Dear H-Town-
A friend of mine showed me this clip from a comedian I have always found funny. Just the fact that he is on stage in PJ’s is good enough for me. Anyway, it is always good to get in a good laugh once in while here in the great state of Texas. Enjoy!
Dear H-Town-
Today was Yom Ha’atzmut (independence day of Israel). It is a day I have always celebrated in many different ways over the years depending on where I was and what programs I may have been a part of. However, this year stood out as one of the most fantastic Yom Ha’tazmuts for me (the one I spent in Israel being the best). What made this year different? Robert M. Beren Academy.
The day began with a wonderful davening with a full Hallel that included a drum beaten by the chazan followed by a flags presentation led by the local B’Nei Akiva Shalicha. That was very cool (see video below). Then we had our Judaic classes followed by a day of excited and meaningful programs and activities to celebrate the day. Everyone was enjoying themselves and everyone was connecting with Israel even though we were thousands of miles away. It was great to be a part of it and experience such a love and excitement for Israel.
Dear H-Town-
Today is Yom Hazikaron, the Memorial day for fallen Israeli soldiers. Whether in H-Town or Israel, our hearts are pained when we think of those lost defending our homeland. Below is a video I made for NCSY a few years back for Yom HaZikaron.
Dear H-Town,
Early this evening H-Town was hit with a thunderstorm that created emergency tornado warnings, brought torrential downpours and delivered gusting winds. Yes, it was exciting! Until of course the power went out and flashbacks of two powerless weeks during Hurricane Ike started racing though my mind. I tried to stay calm and began calculating how long the fridge would stay cold and the freezer stay frozen. I lit some candles, got out the flashlights and shut off all the light switches and A/C so my house didn’t blow up like my neighbors did when the power went back on.
With all precautions made, I calmly waited until the last possible moment before it was time to scavenge the city for ice and coolers. Unfortunately, that time came and I left the house in search of means to save the contents of our fridge. I borrowed a cooler from a friend, went to my local market and picked up some more candles and 40lbs of ice and headed back home with the sense of accomplishment and a small desire for a heros welcome (didn’t get it, everyone went to sleep early).
When I got home, I unpacked my goods, started loading the thawing food into the cooler, and placed the ice on top when low and behold, the lights go on. THE LIGHTS GO ON! Don’t get me wrong, I was happy, but doesn’t it always happen this way. Another day in H-Town my friends; another glorious day.
So, I am trying out the wordpress iPhone app to see if it works. If you are reading this than I suppose it works. After I try this app I am going to try out my new iPhone microwave app and pop some popcorn.
Dear H-Town,
Just a little phone battle update. The iPhone won and I love it!
Dear H-Town,
I need a new cell phone. I have a blackberry curve that goes into a technology coma every few days. So now I am on the hunt. After much research, I am debating between a Blackberry Bold or an iPhone. The blackberry bold is professional, stable and tried and true. The iPhone is fun. Tough decison. Let the battle begin!
Dear H-Town,
So, today I became a legal driver in the state of Texas. My California drivers license expired and I had to take the Texas D.P.S. (Department of Public Safety) written and road test to get a new license. This was something I had not done since I was a teenager and it was no easy task. The tests themselves were a breeze, but everything else was insanity. Here is a quick breakdown of what I had to deal with.
3 times having to come back because they would not accept anything but a social security card as proof of citizenship. How I got a U.S. passport (which I showed them) is beyond me.
3 hour waits to take both tests
D.P.S. employee working the testing line who spends thirty minutes talking to each applicant about her life story
2 applicants getting arrested because they had warrants and assumed the Texas State Troopers would not notice
1 crazy lady from California screaming at a trooper (with a gun) about how messed up the D.P.S. (She was right, but he had a gun. Come on.)
1 christian road test examiner who tells me she thinks Jewish kids are better behaved than christian kids because the Jews used to stone bad teenagers. That made for awkward driving conversation.
1 Temporary Drivers License in the State of Texas!
