A Brief Update for Those Interested

On the outside, it's just another day. Getting ready for the writing desk, living, mother to Ivry. But there's a lot going on inside, too.

Bulleted points of interest for those following my footsteps...

* Celebrated my first Mother's Day in the States was nice albeit rainy. The Sunday plans to join other Israelis at a local park was cancelled, so we went shopping for a vacuum cleaner. How fun! Now the carpet really looks clean after we threw out the second (or third) hand one.

* Our request for an additional year of absence from the kibbutz has been approved. We intend to stay in Pittsburgh for the upcoming year.

* Work is underway with coauthoring the book "Developing Literacy in K-2 English language learners." I recently checked the draft folder. 50 drafts! (and counting)

* Recently, I discovered a beautiful easy-to-walk trail out in Schenely Park last week. I came back half-energized, half in reverie. It's been a while since I escaped from the computer.

* We're thinking of renting a car for a few days. The last time I drove in the State was in 1997 and before that was in 1989. There are days when I am more adventurous than others. Truthfully, I wish there were buses that went via Raccoon State park and other beautiful nature reserves that I can only see on the Internet.

* I've signed up for a writer's coach / summer boot camp. I think it's what I need right now to take the writing to the next level. I've also applied for a community service program called Literacycorps under the Americorps division. I've got a few site interviews lined up soon. Full time position starts in September.

* Recently, we were looking at flights to Israel. I am getting a little bit homesick to see our kibbutz, family, friends, but apparently, not enough to pay $1500 just for me, let alone for Haim and Ivry. Yowza!!!!! Unfortunately, the price hikes in gas do not intend to stop anytime soon.

* I'm feeling isolated a bit so I'm glad I stepped out of my shell and contacted a few local mothers - one via my writing groups who put me in contact with others. Not sure on what is to be, but at least, it's a positive move in some direction.

* Yesterday, I bought a skirt at Target. Nice dark cream brown. Twenty bucks. Cotton. With slits. My kind of color. Earth colors.I'm wearing it now. Makes me look like a few more pounds. Probably due to the buttermilk pancakes I just ate.

* I've decided to be more accountable with the time I spend on the computer. Too much time checking emails! So after writing in this blog entry, I am going to hold myself accountable for the writing/Internet time. A schedule's a powerful thing!


Anyhow, have a great week, folks! See you in the 'burgh'...