Think Happy Thoughts

FYI - a slightly depressing, relatively vague post below. Feel free to disregrd, its more cathartic for me that it will be entertaining for you.

While I'm not really at liberty to share details, yesterday was a really tough day. I have an amazing support team with Paul, my mom, my sister, rabbis and a close group of terrific friends. But sometimes, its just not enough. I really thought I had been through the ringer enough the last two year, but evidentally, the big dude upstairs isn't done testing me. I know I will survive, and likely even be a stronger person because of it. Regardles, I am just always shocked at how hard life can be. I've learned to stop asking "how bad can it be" or "whats the worst that can happen?" Because no matter what I think of, it seems to happen.

One thing that is painfully aware to me is that the human heart is a very powerful thing in so many, many, many ways. Don't take anyone or anything for granted EVER. Every minute is precious, and I will always remember that.

Sorry for the uber vague post, but perhaps to some of you, its not that vague and you may actually know what's going on. If you don't, don't worry. Just know that I love you and your friendship and love means the world to me.

Beach Bummin'

Today was the second day of my summer beach bum-hood. I use the term "beach-bum" very loosely, because I don't spend much time actually at the beach. I tend to just end up being a "bum" during my time here. I've spend the last two mornings vegging out on the deck reading trashy magazines and checking sutff out online. Then I watch some equally trashy TV while the family heads over to the beach. Around 3:00, when its not so deadly hot at the beach, I meander over to check it out. I spent two hours on sunday and 2 hours today relazing under the umbrella and watching Paul and my 2 nieces play in the water. They were having a great time.

I came back to the house to be the first in line to take a shower. Few things in life are worse than a cold shower. I like to secure my hot water by bathing while no one else is home. Generally, the family comes back around 5 or 5:30, and the tank has had time to replenish itself for everyoneto get a nice hot shower.

We are watching the Little League World Series right now, because the Somerset Hills team is from the town where my Brother In-law lives. All the little boys on the team are friends with my nieces. They are playing Staten Island, and we are hoping for a big fat W tonight.

All in all, not much excitement, but I couldn't be happier to be here. Getting some much needed R&R and spending time with family that loves me, and whom I love.

New Jersey

We leave today for 2 weeks on the Jersey shore with my in-laws. I think this is the longest trip we've ever taken, which will be nice for Paul. I am on vacation the whole two weeks, but I am bringing my laptop because I know I'm going to have to work at least a little bit while I'm gone. I admit that occasionally its nice to have something to do, because I often need a distraction from relaxion. Sad isn't it?

I am really looking forward to the trip. Paul's mom has a wonderful house down on Long Beach Island, which is really lovely. Her house has an awesome bayfront deck, and is right across the street from the beach. Being a Rosenthal, I much prefer to spend my time on the deck away from the sand and salty ocean water. I know I'm a giant nerd, but I just prefer to not get all sandy from laying on the beach and itchy from the ocean water.

The other wonderful thing about my summers in New Jersey is my ability to read. Anyone who knows me well knows that with the exception of Janet Evanovich's fluffy series novels, I don't really like reading. For some reason, sitting on the beach brings out a thirst for literature. It works out nicely, because my mother in-law is a retired librarian. She loves reading and always has plenty of books that I enjoy.

All in all, I'm excited for a 2 week vacation. The 6 hour plane ride? Not to much. I'll try to blog more often while I'm gone, because like I said, I will probably have lots of free time... like two weeks worth :)

Uncle Jackie

Most of you know that we've retired the name "Caca," as Gramma didn't much care for it. She worked hard with Aaron to teach him to name my name right, and he has mastered it. In fact, a while back she called me from the car because Aaron was literally yelling "Ja-ckie" over and over.

Lately, Jenny has been working with Aaron on learning all his family members. He's always known his uncle Paul, but he's called him Paji. He's learned Uncle Danny, Uncle Mickey, and now knows Uncle Paji. It only makes logical sense that Jackie is his Uncle Jackie. Last night at dinner he was running down the list of his Uncles and busted out with Uncle Jackie. It was pretty hilarious. Jenny reminded him that I am Auntie Jackie, and he repeated it (several times in fact as he is now in the habit of doing). I'm certain that eventually, I'll be Auntie Jackie. But for now, it seems like Uncle Jackie might be my title.

I am awesome...

I'm not really one to brag, unless I do something truly awesome. Tonight, I didn't something completely awesome. I blogged a while back about my new job at my synagogue. Part of my job is being the youth director. I've been noticing that a lot of the other youth groups have their own logo. BTY does not, and I was simply not ok with that. Tonight, I was working on some other projects late at the office, and I wanted something slightly brainless to do. Check out what I did.

It made not seem like such a big deal to you, but I am so darn smitten with myself, its not even funny. And now, for the Junior Youth Groups! :)

I Hate Traffic...

Seriously... I truly loathe it. I'm fairly understand when there is an accident or a bridge up or something... but not when there is absolutely no reason for it. Tonight, I was really looking forward to a nice dinner with my mom, Jenny and Aaron. Jenny texted me at 5:30 to see if I wanted to join them, and I said I would love to. I finished my email, logged off my computer and left work at 5:35. I then proceeded to sit in traffic for 2.25 hours. I haven't been taking 520 simply because the traffic is completely inexplicable. There is no rationale behind it... its just always crappy. Tonight, my family was literally eating dinner on the other side of the bridge, so would have been stupid to go around the lake, not to mention very time consuming. As it turns out, it really wouldn't have mattered how I went. Apparently the Greater Seattle Area decided to rally for a mutiny tonight and every major highway was jammed. Long story short - I missed dinner and finally walked through the door to my house around 8:00. I should have just stayed at work... lesson learned!

Classic TV

As I get settled into my new work schedule, I am rediscovering the joys of morning television. Each morning, after Paul leaves for work, I get my laptop and climb back into bed. I turn on TBS and watch 4 episodes of one of the greatest sitcoms from the 90s: Saved by the Bell. I know, I'm a nerd, but I love it. I only wish I could find the Cosby Show in the mornings, but alas, no. I've been patiently waiting to get out of the lame 1st season with Ms. Bliss, Mikey and Nicki so that the glory that is AC Slater, Kelly and Jessie can come back into my life. Not only did it finally happen, my FAVORITE episode was on this morning. Season 4, Episode 24: Slater's Friend. For those of you not familiar, its about Slater's pet chameleon named Artie. The lizard dies, and there is a funeral in which Jessie sings a special version of "Oh Danny Boy" with the alteration "Oh Artie Boy." It's just simply amazing.

It put me in a great mood for the long day I had. Long story short: Sleeping in... good. Laptops... good. Saved by the Bell... GOOD :)