tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130509492024-03-23T14:41:18.043-04:00Ask ShifraSomething Different...
Answering questions and making curious observations (online) since 2005.Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.comBlogger267125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-6542857328566988792014-11-11T15:35:00.001-05:002014-11-11T15:37:33.337-05:00Shif-reads: "Slapstick" by Kurt Vonnegut<br />
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<img alt="Image result for slapstick vonnegut" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /></div>
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As I am sure I mentioned before on this blog I am an avid reader, or maybe even a rabid reader. <br />
I love books and I love to read. I always have.<br />
Many of my dreams take place in libraries (real or imagined.)<br />
When it comes to reading I'm an omnivore. I am not that selective really, I read whatever appeals to me at the moment. When I am desperate though I'll read almost anything. As a rule I try to avoid romances, and I'm not huge on mysteries or crime fiction but other than that I'm pretty open. I do like a good plot but what I like even more is great writing.<br />
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Normally I am not big on re-reading books but I'll make a few exceptions and all things Vonnegut fit into that category for me. This week I re-read "Slapstick." It's not one of Kurt Vonnegut's most famous works and maybe not his best (I hear he gave himself a "D" on this book) but it is one of the most revealing about his own life. The entire introduction is about his relationship with his siblings, and his family history in Indianapolis, IN, the story behind the story of "Slapstick." He was a strange man, no doubt, with a unique view of life - but boy could he write.<br />
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The book itself is a tale of old man and former President of the United States living in a mostly destroyed and depopulated NYC. It's a story about the meaning of family and loneliness, with some pretty far-fetched speculations into the future of science and a grim view of the afterlife. <br />
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I don't think I'd give it a D but it does ramble and run off the rails here and there. Still, if you are a die hard Vonnegut fan you won't be too disappointed. Mr. Vonnegut really puts himself into this story and as a fan, really, what more could you ask for than your favorite writer parting the curtains to let you peek behind the scenes.<br />
Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-53080647486030033262014-11-10T16:57:00.000-05:002014-11-10T16:57:17.777-05:00Something else?<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
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Hello Internet!<br />
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I've been thinking about starting to blog again - or really starting to WRITE again.<br />
I'd like to do something else with this blog - write about books, music, things I like, things I think about... Sort of like my old blog but less bloggy if you know what I mean. You don't? OK me neither.<br />
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I'm not even sure if this is correct medium but it appears this thing is still on so why not right?<br />
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Also I'm not so anonymous anymore which is kind of a change for me... I might thing about connecting this to my real ID... we'll see.<br />
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<br />Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-70195673059851196232011-12-20T17:20:00.002-05:002011-12-20T17:35:47.755-05:00Happy ChanukaHey there!<br />Happy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chanuka</span> to all of you out there in blog-land.<br /><br />I moved AND started a new job in October so I've been keeping busy. So busy I almost forgot I was the proud owner of this little blog here.<br /><br />I don't check in here often (as you may have noticed, or um... stopped noticing) but I still see any comments my blog gets come through in my email in box and there is nothing like a little hate-in-the-face to remind you you own a blog. It was one of those "Hitler was right" kind of comments to fairly inoffensive post (actually I try to make ALL my posts as inoffensive as possible) and when I saw the email I was like... "Hey! I have a blog!" and also "People sure hate Jews!" but mostly the first. I'll be deleting that comment shortly.<br /><br />Speaking of inoffensive - this "Happy Holidays" thing is going a little too far for me this year. Are we really going to pretend Christmas doesn't exist. My company just put out the list of days off for 2012 with Easter listed as "Spring Holiday" and Christmas as "Winter Holiday." Really??<br />It's December 25th, it's not any day of the winter you choose... If Christmas is a legal holiday in this country let's not pretend it isn't. I am not offended by reality, is anyone? <br /><br />If anything I think I'm offended that people feel they have to tap dance around me and other non-Christians. I think we can handle it. <br /><br /><br />Wishing everyone a Happy Chanuka!Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-83721273919611789212011-09-02T06:17:00.003-04:002011-09-02T06:19:22.520-04:00NOT DEAD!Apparently my blog was redirecting there for a bit, but I'm still here.
<br />Thanks to Eliyahu and someone at Google it's all fix-ed now!
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<br />YAY!
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<br />Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-35110419657503197242011-08-29T15:25:00.007-04:002011-08-29T22:09:44.120-04:00How I Spent My SummerThis summer went by much too quickly for me. I feel like I didn't accomplish enough or have enough fun. Perhaps a recap will give me some perspective....
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<br /><strong>Kids and Trips -</strong>
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<br />My kids really did have a good summer: Plenty of time with both sets of grandparents, camp for my younger one, babysitting and SAT prep for my older one with plenty of time to hang with friends, rollerblade and write songs in between. I did take my kids on a one day trip to the Camel Beach Water Park in the Poconos. That was excellent - I love the lazy river, water slides too! I also did a 3 hour kayaking trip around the Sedge Islands. It was an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">eco</span>-tour where we learned about the animals and plants in the area. Very interesting stuff!
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<br /><strong>Work and Job Interviews -</strong> Work is rough. Ever since my department discovered that they can "do more with less" I've been completely overwhelmed with no end in sight. Things with my manager are still tenuous at best so I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">spent the</span> early part of the summer looking for another job with a more generous salary. I had a couple of good leads both found through job sites (I am not a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">networker</span>.) One was a at a French based company. I did well at the US interview but when I had the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Skype-</span>style interview with the head office in France the combination of the language barrier and the poor sound quality was just more than I could overcome. Also I didn't really want to be a one person department, that seemed lonely and scary!
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<br />I had another interview with a large candy manufacturer. The interview was one of those where they get you in a room with a group of people and ask you canned questions like "How did you resolve a conflict in the workplace" or "What is the most difficult conversation you ever had at work." They asked dozens of these and I foolishly used my manager twice as an example (because I so rarely have conflicts in the workplace.) I also used a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">metaphor</span> involving a frilled lizard. I didn't get the job.
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<br /><strong>Television</strong> - There is a lot of terrible stuff on Television! Storage Wars, Untold Stories of the ER, Millionaire Matchmaker, Hoarders.... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ick</span>!! And yet somehow on those rare occasions when I just plunk down in front of the TV I find myself watching 2 hours of this junk back-to-back-to-back (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ok</span> not hoarders... that's too awful even for me.)
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<br /><strong>Snacks and Drinks - </strong>Yeah, I gained weight this summer, stupid I know. Here are some of my favorite new snacks and drinks. Low-calorie gatorade in orange, Pop Corners (this is like popcorn flattened into a chip somehow) I like the sea salt and Jalapeno flavors. The butter flavor tastes like puke according to my daughter (not recommended.) Fiber One has an 80 calorie pre-packaged brownie out that's really good, and if calories don't count for you I recommend Mint Oreo Fudge creams are like the Girl Scout's "Thin Mints" but with less cookie and more of the good stuff. My kids also recommend Sabra's Greek Olive Hummus with Stacy's Pita Chips.
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<br /><strong>Gardening - </strong>I live in an apartment but there is still a little area for a garden. This year I grew red peppers, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">tomatoes</span>, strawberries, cucumbers, mint, basil, chives, dill, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">parsley</span>, and oregano. The red peppers and chives were the most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">successful</span> but I did get a little of everything.
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<br /><strong>Projects - </strong>I paid off my Yaris this summer and I'm very happy with that little car. Due to the recall on the floor mats I found I was wearing a large hole in the car's carpet where I rest my left foot while I drive. I took the old (offending) car mat and cut out a large plus sign (or cross if you will) I tucked in under the hole one side at at time and glued it down with marine glue. Looking good! Ok looking like to total patch job but still WAAAY better.
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<br />I also was the lucky recipient of a free "easy button" from staples.
<br />While it's very amusing on it's own I'm in the process of rewiring it to say what ever I like by installing a tiny microphone. This is my first wiring project and it's slow going (even with help.)
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<br />So I guess I did do a few things this summer... still time goes so fast... sigh...
<br />Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-1122497959189754372011-08-10T09:10:00.003-04:002011-08-10T09:58:40.880-04:00So, how was it?If you were fasting yesterday how did it go?
<br />Did it make you feel sad, self-reflective, or just hungry?
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<br />My fast went pretty well, I got myself off <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">caffeine</span> a week before and that was a big help.
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<br />For me I think it's a good thing to fast once in a while. Even though my financial situation has had it's ups and downs over the years I've never been in a situation where I had nothing to eat. I don't want to get too political here but I think if some folks in Washington went without a meal once in a while they would have a lot more respect for the programs that keep America's children from going hungry on a regular basis.
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<br />The nine-days do have an effect on me, particularly because they are so restrictive during a time of year that's usually a lot more relaxed. Whatever I'm in the mood to do (especially on the weekends) such as go to the movies, or the beach, I have to tell myself, no - that's too much fun - and it reminds me of all the tragic events of that time of year. A custom that my S<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hul</span> has, of remaining completely silent upon leaving the building in complete silence after the reading of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Eicha</span> is particularly effective. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Shul</span> is such a social place most of the time - not speaking changes the mood entirely.
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<br />One thing that kind of gets to me is the pile of events that are always listed as on or near the 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> of Av. I'm not a huge fan of coincidences, they make me feel skeptical - the more coincidences you heap on the less I'm included to buy what you are selling. Kind of like that whole <a href="http://www.snopes.com/history/american/lincoln-kennedy.asp">Kennedy/Lincoln thing</a>. Too much! Also why are any of those facts in important? Coincidences are everywhere but they don't necessarily mean anything. I have a hard time considering a certain time of year "unlucky." Sad yes, unlucky no. Still I'd rather lump together a group of sad things and mourn them all at once than <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">separately</span> all year long.
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<br />Share your 9 days experiences in the comments. I'm interested!
<br />Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-22429331264860714632011-08-02T15:45:00.002-04:002011-08-02T15:46:47.156-04:00If God Had a BlogI liked this - (yes I know this more like a Facebook post than a blog entry.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/humor/2011/08/08/110808sh_shouts_simms">http://www.newyorker.com/humor/2011/08/08/110808sh_shouts_simms</a>Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-5308189048909340182011-07-28T09:36:00.007-04:002011-07-28T11:43:01.146-04:00The World's Most Polite Pyramid Scheme.... or not...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhNcMFy4ORc/TjGCyhW-GJI/AAAAAAAAADk/o0_jD4X2URw/s1600/eye-cream.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634428413276985490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhNcMFy4ORc/TjGCyhW-GJI/AAAAAAAAADk/o0_jD4X2URw/s320/eye-cream.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>A couple of weeks ago S, an old friend of mine, invited me to party.<br />A Mary Kay party.<br /><br />For those of you not so familiar with Mary Kay it is a line of skin care products and make up for women that is sold by local "independent sales reps" as opposed to through standard retail channels. I have trouble saying no, and I've been meaning to be more social lately, so I said yes.<br /><br />So I went to the party. I can't say I really fit in, although to S's credit there was a wide range of women there (about 12 total) of various ages, backgrounds, religious leanings, and skin types.<br /><br />Actually it wasn't much of a party although there was quite a bit of laughing and having fun.<br /><br />It was, in fact, a product demonstration of just about as many Mary Kay products as you could possibly rub into any available skin on your face, arms, and hands in the span of an hour. The woman who did the presenting was a little much for me - over-eager in a way that seemed more sad to me than fake (big saucer eyes, describing everything as "amazing" etc.. ) also the face powder burned my cheeks a little.<br /><br />After the presentation we each had to retire to S's den individually with Saucer Eyes to place our order. In my head I had already planned the one item I would buy (just eye makeup remover and nothing else!) but somehow I ended up with that plus some kind of eye cream, for wrinkles I don't even have, and no money left in my pocket (fortunately I was smart enough to leave my credit card and checks at home.) Once all that business was complete, the she asked me if I'd consider selling Mary Kay since she though I'd be great at it and gave me a video to watch about all the goodness that selling Mary Kay can bring to your life.<br /><br />Now, selling Mary Kay would be about the last thing on earth I'd like to do, but I watched the video anyway. (I know, why do I keep doing things I don't want to do, right? In this case think I was curious.) It was all about this woman, who made piles of money selling Mary Kay and quit her sexist big city job and now is the best mom and saleslady ever! Yay!<br /><br />After the video I consulted the internet for varying views on how great or terrible Mary Kay is and whether or not it's a pyramid scheme and if that matters. There was a lot of information but it all seemed skewed one way or another and honestly in the end I think if you love to meet people and working for yourself and selling cosmetics it could be great (although I think your chances of getting rich are slim) and if not it's not for you.<br /><br />The video however did inspire me to do more of the things that enrich me as a person - like blogging, and several other interests and projects I've been letting languish.<br /><br /><br />So Mary Kay,<br /><br />If you are reading this, and you are an actual person who is still alive, Thanks!<br /><br /><br /><p>-Shifra</p><br /><p>PS. Your eye cream costs $35 and smells like rotting flowers? Why is that?</p></div>Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-13931287247194643502011-07-27T09:58:00.004-04:002011-07-27T10:58:27.269-04:00Guess Who?It's not easy being Ask Shifra.<br /><br />When I started this blog I thought... I'm easy to talk to and have it pretty much together, maybe I can help people, that sounds like fun.<br /><br />Of course later it turned into a jumble of things - writing, sharing ideas, a soap opera with no resolution, meeting cool people, and venting (naturally) all under the veil of anonymity. Nice!<br /><br />As things in my life got more complex I became more of myself and less of my alter-ego. When my brother died I think I pretty much outed myself and even my parents learned about this blog (maybe they have forgotten by now? I'm pretty sure the words "browser history" mean nothing to them.)<br /><br />Not long after that, when my marriage fell apart, I thought: Who am I to give advice or to tell people what I think is right? I felt so turned around, I didn't feel like myself at all. During all that time the best advice I got (and I didn't get a lot) was "Try to be OK." That seemed like an attainable goal...maybe... And you know what? After a year or so of faking it, I'm a lot better than OK. I'm good. More importantly, I'm BACK.<br /><br />Do people still read blogs? Let's find out, shall we?<br /><br />-ShifraShifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-13783479901838782382009-11-06T07:55:00.001-05:002009-11-06T08:04:29.105-05:00Friday Updates<p>I don't like to leave people hanging so here are the updates from last post:</p><ul><li>Talked to my boss. Things are better.</li><li>Still Sick (maybe sicker!)</li><li>Buyers pulled out of the deal</li><li>It STILL is what it is </li></ul>Good Shabbos!Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-67721090297638557722009-09-23T10:16:00.006-04:002009-11-09T10:58:58.130-05:00What's bothering Shifra<span style="color:#ff0000;">This was posted in November - I don't know what happened to the date....</span><br /><br />I'm in a bad mood, and this has always been a good place to vent. <div>I don't expect I have much of a readership left so no need to worry about my content being unpleasant or whatever I guess so might go for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>1) WORK - I am happy to be employed. I am not happy to be micromanaged.</div><div>I'm at a high enough level that I should be trusted. Don't assume, Mr. Boss-Man, that just because I don't copy you on everything I do doesn't mean I'm not working. I had a conference call with someone in Glasgow this morning which you didn't even know about. Not to mention copying you on everything makes me look and feel like a puppet. If I am the project manager, let me manage the projects! Also maybe tell me this stuff to my face not over IM and a clipped phone call. If you have an issue with my work let's talk about it face to face.</div><div>You said to use my discretion about what to copy you on. I think you meant use YOUR discretion. Fine. Hope your emailbox doesn't explode.</div><div><br /></div><div>2) GERMS - How is it that one night you go to bed feeling fine and you wake up the next morning feeling like death on wheels? I also burned my tongue on a hot tea. Somebody call the waaaaaambulance I have an acute case of whiny-ness.</div><div><br /></div><div>3) REAL ESTATE - I'm selling my house because I can't manage the mortgage on my own. </div><div>It's a very nice well maintained old house, but it's 100 years old, like most of the houses in my town. So no, I'm not going to waterproof the basement, rebuild the garage or put in a state of the art furnace at my own expense. It's a nice house in a nice neighborhood, reasonably priced, and I'll throw in a 1 year home warranty, but it is what it is. You want granite counter tops? Go buy some! I'm not giving the place away for free so stop living up to every lousy Jewish stereotype and just buy my house or go away.</div><div><br /></div><div>4) IT IS WHAT IT IS - What a stupid pointless expression and now even I'm using it... like everyday! Of course it IS what it IS... why does that even need to be said. Call me back when it's going to change and be something else.</div><div><br /></div><div>OK that's all for now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div>Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-49925735969082412152009-09-08T09:11:00.003-04:002009-09-08T09:15:24.811-04:00I'm Old.Today my oldest (the famous Bas-Shifra) starts high school.<br />I feel like *I* was just in high school... wow... I'm old.Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-91005178316508154412009-08-17T08:53:00.024-04:002009-08-17T14:02:33.672-04:00Relaxing and Religion<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a1Kpbu2eBpg/SolTXvRlW_I/AAAAAAAAACk/i0yQI1jnPTM/s1600-h/national-lampoons-european-vacation.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370915697908341746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a1Kpbu2eBpg/SolTXvRlW_I/AAAAAAAAACk/i0yQI1jnPTM/s320/national-lampoons-european-vacation.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>I just heard about some research which took a look at European vacation. </p><p>No no, not National Lampoon's European Vacation! I mean the benefit of having the extended vacation time that is mandated in Europe. Did you know that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Europeans</span> get about TWICE the vacation time Americans do?! Well yeah, I knew that too, but every time I hear it, it annoys me.</p><p></p><p>My summer has consisted of driving kids all over the place, getting poison ivy while mowing my lawn, battling a computer virus, 32 conference calls and a couple trips to the beach. Fun, fun, fun. I also rented High Fidelity, one of my favorite books and movies of all time. If that's the highlight of my summer I think I'm in bad shape. </p><p>ANYWAY, this new research shows that more vacation time results in a better attitude, lower blood pressure, weight loss, overall health and fitness, increased <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">religiosity</span> and spirituality, and an over all better quality of life. You don't need to be a scientific researcher to work most of that out! The majority of people I know work 50 weeks a year just for those two weeks vacation.</p><p>Time off is great! Work is stressful! </p><p>So what's this about religion and vacation? You always hear about people finding religion in times of stress but not usually while resting in a hammock sipping a pina colada. I've never heard anyone say "There are no atheists in a tropical paradise." </p><p>Can being more relaxed help you find God? Or is religion more of a luxury item affordable to those with peace of mind?</p><p>Please post your thought below, I have to get back to work!</p><p></p><p></p>Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com106tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-86698107315607120082009-08-05T20:52:00.005-04:002009-08-05T21:17:45.494-04:00Corporate CultureAs you may recall I was laid off from my old job in January of 2008 and I started a new job in March. This job is a lot different than my last. More stressful and high profile for sure, but with more interesting projects (which are mine to manage.) The corporate structure and culture is different too. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Political</span> correctness, environmental friendliness and the encouragement of diversity all get a lot of lip service, and even some actualization!<br /><br />It seems like I'm constantly being bombarded with not only work, but company policies which seem to be manufactured and modified <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">continuously</span> from somewhere deep within the corporate machine.<br /><br />One of my favorite things in the office is when opposing ideas are put out right next to each other. For example, recently there was a big push toward improving building security recently. Employees were directed to display their work IDs <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">prominently</span> at all times and not to hold the door for people to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining entry. The new policy is prominently posted everywhere, on doors, in the break rooms, and on posters in the copy rooms.<br /><br />Another highly publicized campaign around the office at the same time was one which talked about assisting people with disabilities in the office. There was a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">webcast</span>, handouts with tips about how to treat the disabled and of course more posters.<br /><br />So we were left with two posters side by side plastered throughout the office.<br />The poster on the right shows a polite employee holding the door for a coworker using crutches (but still able to hold his briefcase!) with the caption "Who needs help getting in the door? Everyone!" and a blurb about how we all need help at times, so be nice to the disabled.<br />The poster on the left warns us never to hold the door for anyone, and that security is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">everyone's</span> responsibility!<br /><br />Oddly it doesn't seem to bother anyone but me.Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-33124827906444567512009-08-03T08:28:00.002-04:002009-08-03T08:53:07.464-04:00Hebrew TattoosI've been determined not to waste my summer this year, and when it comes to spending a summer right, time at the beach is high on my list.<br />I love the ocean, it's just magical to me and I never get tired of it.<br />I love looking out at the waves, playing in the sand of course people watching. <br /><br />One thing I've noticed plenty of are tattoos, I never want to look, but really the whole concept just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fascinates</span> me, like some kind of super slow train wreck. Here are people who decide that there is an image they like so much they want it on their skin.... FOREVER! I have trouble picking a pair of sandles!<br /><br />So what do they choose as their ever lasting image?<br />A skull on fire of course! Now that's an image for the ages apparently! <br />I have lots more to say about skulls in pop culture, but that's another post.<br /><br />Aside from flaming skulls, something I've noticed plenty of that strikes me so odd is the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">prevalence</span> of Hebrew tattoos.<br />What's up with that?<br /><br />Whenever I see Hebrew permanently marked on to a persons skin my first thought is "Oh they must be Israeli... or Jewish..." but no. A second look will over reveal the presence of crosses or other marks ruling out that as a strong <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">likelihood</span>. <br /><br />So why a Hebrew tattoo? <a href="http://hebrewtattoo.net/">Here's a whole website dedicated to them</a>, and that's just one of MANY! It boggles my mind.<br /><br />So the last time I was at the beach I saw a Hebrew tattoo that puzzled me, especially since my Hebrew is pretty rusty. <br />I don't trust my memory 100% but it was something like "Betach Baal."<br />The guy who was wearing it, had dozens of others from the Celtic Cross to what looked like the Golden Gate Bridge! He also looked like he could have turned me into hamburger meat in a matter of moments so I didn't ask him or look for very long, but it's been bothering me.<br /><br />I looked up the word "Baal" and "tattoos" and apparently the God "Baal" was worshipped by the application of tattoos which may be part of the reason they are forbidden in Judaism today... but maybe I'm totally barking up the wrong tree here.<br /><br />If any of my readers can help me solve this riddle I'd be grateful.<br /><br />-ShifraShifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-51815067879375555892009-07-31T15:39:00.004-04:002009-07-31T16:08:46.463-04:00And now a word from David Bowie...<em>Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes</em><br /><em>(Turn and face the strain)</em><br /><em>Ch-ch-ch -Changes</em><br /><em>Just gonna have to be a different man</em><br /><em>Time may change me</em><br /><em>But I can't trace time</em><br /><br />Boy it's been so long since I've been on here that even the interface has changed. <br />There is "Monetize" tab on blogger now?! <br />Where has blogging gone? <br />Down the drain apparently. <br />Not that I should talk, I still get my check for $1.79 from web ads every month even though I don't post...um... ever!<br /><br />Looks like old <a href="http://dovbear.blogspot.com/">DovBear </a>is still going strong but I've heard he's gone soft (or <em>"nice"</em> as he prefers to call it) what fun is that? <br /><br />Where was I?<br />Oh yes, content, right... Posts need content...<br /><br />So here's the deal. I've changed, my life has changed, blogging has changed, the world has changed...I think the death of my blog was when it got too personal so I'm going to take it back a bunch of notches and try again. <br /><br />So, watch this space for ... something different?! I'm not sure myself but I think I'm ready to start writing again.<br /><br />PS To all the men who keep emailing to find out if their wives are "hot chanies" I think if you need to ask the answer has got to be "no." Sorry fellas!Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-52465949592185425322008-09-18T21:00:00.000-04:002008-09-18T21:06:49.332-04:00Mocking the Unwell or Oh, Shut UP!So I've been off-blog for a while but it's for a good reason - I've been sick.<br /><br />I have ummm... OK....well... I have Mono.... but please, don't go to any trouble, I've already heard all the jokes.<br /><br />No, I'm not 19, yes I know it's called the kissing disease (I did go to High School you know) and unlike in HS where a case of Mono might actually improve your social standing, as an adult it just seems weird to people.<br /><br />No, I don't know where I got it, I don't know anyone with Mono, I've never had it before and believe me as an adult it's no fun. I'm getting better though, finally.Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-2799384336052273432008-07-30T13:10:00.002-04:002008-07-31T09:05:26.557-04:00I once was lost....<blockquote></blockquote><p>I have no sense of direction. I can get lost in my own town, which is a pretty good trick since it's less than two miles across. I get it from my father, I think, who blames it on being left-handed, although I don't quite see the connection. </p><p>So FINALLY I broke down and got a GPS. It's not a good one, I mean it's good enough, but not a top of the line, name brand-y type of GPS. </p><p>Sometimes I don't understand why it routes me the way it does - for example on a trip back to New Jersey from New England it took me on some kind of meandering tour through all of the Bronx - but it gets me where I need to go one way or another. It gives me a lot of peace of mind because getting lost is something I find very frustrating and sometimes frightening.</p><p>But mostly it's just SO FREAKING COOL! The fact that this little hunk of metal and plastic can know where it is at any given moment and can tell me how to get wherever I want to go, and how long it will take nearly blows my mind. I feel like Buck Rodgers or something with a little sidekick that actually talks to me.</p><p>The future is here...and it's saying take a left in 500 ft.</p>Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-56688497367578674042008-07-27T21:13:00.002-04:002008-07-28T08:13:45.595-04:00Lawn Care and the Single WomanYeah, I've been gone a long time.<br />Longer than I've been away from this blog, that's for sure.<br />I haven't felt like "Ask Shifra" in well over a year but slowly I'm feeling more and more like myself.<br /><br />My husband and I separated in February... it was a long time coming I guess but no less shocking somehow. When I tell people about it I compare it to this cartoon I had on my fridge for many years.<br /><br />In the first frame there is a snail about two feet away from a banana peel.<br />In the second frame it's about a foot away from the peel.<br />In the third frame the snail is right up next to the peel.<br />And it the fourth it's yelling "WHOA!" as it slips way up into the air.<br /><br />You know it's coming but it doesn't seem possible until it happens.<br /><br />Telling our kids was the worst, telling my grandmothers wasn't great either.<br />"Who's going to mow the lawn?" asked my grandma, clearly shaken.<br />"I will" I said "I've always mowed the lawn."<br />"Couldn't you pay a neighbor boy to do it? There must be some boys around who can mow the lawn?"<br />"Grandma, it's not a problem, I've always mowed the lawn, I can mow the lawn..."<br />"Maybe you could hire a service, I don't think it would cost that much..."<br /><br />So now I'm very careful to keep my lawn looking good.<br />The appearance of my wellbeing depends on it apparently.<br /><br />For those of you left hanging from my last post, I'm pleased to report that in week seven of my job search I had three excellent job offers. I chose the company that seemed the most flexible and well organized because that's really what I need right now. It was a good choice, and I am very happy there.<br /><br />I'm busy but not too busy to crank out a post now and then if anyone is still interested.<br />Is anyone?Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-44475566985073745642008-02-04T21:35:00.000-05:002008-02-04T21:47:37.203-05:00Unemployment Week 3 - Out of the BoxToday I spent an hour being on hold with, and then disconnected by, the New Jersey Department of Labor's voice mail system, it seems like by the time I get my unemployment money I may well have returned to the workforce!<br /><br />So far there do seem to be a lot of jobs ad out there for work in my field.<br />I'm reading through them and applying to 'em one by one. <br />Just now I saw two job ads in a row requesting someone that "thinks outside the box."<br /><br />Ummm... Job ad writer guys? I have a message for you:<br />The 1980's just called, they want their clever catch phrase back.<br />I might go so far as to say that out of the box practically IS today's box. So uninspiring.<br /><br />Anyway back to it! Looking for a job is my job these days and for once I can't afford to slack too much. Also I've got another batch of cinnamon buns in the works and I need to go check on them.Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-28528178641580485582008-01-29T20:49:00.000-05:002008-01-29T21:07:45.721-05:00The Unemployment Chronicles - Week 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a1Kpbu2eBpg/R5_ZGqm1czI/AAAAAAAAABY/CgoxsZlQklw/s1600-h/bun.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a1Kpbu2eBpg/R5_ZGqm1czI/AAAAAAAAABY/CgoxsZlQklw/s320/bun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161082406529495858" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Stop me before I bake again!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Well, week one of being unemployed went pretty well.<br />My kids were off from school and I needed some time to just relax so we went places, did projects, wrote book reports, watched movies and had fun. I also baked quite a bit. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chavi</span> Kaufman likes to bake and so do I so there are now plenty of treats around the house for week two and I am home alone with all of them!<br /><br />For months I'd been craving really gooey caramel-y cinnamon buns and I've been working on perfecting the recipe - I'm getting close - another batch or two and I should be there!<br />Job hunting is hard, and often depressing. Baking is easy and satisfying.<br /><br />The trouble is I'm not quite fitting into my interview suit as it is and all of these baked good are not helping. Maybe tomorrow I'll start jogging... and working a little harder at this whole job search thing... or maybe both, but that's DEFINITELY going to require another batch of cinnamon buns, and of course a cup of coffee.<br /></span></span>Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-72160338162398541972008-01-21T06:26:00.000-05:002008-01-21T06:33:50.194-05:00Axe Shifra (Part 2)On Thursday morning I was laid off.<br /><br />There had been rumors, of course, but you never really know until you get the call to go down to HR. I was pretty shaken, but I was given a very respectable severance package (unlike LAST TIME) so I will not have to worry for a few months and maybe I can find something that won't have me driving three hours a day.<br /><br />For now I'll be doing some freelance writing (some for free, as tzedaka, and some paid) getting myself together, collecting unemployment, spending more time with the kids, and looking for work.<br /><br />It times out well, with this being the kids' vacation week. Now we can have some fun together, instead of my working most of the time. Today I'll be out on a little adventure with them all day but leave me a message at the tone and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.<br /><br />BEEEEEEEEP!Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com121tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-67651382944635338682008-01-10T13:38:00.000-05:002008-01-10T14:02:50.988-05:00A Herculean Act of CowardiceThis week a Jewish Cemetery in New Jersey was desecrated in a way I'd never seen.<br />90 percent of the headstones (nearly 500!) were knocked down and many smashed into pieces as they were pushed into one another.<br /><br />Although this was front page news <a href="http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1199772380107120.xml&coll=1">locally</a>, it didn't even make it <strong>into</strong> the paper 30 miles away. I sent the link to <a href="http://www.dovbear.blogspot.com/">Dov Bear</a> who posted on it instantly, but popular as he, he's no CNN. Read about the 90 year old man who buried his family there. It will break your heart. My own dear friend CB has family there as well it's very upsetting. One would hope that when our loved ones are laid to rest we do not need to worry about them any longer. That they are safe and protected. The added stress of something like this is just cruel.<br /><br />I don't know why I feel the need for more people to know about this.<br />To me this seems just huge somehow - clearly there were people pushing over headstones all night, hundreds of headstones falling and smashing, and no one called the cops.<br /><br />Unable to resist, I actually drove by the cemetary myself to say some tehillim and check things out for myself. Out of respect for the families that were there to check on their loved ones I stayed in my car. Still I was able to scope out the surrounding area pretty well. Based on the location in which I found the cemetary (in a populated, formerly Jewish area- adjacent to a well traveled street, right next door to a supermarket) I found it unbelievable that all the damage was only found by grave diggers who had come to work the following morning!<br /><br />To me this means, people knew and just didn't care.<br /><br />I was so upset I called my father. "Why would someone do something like that" I said.<br />"Because they are cowards" my father replied "the dead don't fight back."<br /><br />Perhaps the dead don't fight back, but we should.Shifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-56674114959675080542007-12-27T13:12:00.000-05:002007-12-27T13:38:03.163-05:00Work- now with 20% less fun!I work for a professional organization, with a constantly changing corporate structure, and rules, standards, and policies galore.<br /><br />Since the rulemakers can't be everywhere at once the good folks in the IT department have set us all up with some sort of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">internet</span> filter - which blocks out all the fun, non-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">worky</span> type web sites and allows us to visit the more boring, useful type sites.<br /><br />For example:<br />We can visit <a href="http://www.cnn.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CNN's</span> </a>home page, but the sports section is blocked.<br />We can go to <a href="http://www.yahoo.com/">yahoo</a> to look up a phone number, but cannot visit their music section.<br />We can use <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><a href="http://www.google.com/">google</a></span>, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><a href="http://www.gmail.com/">gmail</a></span> is off limits.<br /><br />The software also gives you a reason for the block:<br /><a href="http://www.homestarrunner.com/">Homestarrunner</a> is classified as "useless,"<br />whereas <a href="http://www.mp3sparks.com/">MP3Sparks</a> registers as a "music/entertainment site."<br /><br />Since the web is constantly changing this software is updated frequently, and as such, I have to keep finding new sites to visit during my downtime or when I need a break.<br /><br />I used to enjoy listening to <a href="http://www.npr.org/">NPR</a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">podcasts</span> while I worked - but as of today those are blocked now. Very disappointing.<br />No more <a href="http://www.icanhascheezburger.com/">LOLCATS</a> either - too bad, thoze catz iz funni!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oddtodd.com/">Odd Todd</a> and <a href="http://www.xkcd.com/">XKCD</a> still seem to be flying under the radar for now, and amazingly blogger is working too (at least for now.)<br /><br />OK, my break is over - post your favorite (non-blog) websites in the comments if you like!<br /><br />-ShifraShifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13050949.post-68884499926193224462007-12-24T10:02:00.000-05:002007-12-24T10:17:48.365-05:00Hot StuffBagel shops should label their cream cheeses.<br />This morning I pointed at what I THOUGHT was cream cheese with green olives behind the glass for my bagel, but it turned out to be jalapeno cream cheese heavy on the japapenos!<br />GOOOOOOD MORNING!!!<br />Whew!<br />Woke me up though.<br /><br />Speaking of things that are hot.... my husband is endlessly troubled by the winter offering at Dunkin' Donuts known as "White Hot Chocolate."<br />This is hot beverage, similar to cocoa, but made with white chocolate instead of the real stuff.<br /><br />It's pretty tasty, even though white chocolate isn't really my thing, but what bothers Amram is the name. To him a "white hot" beverage should be undrinkable, uncontainable by mere styrofoam! It should require the employees to use tongs, and wear welding masks... and should you burn your tongue... woe unto you!<br />He thinks they should call it Hot White Chocolate - more appetizing, less frightening.<br /><br />I tried to get him to think about it differently - imagine if it was a mint flavored cocoa drink - they'd call it "Mint hot chocolate" right? Hot white chocolate makes it sounds like a melted down candy bar not a white chocolate beverage I think, but there is no convincing him.<br /><br />OK that's all, just wanted to let you know I'm still around.<br /><br />Oh, and I hear that my email isn't listed anywhere on this site for some reason.<br />I'll have to fix that but in the meantime if you have questions to "ask Shifra" send 'em on to <a href="mailto:shifraq@gmail.com">shifraq@gmail.com</a> and I'll get to them as soon as I can.<br /><br />-ShifraShifrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11326423616254438613noreply@blogger.com14