Chodesh tov! We could talk about the fact that Erev Rosh Hashanah is in four weeks from today — and we will — but first, what a wonderful adventure I had this week!
On Wednesday, I hit two of my yearly (and specifically summer-oriented) goals in one day. First I went to the Bronx Zoo – opening to closing, 10-5 – and then I went to a Yankees game! Both parts of that day were absolutely charmed b”H, and I can’t wait to write more in-depth about what went down, and my thoughts and reflections. Be”H next week.
This week I fell off the children’s book wagon for a bit but I do hope to get back on (still have literally dozens of library books out!) Instead, I listened to the audio of I Know How She Does It, a book by Laura Vanderkam about time management for women who have demanding careers while raising children. I have mixed feelings about this book. I don’t actually aspire to the type of executive-level career that the book mostly refers to, yet (or maybe, and therefore) it left me feeling inferior in that regard. And of course, reading a book about time management for moms, pre-children, seems like borrowing trouble. Yet I was also curious about the topic. And the sections on making time for relationships and self were fun to listen to because they were full of smart ideas of how people figure out how to do the things that matter to them even when life is very busy. Maybe I will check out a physical copy at some point and take notes on those sections.
Going to my married cousin for Shabbos last week worked out well bH. Friday night it was just the three of us adults, and we had some interesting discussions that felt like hanging out with friends, solving the world’s problems. I hadn’t realized how much I would enjoy that! To an unexpected degree, I also enjoyed the kids. I read with them, and even helped one of the little ones with her summer homework. On Shabbos afternoon, a neighbor had Shabbos party, and one of my little cousins came back with a Ziploc “nosh bag” she made for me! I was so touched (insert teary-eyed emoji). When I left early Sunday morning, the pj-clad kids were up and we took a selfie together on my way out the door, which cracks me up when I look at it.
This Shabbos I am also going away (love these summer Fridays!). Another married cousin is hosting a few girl cousins while her husband is away. This should be very relaxing. I am bringing Ballet Shoes and the Josefina books (see note above about this week’s reading).
Finally, I have tentative plans to go to my grandmother be”H for Rosh Hashanah with my parents. If that doesn’t work out, my sister in Toms River is back-up (that’s where I went last year). I think Yom Kippur in my home shul (versus Rosh Hoshanah, which feels discouraging somehow) will be okay. Then first days of Succos, and second days i.e. Shemini Atzeres, are over weekends, so aside from working a half day Erev Succos and taking off Hoshanah Rabba, I think I will be working through Chol Hamoed. Unless some getaway plans emerge? Not that I am working on any. Finally, as mentioned, I have a trip to look forward to be”H the week following Simchas Torah. And of course of course, a fall fun list is in the works.
So…approaching Y”T season with cautious optimism. I have noted that in recent years I would write that I was feeling good about Y”T beforehand, then write afterwards that it was surprisingly challenging. So this time when it inevitably gets challenging at least it won’t be a surprise. And, we will all continue to support each other through it.
Wishing you a glorious, restful Shabbos!
