debka_notion (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
debka_notion) wrote2011-10-31 01:51 pm
debka_notion) wrote2011-10-31 01:51 pm
A Weekend On Our Own
After our first week back to a "real-life" schedule (really, our first shot at it, as since our last "full week", H's school schedule has changed, I've acquired a relatively hours-intensive part-time job, and H has started night seder twice a week- I join him for it once a week), we were not quite feeling like hosting a shabbos meal- so we did something quite unusual for us, and had both meals on our own. It was both lovely- lots of time together, after a very busy week, and a somewhat calmer Friday in preparation- and also left me feeling like that is a lot of time on our own to make conversation through all of. It was worthwhile- but next time, I might try to think of some things to talk about, as well. I love talking to H about pretty much anything and everything- but everyone has quiet moments.
Sunday was also a lot of "just us" time, although a good amount of it was spent on homework, and on phone calls with my family. I feel a bit bad- H's family seems to get less of our phone time, and we're missing talking to them- but they're not as firmly scheduled in, and so things get in the way of the call... This is definitely something to work on. On the other hand, I had a long and lovely conversation with my sister, which was a very nice surprise.
This week promises to be just as busy as last week, if not more so, as it will culminate in a weekend at my parents' place, and the celebration of my grandmother's wedding on Motzei Shabbos. So- we need to fit shabbos preparations and packing (and outfit choices) into the week, along with travel time and the like. Should be good- but should definitely be busy.
And today, I take a 9 year old trick-or-treating, or at least pass out candy for his mother while he goes with a peer in the building- details still TBD. I'm thinking curiously about what approach to Halloween I want to stand behind, and I really don't know. Excuses for costumes and candy come around only so often- but the "not Jewish" aspect is a worry. We'll see what I think tomorrow, I guess.
Sunday was also a lot of "just us" time, although a good amount of it was spent on homework, and on phone calls with my family. I feel a bit bad- H's family seems to get less of our phone time, and we're missing talking to them- but they're not as firmly scheduled in, and so things get in the way of the call... This is definitely something to work on. On the other hand, I had a long and lovely conversation with my sister, which was a very nice surprise.
This week promises to be just as busy as last week, if not more so, as it will culminate in a weekend at my parents' place, and the celebration of my grandmother's wedding on Motzei Shabbos. So- we need to fit shabbos preparations and packing (and outfit choices) into the week, along with travel time and the like. Should be good- but should definitely be busy.
And today, I take a 9 year old trick-or-treating, or at least pass out candy for his mother while he goes with a peer in the building- details still TBD. I'm thinking curiously about what approach to Halloween I want to stand behind, and I really don't know. Excuses for costumes and candy come around only so often- but the "not Jewish" aspect is a worry. We'll see what I think tomorrow, I guess.
And also
Jewish kids who keep kosher don't get to go out for pizza with the other kids. Or eat birthday cake brought in by other kids parents. Or celebrate Christmas -- and mainstream culture spends *weeks* every year telling everyone how great Christmas is, how terrible it is to miss out on it, and how joyless people who choose not to do it must be. Or eat the donuts the other kids have during Pesach. And any number of other things.
That's necessary, but kids pay a price for it, and I think it's something they should not be asked to bear lightly. I think it's something that should only happen when it's clearly vital that they abstain -- and Halloween just doesn't seem to me to be anywhere *near* hitting that point.