November - A Month of Monumental Moments for Marci

On my drive home from work last night, I found myself contemplating all of the huge moments that have taken place, in my life, in the month of November.

A few of them, in chronological order:

1) November 28, 1976: My parents' wedding date! I certainly wouldn't be here without this celebration :)

2) November 4, 1984: The date upon which I "skipped" first grade. I had been in first grade up until that point, but, following months and months of testing and being removed from my classroom, I finally officially entered the second grade. I acclimated easily, both socially and academically, but the true ramifications took years to appreciate. The classmates I "left behind" never really forgave me, and our friendships were strained from then on. I was always younger, and always had to explain why, which became a source of shame (the usual response from the other person was, "Oh, so you're smart or something?"). I wasn't able to feel comfortable with the skipping, on a deep level, until rabbinical school, when I was no longer the youngest person in my class. However, even now, as a rabbi, I am still dealing with being perceived as a "baby rabbi." I am in no rush to be older, at least now, but for years I felt like I had to rush everything.

3) November 11, 1995: The night of the "Screw Your Roommate" Dance at Brandeis, during my freshman year of college. Met my college boyfriend/fiance that night, fell in love, and dated him for the next five years. Learned so much about myself throughout. We split up during my second year of rabbinical school (and never married). Realized that I was most comfortable "mothering" someone, but that this wasn't fair to myself or to the other person. Began to search for a relationship that would allow me to be an equal, and to be cared for by the other person as much as I want to care for my partner.

4) Thanksgiving, 2001: The time during which I traveled out to Arizona to visit one of my best friends, Todd, who later passed away in 2002. The days were idyllic, surrounded by the Southwest US in autumn. Visited the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Flagstaff (Route 66!!), and celebrated Thanksgiving with my family in Phoenix. It was a helpful way to heal from the horrors of 9/11. I will always treasure those precious days.

5) November 7, 2004: As I mentioned a few posts ago, this was the date of my car accident, an ordeal that finally culminated in my successful spinal surgery in December, 2007.

6) November 21, 2009: The date upon which I will fly out to California to visit an old OSRUI friend of mine, Mike. Totally excited to see him, catch up, and enjoy some California sunshine. My first official vacation starting work at my new synagogue. By the way, Mike is a HILARIOUS, TALENTED film critic (in addition to his many other skills - directing, editing, composing, acting, singing, etc.), and you can watch his entertaining reviews on each week's biggest films.

Guess November is, in general, a pretty good month for me :)

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!!