Thursday, May 19, 2011

Driving Me Sane

As my husband continually reminds me, my thirtieth birthday is on the horizon. Given my "advanced" age many people are surprised to hear that I only recently got a driver's license. Almost thirteen years after my post driver's ed hiatus, I finally achieved what others my age take for granted.

I am very independent by nature so my pedestrian years were only hindered by how far public transportation or my cute shoes would take me. Once I had two kids in tow, that distance was considerably shortened. The heady freedom that comes from needing to go somewhere, leaving when it suits me, and getting there quickly is incredible!

When I think about the most exciting place I've taken myself there are several top contenders:
  • Running out to the grocery for a time sensitive needed item. No more relying on hubsters' manly instincts, which sometimes end with him returning empty handed.
  • The mikvah, nuf said.
  • Getting the kids to school on time.
But today was the best of all. I took the kids to a park in the next neighborhood. One we'd gotten to with a good friend who shares her extra car seating and masochistic desire to travel out numbers 2:1 in favor of the rugrats. But the pleasure of taking them myself today was sweet. I was providing a simple, pleasurable treat to my children. Were they lacking before? Not with a park and library walking distance from home. Not for love, crafts, food, caring, and fun. Who doesn't love a little extra though? And I was able to do it myself. Even the rain on my parade couldn't rain on my parade.

I'm already hoping for a sunny day next week so we can hit all the hottest preschool fun spots more than 15 mins from home.

First I'm celebrating with a mommy's night out. I'll drive!


As my husband continually reminds me, my thirtieth birthday is on the horizon. Given my "advanced" age many people are surprised to hear that I only recently got a driver's license. Almost thirteen years after my post driver's ed hiatus, I finally achieved what others my age take for granted.


I am very independent by nature so my pedestrian years were only hindered by how far public transportation or my cute shoes would take me. Once I had two kids in tow, that distance was considerably shortened. The heady freedom that comes from needing to go somewhere, leaving when it suits me, and getting there quickly is incredible!

When I think about the most exciting place I've taken myself there are several top contenders:
  • Running out to the grocery for a time sensitive needed item. No more relying on hubsters' manly instincts, which sometimes end with him returning empty handed.
  • The mikvah, nuf said.
  • Getting the kids to school on time.
But today was the best of all. I took the kids to a park in the next neighborhood. One we'd gotten to with a good friend who shares her extra car seating and masochistic desire to travel out numbers 2:1 in favor of the rugrats. But the pleasure of taking them myself today was sweet. I was providing a simple, pleasurable treat to my children. Were they lacking before? Not with a park and library walking distance from home. Not for love, crafts, food, caring, and fun. Who doesn't love a little extra though? And I was able to do it myself. Even the rain on my parade couldn't rain on my parade.

I'm already hoping for a sunny day next week so we can hit all the hottest preschool fun spots more than 15 mins from home.

First I'm celebrating with a mommy's night out. I'll drive!


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Dogs Don't Fly: Death Defying Dog Gets 2nd Chance

I come across amazing news articles all the time thanks to friends on Twitter and Facebook and more on Google Reader. This article blew me away: Hungry eagle inadvertently swoops toy poodle away to better life

How many times have you thought to yourself "Life couldn't get any worse!" but then it does. How many times have you said "It'll never get better" but it does.

This poor little doggie lived in poor conditions as a stray. Couldn't get worse for a poor, defenseless creature, right? Hungry, tooth decay, foot problems. Then she's captured by an eagle then dropped from the sky. Broken ribs, scratches, petrified. Why do bad things happen to good doggies you ask? Well, the story has a happy ending. Her parachute-less skydiving drops her at a nursing home where nurses got her medical attention. She wouldn't have survived much longer on the streets and now she has a chance to be adopted, mended, loved.

Hashem takes care of his creatures great and small. We're supposed to pray for his help even as the sword (or eagle's talons) is at our neck because salvation can come in an instant.

This little doggie's life is a parable for human suffering. Sometimes the bad things that happen bring about the best. Sometimes things get worse before they get better. Sometimes when you think things will never change, they do. Yes it stinks in the mean time, it's scary, it hurts, it may be all you know. But in the blink of an eye it can all change.

The linked article includes ways to donate to help May (what staff named the miracle pooch) with medical expenses and adoption.

I come across amazing news articles all the time thanks to friends on Twitter and Facebook and more on Google Reader. This article blew me away: Hungry eagle inadvertently swoops toy poodle away to better life

How many times have you thought to yourself "Life couldn't get any worse!" but then it does. How many times have you said "It'll never get better" but it does.

This poor little doggie lived in poor conditions as a stray. Couldn't get worse for a poor, defenseless creature, right? Hungry, tooth decay, foot problems. Then she's captured by an eagle then dropped from the sky. Broken ribs, scratches, petrified. Why do bad things happen to good doggies you ask? Well, the story has a happy ending. Her parachute-less skydiving drops her at a nursing home where nurses got her medical attention. She wouldn't have survived much longer on the streets and now she has a chance to be adopted, mended, loved.

Hashem takes care of his creatures great and small. We're supposed to pray for his help even as the sword (or eagle's talons) is at our neck because salvation can come in an instant.

This little doggie's life is a parable for human suffering. Sometimes the bad things that happen bring about the best. Sometimes things get worse before they get better. Sometimes when you think things will never change, they do. Yes it stinks in the mean time, it's scary, it hurts, it may be all you know. But in the blink of an eye it can all change.

The linked article includes ways to donate to help May (what staff named the miracle pooch) with medical expenses and adoption.