a beautiful bar mitzvah this past weekend, and we made a trip of it. We left Wednesday and drove to Niagara Falls, where we stayed overnight, and enjoyed the sights on Thursday before climbing back into the car and arriving at her house at midnight.
Niagara was gorgeous. The falls are beyond magnificent, their power and constancy, awesome. We did all the activities that bring you up close and personal with one of the (not official!)wonders of the world.
Everyone says Niagara is cheesy and very touristy. I found that when walking on the promenade between the American falls and the horseshoe falls, and on the maid of the mist, journey behind the falls, and the rapid river walk this was not the case. It was a natural wonder in its natural state, and you could enjoy different viewpoints and perspectives at varying degrees of proximity and dryness.
Except for one thing.
Every attraction let you out through a gift shop. You could not avoid it. It put France and Wisconsin to shame. It put shame to shame in its shamelessness. The only place that didn't do that was Aero car that was built in 1916, and if they could figure out away to enclose it in a gift shop, you can be darn sure they would have by now.
It was a great trip. It was magnificent, the kids had a blast, and we got to go see the family in Michigan. Then we drove home. Am event we've dreaded for a long time, and thankfully was not as bad as we thought. Apparently it was fine for the kids too, because the three year old told my sister this morning "I want Mommy to drive me back to your house."
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
I Tasted Summer Last Night
There is really no other way to describe it. I got some plums at a farm stand at the Middlesex County Fair (in NJ). As I bit into the thin, but ever so crackly skin, the golden flesh beneath it was so soft, sun drenched, and juicy. It evoked everything the summer is, and all the smells and activities of the season were dancing on my tongue.
Definitely being at the fair didn't hurt, but when I had another one this morning the results were the same. One bite, and I was at the beach, in the pool, playing net ball with the kids, summer evenings on the porch, barbecuing and riding bikes at dusk.
The fair itself was great. Lots of rides (with lots of lights), though we didn't end up going on any of them. After the magic show, animals, acrobat show, face painting, window (actually tent)shopping, Skee Ball! and fireworks, it got too late, and everyone had had a good time.
A few minutes before the fireworks were supposed to start we headed in the general direction of where they would be. We were told "anywhere, just kind of look up and you'll see them." As much as this seemed like a good plan, I love fireworks, and was able o determine based on which part of "the sky" I was advised to look up at, where I wanted to be for optimal viewing. We walked through the fairgrounds, and found the farm stand along the way, continuing to the giant,Paul Bunyan sized Turkey Hill cow mascot, as the first explosions began. They were right on top of us, and there was plenty of room for us to stop and watch without blocking any foot traffic. One of the kids echoed my thoughts when she noted all the people just walking on, not even glancing skyward. We did. What a treat.
Imagine, a cool summer night sitting on the grass, lights strung up between tents, the tall rides glowing in the night sky, hearing shouts of glee and laughter from the rides and entertainment, and watching the fireworks splash pulsating colors on your wide-eyed children's faces.
Perfect.
Definitely being at the fair didn't hurt, but when I had another one this morning the results were the same. One bite, and I was at the beach, in the pool, playing net ball with the kids, summer evenings on the porch, barbecuing and riding bikes at dusk.
The fair itself was great. Lots of rides (with lots of lights), though we didn't end up going on any of them. After the magic show, animals, acrobat show, face painting, window (actually tent)shopping, Skee Ball! and fireworks, it got too late, and everyone had had a good time.
A few minutes before the fireworks were supposed to start we headed in the general direction of where they would be. We were told "anywhere, just kind of look up and you'll see them." As much as this seemed like a good plan, I love fireworks, and was able o determine based on which part of "the sky" I was advised to look up at, where I wanted to be for optimal viewing. We walked through the fairgrounds, and found the farm stand along the way, continuing to the giant,Paul Bunyan sized Turkey Hill cow mascot, as the first explosions began. They were right on top of us, and there was plenty of room for us to stop and watch without blocking any foot traffic. One of the kids echoed my thoughts when she noted all the people just walking on, not even glancing skyward. We did. What a treat.
Imagine, a cool summer night sitting on the grass, lights strung up between tents, the tall rides glowing in the night sky, hearing shouts of glee and laughter from the rides and entertainment, and watching the fireworks splash pulsating colors on your wide-eyed children's faces.
Perfect.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Lucky For Me, He's Nuts
My previous post about Biology was misunderstood.
My brother thought I was making fun of him, when in reality I was remarking on this fascination that he, and apparently others in my family, have with flashlights. A fascination I was somewhat unaware of.
The other night we had a family simcha (my nephew's bar mitzvah), and all was going well. My brother, having read the post, opened his jacket and took out two small flashlights. He even turned them on to show me how good they were(man, one of them was really bright). I was properly enthused, and even commended him on his flashlights, though I MAY have wondered why he needed them in his jacket at a bar mitzvah.
The room was beautiful. It was bright, there were white tulle covered lights criss- crossing the ceiling, contrasting nicely with the dark carpet. I was admiring the balloon centerpieces and the general decor when my six year old daughter came up to me crying that her earring had fallen out. It was not an expensive earring (again, she's six), but she was upset, and afraid her "hole would close," so we started looking. We looked all around the table where she had been sitting, and my cousin (the nurse)even went UNDER the table to help search for it. After about ten minutes, I gave up, found my brother, and asked him for a flashlight so that I could see it better on the dark carpet.
I'm surprised you all did not hear the hysterical laughing that followed my request.
I didn't find the earring, though I did feel I had a better chance with the flashlight. I returned it to him, and could still here some slight chortling, but he was trying not to guffaw too loudly, since the earring was in fact, still missing.
We found it later in another kids hair, which is really odd, since these two kids are the same size, so I'm not sure HOW it fell into her hair, maybe mine was sitting on her knees on a chair? After a bit of back and forth due to fear of it hurting, my daughter finally let my cousin, I think BECAUSE she is nurse, put it in for her, and everyone was happy.
Especially my brother.
My brother thought I was making fun of him, when in reality I was remarking on this fascination that he, and apparently others in my family, have with flashlights. A fascination I was somewhat unaware of.
The other night we had a family simcha (my nephew's bar mitzvah), and all was going well. My brother, having read the post, opened his jacket and took out two small flashlights. He even turned them on to show me how good they were(man, one of them was really bright). I was properly enthused, and even commended him on his flashlights, though I MAY have wondered why he needed them in his jacket at a bar mitzvah.
The room was beautiful. It was bright, there were white tulle covered lights criss- crossing the ceiling, contrasting nicely with the dark carpet. I was admiring the balloon centerpieces and the general decor when my six year old daughter came up to me crying that her earring had fallen out. It was not an expensive earring (again, she's six), but she was upset, and afraid her "hole would close," so we started looking. We looked all around the table where she had been sitting, and my cousin (the nurse)even went UNDER the table to help search for it. After about ten minutes, I gave up, found my brother, and asked him for a flashlight so that I could see it better on the dark carpet.
I'm surprised you all did not hear the hysterical laughing that followed my request.
I didn't find the earring, though I did feel I had a better chance with the flashlight. I returned it to him, and could still here some slight chortling, but he was trying not to guffaw too loudly, since the earring was in fact, still missing.
We found it later in another kids hair, which is really odd, since these two kids are the same size, so I'm not sure HOW it fell into her hair, maybe mine was sitting on her knees on a chair? After a bit of back and forth due to fear of it hurting, my daughter finally let my cousin, I think BECAUSE she is nurse, put it in for her, and everyone was happy.
Especially my brother.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Biology
Sometimes, even at an age when you are sure you know everything there is to know about your family, there are surprises still in store.
I was recently speaking with my brother(the lawyer), and he started waxing on about a flashlight he wanted. I was surprised, as I had been in his house a few nights before and he showed me three new flashlights he had. New, as in addition to the ones he already possessed. One on his belt, one on his key chain, and one that can be best described as a flashlight slash weapon. It was huge and heavy. He says it's for the car, but for a guy who sleeps with a bat next to his pillow, I tend to think it's multi-purpose for him.
Naturally, I asked him why he possibly needed another flashlight, and he informed me, that the one he wanted was a three! pack, and it was not for him. He said it was for our father. I was a bit taken a back, and I asked if the man liked flashlights, to which he responded "haven't you seen the flashlights lined up on his dresser? He loves flashlights, we all love flashlights."
I guess I didn't get that gene.
I was recently speaking with my brother(the lawyer), and he started waxing on about a flashlight he wanted. I was surprised, as I had been in his house a few nights before and he showed me three new flashlights he had. New, as in addition to the ones he already possessed. One on his belt, one on his key chain, and one that can be best described as a flashlight slash weapon. It was huge and heavy. He says it's for the car, but for a guy who sleeps with a bat next to his pillow, I tend to think it's multi-purpose for him.
Naturally, I asked him why he possibly needed another flashlight, and he informed me, that the one he wanted was a three! pack, and it was not for him. He said it was for our father. I was a bit taken a back, and I asked if the man liked flashlights, to which he responded "haven't you seen the flashlights lined up on his dresser? He loves flashlights, we all love flashlights."
I guess I didn't get that gene.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Is This a Joke?
I heard a story on the news the other day about the evacuation of the Statue of Liberty because the smoke alarm went off.
Apparently, the entire evacuation took 5 minutes. I guess when you have people thinking this is it, 354 steps don't seem like much. "We're all gonna die!!!!" is a pretty good evacuation technique.
Then there's the little tidbit of info "the firemen got there after a 30 minute boat ride...." So what happens? The alarm goes off at the fire house that there's a fire on Liberty Island, and they hang out on the deck of the ferry as it slowly churns its way through the Hudson? Why not commandeer "The Beast," and get there a lot faster? Do YOU want to be stuck on an island with a 151 foot burning woman?
But the real kicker, the piece de resistance, the rimshot, if you will, is what caused the smoke alarm to go off. It was smoke emanating from the elevator.
Hmmm.
If I was in the Statue of Liberty on a 93 degree day, and was evacuated from the crown, you're darn tootin' it would only take me 5 minutes to get out. I'd be looking for someone in charge so I could yell:
"Waddaya mean ELEVATOR???????"
Apparently, the entire evacuation took 5 minutes. I guess when you have people thinking this is it, 354 steps don't seem like much. "We're all gonna die!!!!" is a pretty good evacuation technique.
Then there's the little tidbit of info "the firemen got there after a 30 minute boat ride...." So what happens? The alarm goes off at the fire house that there's a fire on Liberty Island, and they hang out on the deck of the ferry as it slowly churns its way through the Hudson? Why not commandeer "The Beast," and get there a lot faster? Do YOU want to be stuck on an island with a 151 foot burning woman?
But the real kicker, the piece de resistance, the rimshot, if you will, is what caused the smoke alarm to go off. It was smoke emanating from the elevator.
Hmmm.
If I was in the Statue of Liberty on a 93 degree day, and was evacuated from the crown, you're darn tootin' it would only take me 5 minutes to get out. I'd be looking for someone in charge so I could yell:
"Waddaya mean ELEVATOR???????"
Friday, July 23, 2010
Peeves
I had a lovely lunch yesterday with one of my nieces. At one point I got up to get a straw, and I passed a table that had been vacated, but the plates were still there. On this plate were about ten or more pieces of cubed feta cheese and about that amount, or more, of black olives. Quite obviously the remnants of a Greek Salad.
WHY WOULD YOU ORDER A GREEK SALAD IF YOU DON'T LIKE FETA CHEESE OR BLACK OLIVES!!!!! This particular establishment explains all it's choices, so if you order a Mediterranean wrap you know you are getting eggplant accompanied by lettuce,tomato and onion, and flavored mayo. You can't order a Greek salad in this place and not know what's in it.
At least we got a nice chuckle out of it.
Later, I was driving to pick up some of my kids from day camp when I came up to an intersection with a red light. I was the second car there, and the first car had his left blinker on, but was hugging the right side of the road. Of course when the light turned green we all needed to wait until all the cars on the opposite side of the road drove through the intersection, and I, and all the cars behind me who were going straight, needed to wait because there was no way to get around this fellow until it dawned on him to eke up a little, and we were all able to squeeeze through.
Now, I don't mind waiting when necessary, but this was just silly. Why was he all the way on the right to make a left. This is not the first time I've seen this. Wouldn't you then need to make a wider turn across oncoming traffic? I believe you would, and that's no safer.
Inspired by Johnnie Cochran I came up with a little two line ditty reminder, but it's a family blog. The second line is: "Let everyone pass."
WHY WOULD YOU ORDER A GREEK SALAD IF YOU DON'T LIKE FETA CHEESE OR BLACK OLIVES!!!!! This particular establishment explains all it's choices, so if you order a Mediterranean wrap you know you are getting eggplant accompanied by lettuce,tomato and onion, and flavored mayo. You can't order a Greek salad in this place and not know what's in it.
At least we got a nice chuckle out of it.
Later, I was driving to pick up some of my kids from day camp when I came up to an intersection with a red light. I was the second car there, and the first car had his left blinker on, but was hugging the right side of the road. Of course when the light turned green we all needed to wait until all the cars on the opposite side of the road drove through the intersection, and I, and all the cars behind me who were going straight, needed to wait because there was no way to get around this fellow until it dawned on him to eke up a little, and we were all able to squeeeze through.
Now, I don't mind waiting when necessary, but this was just silly. Why was he all the way on the right to make a left. This is not the first time I've seen this. Wouldn't you then need to make a wider turn across oncoming traffic? I believe you would, and that's no safer.
Inspired by Johnnie Cochran I came up with a little two line ditty reminder, but it's a family blog. The second line is: "Let everyone pass."
Thursday, July 15, 2010
How 'Bout That
Every now and then you want to live in a place that seems, at least in the suburban metro New York area, to exist only in books or movies. That feeling that people are really looking out for each other, and kids can have a fun summer walking around their neighborhood and biking to play ball with their friends.
In these parts the last two items happen, but the first is certainly on display...less.
However, the other day I witnessed the coolest thing. It was almost 4pm, a time when lots of day camps are done for the day, which means traffic on the busier roads in town as parents drive to pick up their charges. I was tootling in my vehicle down one of theses roads, where lots of cars were driving in both directions, when suddenly traffic stopped. I looked ahead, and notice a mini school bus from a camp out of the area was stopped and had his flashers on.
No one from the neighborhood goes to that camp, so he wasn't discharging any passengers. When I looked a little closer, I saw the driver had stopped and turned on his flashers to stop traffic so that a group of boys could cross the street to skateboard in a parking lot!
In these parts the last two items happen, but the first is certainly on display...less.
However, the other day I witnessed the coolest thing. It was almost 4pm, a time when lots of day camps are done for the day, which means traffic on the busier roads in town as parents drive to pick up their charges. I was tootling in my vehicle down one of theses roads, where lots of cars were driving in both directions, when suddenly traffic stopped. I looked ahead, and notice a mini school bus from a camp out of the area was stopped and had his flashers on.
No one from the neighborhood goes to that camp, so he wasn't discharging any passengers. When I looked a little closer, I saw the driver had stopped and turned on his flashers to stop traffic so that a group of boys could cross the street to skateboard in a parking lot!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
That's Entertainment
We're not swimming this week, which leaves a few hours after camp that the kids need something to do. More me than the kids. We could come home and play, but part of what's great about this part of the summer is that we get home from swimming late enough that the kids eat dinner and go to bed. The house stays really neat. That's why I like to find things to do. Out of the house!
Yesterday I went to the park with my kids and two friends with their kids. The weather had really cooled off there was a gorgeous breeze. The two and three year olds had a grand old time climbing the playground equipment, and running around. The six to nine year old group ran around playing cops and robbers, then a really cute (and short) game of baseball.
It's so funny how the six year old boys have all the moves, stances, postures, but ability is still that of a six year old boy. They get so intent (and these are both very laid back kids) about the rules, and how to hold the bat, and they get in their stance and you think "this ball is gonna go outta here!" In reality, it pops up a little and dribbles over to the pitcher, who is standing about six feet from the batter. It doesn't matter, they had a great time, and the Mommies had fun too.
When we got home my kids nixed the supper that was planned (salmon burgers), and we improvised pizza bagels. Simply made with bagel thins (a new product from Thomas'...yaay Costco)sauce and cheese, then popped in the microwave. Not a first choice, but it was seven o'clock.
Today we went to visit recently married niece and see her very-not-three-year-old-proofed apartment. Not that it should be three year old proof, but I think we made her a little nervous. Luckily she had freeze pops in the freezer, and everyone was happy. We discovered the freeze pops as we toured her cabinets. After a little while I couldn't take it anymore, and I told her we HAD to look in her fridge. I mean really. Is there anything more exciting than looking in the fridge of newly married people, and seeing what delicacies are in there? It's a chance for them to go shopping and bring all the things into their homes that their parents never wanted to buy. It's not a stage that lasts long, because generally after the first time you realize WHY your parents never wanted to buy it, and then you don't either. There was some cool ketchup in there, and other delightful things, but I was disappointed.
THERE WERE NO PICKLES!!!! Forget newly married. I don't know how THIS particular person could have NO pickles in her fridge. My flabbers were gasted. We got over it quickly, and had a really nice visit, which was extended by a massive downpour, and the relative distance of our vehicle. So freeze popped and nail polished (not the boy)we took our leave, having injected an hour of chaos into an otherwise serene abode. At least we didn't break anything. I wonder if she realized she was our "activity" for the day.
Tomorrow.....who knows? Wednesday is sundae at Carvel.....
Yesterday I went to the park with my kids and two friends with their kids. The weather had really cooled off there was a gorgeous breeze. The two and three year olds had a grand old time climbing the playground equipment, and running around. The six to nine year old group ran around playing cops and robbers, then a really cute (and short) game of baseball.
It's so funny how the six year old boys have all the moves, stances, postures, but ability is still that of a six year old boy. They get so intent (and these are both very laid back kids) about the rules, and how to hold the bat, and they get in their stance and you think "this ball is gonna go outta here!" In reality, it pops up a little and dribbles over to the pitcher, who is standing about six feet from the batter. It doesn't matter, they had a great time, and the Mommies had fun too.
When we got home my kids nixed the supper that was planned (salmon burgers), and we improvised pizza bagels. Simply made with bagel thins (a new product from Thomas'...yaay Costco)sauce and cheese, then popped in the microwave. Not a first choice, but it was seven o'clock.
Today we went to visit recently married niece and see her very-not-three-year-old-proofed apartment. Not that it should be three year old proof, but I think we made her a little nervous. Luckily she had freeze pops in the freezer, and everyone was happy. We discovered the freeze pops as we toured her cabinets. After a little while I couldn't take it anymore, and I told her we HAD to look in her fridge. I mean really. Is there anything more exciting than looking in the fridge of newly married people, and seeing what delicacies are in there? It's a chance for them to go shopping and bring all the things into their homes that their parents never wanted to buy. It's not a stage that lasts long, because generally after the first time you realize WHY your parents never wanted to buy it, and then you don't either. There was some cool ketchup in there, and other delightful things, but I was disappointed.
THERE WERE NO PICKLES!!!! Forget newly married. I don't know how THIS particular person could have NO pickles in her fridge. My flabbers were gasted. We got over it quickly, and had a really nice visit, which was extended by a massive downpour, and the relative distance of our vehicle. So freeze popped and nail polished (not the boy)we took our leave, having injected an hour of chaos into an otherwise serene abode. At least we didn't break anything. I wonder if she realized she was our "activity" for the day.
Tomorrow.....who knows? Wednesday is sundae at Carvel.....
Monday, July 12, 2010
Annual Trip
For those Visiting Day haters out there, avert your eyes!
We had a great day. The girls are doing great, and are so comfortable in camp. Even the one I accompanied to the infirmary for a strep test (positive) minutes after we got there was in great spirits. (I just feel a little bad that I spent almost NO time in one of the bunk houses, but I did see her bed and steal a Hershey's kiss...cookies and cream, by the way, which I now know I don't care for.)
The traffic was a non issue, espescially since we are right over the New York- Pennsylvania border, we have ways to avoid Route 17 on the way home. I think it's all about expectation. If you just know that you will be spending one (or two, possibly, though we only send one half) Sunday in the summer at visiting day, and that will be your day, you can actually enjoy it.
My brother (not the lawyer)wins the title Visiting Day King. He is the opposite of all those complaining parents and all those parents who bring their kids home on a van on visiting day (would that make them Visiting Day Serfs?).
He voluntarily went up to visit someone else's kid!!! Granted, it is his nephew, and his sister lives in the Midwest, too far to come in for visiting day, but with all the belly-aching you hear about the trip, I am impressed. Would I do that? I like visiting day, but would I go for someone else's kid? I don't know.
So after we got one kid on antibiotics, and the three year old sampled something from everyone's nosh box, we went to Lake Wallenpaupack. We sat lakeside enjoying our lunch, then took a scenic boat tour of the lake for an hour. That was really nice, and we had a great time. Then it was back to camp for slushies from the canteen, loooong good-byes, and off we went. We left them happy and I hope they stay that way.
We got home fairly quickly, and we're waiting for next year!
We had a great day. The girls are doing great, and are so comfortable in camp. Even the one I accompanied to the infirmary for a strep test (positive) minutes after we got there was in great spirits. (I just feel a little bad that I spent almost NO time in one of the bunk houses, but I did see her bed and steal a Hershey's kiss...cookies and cream, by the way, which I now know I don't care for.)
The traffic was a non issue, espescially since we are right over the New York- Pennsylvania border, we have ways to avoid Route 17 on the way home. I think it's all about expectation. If you just know that you will be spending one (or two, possibly, though we only send one half) Sunday in the summer at visiting day, and that will be your day, you can actually enjoy it.
My brother (not the lawyer)wins the title Visiting Day King. He is the opposite of all those complaining parents and all those parents who bring their kids home on a van on visiting day (would that make them Visiting Day Serfs?).
He voluntarily went up to visit someone else's kid!!! Granted, it is his nephew, and his sister lives in the Midwest, too far to come in for visiting day, but with all the belly-aching you hear about the trip, I am impressed. Would I do that? I like visiting day, but would I go for someone else's kid? I don't know.
So after we got one kid on antibiotics, and the three year old sampled something from everyone's nosh box, we went to Lake Wallenpaupack. We sat lakeside enjoying our lunch, then took a scenic boat tour of the lake for an hour. That was really nice, and we had a great time. Then it was back to camp for slushies from the canteen, loooong good-byes, and off we went. We left them happy and I hope they stay that way.
We got home fairly quickly, and we're waiting for next year!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
You Never Know
One of our summer "rituals" is a trip to a small local family owned amusement park. (by local I mean within 60 miles)In the evening. It's a small park with some very kiddie rides, middle kiddie rides and a few rides that are fine for adults/teens. The reason I like to go in the evening, is that I enjoy it immensely when the sky gets dark, and the rides are illuminated. The pulsating white and red lights punctuating the dark humid air, accompanied by the soundtrack of rides rumbling, and shouts of glee rising into the night sky, are quintessential summer.
Though it's a little early in the season to get the full night effect, as the sun sets right around the park's closing time of 9 pm, we like to go when the big kids are in camp, and this week worked out for us. We picked Wednesday, partially because that was the best day logistically, but mostly because they instituted a deal for 5 pm to closing for Tuesday and Wednesday nights. This park is pretty small, so four hours is really not necessary as it tends to be fairly empty in the evening. Especially when it's so hot.
Tuesday evening I picked my daughter up from her day camp, and as she got in the car she said "bad news." I asked what the problem was, and she said the camp was going on a trip the next day...to our amusement park.
We all "awwwwed," and I told the kids we'd try to go another night, and that we'd still have a fun evening trip on Wednesday night, we would work it all out when MBB got home.
The more I thought about it though, the more the trip the camp was taking made me uncomfortable. Wednesday's temperatures were supposed to be in the 100 degree range, and HUMID, and I didn't trust a nine year old, or her 16 year old counselor to ensure that proper hydration would occur. I vacillated and we talked about it (she was willing to stay home and have us all go in the evening, but that wasn't a good reason not to go), and came upon a solution. We both talked to her about how much she had to drink, and wear a hat, and we froze one water bottle, and put the other one in the fridge.
We made a plan for Wednesday evening. We would go bowling, then to Carvel and possibly a night swim. Yay, fun!
The next morning she applied sunscreen, and took a bottle of the easy on sunscreen spray for reapplication. We again told her how much she had to drink, and reminded her of the girl we saw faint at the blueberry picking. (That girl's father yelled for her mother, Linder..that's Linda for you non New York readers, to come quick and bring water. Apparently Linder had left the water in the car. MBB started to head over to where they were with our extra bottle of water, but by the time he got there someone else had given them some. Once the crisis had passed the father went into an obscenity laced diatribe against Linder for not taking the water out of the car. Dude, if it was that important why didn't YOU take the water out of the car?)
Our intrepid camper promised to drink and wear her hat, even if she was the only one, and off she went.
That afternoon I went to pick her up, and she happily proclaimed "We didn't go, we went bowling instead!!!"
I was very pleased that literally COOLER heads had prevailed and they canceled the trip, but now our second choice of activity had been usurped by the camp! I immediately called MBB, and Plan A was back on!!!
So even though the lights did not go on, the girls had a blast, came home sticky from ices and sweat, and my summer remains intact.
Next up.....
VISITING DAY!!!
Though it's a little early in the season to get the full night effect, as the sun sets right around the park's closing time of 9 pm, we like to go when the big kids are in camp, and this week worked out for us. We picked Wednesday, partially because that was the best day logistically, but mostly because they instituted a deal for 5 pm to closing for Tuesday and Wednesday nights. This park is pretty small, so four hours is really not necessary as it tends to be fairly empty in the evening. Especially when it's so hot.
Tuesday evening I picked my daughter up from her day camp, and as she got in the car she said "bad news." I asked what the problem was, and she said the camp was going on a trip the next day...to our amusement park.
We all "awwwwed," and I told the kids we'd try to go another night, and that we'd still have a fun evening trip on Wednesday night, we would work it all out when MBB got home.
The more I thought about it though, the more the trip the camp was taking made me uncomfortable. Wednesday's temperatures were supposed to be in the 100 degree range, and HUMID, and I didn't trust a nine year old, or her 16 year old counselor to ensure that proper hydration would occur. I vacillated and we talked about it (she was willing to stay home and have us all go in the evening, but that wasn't a good reason not to go), and came upon a solution. We both talked to her about how much she had to drink, and wear a hat, and we froze one water bottle, and put the other one in the fridge.
We made a plan for Wednesday evening. We would go bowling, then to Carvel and possibly a night swim. Yay, fun!
The next morning she applied sunscreen, and took a bottle of the easy on sunscreen spray for reapplication. We again told her how much she had to drink, and reminded her of the girl we saw faint at the blueberry picking. (That girl's father yelled for her mother, Linder..that's Linda for you non New York readers, to come quick and bring water. Apparently Linder had left the water in the car. MBB started to head over to where they were with our extra bottle of water, but by the time he got there someone else had given them some. Once the crisis had passed the father went into an obscenity laced diatribe against Linder for not taking the water out of the car. Dude, if it was that important why didn't YOU take the water out of the car?)
Our intrepid camper promised to drink and wear her hat, even if she was the only one, and off she went.
That afternoon I went to pick her up, and she happily proclaimed "We didn't go, we went bowling instead!!!"
I was very pleased that literally COOLER heads had prevailed and they canceled the trip, but now our second choice of activity had been usurped by the camp! I immediately called MBB, and Plan A was back on!!!
So even though the lights did not go on, the girls had a blast, came home sticky from ices and sweat, and my summer remains intact.
Next up.....
VISITING DAY!!!
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