Holidays

Just like last year.....this year does not have that holiday feel.  At this point I simply do not know if I have outgrown them?  Or is it because I do not have kids to sort of steep the house in that holiday feel.  I dont know.  Maybe it is because I live in the desert - and as such it is not that cold or wintery.  But then I lived in CA and even in Pasadena it felt like the holidays.  I really dont know what the reason is.  For me it just seems like another day in the calendar.

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Thanksgiving Holiday

Thursday was Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.  Got to spend time with your loved ones and that this year was better than last year.

This time last year the hard times started happening at my day job.  I hope and pray that next year will be far easier than last year. 

Thursday, initially Thanksgiving was canceled at my sisters place.  So, I slept in.  Well that isn't entire true, I woke up at 6 am was up til 9 am but went back to sleep LOL.  Early in the afternoon finally got things going.  Since there was no gathering Jen and I decided to go to MiMi's Cafe - well they were out the door packed so we ended up at the Claim Jumper. It was great there.  Busy but not overtly so and it is always a great place to enjoy a meal.

As we were leaving I got a text from my sister who was depressed.  I told her that I would take her out to dinner for Thanksgiving to try to cheer her up.  So, Jen and I go home, drop our left overs off, check on the cats and start to leave to Gilbert.  An hour later we get there, get to visit and catch up with everyone and after more time head out to eat again.  Basically this time Jen and I probably only had half a meal since it was about 3 hours from our previous meal.  But the conversation was good and I think it was a good way to cheer up my sister. 

By the time the meal ended we were sort of debating to go to the movies.  I wanted to see The Blindside, Laurie and Jenn wanted to see the new Twilight movie, but we all decided against it.  The movies would have to wait until Saturday. 

On Friday, I worked a full day.  By the time I got home I was exhausted. LOL  But I got so much done since the office was dead quiet!!!     It's amazing how much gets done when there is little ambient activity.

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Another event

Rinat invited you to "Rinat Gutman's interview about Jewish Hip-Hop" today.

Event: Rinat Gutman's interview about Jewish Hip-Hop
      "רינת גוטמן בראיון על היפ-הופ יהודי"
Start Time: Today, November 24 at 3:00pm
End Time: Today, November 24 at 4:00pm
Where: jerusalem (7-9 AM EST)

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=206799046773&mid=175bf07G2a0ed412G47ed94aG7

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 06:59 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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Finally

I think I got everything installed into my new laptop! 

I have been looking for the Hebrew Rosetta Stone and I just found it!!! YAY!!!!

Now since Fridays are free days I can use that time to actually study Hebrew! YAY!!! Maybe in a couple of months I will be as fluent as Shawn is! LOL

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I can't wait for 2010

ITS GOING TO BE A WONDERFUL YEAR!!!!

Why?

Because of this: - From Ace of Spades

Oh, My: Zogby Interactive Poll Finds That Independents Believe Bush Administration More Transparent and Open Than Chicago Socialist

Interesting thing about polls: When people like you, they claim to like everything about you. When they don't like you, they start saying they don't like anything about you.

That is why, for example, when Captain Wonderful was leading in the run-up to the 2008 election, pollsters reported the public claimed they actually trusted Obama on taxes more than McCain.

Taxes. And the deficit. And controlling government spending.

And for American Jews? They claimed they thought that Obama would be better for Israel.

Um, okay.

Just a tendency people have to blow off specific, secondary questions and just keep answering the same way they answer the primary, general question.

Which candidate is has a better understanding of the trauma experienced by captured pilots held hostage at the Hanoi Hilton for eight years? Why, Barack Obama, naturally!

I don't know if this poll finding really indicates that independents are waking up specifically to the fact that Obama is very deceptive and manipulative, or if it's just the standard "Yeah, he kind of sucks on everything" response, but either way, I likes it.

Thanks to AHFF Geoff.

Posted by: Ace at 08:19 PM

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SICK

UGH I hate hate hate being sick.

Since Sunday I have not felt well.  Yesterday was the worst day, but now I think because of being sick my intestinal problem has been inflamed and I have been trying TRYING To get my prescription refilled and it has been an absolute bitch.

Now another day has passed no prescription.

At least Cornelius is doing better.  But I loathe giving him his antibiotics as he scratches the fuck out of my arm. LOL

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Surgery is a success

Cornelius FINALLY had his surgery.

He was at the pet hospital all freaking day today getting his dental procedure done.  Of course they put him under...so he had his first surgical procedure today.  He came through like a champ.

He is home now...relaxing...grogging but eating and drinking!

His front paws have been shaved because of the catheter, and I have to say he looks funny with his paws shaved.  The nurse said in a week the fur will grow back.  I did not expect him to have pink skin LOL.

We got some antibiotics to give him for the next week.

He has an appt in 2 weeks for vaccinations.   In may the final follow up. YAY!!!!

Without the insurance plan this procedure would have cost about 1050 bucks.  Today I paid 20.00. 

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What sucks

What sucks is that I LOATHE being on meds. 

It was one thing when they were anti-anxiety meds.   I didn't like it then but I know I needed it at least for the short time given the stresses I was under earlier in the year.  While those stresses are still there - they are handled with and most of those meds are simply not needed anymore.

No, now I am referring to pain meds.

It really sucks for a couple of reasons.  First, I dont like taking meds ANYWAY. Despite the weight issues I have overall been in very good health being able to avoid taking meds except when I am actually sick with the flu or something.  That I can handle, once I start feeling better I start scaling back until recovered.  But, for the past couple of months - and since I have been home from the hospital there is rarely a day that goes by that I do not need to take something to deal with the pain.  That fucking sucks in so many ways.   I am looking forward to the day that I will be pain free again!  Hopefully sooner the better!

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Updates with Lital.

Chris asked if I was still in contact with Lital. 

The answer, of course, is yes I am.  It is no where near as frequent as it used to be.  But the communication is still there.

She is back in school, as busy as ever.  It sounds like it never lets up.  I do hope it is a bit of an exaggeration.  I do not try to probe as much as I used to to find out how she is personally.  I assume in general she is doing about the same as before...bouts of doubt, a bit of depression, punctuated with good friends, good times and hopefully good grades.

My last communication with her was just recently when she told me she got the B-day gift I sent her. 

Here is what she said:

omg!!!!! i got your present today!! it's the best
thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 06:37 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Too funny not to steal

http://minx.cc/?post=294670

Visual Metaphor for America's Image Abroad Under Obama

Is it better to be a bully? Or a pussy?

I know one thing for sure: the worst is to come off as pussy-bully, as the US does under Obama.

Thanks to rdbrewer.

Posted by: Ace at 12:59 PM

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Aliyah or law school???

That is the question.  Well one of many questions I am struggling with.

I know I can't do the aliyah until I meet all the obligations of the Jewish Agency.
I know I can't do the aliyah when I am not in good health - or at least until I have my surgery.
I know I cannot do the aliyah until I sell my home!

I don't want to waste my life either.

I always known and said either I do law school or the aliyah and I will consider my life well-lived and my goal for my life achieved.  Just one of those two things would do it.

The question is which one is most likely, most beneficial and for lack of a better word - easier to attain.  Right now, with all factors considered it is probably law school. 

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Entertainment

I think for the first time in oh....about 2 years I actually spent some time playing some computer games. 

I know..shocking isn't it. 

Between all the craziness going on in my life - trying to make sure obligations are met - juggling my life, parts of Jenn's life, the trip to Vegas - that I have to finish updating..  (Oh and I have some pics...but mine are on my iPhone - so no flash.  Agrippa is working on getting a converter cord then he will send me his MUCH MUCH better pictures.)

Between all of these issues the past couple of weekends I was actually able to spend a bit of time playing some computer games. 

Hehe I remember the past with fondness when I used to have time to just waste playing games.  It's fun, but now it is simply a luxury I do not have.  I will be LUCKY if I am able to spend an hour or two playing a game.  Before I went to Vegas I bought Europa Universalis III, Rome Universalis and Civilization IV.  All very very good games and would like to learn more about them in between my responsibilities.

At least now on Fridays I can divide my time between learning Hebrew - yes actually learning it now...and playing games when I start getting frustrated in learning a new language hehehe.

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9/11 Memorial in Israel

Got this from one of the Nefesh B'Nefesh lists I am on - and quite frankly I am moved.  Read it all

_____

On November 12, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. in the land of Israel, in the foothills of Jerusalem, a Living Memorial will be dedicated by Jewish National Fund commemorating those who lost their lives on 9/11. We cordially invite you to be part of this special dedication.

The memorial utilizes a metal beam from the World Trade Center. The name of everyone who lost their lives in this vicious attack of terrorism will be inscribed along with their country of their origin. This is the only memorial of its kind outside of the United States.
We hope you will be able to join us in the footsteps of Jerusalem. This is our opportunity to be part of history.

The full text of the invite follows below:

On September 11, 2001, four U.S. planes hijacked by terrorists, crashed into the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania killing nearly 3,000 people in a matter of hours. Over 90 countries suffered great loss in this savage attack, and in the days immediately following many memorials and vigils were held around the world.

On November 12, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. in the land of Israel, in the foothills of Jerusalem, a Living Memorial will be dedicated by Jewish National Fund commemorating those who lost their lives on 9/11. We cordially invite you to be part of this special dedication.

Jewish National Fund conceived of this project in the aftermath of the September 11th tragedies. We did so to offer a physical presence in Jerusalem, Israel to memorialize the victims and pay tribute to the endurance of all those around the world who are men and women of peace.

Jewish National Fund is constructing this 9/11 Living Memorial on over four acres of land, surrounded by beautiful hand-planted forests on a hilltop visible to all as they enter the golden City of Jerusalem. The memorial, designed by artist Eliezer Weishoff, depicts a crater to memorialize those who lost their lives in Pennsylvania; has a base that commemorates the victims of the attack on the Pentagon; and a flame in the middle rising up to form the shape of an American flag to honor those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center. The memorial also utilizes a metal beam from the World Trade Center.

The JNF 9/11 Living Memorial was made possible by a generous donation from The Bronka Stavsky Rabin Weintraub Trust and the Edward Blank family of New York City. The name of everyone who lost their lives in this vicious attack of terrorism will be inscribed along with their country of their origin. This is the only memorial of its kind outside of the United States.

It would be our honor to have you there with us on November 12, 2009, at 12:30 p.m., together with family members of the victims, dignitaries from Israel and around the world, and representatives of all faiths.

We hope you will be able to join us in the footsteps of Jerusalem. This is our opportunity to be part of history. Please RSVP to Dena Wimpfheimer, dena@lonestar.co.il<mailto:dena%40lonestar.co.il><mailto:dena@lonestar.co.il<mailto:dena%40lonestar.co.il>> .

.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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Veterans Day

I should have posted this earlier.

Today is Veterans day - originally Armistice Day - the day WWI Ended.

Today we celebrate our veterans who keep us safe and secure.  This day means so much more given the recent travesty at Ft. Hood.  And, that I now have an immediate family member serving in the military. 

I hope and pray that our  men and women in the military stay safe and are always Supported and respected.  They are all heros!  

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Israel trip or not?

Jenn has been fluctuating on the trip to Israel.  She wants to move out..which is great and very understandable. 

I can totally see her not going - which would be fine.  I know at this point I simply cannot do the aliyah until after my surgery.  Just like I know if I took a trip to Israel at this juncture I would not enjoy it...being medicated would dampen my stamina and enjoyment (not to mention the lack of beer) LOL.

So, I would say at this point it is 50/50 that the trip will go on at this point.

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 08:18 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Updates

Lots of craziness going on. 

Working towards having my surgery, jumping through hoops....just yesterday I had to attend a seminar that is required to even meet the surgeon on a consult.  I know I need a revision and a hernia repair.  Nov 30th I have the consult with the surgeon.  Here is my problem, one of the requirements is a diet record for more than 6 months.  I have stopped seeing my personal trainer after the last hospitalization.  So, since then no record.  I wonder if they will count prior to August.  If they don't I am screwed.  Because of the occasional pain I am currently taking 2 vicoden a day.  I function and do my responsibilities.  BUT, if I have to wait 6 months and am forced to be on vicoden for over 7 - 8 months straight - that will be BAD news.

Well at this point I wait til Nov 30th to see the next step of the process.

Cornelius - my cat.   Goes into surgery on Saturday.  Every week its getting postponed, delayed, reschedule....this time it better not be.   He is doing alot better at least   Good news for him.

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Hamas has rockets that can hit Tel Aviv?

Why yes, yes they can.

This according to Bloomberg:

Nov. 3 (Bloomberg) -- The Islamic Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip can now launch rockets capable of reaching the Israeli metropolitan area of Tel Aviv, Deputy Foreign Minister :S:d1" onmouseover="return escape( popwSearchNews( this ))">Danny Ayalon said at a Jerusalem briefing.

“We know they have tried to, and have obtained missiles that reach 60 kilometers (37 miles),” Ayalon said today. “Tel Aviv and its vicinity are now under the range of Hamas.”

During Israel’s military operation against Hamas in Gaza, which ended in January, the farthest rocket strike was some 40 kilometers into Israel, endangering southern cities such as Ashdod and Beersheba.

Since the three-week operation, Hamas has been able to replenish its stock of military equipment and explosives as well as upgrade its rocket capability, Ayalon said. Hamas is receiving support from Iran, which is using the Islamic movement to increase its influence in the region, he said.

Hamas recently successfully tested a rocket with a 60- kilometer range, Major General :S:d1" onmouseover="return escape( popwSearchNews( this ))">Amos Yadlin, chief of military intelligence, told a parliamentary committee in Jerusalem today, according to the YNet news Web site.

When reached for comment, Abu Obaida, spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, said: “We are not interested in responding to the Zionist intelligence reports. They can say whatever they want.”

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Vegas Day 3

Saturday in Vegas was the best day.

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Honor killing in Arizona

About 2 weeks ago in Peoria, AZ a 20 year old woman was ran down by her Iraqi father because he felt that she was being to westernized.  In other words, she did not approve of the arranged marriage, she dated who she wanted, and dressed in more common fashion.  Her dad did not like that so he ran her down - along with the mother of her bf's mother.

Yesterday, the 20 year old woman died. 

I really loathe Islam.  It is a blight in our world.

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HOME

Got home about 7 pm last night...and G-d I was beat.

The drive was simply a bitch.  Going through Hoover Dam - I was flagged as a car that had to have a random inspection.  That took about 15 min.  From the border to Phoenix the drive was actually smooth.  Then I hit the 101 Freeway and FUCK....3 accidents in a 3 mile stretch on a SUNDAY NIGHT!!! To say I was annoyed would be an understatement.  It was like I was driving in downtown phoenix during the week to take Jen home from work.  Unacceptable.  I got off the freeway and still hit traffic but finally broke through and got home. 

Today at work I wrote to Agrippa to make sure he got back to Canada and he did.    It was an absolute pleasure to met him in Vegas.  We must do it again next year!  (after the trip to Israel.).

Now, I am back to work and things are getting back to normal.

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 12:54 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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