Anyone Else Overwhelmed? : )

I'm just a little paralyzed right now.  The "to do" list is so long in my head I can't even write it down ... but I am going to write it down when I finish these five sentences. 

Forever ago, I remember being told that the best thing to do when feeling this way is to make both the "to do" list and start a "ta da" list ... it helps keep things in perspective when feeling overwhelmed.

To move forward, we need to remember to appreciate all that we have accomplished.   Shabbat shalom.  : )

It's Been Far Too Long ...

So, like too many things, blogging is all about habit ... and I got out of the habit.  I went to the Olympics in Vancouver and had a wonderful, meaning-filled (and sports-filled) time ... and then back to work.  Then, it was all about getting ready to go on my Passover cruise ... then I went ... and now I'm back.  So I need to get back in the habit again ... by starting small.

Here is a link to a great article on the celebration of Passover in the White House ... interesting perspective by a fabulous female rabbi in southern California ... check it out:  http://rivster.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/out-of-order/.

More soon ... but please be patient ... it's hard to get back in the habit again.   : )

"The Olympics Are Coming, The Olympics Are Coming" ...

Actually, I'm going to the Olympics, but there is no cute-rhyme-y way to say that.  I just got an email from my-friend-the-Vancouver-rabbi about the first Shabbat services in the "Multi-Faith Centre" ... athletes stopped by to say hello (they haven't even all arrived yet), but none stayed, although several chaplains of other faiths experienced Shabbat with the rabbi.  The rabbi's advice from this past Shabbat?  Be flexible and open-minded ... you don't know what will happen.  : )

I am excited ... I'm not sure we will have any actual congregants while we are there, but I know it will be a fascinating experience simply being in the Olympic Village! 

Now, I guess it really is time to find some warm clothes and shoes ... I leave in a week!  : )

Lovely Words to Set Our Intention Before Eating ... Received from Rabbi Paul Kipnes

As we make ready to eat this food

We remember with gratitude

The people, animals, plants, insects,

Creatures of the sky and sea

Air and water, fire and earth

All turning in the wheel of living and dying

Whose joyful exertion

Not separate from ours

Provides our sustenance this day.

May we with the blessing of this food

Join our hearts

To the one heart of the world

In awareness and love

And may we together with everyone

Realize the path of awakening

And never stop making effort

For the benefit of others.   (By Norman Fisher)