Productive blogging

Haveil Havalim is up at The Real Shaliach.

It's a great edition, but what really amused me is that he met his Kallah [fiance] because she started commenting on his blog.

And people say this whole blogging thing is a waste of time....

Mazal Tov!

They thought it couldn't be done (title 1), and will it be Barack or John? (title 2)

Fellow computer addicts, listen up. I have been away from my computer for 48 hours. I know, I can hardly believe it myself, but it can be done.

It wasn't a conscious decision not to turn the thing on. I just came home from work yesterday exhausted. I'm pretty sure I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, and I have been feeling down for no apparent reason. I looked at the computer and just didn't want to deal. The fact that I was reading this also made me not want to crack open the laptop. This is just one of those books you can't put down--great plot line, strong characters and a fascinating historical setting. I also managed to go on a vigorous walk with Ozzy and a friend, then went to bed at 10:30 and woke up feeling pretty darn good.

Hmm. Maybe I should do this more often.

Next topic.

I don't usually get political on this blog, but I do read and discuss this stuff alot. My friend N called me from America a couple of hours ago; she was torn about who to vote for and said she wanted my insight. I was touched and flattered that she thought enough of my opinion to call me. She was really torn about who to vote for, saying that her neighborhood (my old neck of the woods, the Five Towns was going with McCain, but that she wasn't so sure. She had several good reasons for her feeling. I told her what I thought. I didn't try to convince her either way and don't know what she decided. She probably doesn't know yet herself, and won't know until she pulls that lever.

I was so happy that she was putting so much thought into it and not just conforming. I hate to be cynical, but with the electoral college system of electing a US president, New York State is pretty much a shoo-in for Obama, regardless of who N votes for. Still she felt her vote was crucial and talked about the privilege of voting as a Jew and as a woman.

I'm pretty intrigued about who the new president will be. I know what the polls are saying, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was an upset. I think that whomever it is has much to look forward to. America will spend the next couple of years recovering from the current economic mess. The new president, be it Obama or McCain, will get, or take credit for this recovery (whether he deserves it or not).

I'm signing off now. When I wake up, we'll know who America's new leader is. Either way, the next four years should be very interesting.

Why I'm Blogging

I've been reading other people's blogs for about a year now, and find many of them to be very well written and entertaining. Of course, I particularly enjoy the aliyah blogs. Many people write blogs and then stop. It does take some time and effort to maintain them. Some of these writers are incredibly prolific and write daily. I decided to treat my blog as a diary. I've been keeping a journal on and off since high school. (Okay sometimes YEARS pass between entries), and I just decided to put it here, really to let my family and friends know what's going on in my life, especially since we are moving to Israel. I don't know how often I'll write, but I guess it will be when I feel the need to comment on and analyze what I'm experiencing in Israel.

Oh, and I can't promise you the spelling, grammar and punctuation will be perfect. Please feel free to correct me. There doesn't seem to be spell check on "blogger"--if someone knows otherwise please let me know. (For example, how DO you spell 'beaurocrasy'?)

There is a whole world of Jewish bloggers out there, and many of them know each other through their blogs and link to each other. There are even annual awards for Jewish blogging with many different categories. I havn't figured out how to link to them, which is a good thing for all you guys because I promise it becomes addictive to start reading this stuff (ask Isaac!--he says I spend way to much time on the computer). Eventually, though I will, and you'll see what I mean.

If any of you know how to do this stuff (linking and other stuff I'm clueless about), please let me know.

I'll tell you what this blog won't be. It won't be a minute-by-minute account of what we are doing in Israel. And, although it will be somewhat personal, it can't be to personal because I have to respect the privacy of Isaac and the kids. (so, no, I won't be writing about any arguments that I. and I may have--not that we ever argue...). I also want to try to limit the complaining about some of the things you hear about that are difficult in Israel--the beaurocracy, corrupt government etc. I really want to try to see the good of the society I'm choosing to live in, rather than the not-so-good. I feel bad about saying "lashon Harah" about Israel, and will try hard not to do that. But we'll see.

So this blog may turn out to be one big bore. Read it at work, when you have nothing better to do. I would love you all to comment when you want to--just click on the comments section and go.

Ultimately, this blog is just another way to keep in touch with the people I care so much about, whom I will miss terribly. All of you, in other words. I hope it helps us to stay connected and involved in each other's lives, even from so far a distance.

Shavua Tov!