Where Should Divas Live? Why, Queens, Of Course!

Just an update - gonna be leaving Jersey, and moving back into NYC. A number of events have precipitated this decision, and all signs seem to be pointing to ---> GO!

How exciting is that? I will be moving back in with my sister, which will be SO MUCH FUN! We'll save so much money in the process, and be New York girls once again (though, NOT Manhattan - phew!).

Of course, the number one item on the list? Register to vote - we MUST be a part of the November election!!!

A few weeks remain before the move, so I will keep you up to date on my whereabouts. Also, I get to take a nice vacation beforehand.

Sore Today....

Hi, guys! Just taking a moment to admit that I am feeling achy today. I totally know why, but it is still annoying. I am SO READY to be feeling all better, and thus, it can get a little depressing when I am not back to 100%.

The beds at the retreat (at Franklin Pierce) were SO AWFUL. I hadn't thought ahead about sleeping arrangements, so I didn't anticipate it being a problem. However, it was the worst that college beds can be, and my sensitive, post-surgery back couldn't take it. I slept, at most, 4 hours a night. I am still tired, and that only makes the ache worse.

Also, I drove 4.5 hours each way. Yes, I stopped a few times along the way, but my body is not quite at the point where it doesn't react to that amount of sitting in one place.

Finally, I have total PMS right now, and I have learned over the past few months that my pain gets worse at this time of the month.

Thanks for listening. I'm off to take some ibuprofen and ponder getting a massage a little later this evening. Hope all is well with you!!!

Life's Simple Pleasures

Hello from beautiful Rindge, NH! I am currently at Franklin Pierce University, and it is glorious here. I was asked to be on faculty for a national Jewish adult learning retreat, thus I am surrounded by enthusiastic, intelligent adults who have an excitement for Jewish learning, exploring and studying.

But, between classes (I am teaching "Guided Jewish Meditation" and "Israeli Women Poets"), I have been enjoying the nature that is ever-present here.


The lake on campus was an incredible blue yesterday - can you believe how vivid it is??



One of my most favorite joys in life? Waiting on the road while a family of geese walks slowly by. I love being able to take my time, watching their slow meandering, appreciating the pace at which the geese must live.



Some of the woods near the townhouse I am staying in.... the parallel lines calm me....

Wordless Wednesday

Photos from the 4th!

We were so close to the Statue of Liberty! Liberty State Park, in Jersey City, NJ, boasts beautiful views of the Statue, Ellis Island, and Downtown Manhattan. (Unfortunately, it was a dark and stormy night, so the picture is a little fuzzy).

To me, the above picture reminds of a Woody Allen film. It just seems to be a perfect NYC shot!

My sister, Lindsay, and her boyfriend, Dan. Aren't they just adorable together?

A sample of the glorious fireworks show. Below the light, you can see the raincloud/smokecloud that was covering most of the show (most unfortunately).

What a blast!!!

Happy 4th of July!!

Hello from Liberty State Park! Lindsay, her boyfriend, and I are at the park, right on the water. In front of us? The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Pictures to come!!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Free at last, free at last!

Well, friends, I have an exciting announcement: I am finally off of prescription pain killers!



Believe it or not, I have been taking vicoprofen or percocet regularly for at least two years as a way to manage my pain. After the surgery, I was taking 2 7.5mg every 3 hours. About two months ago, I made it down to the 5mg dose (1 or 2 at a time). I continued working my way down from there, particularly with regards to frequency.



And, yesterday? Not one. No narcotics. Just plain ole ibuprofen. I can't believe it.



My body has been dependent physically for quite some time; while, psychologically, the pills allayed my fears of being totally out of control of the enormous pain I was experiencing.



And, yesterday? I felt back in control. No withdrawal, no fear, very minimal pain. Today, I am sore from PT, but trusty ibuprofen is doing the trick.



I am really looking forward to being clear headed and focused for the first time in years (!). I am looking forward to my body working at the speed and metabolism of which it is capable.



I will need your strength and encouragement, as I begin this new phase of my renaissance. You guys are the best!!