Got religion?

There is a temple here that has been around for over a hundred years. When we lived here before, I attended sporadically. Being a small town in the south, rabbis are a little hard to come by. There was a woman rabbi here when we first arrived in 1998, but she was gone within a year or two. Then there was a retired rabbi from Chicago who flew in once or twice a month for awhile. Right now there is no rabbi at all, so all the services are lay-led.

I went to services last night by myself, and last week with all the kids. We were warmly welcomed and remembered. Nice feeling.

Since I've been gone from this place, I have deepened my understanding and appreciation for Judiasm. When in France I became a part of the community of moms at the temple program for kids. In Sugarland (the first time), I became a member of the sisterhood and attended various events. I even started celebrating Shabbat in the home a couple of times a month.

Now, that I am here in a place without a *leader*, I find that I am very drawn to participe.

I have been looking for a place where I feel at home and connected to a community. I think this is going to be one of those places. (I'm starting to think about activities I could host, and how to get the kids involved.) This could be great for us. For me.

Short post

Hi folks,

Still here. Now live from Lake Charles, Louisiana. It's been a wild ride and probably the worst moving experience ever - combine BAD packers with SICK husband, then add stuff I put into storage two years ago plus kids who are tired of each other, and you'll get a sense of the craziness.

School started last week. Aside from the uniforms (yuck) and homework (double-yuck), I think the kids are settling into a routine. I am still looking for it. Should be easier once we get internet at the house. (Today, I hope).

I've got new phone numbers (and a new smart phone - yay!) If you want 'em, send me an email or FB post and I'll pass them on.

Two Steps Forward; One Step Back

As I sit here, there are four people in my house packing everything into boxes. I am feeling rather sad. But it is not about leaving HERE. It feels more like the final "nail in the coffin" of our expat life being over.

We were supposed to be going to Korea. We were supposed to have an exciting adventure. We were supposed to be living my childhood dream of seeing the world.

But what we're actually doing is moving BACKWARDS. To a place we've already lived. To a job T has already done (more or less). To (one) school we're already familiar with.

I am trying to keep a positive attitude. There are many things I like about Lake Charles. I am definitely looking forward to teaching Jazzercise and going to the Yoga studio in town.

I can see this as part of the dance where you take one step back in order to change direction. I am aware of all the possibilities and potential...

But right now, I am mostly just sad.

Counting Down the Days

Today was Monday. Nothing in particular to do, so I brought the kids to a movie. Lots of whining about "I don't want to see that," followed by "wow, that was great." (Toy Story 3).

Tomorrow and Wednesday I send the kids to day camp. I see no reason for them to hang around the house. While they're gone, I get to exercise, get a haircut & run errands. On Wednesday they get their dentist appointment too. (Oh so much excitement I can hardly stand it).

On Thursday I pack up the kids and drive to Lake Charles. We spend the night, then close on the house on Friday.

We drive back Friday afternoon (in two separate vehicles), and spend Saturday and Sunday preparing for the packers to arrive at the house. Since there is a lot of stuff in the house we are leaving (either it belongs to the owners of the house, or we are leaving it for our cleaning gal), there is going to be a lot of signs put up that say "NO."

On Monday the pack/movers are coming & once they're done, we are too. Off to Lake Charles. A week in the hotel (plus or minus), and then life begins again.

I am both looking forward to it, and dreading it at the same time. Mostly I think it just moves us that much closer to school starting, and routines to get back to normal. (Oh how I miss "normal!")