whither halloween

Okay, so I have been gone for a couple of years. This is a gripe post, so skip it if you were in a cheery mood -- sorry for the Monday gripes. My mother-in-law admitted that adults and very old kids (i.e. obviously in high school) without costumes and without apology had trick or treated at her home, too. I can understand a bit if you are hungry. Or if you are walking your kid. Or even if your kid is sick (though bringing a photo of the kid). But didn't the Halloween that I grew up with involve little kids (i.e. ages in the single digits) dressing up adorably. And if the parents had a role at all (other than the hours of hand making the costume, then taking the kids out), it was adult parties.

When did this change? Discussion?

Our neighborhood yesterday was inundated with many many people that were not locals and not invited by locals. I went through seven large bags of candy. I don't even mind the kids that parents might have brought to a safer or nicer neighborhood as long as they were little kids. But for you guys who are older, without costume, what is your excuse?

Okay-- whew, I am through with my whining. Eileen had an awesome time. I hope to upload some photos soon. We'll see.

Super Jew in the wild west

So, for those who are following my saga, you should already be familiar with the fact that my Judaism plays a large role in my life. Eileen has books with morning and evening prayers. I wasn't able to join our community 45 minutes away in the Netherlands as often as I wanted, but the language barrier and my lingering illnesses made it difficult. Here, though, there is a tiny, close knit community. We have a rabbi (he became ordained over the summer) and I am the Jewish education at the synagogue -- teaching an adult Hebrew letter learning class and a kids all-in-one, one schoolroom class (mostly bible stories and holidays). I am really enjoying all this. Especially, the participating in a community.

It's been a long time...too busy

Well -- we are mostly moved into the house. My mother-in-law is coming to visit next week...coinciding with Eric being gone for yet another week. What a luxury to have help coming for me with Eileen. I am now wayyyy over committed through the holiday season. This means that I won't have time for my 40th birthday trip. Or much of anything else. I am helping with the major fundraiser for the Officer's Spouse's Club, the Holiday Party for the Kids, and the Squadron Holiday Party...and all of these things will be over by 4 December in the mid-afternoon.

Meanwhile, I am starting the entire education program for the synagogue -- that has been dormant for two decades. What am I thinking...especially since Eileen is only off of me for 5 hours a week. I think I am thinking that I really want to feel part of the community. Hope I get everything done for everyone and they are all still speaking to me afterward.