New Roommate Has Arrived!!

(Adam, Me, Lindsay)

Hi, everybody! I am very excited to announce that my brother, Adam, has arrived safe and sound. We are now officially beginning a new chapter in our family's life. Three of the four kids in my family now live on the east coast - can you feel the electricity? We had a fun day exploring our neighborhood and having such a yummy dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant.

We are all a little in shock about all the changes, and there will, naturally, be plenty of adjustments. My brother is six years younger than I am, and this is his first real adventure in the real world. It will be so fun to introduce him to what it's like being an adult, the joys and pains of independence, and the excitement of city life (as well as all the fun karaoke bars!!!).

Hope you all had a good day, and I look forward to telling you more about the first few days of being his roommate. Take care!!

Heads or Tails Tuesday!

This week's theme is HEADS - Hobby
(OR)
TAILS - Anything that rhymes with Hobby.

________________________________________________

Well, it's time to discuss something very difficult for me:

I am a KARAOKE ADDICT.

Sure, it began as a hobby, something that I would do socially. You know, maybe once every few months. Then every few weeks. Suddenly, I became friends with the DJ (T-Bone was his name, in the interest of honest disclosure), and started going a few times A WEEK. All the while, I was an innocent rabbinical student by day, but I turned into a rock-star vixen by night. In all seriousness, I truly love karaoke. I know, I know, it isn't the coolest thing to admit. However, as you may or may not remember, I have all this music and theatre training, and much of my soul really misses it. It is hard to really articulate what I love about performing (the opportunity to be someone else? the spotlight? the spiritual meanings inherent in good art?), but I long for it.

Sure, as a rabbi, I am up in front of the congregation, but that isn't the same as grabbing the microphone, being blinded by the spotlight, and belting out a song that is met by thunderous applause. My heart is in both endeavors, but different parts of my heart are satisfied by either role (rabbi vs. performer).

So, my midnight rendezvous karaoke sessions will continue. And so will my preaching and teaching. And I will come closer to completion.

The Power of Schmooze

It has taken me awhile to figure out to whom I should present awards, but I am really pleased to announce that the "Power of Schmooze" Award is being given to:

Cooper at superconductor: I am always tickled by what Cooper has to say on all sorts of topics. His posts cover everything from art, current events, games, and personal observations. Not only do many people visit his blog, but he is a devoted reader of others' blogs. I am always excited to see what he has to say on my newest posts. Thanks, Cooper, for creating a blogging community (filled with plenty of laughter!).

Andra Sue at I've Landed: Andra Sue shares so much about her life (she's a tri-athlete), her dogs, her appreciation of nature, and more. I always enjoy her blog, and other readers do, too! She writes with candor and a great sense of humor, and I think she contributes a lot to the blogging world. Thanks, Andra Sue!!

Please be sure to visit these terrific blogs :) And I look forward to seeing who they pass this award onto later on!!

Have a great Tuesday :)

Oh my goodness - another award!!

I am so honored to have been selected for the above award. My dear blog-friend, Shan at Rambing Shan, bestowed this honor on three blogs for, well, basically being nice!! Here's what she said about me:

"To Marci at The Myriad Musings of Marci: Marci has been through a lot lately, but she stills remains a strong spiritual leader, an optimist, and a downright amusing blogger. Her post about PostSecret was enough to make me feel she deserved this award. I have also never seen a bad word about anyone on her site. She is quite nice indeed."

Oh my goodness, I just don't know what to say. If you haven't had a chance to visit Shan yet, please do. She is what we call a "mentsch" - a truly good person. She was one of the first blogs that I visited, and she has been very welcoming to me. It's because of people like her that there is, indeed, a blogging community.

I look forward to passing this award on to others, and spreading the joy around. Have a good week, everyone!!

Princess Cupcake the Great

I am such a sucker for these things!! I now proudly present my very own M&M creation (meant to look just a little like me):

Princess Cupcake the Great!!
Thanks to Rambling Shan for the idea (be sure to check out her blog!).

I would like point out the following details in the "artwork" (teehee!) above. Random penguin - how very Chagall of me! Also, the director's chair is a necessity. I have directed a bunch of plays/musicals over the years, and I really love creating theatre. There are gifts in the picture, a beach ball in the pool, a seashell, and a butterfly. It was so fun to put together all the components of this picture.

If you want to make one for yourself,
go to Become and M&M and create a character of your own.
I can't wait to see what you come up with!

"Which Book are You?"

So, my blog-friend, Cooper, featured the following quiz on his website. I just HAD to check it out. I'm not really sure that I agree (at all) with the results, but I find it interesting nonetheless. Which book are you???

You're Love in the Time of Cholera!

by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Like Odysseus in a work of Homer, you demonstrate undying loyalty by
sleeping with as many people as you possibly can. But in your heart you never give
consent! This creates a strange quandary of what love really means to you. On the
one hand, you've loved the same person your whole life, but on the other, your actions
barely speak to this fact. Whatever you do, stick to bottled water. The other stuff
could get you killed.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

A Day of Rest

My father, whom I adore, always says the wisest thing when we finally reach the day of rest:

"Shabbat always comes at the right time."

And, it is so true. Just when I don't think that I can take another minute of the hussle and bussle of the work-week, Shabbat is here. Granted, as a rabbi, I work on the Sabbath, helping others find the rest and rejuvenation that they so long for. Nonetheless, there is something profound that you feel on this holy day. The excitement, the anticipation, and the longing for something ineffable.

In fact, the Jewish mystics would talk about a "neshamah y'teirah," an "Extra Soul," that we would receive on Shabbat. Can you imagine it? We have an additional, special soul that joins us on the Sabbath. What does this mean exactly? I like to think that it means extra joy, extra opportunities for holiness, and a special connection with the divine spark that lies within each and every one of us.

So, on Shabbat, I like to take a deep breath, and try to connect with my soul and the neshamah y'teirah within me. I breathe in relaxation, and breathe out the stress of the past week. And at that moment, I can truly wish someone "Shabbat Shalom" - a peaceful Sabbath.

Shabbat Shalom, everyone!

One Week Countdown to a New Roommate!

Hello, dear friends - I hope you are all doing well. I am excited to write that we are at a "One Week Countdown" to when my brother, Adam, will be moving in with me. Hooray for having a new roommate!

He is six years younger than me, majored in music at Illinois State University, and is an overall awesome guy. He has a "pied piper" kind of quality; people are enamored of him and want to follow him wherever he goes. He seems to be burnt out from school, just ended a long-term relationship, and he is ready to start a new chapter in his life.

So, what did he do? - he called his sisters in NY - "Can I move in with you guys??"

How could I say no? My apartment is larger than my sister's, so he is moving in with me. Luckily, Lindsay is right across the street, so we will all be able to hang out whenever we want.

It seems to be a rite of passage in my family - each sibling needs to live with big sister, Marci, for some amount of time. Lindsay did it, too! Maybe my youngest brother will need to do so when he is done with college :)

I will, of course, keep you all up to date on how the move-in goes, and what it is like to live with my brother. What a fun new adventure!!

Giving Nature a Hand

Felt like sharing with you all a photo that I took of my sister's hand while we were at the beach. I haven't been able to adequately articulate why I find this picture so fascinating. Hope you all had a great day :)

"Heads or Tails" Tuesday

Heads Or Tails is a weekly meme done on Tuesdays. Anyone can play. In fact the more, the merrier! You can visit the Heads or Tails Home Page for more information on how you can join in!

Today's Theme: List a couple ways LUCK has played a part in your life.

1. Well, just recently, I really felt lucky. I dropped my car off at a parking garage, went about my day, and when I came back I received bad news. My engine had exploded, and there was oil EVERYWHERE. So, this was totally inconvenient, and is still a nightmare, but I keep reminding myself how lucky I was - the engine could have exploded while I was driving, on the highway, late at night. Instead, it was safe in the garage, and I was safe at work. SO LUCKY!!!
2. On the other hand, being a spiritual person, I wonder how much is luck and how much is divine intervention. Was it lucky that I saw a woman rabbi lead services while I was in college, and this led me to my current career as a rabbi? Or was I finally realizing my divine calling? Tough one!
   
3. One more - I feel really lucky that I was born into the family that I have. I just love them all so much, and feel loved and supported by them. I mean, sure we've got plenty of problems along the way, but it could have been so much worse. Yay!
   

I've Been Tagged! - Eight Random Things About Me...

Barb (aka Skittles), from a wonderful blog entitled, "Skittles' Place," (which you should definitely check out if you haven't yet), tagged me for a meme that asks for:

Eight Random Things About Me

1. I think iPods are the most glorious invention EVER.
   
2. I am an ENFP (for those of you who know what that means).
3. I've never worn braces.
4. I have an extensive theatre/music background.
5. I LOVE being a rabbi, and feel like I was meant to be one.
6. I bit my nails ceaselessly as a child.
7. I taught pre-school for four years.
8. I am in the middle of a huge A&W Root Beer Craving right now.
   

Phew - that was fun!! Thanks again to Skittles for tagging me. I am so honored to have been chosen!

So, now, I tag:

Confessions of a Rock and Roll Bride
Come One, Come All
No Barking... After 6
Ima on (and off) the Bimah
I've Landed

Thanks for the good wishes!

I really appreciate everyone's wishes for my recovery - it was so nice of you to send your blessings. I am feeling much better - I got around slowly without the crutches today! Because I was able to put pressure on my foot today, I figured that the crutches were more trouble than they were worth. My biceps are already SO sore :( Of course, now that it is nighttime, it hurts and is ready for some ice....


In other news, my youngest brother (I am the oldest of four) just moved into college today. He is now a "fighting illni," and I can't believe that he is old enough to be in college!! It is just crazy to see how much time has passed, and that all four of us kids are no longer kids - we are now adults! We all get along really well, and I am amazed to see the ways that they are growing up. They are all brilliant, kind, compassionate, and hilarious people. Maybe we will all start a business together one day?!

So, this got me wondering:
For those of you who have siblings, what is something that they do to make you proud?

My ankle rankles me!

Alas - all I have to report on today is the fact that I badly sprained my left foot yesterday, and I am just a-limping around. I don't know how I did it, but 'tis really quite unfortunate. I need my left leg and foot because my car accident injuries are all on the right side - right lower back, right hip, right leg/foot. Over the past few years, I have gotten in the habit of allowing my left leg to support myself. And now? Well, for the next 3-6 weeks, I don't really have a leg to stand on (never knew I would use that phrase literally!).

Thank goodness for my sister - she is the best. She met me at the E.R., brought me to her apartment (much fewer stairs than mine), and has taken care of me since last night. She constantly checked on me, helped me take the ice pack on and off, fed me, and generally helped me get around. Tonight, she helped me stumble back to my apartment (SO SLOWLY) and got me situated at home for the night.

Much as we love and appreciate our family members under normal circumstances, challenging times remind us how important and special they really are. I feel so lucky to have my sister around, and I think that we take good care of each other. I love you, Lindsay, and thank you so much!!!

Anyway, I hope not to use the crutches for very long. They are so helpful, but so awkward. So, sorry for the kvetching, but wanted to post an update. Hope everyone else is doing well!!

Vacation comes to an end....

Alas, my glorious vacation is now coming to an end. After the trip to Arizona, my sister and I took a road trip to the Jersey Shore (Billy Joel's lyric keeps running through my head). Wow - it was absolutely perfect. It was 85 degrees out, blue skies, and warm end-of-summer ocean water. We stayed at a charming Bed and Breakfast and really just relaxed the whole time.

Here is my "bathing beauty" photo - despite much sunscreen, we still got great tans (awesome!!).

But then, of course, we have to come BACK TO THE REAL WORLD. Bleh!


I can't believe how quickly I got totally stressed out as soon as I returned to my otherwise lovely abode. I just had this long conversation with my mom, where I began to list every single thing that has been wearing on my mind. They are much too complicated to go into here, but, boy, let me tell you - my stomach hurts just thinking about everything.

Well, it sure was nice while it lasted.

And..... We're Back!

Shalom, y'all! It is great to be home, but so sad to have left Arizona. I had such a great time, and treasured every moment. This first picture is of Jessica, my best friend since forever, and me (on the left). Don't I look relaxed?

I was there for five fantastic days - cuddling with the baby, laughing with Jess, watching movies (Super Troopers and Eurotrip - very highbrow choices, as you can tell), eating many fine meals, and just chilling overall. Ahhh - a much needed vacation

And, here I am with the cutest baby in the entire world - Evan!! He is just such a sweet, happy little munchkin. I couldn't believe how aware, smart, and observant a six month old could be. He's already such a little dude, you know what I mean?

I am honored to have been given "Auntie" status - Jess is like a sister to me, so Evan is my nephew! I got to be his Auntie Marci the whole time, and this is indeed a role that I am pleased to accept.

In Yiddish, we call it "kvelling" when all we do is feel so proud of someone, and take the opportunity to share our happiness and joy with the world. I am definitely kvelling over cute little Evan!!

Finally, how could I not include a picture of the proud mama with her baby. Jess is such a good mom. It is certainly bizarre to see the gal that I've known since we were eight being a MOM, but she fits the role perfectly. Her husband, Josh, was unfortunately out of town for the majority of my visit. They are such good parents, and I am learning a lot from them - someday, it will be my turn, too!!

Thanks again, Jess, for a great trip!!!

Like a Phoenix, She Rises Again

Well, that's an overly dramatic title :) Tomorrow morning, I am taking advantage of my (much-needed) vacation from work, and I am flying to Arizona (get it? She rises.... in an airplane....).

Oy vey.

Now, some of you may ask, why in the world would you fly to Arizona in the god-forsaken month of August? Marci, do you want to melt in that dry desert destination?

Well, trust me, I have a very good reason. My best friend, Jessica, lives there with her husband, and they had a baby in January. I've blogged about long term friends before, and Jessica is the longest - we've been friends since we were about 8 years old. She is like a sister to me, and thus, her son is like a nephew. I can't wait to cuddle him and give him a big hug and kiss! Occasionally, I plan on jumping in the pool a few times!

I really love the Phoenix area, and Arizona in general. I have a dream of opening up some kind of spiritual center there - a Jewish wellness center of some sort. I think it could really be something incredible, and a much needed institution. We would offer retreats, spa treatments, worship and meditation experiences, all through a Jewish lens... Cool, eh? Just check in with me in about five years, and let's see if I've made the dream a reality!! But, shhhhh, don't tell anybody :)

Well, I hope to write an update from the Southwest while I am gone, but, if not, talk to you soon!!