Curous as a Cat's Monday Meme

I haven't had a chance to visit Curious as a Cat's wonderful Monday meme site in a while, so I thought I would indulge today. Each week, you are given a set of questions to answer, and a photo to which you can respond. Here goes!


1) In what movie is the most violent scene you've ever seen?

I tend to stay away from movies that are too graphically violent, so this is a tough one. I guess the movie that has haunted me for years since I saw it, and therefore, I haven't seen it again, is Saving Private Ryan. I can't stand all of the gunfire and loss of life in every scene. It is just too painful for me.

2) Of all the people you know, who would make the most successful TV evangelist?

As a rabbi, I find this question to be especially fun to answer. I used to want to be a Jewish televangelist, myself, especially after playing the role of "Reno Sweeney," a traveling evangelist, in my high school's production of the Cole Porter musical, Anything Goes. However, if I had to identify someone else, I would probably pick the former senior rabbi at the synagogue I work at. He has such a commanding presence at the pulpit - he is a true "preacher," and is always incredibly inspiring. I'll bet he could make lots of money if he took it on the road :)

3) Who is the person who most deserves to be rewarded for something?

As of right now, my mom! She has been the hero of the family since my dad's stroke. She is so strong and brave, and even took time out to come to NYC six months ago for my surgery. I wish I could give her some kind of "mom of the year" award - I really believe that she has tapped into an inner strength that, heretofore, she didn't even know she had. I am so proud of her.


4) When was the last time you cried and why?

This morning, as I was watching Meet the Press's tribute to Tim Russert. Within the first few minutes, I was already tearing up as the various journalists remembered this great man. I am so saddened by his death, and I send my thoughts and prayers out to his family.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.



This photo reminds me of trips that we used to take to old homesteads - those ones that were meant to recreate homes in the 18th or 19th centuries. We probably had a school field trip to those places every year of elementary school. I remember being both envious of the people who had to pretend to be townsfolk from that time period, while also feeling sorry for them and their job :)

I've Been Tagged - 123

This is such a fun little game, I can't believe it. My darling Zilla has tagged me for this, and here goes.

Grab the book nearest to you, open it up, and turn it to page 123. Write down the first 5 sentences on that page. Then tag 5 more people.

Very simple.

So, let's see, the book nearest to me right now is Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life, by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. In this book, Dyer attempts to explain his interpretation of Tao Te Ching and apply it to life today. I saw him discuss it on a recent episode of Ellen Degeneres, and I just had to get it. I haven't read much of it, though, so let's see what we've got. Turning to page 123, we find the following:

Living Calmly: In this chapter of the Tao Te Ching, you're being advised to maintain a sense of serenity regardless of what you may see taking place around you. Moreover, you're being told that the true master knows that the ability to stay calm is always located within. From this perspective, there's no need to assign responsibility to others for how you feel. Even though you may live in a world where blame and faultfinding are endemic, you will own your feelings and actions. You will know that circumstances don't determine your state of mind, for that power rests with you.

Definitely have to ponder that!!

So, now I have to tag:

Phyllis, Bradley, Jerseygirl, Michael, and Dixiechick.

Can't wait to see what you guys find!

Monday Meme - Curious as a Cat

Curious as a Cat posts thought-provoking questions each Monday, and it always sparks interesting discussion and ponderings. I haven't had a chance to participate in awhile, so here goes! Plus, Cat reminds us that you don't have to play on Monday, so if you wanna join in, go ahead whenever you want!

1) If you had to experience one trauma your mother has gone through so that you could better understand her, what would you choose?

My mother's mother died when my mom was only 20. From what I understand, her mom was ill for most of her childhood, and thus my mom never really HAD much of a childhood. She was an only child, and wound up caring for my grandfather as the primary homemaker. Over the years, I have asked my mom about her mother's life and death, and my mom has (understandably) blocked most of it out. And I mean, completely. There are just no memories of it. Thus, I have had to speculate, recreate, and imagine what it must have been like for her to grow up with a sick and dying mother.

2) What is the most revolting combination of colors you can imagine?

What a cool question! Let's see.... definitely some combination of vomitous green and poopy brown :)

3) If you could punish the most difficult person at your workplace, what would you do, and to whom?

A previous co-worker of mine at a previous job was definitely toxic. He thought he was god's gift to the workplace, was incredibly pompous and arrogant, and was completely a FAKE. As soon as you got past the slick exterior, you found... nothing. Emptiness. So, I suppose I would just hope that he would one day be exposed as the fake he is. I hate wishing harm to anyone, but I also believe that he could probably cause a lot of harm to others if trusted too much...

4) What is the thing you know the most about?

Hmmm..... I pride myself on knowing a little bit about a lot, so I have to think. I would hope that the answer would be Judaism, since that it my job.... I also have way too much pop culture knowledge. So, between the two, you've got most of my brain.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
I don't know where this picture actually takes place, but it reminds me of Coney Island. I LOVE Coney Island, and I have had a number of memorable visits with family and friends (MJP - I am talking about you!). I don't know how much longer it will remain the Coney Island that we all know and love (they are supposedly tearing most of it down and building condos in the next few years), but the amusement park, historic roller coaster, sideshow, hot dogs, and general ambience make it a very special place. If you've never been - GO!

I've Been Tagged! Crazy 8's Meme

Well, folks, it's that time again - for another fun meme to get the week going. I am excited that my friend, Phyllis, over at Ima on (and off) the Bima, tagged me with this one. Some of my answers probably won't surprise you by now, but I guess you never know! Thus, without any further ado, the Crazy 8's Meme shall commence...

8 Things I'm Passionate About:

1. Pop Culture
2. Reading
3. Making the World a Better Place
4. Judaism
5. Karaoke
6. Love
7. Animals, especially my kitty cat, Precious
8. Family

8 Things I Want to Do Before I Die:

1. Write a book
2. Spend time in all 50 states
3. Participate in a past-life regression
4. Fall in love (again)
5. Get married
6. Have lots of happy, healthy babies
7. Change the world for the better
8. Live in Israel again, even if only for a month or so

8 Things I Say Regularly:

1. Poop!
2. Poopy Pants!
3. Pooper Scooper (see the pattern here??)
4. Shabbat Shalom
5. My condolences; I am so sorry for your loss
6. You will be in my thoughts and prayers
7. Whatever tickles your pickle!
8. Whatever, Trevor!

8 Books I've Read Recently (or am reading now...):

1. Marked
2. The Golden Compass
3. To Heal a Fractured World: The Ethics of Responsibility
4. Destiny of Souls: New Case Studies of Life Between Lives
5. Foreskin's Lament: A Memoir
6. Water for Elephants
7. The History of Love
8. Toxic Coworkers: How to Deal with Dysfunctional People on the Job


8 Songs I Can Listen to Over and Over Again:

1. "Feel," by Robbie Williams
2. "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin," by Colin Hay
3. "Everytime," by Britney Spears
4. "Hey, Eugene," by Pink Martini
5. "Y'hiyeh Tov," by David Broza
6. "Tiftach Chalon," by Rita
7. "My Immortal," by Evanescence
8. "Waters of March," by Jane Monheit


8 Things that Attract Me To My Friends:

1. Sharp Wit
2. Awareness of the world around them
3. Deep sense of kindness
4. Wise souls
5. Compassion
6. Optimism
7. Faith in themselves and in me
8. Faith, period

8 Things I Learned in the Last Year:

1. How much I love being a rabbi
2. How to be an "aunt" to my best friend's son
3. How easy it is to become complacent
4. Change, though immensely difficult, is so freeing
5. I don't have to apologize for who I am, just to get someone to care for me
6. Just because something is hard doesn't mean it is bad
7. My siblings and I are not just carbon copies of each other
8. That there are wonderful people out there in the blogging world - thanks, everyone!

And, now, I get to tag some other people - woohoo!

Confessions of a Rock and Roll Bride
Dirty Little Secret
No Barking... After 6
Superconductor

Have fun, one and all!

Curious as a Cat - a Monday Meme

Here is a Monday Meme from Curious as a Cat - it always asks interesting and provocative questions. I missed last week's, and it had a question that I really wanted to answer, so I am going to break with protocol and do last week's questions instead of this week's.

1) If you could have eased the death of one person, whose would it have been?

Oh, Todd, I wish I could have been there to help you. Todd was one of my best friends for nearly my entire life. We knew each other from elementary school on, and I always felt a deep love and affection for him. Even if we would lose touch over the years, any time we would reconnect, it would feel as if no time had passed. [His anniversary of death is coming up in a few weeks, and I will tell you more about him then]. To make a very long story short, he was found dead on the air force base he was stationed at in Korea. The military has never determined the cause of death - not even whether it was accidental or if foul play was involved. I just wish I could've been there to stop it all from happening... or even to be there with him so he didn't have to die alone.

2) What value do you consider most important when choosing a friend?

I've never really thought about this one in quite this way. What value? Probably involvement in what we call in Hebrew tikkun olam - a need to repair the broken world around us. I respect people who care about the world, who care about other human beings, and who want to make the world a better place by seeking to end suffering and injustice. ... that and a really big appreciation for potty humor :)

3) If the U.S. had to give up one state, which one would you pick? Why?

Um, well, I hope not to offend anyone.... But, I would probably pick Wyoming - I just don't know anything about it. So, purely selfishly, I would just get rid of it. Actually, it reminds me of an old television cartoon version of "Garfield," in which he jokingly explained that, "Wyoming translates to, 'No State Here.'"

4) When (at what age, or during what event) did you have the least self-confidence?

Following my car accident nearly three years ago, I developed pretty severe anxiety and panic. Thank goodness, over the years, it has gotten much better. However, my self-confidence drops and my self-consciousness rises the more anxious I get. Especially as I get close to a panic attack, I tend to get really unsure of myself. I am sure that it goes hand in hand with the feelings of anxiety and unsteadiness.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
I get the warmest feeling when I look at this - as if we are all going to gather in front of the fireplace with warm apple cider and cookies. We will listen to stories about fantastic lands, incredible feats of bravery, and romantic tales of love conquering all. We hear the fire crackling, smell the cinnamon and cloves, cuddle together under blankets, and smile at each other. What a peaceful moment!

Monday Meme

A fun Monday meme, found at Curious as a Cat. Thanks to Skittles for recommending this one! Here goes...

1) When was the best time, or what was the best experience, you've had with a sibling?

For rabbinical school, I had to live in Israel for a year. Lindsay, my sister, came to live with me for one month during my stay. She and I did many wonderful touristy things while she was there, but one stands out the most: we decided to climb Masada. Most people go before sunrise, while the desert is still cool, and reach the top as the sun comes up. For some reason, we decided to go in the afternoon. In the desert. In the salty air near the dead sea. Oy. It took us two hours to reach the top, and we thought we were going to die a number of times on the way up. The miraculous thing? It looked like it was going to rain the whole time, but didn't begin until the EXACT MOMENT that we reached the top. Wow.

2) When do you feel the loneliest?

I have a big family - there are six of us altogether (four kids). I am used to having someone around to talk with at any given time. However, sometimes, everyone else is busy, and all I get is voice mail for each phone call. That is when I feel the loneliest - no one in the whole family to talk to...

3) If a one-year period of your diary were to be published with your name attached, what year would you prefer?

Hmmmm.... funny thing is, I have always kinda figured that my diaries would be published one day. Guess that is why I love blogging so much. :) But, if I had to pick a year, it would be 7th grade - I was terribly depressed, and really had such a terrible, angst-ridden year. I would want to publish the entries, poetry, and reflections to show that, well, look where I am today. I would want to say, "One day, it is going to be okay. It may not be soon, but, I promise, it won't always feel this bad."

4) What has been the biggest accomplishment of your life (so far)?

Definitely becoming a rabbi. Oy - it was five years AFTER college, and encompassed some of the most difficult, painful years of my life. There are many times that I probably should have taken a year off, but, somehow, I made it through. I love being a rabbi, and am so proud of it.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.


I look at these bookshelves and think, "There is so much room left for more books! My shelves, both at home and at my office, are overflowing with books, and all I want are more books! I am certainly a bibliophile, with a great craving for more additions to my personal library.