Hey OOTOB readers,
Haven’t blogged in a little while – for good reason. Here’s what’s been up.
1. SPLITSVILLE FOR SMART AND PHONE… MAYBE
My smart and my phone are getting a divorce. Kind of. I’ve been tinkering for awhile with the idea of separating my essential smartphone needs (phone, text, calendar, camera, sticky notes) and my non-essential-but-addictive ones (email, Facebook, Instagram, Words With Friends). In this way my phone with essential needs will be on my person, and my other items might be on another device that is available, but not tethered. I’m still working out the kinks and if I like it, it’ll become its own blog post. If I don’t, I’ll skulk away in smartphone-addicted anonymity, if that’s OK with y’all.
2. INTERVIEW FOR SOMETHING EXCITING
Can’t say much here, cuz it’s hardly a done deal, but I’ve interviewed for a very exciting possibility in my professional life. Awaiting response from HQ. If it pans out, you’ll be sure to hear about it right here. If not, I’ll skulk away in reject-anonymity. Kidding!!! If it doesn’t work out, that’s what was meant to be for me, for now. (Right?!) Let’s just say it combines everything I love.
3. SPIRITUAL REJUVENATION DAY
For the first time in my life, I conceptualized, created (with an amazing team), fundraised for, presented at, and pulled off a full-scale women’s seminar of our own at our Botanical Gardens here in Cleveland. The idea was to create a women’s local getaway (a staycation, kinda) where women could check in to a beautiful setting, leave their cares behind for a few hours, and enjoy inspiring and motivating talks and a delicious lunch. I put my kishkes into the event. We also wanted to introduce our congregation to potential new women. I was one of the speakers too and my talk was very honest and raw. Also a little scary. If I’m feeling very brave and also a little stupid I’ll write it up here.
4. GRADS
Two of my kids are graduating this month. My 17-year-old daughter from high school – off to Israel next year – and my 14-year-old from junior high (his grad is tonight). The older I get, the more emotional these moments are. I don’t know why that is. Age? Wisdom? Fatigue? Realization that life is short? In any case I treasure each one. I’m proud and grateful and full of prayers for their happy future.
5. WHAT I’M EATING
Not sure if anyone here actually cares, but hey. I’m in a new foodie thing that I love, so I’ll just go ahead and share. It’s called “intuitive eating” and it basically involves paying close attention to your stomach and to how hungry you feel. If you feel hungry, you eat. If not, you don’t. But you only eat things you really love to eat – and you stop when you’re satisfied. It’s not a weight loss program, it’s a lifestyle. I’ve moved far away from calorie counting and am loving this. Don’t eat dinner just because everyone else is, or because it’s there. Wait till you’re actually hungry and eat the things you love. I find I’ve become way less into food and way less likely to overeat. On Shabbos, I eat a little past “satisfied” – and that’s OK too. On another related note, I haven’t exercised in over a month. Haha!
6. WHAT I’M READING
My friend told me about My Promised Land by Ari Shavit. It’s so honest, I haven’t gotten that much into it. I’m afraid what is going to come next. It’s an Israeli’s story about what is really going on in the holy land – and it’s not at all what you think. Every thinking lover of Israel needs to read this, at your own risk.
So that’s what has been happening around here. And what’s up with you, my readers?
[I tried posting this before, not sure if it worked]
Ruchi, I'm proud of you! I don't actually know you? So what. I hear in every post how you are figuring out who your truest self is, and growing into it. That's not easy. It's awesome. Blessings as you continue on your path & thanks for sharing.
What's up by us? Too bad about the Cavs. I read "Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande and highly recommend it. Does your HS grad have friends / family in Israel?
Hi Malka! Thanks for this! Amen! Yeah. Too bad about the Cavs. Tell me more about "Being Mortal"? And yes, she does – I'm so grateful for that.
Being Mortal is the author's exploration of aging and dying on America from his perspective as a physician, and as a son, with some cultural perspective as well since he is a 2nd generation American, and aware that things look, or looked, different in other cultures. Enough? More?
Missed you
Alex
Good reminder that I should take My Promised Land off of my list and actually pick up the book. Right now I'm reading a History of God, which is interesting but a bit dry. My Promised Land promises to be engaging but emotionally hard. Maybe I should try reading both and switching off. 🙂 I'm also hoping to read Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution by our local genius Yehuda Mirsky here at Brandeis.
Yes you should. It's riveting. And emotionally hard. Tell me about the Rav Kook book!
You are such an honest, passionate, and reflective and intention person! We are all so fortunate to have u as a role model, and learn from your insight. Wishing u tremendous success in all of these great aspirations! ❤️ Gevura
Wow, thank you!!
Hi Ruchi, I'm a first-time commenter, but I have loved, and continue to love, your writing. My kids are a little past the graduating stage, so what you say about milestones really resonates with me. I, too, appreciate your honesty as you learn and grow – that not only resonates with me, but motivates me! I hope the job comes through for you, may it be the right time now! Thanks again, Jill
Hi Jill! Welcome to the comment section! I had my handwriting analyzed a couple of month ago and one of the things I was told is: you haven't given up yet. You always work on yourself. That was one of the nicest things I could hear! So thanks for your comments! And thank you for being a reader.
I really loved this update. That's so great on the retreat– congrats. It's good to take breaks and you know– live your life. I'm doing that, too. I'm really just doing the friendship column and not much else as far as writing goes. Lots of reading instead. It's filling me up in a way I need right now. I'm into Rabbi Sacks, by the way!
So fascinated about the eating. You may have to write more about that. And it could have a Jewish tie, even from just a cultural standpoint since with all the holidays and Shabbat it's a never-ending "treat" out there.
It was inspired by your "Friday Finds"! Rabbi Sacks is so unbelievable. His writing is a like a rich dessert. I am planning on doing more on intuitive eating. An intuitive eating coach from Israel actually emailed me after the post, offering to be interviewed.
Hi – I totally support the idea of separating your phone from your online life. I have a dumb phone that makes calls, can text, and that occasionally serves as an alarm. I also have an ipad-mini with cellular connection that lives in my purse. So I can check email and Facebook from wherever, but it isn't always in front of me. It might cost a little more on a monthly basis to have two separate plans, but I like having a phone that is just a phone. Plus the ipad-mini is bigger than a phone screen, which is easier on these middle-aged eyes.