Things haven't been all that amusing here in Cara's World lately, for obvious reasons. But I'll state them anyway, so you don't have to go searching through old posts to refresh your memory. On account of the Three Weeks, this blog isn't all that socially active, which significantly decreases the potential for idiotic encounters. And I miss my Bear-Bear already, and have not yet come to terms with the suddenness or the necessity of his death. Still, my faithful minions come here for...well, I'm not entirely certain what you all come here for, but I owe it to you to deliver something more interesting than pictures of a dead cat. (Well, he was alive when the picture was taken yesterday, but you know what I mean)
I did have one slightly amusing moment on Saturday night, when I was hanging out with a friend from college. He called me again. It's been a good two months since the last phone call. I, of course, did not answer the phone, but let it go to voice mail. True to form, he left me his number again. I really don't understand why he's calling me. I guess I'm just highly addictive. All it takes is a five minute conversation and they're hooked.
Now I just need to figure out a way to reduce this to pill form, and I'll have the next designer drug. Or a new perfume. Why wear Body by Victoria or Eternity by Calvin Klein, when you can wear Cara by Cara?
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Smashers Update
I've been remiss in my updates. I'll use the excuse that I have had other things on my mind.
I made it to first base. And then to second, third, and home plate! Twice! (No, they were not homeruns. But that would have been really cool.)
Unfortunately, the other team never showed up, and so we were merely playing against ourselves. So, officially, I'm still hitless. But at least I now know it is physically possible for me to hit the ball and make it safely to first base.
I also tried batting lefty. I think I might actually have made better contact. Further research is necessary.
Smashers record: 2-3. This Sunday, we'll break .500, aided by my newfound batting prowess.
I made it to first base. And then to second, third, and home plate! Twice! (No, they were not homeruns. But that would have been really cool.)
Unfortunately, the other team never showed up, and so we were merely playing against ourselves. So, officially, I'm still hitless. But at least I now know it is physically possible for me to hit the ball and make it safely to first base.
I also tried batting lefty. I think I might actually have made better contact. Further research is necessary.
Smashers record: 2-3. This Sunday, we'll break .500, aided by my newfound batting prowess.
I Really Need A Hug
It's only 9:34 in the morning, and I'm already having a horrible day.
Yesterday was great. I was productive, I got to play with Adin, I talked to friends who live far away. And then I walked in the door at midnight, and my mother told me to sit down. That's never a good sign.
My cat has leukemia. My wonderful, funny, temperamental but incredibly sweet, adorable kitty cat Smoke, who likes to be chased down the hallway, and roll around in the bathtub, and stretch out on my pillow while tangling his paws in my hair, has leukemia. We thought it was just a thyroid problem when we took him to the vet. My mother and I are supposed to take him back tonight for more tests, in case they missed something, but it doesn't look good.
And then the vet calls this morning. It's not just cancer, it's Stage Five cancer. Which means that, with chemo and what-not, my kitty cat has, at most, a few weeks to live. A few painful, horrible weeks of watching him get weaker and weaker. No thank you. So instead of just having more tests done tonight, we'll most likely say goodbye and put him down.
We've had Smokey since I was seven (that's 16 years, for those who don't like math). Up until a few weeks ago, he didn't even seem sick. And now, in less than 24 hours, I have to come to terms with Stage Five cancer, and putting him to sleep.
How do you say goodbye to a creature that barely even knows his own name? And how do you make sure he knows how much you love him?
Yesterday was great. I was productive, I got to play with Adin, I talked to friends who live far away. And then I walked in the door at midnight, and my mother told me to sit down. That's never a good sign.
My cat has leukemia. My wonderful, funny, temperamental but incredibly sweet, adorable kitty cat Smoke, who likes to be chased down the hallway, and roll around in the bathtub, and stretch out on my pillow while tangling his paws in my hair, has leukemia. We thought it was just a thyroid problem when we took him to the vet. My mother and I are supposed to take him back tonight for more tests, in case they missed something, but it doesn't look good.
And then the vet calls this morning. It's not just cancer, it's Stage Five cancer. Which means that, with chemo and what-not, my kitty cat has, at most, a few weeks to live. A few painful, horrible weeks of watching him get weaker and weaker. No thank you. So instead of just having more tests done tonight, we'll most likely say goodbye and put him down.
We've had Smokey since I was seven (that's 16 years, for those who don't like math). Up until a few weeks ago, he didn't even seem sick. And now, in less than 24 hours, I have to come to terms with Stage Five cancer, and putting him to sleep.
How do you say goodbye to a creature that barely even knows his own name? And how do you make sure he knows how much you love him?
Friday, July 09, 2004
The Shul Debate
I really did not want to post about this. I'm thoroughly sick and tired of the shul-bashing and general lashon hara against the community I live in, and have lived in my entire life. First it was just Velvel. Well, he has the right to complain on his own blog, even if I don't like the manner in which he sometimes does it.
Then that post was cited on Protocols. Great. Now people all over the blogosphere can have a negative opinion of a neighborhood and shul they've never stepped foot in.
Now MO-C joins the discussion, based on Velvel's post. Which would be fine, if everything Velvel said was accurate. So I suppose it's time to speak up and join the fray.
Velvel said "At shul they were greeted by people who told them they should be ashamed for showing their faces at shul, and going to kiddush. And that our minyan is breaking up the shul." Mo-C interpreted this the way I was afraid that people would: that this other minyan was "not at all well received by the members of the shul. Those opposed to the minyan accused the breakers of dividing the community." To say that this other minyan was not at all well received by the members of the shul is not really true.
Only two people really, truly spoke against it. Two out of hundreds. One of them is an outspoken person with a reputation for being abrasive. The other is a wonderful 80-yr-old man who has devoted his time to the shul in a variety of ways over the past 20 years(one of them being a regular daily minyannaire, which is more than I can say for a lot of the people who were at this other minyan).
No one (aside from this outspoken individual) made "accusations" about breaking up the community. Some others may have voiced concerns, but that is entirely legitimate. How do I know this? I was there. Velvel did not go to kiddush.
Unhappy with the davening? Fine. Don't agree with the rabbi? Happens all the time. Need to go find something that fulfils your needs? Do so in good health.
But please do not use your own frustration as an excuse to speak lashon hara against a community. Go ahead and kvetch. Just be diplomatic about it. Or at least accurate.
The shul is not perfect. I'm not even always happy there. But speaking lashon hara about a community and posting it for the world to see? In my book, it's just not cool.
I know the tone of this post is harsh, but I'm angry. I was going to hold my tongue, when it was just Velvel. But I just can't be quiet about this anymore. If the tone of this has offended anyone, I apologize.
Then that post was cited on Protocols. Great. Now people all over the blogosphere can have a negative opinion of a neighborhood and shul they've never stepped foot in.
Now MO-C joins the discussion, based on Velvel's post. Which would be fine, if everything Velvel said was accurate. So I suppose it's time to speak up and join the fray.
Velvel said "At shul they were greeted by people who told them they should be ashamed for showing their faces at shul, and going to kiddush. And that our minyan is breaking up the shul." Mo-C interpreted this the way I was afraid that people would: that this other minyan was "not at all well received by the members of the shul. Those opposed to the minyan accused the breakers of dividing the community." To say that this other minyan was not at all well received by the members of the shul is not really true.
Only two people really, truly spoke against it. Two out of hundreds. One of them is an outspoken person with a reputation for being abrasive. The other is a wonderful 80-yr-old man who has devoted his time to the shul in a variety of ways over the past 20 years(one of them being a regular daily minyannaire, which is more than I can say for a lot of the people who were at this other minyan).
No one (aside from this outspoken individual) made "accusations" about breaking up the community. Some others may have voiced concerns, but that is entirely legitimate. How do I know this? I was there. Velvel did not go to kiddush.
Unhappy with the davening? Fine. Don't agree with the rabbi? Happens all the time. Need to go find something that fulfils your needs? Do so in good health.
But please do not use your own frustration as an excuse to speak lashon hara against a community. Go ahead and kvetch. Just be diplomatic about it. Or at least accurate.
The shul is not perfect. I'm not even always happy there. But speaking lashon hara about a community and posting it for the world to see? In my book, it's just not cool.
I know the tone of this post is harsh, but I'm angry. I was going to hold my tongue, when it was just Velvel. But I just can't be quiet about this anymore. If the tone of this has offended anyone, I apologize.
I'm An Innocent Nerdslut!
This one was just too funny. I had to post it. Really, I did.
What's your sexual appeal?
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There were a few questions that I really couldn't make up my mind about. So I went back and took the quiz again, to see what would happen. This time, it turns out I'm a...
Now, I have been told that my glasses give me a "cute librarian" kind of look. The intelligence and the thirst for knowledge part I'll accept. Now if it had only said "off-the-wall" charms instead of "wallflower"...
So when you combine the two, I'm a wide-eyed Anime wallflower (from what can be seen behind the glasses) who cuts loose while acting innocent, and is exciting and fun to the dirty old men who meet my high standards. Sweet!
What's your sexual appeal?
brought to you by Quizilla
There were a few questions that I really couldn't make up my mind about. So I went back and took the quiz again, to see what would happen. This time, it turns out I'm a...
Now, I have been told that my glasses give me a "cute librarian" kind of look. The intelligence and the thirst for knowledge part I'll accept. Now if it had only said "off-the-wall" charms instead of "wallflower"...
So when you combine the two, I'm a wide-eyed Anime wallflower (from what can be seen behind the glasses) who cuts loose while acting innocent, and is exciting and fun to the dirty old men who meet my high standards. Sweet!
I Always Knew I Was A Goddess
It's Dumb Quiz Friday! Woohoo!
Let the *optional* fun and games begin!
Athena
?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ??
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Let the *optional* fun and games begin!
Athena
?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ??
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Thursday, July 08, 2004
Who Am I? Where Am I? What...
I promised a weekend report, which I have yet to deliver. And so, here it is, in brief:
Friday: Cubs- Woo! Win- Woo! Sox- Woo! Lose- Woo!
Shabbos: Minyan at Joe's (more about this later), I got caught in the rain, and puzzled over the parsha.
Motzei Shabbos: I went dancing. It was great. One of my female friends from college (who I dearly wish lived in Chicago) came to visit, and we had quality girl time. Much, much needed girl time.
Sunday: The Crazy Cubbie Crew convened. First a BBQ. Then we watched the Cubs sweep the Sox. Then we went out to a bar, and decided to drive to Milwaukee the next day for another Cubs game.
Monday: 3rd Cubbie game in 4 days. I got attacked by pastrami, and did a few cartwheels.
I know this is a very quick synopsis, and I'll undoubtedly reflect more upon it in the future, but there are too many things running through my head again. Among them:
* Lashon hara. Speaking lashon hara against a community. How to let your friends vent, but still curb their lashon hara.
* Being one of the guys, but not being mistaken for a guy. This is an old problem. You'd think wearing skirts would somehow ameliorate this, but it really doesn't.
* Having fun, being young, and still liking myself in the morning. (I'm exaggerating)
* Being naive and cynical at the same time.
* Grad School. Must apply. Soon. But where?
* Israel. Have I mentioned that I'm leaving in 24 days?
Brain...hurts...must...stop...thinking.
Ow.
Friday: Cubs- Woo! Win- Woo! Sox- Woo! Lose- Woo!
Shabbos: Minyan at Joe's (more about this later), I got caught in the rain, and puzzled over the parsha.
Motzei Shabbos: I went dancing. It was great. One of my female friends from college (who I dearly wish lived in Chicago) came to visit, and we had quality girl time. Much, much needed girl time.
Sunday: The Crazy Cubbie Crew convened. First a BBQ. Then we watched the Cubs sweep the Sox. Then we went out to a bar, and decided to drive to Milwaukee the next day for another Cubs game.
Monday: 3rd Cubbie game in 4 days. I got attacked by pastrami, and did a few cartwheels.
I know this is a very quick synopsis, and I'll undoubtedly reflect more upon it in the future, but there are too many things running through my head again. Among them:
* Lashon hara. Speaking lashon hara against a community. How to let your friends vent, but still curb their lashon hara.
* Being one of the guys, but not being mistaken for a guy. This is an old problem. You'd think wearing skirts would somehow ameliorate this, but it really doesn't.
* Having fun, being young, and still liking myself in the morning. (I'm exaggerating)
* Being naive and cynical at the same time.
* Grad School. Must apply. Soon. But where?
* Israel. Have I mentioned that I'm leaving in 24 days?
Brain...hurts...must...stop...thinking.
Ow.
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Sheva Assar B'Tammuz
While I had an amazingly fun weekend, it doesn't quite seem right to post the usual weekend update right now. So you'll all have to be patient, and wait until tomorrow or the next day.
But today, I think we'll keep things fairly somber and low-key. Sheva Assar B'Tammuz and Tisha B'Av are not easy fasts for me. I find it incredibly difficult to keep my mind focused on the reason behind the day, on the meaning of it all. Yom Kippur is far easier, because it's a yontiv. But being at work, going about my business, and trying to keep at least a part of my mind focused on Sheva Assar B'Tammuz and the start of the Three Weeks (as opposed to just thinking about the fact that I'm hungry)...it's not easy for me.
So, to keep things somber, I offer this link, sent to me by my father. (Note: it really should be watched with sound)
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/jewish-story/filmang.htm
But today, I think we'll keep things fairly somber and low-key. Sheva Assar B'Tammuz and Tisha B'Av are not easy fasts for me. I find it incredibly difficult to keep my mind focused on the reason behind the day, on the meaning of it all. Yom Kippur is far easier, because it's a yontiv. But being at work, going about my business, and trying to keep at least a part of my mind focused on Sheva Assar B'Tammuz and the start of the Three Weeks (as opposed to just thinking about the fact that I'm hungry)...it's not easy for me.
So, to keep things somber, I offer this link, sent to me by my father. (Note: it really should be watched with sound)
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/jewish-story/filmang.htm
Friday, July 02, 2004
It's Funny Cuz It's True...
You are Sir Galahad.
Cheery and Go-Lucky you fight for a noble cause..
To keep your virginity, or lack there of. You
keep to yourself mostly and stand tall among
your friends. You sometimes wish though that
your friends would leave you be when temptation
is at your feet. Don't they know you deserve
just a little bit of Peril?
What Monty Python Holy Grail Quest Character are You?
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Song o'the Weekend
GO CUBS GO!
GO CUBS GO!
HEY CHICAGO, WHADDYA SAY?
CUBS ARE GONNA WIN TODAY!
After 23 years of living in Chicago, I finally get to go to the Crosstown. And it's on my turf.
Weekend prediction: Cubs take two of the three. Let's just hope it's the two games I'll be at.
GO CUBS GO!
HEY CHICAGO, WHADDYA SAY?
CUBS ARE GONNA WIN TODAY!
After 23 years of living in Chicago, I finally get to go to the Crosstown. And it's on my turf.
Weekend prediction: Cubs take two of the three. Let's just hope it's the two games I'll be at.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
T-Minus One Month and definitely Counting...
Not that I'm excited or anything. Really. Not at all.
Oh fine. Maybe just a little.
Oh fine. Maybe just a little.
Yummy
Adi's most recent post just reminded me of yet another reason to be psyched for my trip to Israel, and the fact that I will be on an army base for two weeks.
I draw your attention to picture #11. I submit this as Exhibits A, B, and C. I'm sure you will return with the proper verdict: soldiers are hot.
I draw your attention to picture #11. I submit this as Exhibits A, B, and C. I'm sure you will return with the proper verdict: soldiers are hot.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Message to Velvel
"Hookah and the Nakhla Scam" would be a pretty good name for a band.
Especially a band that has an autoharp. And a gong.
Especially a band that has an autoharp. And a gong.
I'm Sorry, Kermit
It has come this blog's attention that Kermit the Frog can indeed slam dunk a basketball. Cara's World and all its affiliates hereby formally apologize to Kermit for daring to compare his awe-inspiring basketball skills to its own sorry softball "skills".
Cara's World is therefore giving itself a Time Out, as punishment for its lack of faith in Kermit.
*twiddling thumbs and pondering its horrible crime*
Time Out completed. Phew, that was rough.
Cara's World is therefore giving itself a Time Out, as punishment for its lack of faith in Kermit.
*twiddling thumbs and pondering its horrible crime*
Time Out completed. Phew, that was rough.
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