My last Shabbat this trip was this evening. I'm not keeping this one sans technology, so I'm writing my update now. We had Eliyahu Parker and his family this Shabbos, which meant 9 people at the table. My first visit here in 2003 it was just the 5 adults and baby Aryeh. Now the Shechktmans have 5 kids and the Parkers 4. My next trip will likely be ( Read more... )

Ma' ale Shlomo, 2013. It started snowing last night, and is still snowing today:) This is the first time since 2006, when Yohanan was 1 year old. All the kids playing in the snow, learning to throw snowballs with their Aba, watching snow fall near this amazing vista ( Read more... )

There is a crazy storm going on right now! Tel Aviv is flooding, as is Jerusalem. It's been windy and crazy here, but at least were on a hilltop! Today I felt suck at the cottage in town, and Rachel made me feel better by dancing and singing:) I managed to almost set the place on fire by accidently leaving a pillow in front of the heater, which ( Read more... )

Posting from a computer rather than my tablet! I have a qwerty keyboard! It makes such a difference. I'm sure I'll get better with the swipe keyboard, but for now qwerty is so much better. I am reminded of 15 or 16 years ago, when I was not good at typing, that I would ask Joe to type for me since he was so fast. I loved the sound of the clacking ( Read more... )

I spent this Shabbat keeping away from technology . I broke Shabbat by turning on lights and stuff, but didn't go online, which was really nice . I cleaned Rachel's room a lot, napped, watched the sun rise, and had an overall great day with everyone . I think this 2 week trip is going to be perfect:)

I've been here close to a week now . I was sick yesterday, feeling better today . I'm hoping that was the worst of it . we went shopping last night at a great thrift store, but poor Rachel backed into something and broke her back windshield:( I also got a great massage yesterday, which really helped my neck pain . I'm so happy to be spending this ( Read more... )

This is my 3rd trip to Israel to visit Rachel. This time I'm going to write about it! I'm using the kindle fire hd that Tom got me. I am lucky to have this and a bit concerned by the big expensive present so soon . But then again, I haven't seen too many big presents gotten after couples are established ( Read more... )

What happens if you marry and find after a time that you don't want to be married to that person anymore? Divorce, hopefully amicably. Same as any relationship, though it's got more steps because of legal paperwork ( Read more... )

One year ago I arrived in Austin for the first time on my own. I have been back in Austin for one year as of 11/5/11 ( Read more... )

Outlining what's been going on. If I think on the bad too much I get wrapped up in the helpless frustration ( Read more... )