they got it wrong

The weathermen got it wrong. It was supposed to possibly start snowing/raining around or after 9am this morning. Unfortunately, it started right after I got in the car and started driving to work.(that was before 8am) And it started to come down quick. Luckily traffic was light. It is 9:30am and there is about an inch of snow on the ground. I am concerned for my driver driving to pick up my clients all over Brooklyn. Hopefully the snow will stop and it will change to rain and won't be so icy.
Happy New Year very one.

Anniversary

Happy anniversary Yossie and Lisa. Sweet Sixteen!!!!!

happy birthday meir

If by some reason you do read this blog -Happy birthday Meir. You are now legally allowed to drink in the US. . Doda

Its been that long?

It has been 16 years since Lisa and I had our Aufruf in Monsey. That year, Asara B'Teves was on a Friday, so we all broke our fasts on Kiddush. The highlight of Friday night was Yaakov making Kiddush for the first time. So happy anniversary Yaakov.

Too much time

After a very relaxing shabbos, which I did not even get dressed or go out since it was raining all day, I was ambitious this morning. I decided to clean out my linen catch all closet. I found a box of henna so I decided to use it on my hair. if you though I was a red head before well I am really a red head now. Luckily, henna isn't permanent and will wash out a fade in a coupleof months. It really isn't so bad but I am sure people will notice the difference.

Nice to have a day off

Hi, It's so nice to have a day off. I had some friends over for breakfast who missed a flight etc. long story. I went out to get soem bagels and bread and bumped in to my friends Marilyn's husband in the bakery. They just got the news they became grandparents this morning. Michelle had a boy. Not surprising that the baby was born today since Marilyn gave birth to her children on lJuly 4th and Christmas. so the bris in next week Jan 1st. in Hillcest. I called Marilyn from Main street to wish her Mazel Tov and said I was one of the first to know and wondered how I found out. I called Betty Bob to wish her mazel tov too. for the younger ones of this blog, Marilyn and I know each other since we are in carriages. And we have this famous bris story between us. If you want to know the story comment on this blog!

Anniversary of meeting Yisroel

Hey everyone,
I was just remembering....I guess like 5 Christmas Eve's ago we were all in Silver Spring and Yisroel came to meet us for the first time(apples to apples). B"H We've come along way from then.
Have A GREAT Shabbos!
(I'll be in Silver Spring with the Savannah's)

Wii finally relented

Well wii finally relented and purchased a video game system for the house. Getting a great deal from a friend of mine who has a pawn shop, we got a Wii. It's pretty cool.
I let Esti play it for a minute & she likes it also.
The bowling is uncanny as I keep getting spares & barely get any strikes in real life also.
Please look out for the cantorial version of Guitar Hero.

(& to all you older kids already out of the house I offer no apologies that you feel abused & deprived b/c we never got one when you were growing up here.)

Pot Roast

I finished the pot roast last night and it tasted alittle better but still not the same as moms. I had left over broth so I decided to make a soup with it. I put in lentils barley and beans plus celery and, carrots and onion and spices. I cooked it in the mini crock pot over night. I can't wait to have some tonight. I like my new toy. I still have enough to feed a couple of people some come over for some.
As far as my phone, I think it was unplugged because it rang but it didn't connect. It is fixed now.

We're Home!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are back in Baltimore from Providence. We stayed in Providence an extra day because of the snow, but it worked out because school was canceled here Monday so Yisroel didn't miss anything. The saturn even started after being neglected and buried in the snow, we were impressed! I am officially on vacation for 2 weeks, but all my teachers are already giving me homework- so not much relaxin time. Yossi played in the snow but I think he is going to have bad memories because he lost his "Mi" (pacifier) in the snow and won't stop talking about it. Well everyone, be in touch!

SNOW!

I was zoche to see 2 ft of snow this Shabbos in Lakewood! It was fascinating to see so much snow!

let it snow!!!

We had our first big snow storm of the season. I had an engagement paty at shul last night so Carol (my downstairs neighbor) bundled up and walked there. It wasn't so bad and there were alot of people who came. Today was my snow day. I did 3 loads of laundry and still have more, made a tuna caseerole and tried to make mom's pot roast in my new mini crock pot. It didn't taste the so I am probably missing an ingredient or 2. I dug my car out which I won't use until wednesday. The phone didn't even ring today. So for those of you in Maryland be careful.

Esti's Class MHA Chanukah Music Program

Second Place

Last night we had our annual JASA holiday party. 50's theme and it was nice. At the party they announce the winner of the Ziegellaub Award for Creativity in the workplace and personal life. People submit their projects. 2005 I won for our newsletter. a couple of years ago we won for our carnival idea. This year my retiring Nurse and I submitted her "gems" Keeping Healthy Tips. What was supposed to be a booklet became a magnetized posting with room to write in some important phone numbers. I hand lamintated them and we gave them out to the clients yesterday. Second Place was great as only 2 were awarded and there were about 10 submissions. It also came with a $50 check for each of us. Nice Chanukah present!!!

It takes a miracle

So we bought these pre-filled, solid olive-oil cups to use for chanukah, thinking they would be convenient and save time. But as it turned out, half of them wouldn't even light. The wicks just burned down into the little wick holder without drawing any oil. So I brought them back today (they were nice enough to take them back), and got this other set of pre-filled (liquid) cups. But when I tried setting them up to light, they wouldn't fit in our menorah! So we ended up using those dinky little colored candles. The really annoying think is that I wanted to just get normal cups and a bottle of oil, but they were out of the size of cups that I knew would fit.

I guess it takes a miracle just to get our menorah lit one night at a time.

Can someone please give me aunt Lisa's email address asap. Thanks

Happy Chanukah

Happy Chanukah everyone. It was great seeing most of the Memphis crew on Sunday. Naomi, your clothing are en route via UPS.

Doda

we're in Nashville now

We made it to Nashville with plenty of time to spare especially since our flight is now delayed till 7p. They made us check in my carry on b/c the wheels made it just a bit too large. Also we ended up using mileage for Naomi's ticket & they charged $150 for the free ticket.

Last night at 10p we realized that Naomi's ticket was never really purchased. I don't remember if I pushed that last button & it just never took or I just never pushed that last button. So we were up to 230a trying to figure out what to do.

So Naomi ended up taking an 845a to Newark & took a cab to Bruriah to hang out with her friends. Maybe she'll learn something today.

tootsie Rolls

I just heard that Tootsie rolls are getting a hechsher. What next - Pork rinds?

Got this Video from the Grizzlies

Dougies out

Dougies went out of business in Queens a few weeks ago. Carlos and Gabbys has better food and burgers anyway. I also heard the only non kosher restaurant Angelos also closed.

Jury Duty

I was summoned to Jury Duty today. The case was a civil suit between 2 ladies involved in an auto accident. One woman is suing the other for physical injuries. I was not picked :) I figured they didn't want me when they heard that Lisa is involved in suing the old lady that rear-ended her a few years ago.

Yaakov & Mindy's Wedding Pix

Ima & I actually sat down last night & went thru the pictures & picked out around 30 pictures so far. So many good pictures to choose from.

After years of planning, I have finally submitted my Pharmacy school application.

And in case anyone is wondering, I never got around to shechting that turkey.

Widget

nobody's blogging

Hey everyone,

Seems like we have nothing special to say. I am at my desk at home trying to de clutter it. So far I have a full plastic full of papers to throw out. A few weeks ago I bought a power strip and now Ican't find where I put it. That is not like me. I usually know where among my mess I place things. I'll let you know if I find it.

National Anthem

Yisroel is Famous

Yisroels picture is in the where, what , when- for a Rambam ad. i guess they like him, if they are advertising that he works there. All you silver spring, Baltimore people- check it out!

November 25

Happy what would have been 59 year anniversary Mom and Dad. Happy birthday mom.

Talking Turkey

yaakov's post had me remember years ago when I spent a summer in Israel, we ate our meals by a family. One day, there was a large live turkey on their front porch, we were commenting on it it was cute .... Well the next day it wasn't there but there was turkey on the menu. We really didn't enjoy the meal that much after getting to meet the meat. Happy Turkey Day!!


Doda

Thanksgiving Treat

I was thinking of preparing a fresh turkey for Thanksgiving. What do you guys think? I could post some good pictures of it on the blog afterwards.

The only problem is that the turkey is likely to shecht me back...

pics from my trip

I only took 2 pictures during my trip. I hope you could see them.

Go Griz Go!

Hatzlacha Rabba Abba!

Can't wait to see pics and hear a recording of the national anthem tomorrow night!

Ya'll Shall All Have a Ball!

It must be genetic

Last night Efraht threw a few times. We used a nagel vaaser "bucket" to catch it. This morning we thought she was better so I put her in the car to take her to school. Three minutes into the trip she starts saying "I need a bucket" She promptly threw up into a plastic bag. No, she has never seen (and, if can help it, never will) Monty Python's "Meaning of Life". Have a great Shabbos everyone!

I'm back

I am back in New york. My flight was a little delayed due to the air traffic glitch that happenned somewhere. The day before (wednesday) was horrible. I was relaxing inthe hotel breakfast area having a cup of coffee after working out intheir lousy work out room, when I received a call from work that we were having our annual surprise audit. The 1 week I take a vacation. So Iwas on the phone most of the day and feeling nervous etc. Ichecked out of thehotel and went to Judy and Lou in Delray. The audit might have gone a little better if I was there but according to my seceatary and the auditor it was pretty good. Now you know Why I don't go away alot.
Otherwise the trip was good and I got to see relatives and their friends and heard alot about aches and pains and doctors.

Have a good shabbos

Good Shabbos!

Hope everyone has a great shabbos! Also just wanted to let everyone know that Malka consistantly took 4 steps today, I think she is finally getting into the walking thing.

I'm in Florida

Hi there from Florida!
I had a great flight arrived a little early. Got a 3 class upgade on my car so I am driving a 2010 camry which I already put over 100 miles on in 1 day. I stayed a Cousin Miriam last night and we dined on Meal Mart chicken which I brought down with me. Her friends came over before to meet me. In the afternoon we sat at her pool eventhough it was not swimming weather. Today I drove Ida down to Miami to visit Uncle Izzys grave. That was a long trip but worth it. I opened my tehillim and it opened to tzadi vav Shiru Lashem shir chadash. I felt that was appropriate. I explained it to Ida and we got teary. Then we finally found a place to eat I dropped her off and now I am in the hotel lobby using their free computer. oh and the hotel is in a shopping center so I bought a pair of shoes for $10.
good night

One of those days...

My car broke down on the way to work today. This is the one that we got for $250. Luckily, I was within walking distance of work when it happened. So, anyway, I got it towed and don't know whats wrong with it yet.

On the other hand, it put things into perspective, and I spent the rest of the day thinking about how good everything else in my life is.

Curriculum Vitae

Can someone please tell me when this nonsense with the girls submitting "resumes" started?

A call last night

Yaakov and Mindy called me last night. It was great speaking to them and hearing what they had to say!!!!!!!! Did he call aunt Helen yet?

My trip

I spoke with Ida this morning just to confirm my visit with her. She asked me to take her to Miami to Uncle Izzy's grave. I didn't even think of that but told her I will be happy to take her. I will take pictures and try to figure out how to post them. Right now I better get my act together and start packing and do a few errands cause I leave early tomorrow morning.

Coffee Flavor

To all those family members that enjoy a good refreshing cup of coffee. I just got this delicious creamer made by International Delights. The flavor is called Chocolate Mint Truffle, its in special for this season so hurry and get it!

Another memory

One of my favorite and proudest memories is being asked to go across the street to Mr. Steiner to get the Gmach checks signed. To me, it was always nice to know that Dad helped run the shul Gmach.

My concert this Sunday

I'm singing 3 songs in a concert this Sunday. I get to sing stuff that I'd never get to sing in shul.
Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables)

Avinu Malkeinu

We Are the Champions

Also, a week from Monday we're doing the National Anthem at the Grizzlies game. I just got that call last Friday as we were driving from Baltimore to Silver Spring.

Should be fun.

my trip

I am going down to Florida on Monday to visit Aunt Ida and Cousing Miriam. I am only going until Thursday so it is a short trip. I posted a request on KGHShuls yahoo group to borrow a GPS and actually got 2 people who offered their GPS. I also got street maps from the AAA.
Have a good Shabbos.

We Just booked flights for Malka's wedding

Thursday Dec 3, 2009
Depart Nashville: 6:39 PM
Arrive Detroit: 9:25 PM

Depart Detroit: 10:10 PM
Arrive Baltimore: 11:46 PM


Mon, Dec 7, 2009
Depart JFK: 11:45 AM
Arrive Nashville: 1:29 PM

The price was $201.30 & I got $200 off coupons for $110. So basically it came out to $112/ticket round trip. Not too bad.

That's just for Ima, Esti & me. Naomi is going to spend Shabbos in NY & is flying straight to Newark.

this weekends weather

It's a good thing Menachem's Bar Mitzvah was last Shabbos - otherwise we would have had a repeat of Meirs.

Yartzeit

This is the year I have been thinking about for a very long time. Since this is 22nd yartzeit, I have now lived half my life w/o Mom and Dad. Its tough because all the grandchildren have no memories of them. It frustates me that I always have to explain to my kids who "Saba" and "Bobby" are. Pictures just don't do the trick.

Mom's Yahrzeit ....24 Cheshvan

I thought that for the benefit of the younger members of the Samblog we should post some recollections of Mom & Dad on or around their Yahrzeits.

For me personally, the scene replays in my mind's eye over & over again of when Mom collapsed as I was helping her get from the living room to the back of the house. For many years that was what i saw every night as I was trying to fall asleep. Fortunately, memories fade & I no longer see that scene involuntarily, but unfortunately memories fade & I have trouble recalling happy vivid memories.

Having now been married 25 years, it seems that celebrating one's Silver Anniversary was a bigger deal back then when we so elaborately planned Mom & Dad's surprise 25th anniversary party. (to be continued)

nice and true

I just have to share something nice that happened at work today. I have a new client who came in for her second visit today. She told me she lost her calendar/appointment book and she feels lost without it. She said she has to go to the clinic tomorrow to find out all her appointments etc. I gave her an appointment book so she could have one for the rest of the year. About a half hour later the mail came and I received a fairly thick envelope addressed to me (typewritten) without a return address or stamp cancellation. I joked about opening it (anthrax). I opened it and lo and behold it was this person's calendar with a typewritten note that this person found it on her way to Manhattan and my name and address (from the activities calendar we give out). She hoped I could trace down the person it belongs to and return it. My new client was so happy. I hopefully found the person, who returned it, phone number and we will call her to say thank you.
There are good people in this world and in Brooklyn too.

Doda

Glad ur home

DId everyone go to normal school and work?

We Made It

We got in around 330am Memphis time. It was a bit of a rough ride as Esti threw up 4 or 5 times along the way & we had to make several stops. Those blue bags came in handy. I think it's a virus rather than normal carsickness. I guess our decision is now made whether we should fly or drive in for Malka's wedding.

It was a great Shabbos. Menachem did great & it was wonderful spending some time with everyone.

Menachem's Bar Mitzvah

To all the Samberg's that couldn't be at the Bar Mitzvah - you missed a nice time. Menachem lained beautifully and clearly. He got pummelled by my torah candys afterward and came out unscarred. It was so nice having all the cousins there and the weather was warm and clear.
The meals were delicious.
What you really missed was Aunt Helen mesmerizing Yossi on Saturday night. Yossi was his usual self running back and forth so Aunt Helen decided to calm him down. At first he looked scared as she spoke to him about walking slowly. She was holding his hand and saying she will count to 2 and then he could walk. She started counting 1- 1&1/2, 1&3/4, 1&5/8 etc. He was just looking at her waiting for the 2. If he started moving before she started counting from 1 again. I think that was the longest time he stood still in his life. Too bad we didn't have a video camera.
Of course she gave out blue bags too.
I got home around 6:30pm after dropping off Aunt Helen and Grandpa.

doda

Mazel Tov to everyone in Silver Spring! We wish we could be there with all of you.

Weather Update

The weather in Silver Spring this weekend is supposed to be SUNNY and in the mid 50's to mid 60's. So pack according. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

busy at work

Hi. work has been pretty busy these past couple of weeks. Hopefully, I will be finished with the busy stuff by Thursday. I am looking forward to seeing almost everyone (on this blog) at the Bar mitzvah. I know the sambloggers not going, will be the in spirit.
I made plans to go to Florida to visit Aunt Ida and Cousin Miriam. Just going for a few days.

Have a safe trip.

Doda

SHaya Hits a Home Run

Dedication to Imma! ABba or Naomi please show this to Imma. Its her favorite story made into a video. Enjoy
http://www.kiruv.com/kiruvTools/stayInspired/Shaya_Hits_a_Home_Run.asp

Algood TN??

Why does that thing to the right think I'm in Algood, TN?

special treat

I forgot to add this. Lisa grandfather made a potato nick for Shabbos. Better come early or it will be gone

menachem's bo bayom

We had a great time. Menachem spoke very well. The dancing was unbelievable. Menachem's whole class came, behaved great and danced up a storm. I just hope that Shabbos will just as great. Yaakov, Suri, Yossie, and Malka were there. Yossie looks great in his new haircut and yarmulka. He kept dancing with anyone who would hold his hand. He danced a lot with meir and Efraht. We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Shabbos. There was a lot of pix and video taken. Lisa wants to put the video on Dvd, so maybe yall will get a chance to see ove rthe weekend.

Esti Piano Duet

Real breaking family news....

Real Breaking Family News.... Yossi got a haircut!

Embarrassing moment...

I arrived at Suri and Yisroels to babysit for them on Motzai SHabbos, opened up my laptop and went to check out onlysimchas. To my suprise and super excitement I saw a name of an "older" girl whom I know quite well. I was ecstatic. is it true that *shprintzel from brooklyn* is engaged? Baruch Hashem! I was so excited! I didn't want to text *shprintzel* just yet to wish her mazal tov just in case it was for sure true. So I texted two other people who know *shprintzel* to make sure the amazing news was true. They didnt respond back so I decided, what are the chances of another *shprintzel* gettin engaged. so I texted her.
"I just saw your name on onlysimchas! Incredible News! Mazal Tov!"
I recieved a response from the girl way too quickly for someone who should be at their lchaim. It said "You are so sweet, but its not me. Different girl. IYH Simchas by you".

SO Embarrasing!

**name changed**

Nice take on Rachel Imeinu

Message from the Mash
Dear Alumni and Friends,
Today, Thursday, the 11th day of MarCheshvan is the yartzheit of Rachel
Imeinu. During the churban of the Bais Hamikdash our people passed
Kever Rochel on their journey to exile, death and servitude. As she
does only too often, Rochel weeped for her children. As the prophet
Yirmeyahu told us, Hashem told Rochel to refrain from crying. Hashem
assured Rochel that there would be reward for her action and hope for
the future and that the children will return to their borders.

For certain we are today in Eretz Yisroel because of her tears. But
perhaps return to borders means more than just the Land. We live in a
world without g'vulim, without borders. Nothing is sacred and we are
exposed to everything. On this, her yartzheit let's try to return ourselves
to the borders that the Torah and the chachamim have given us for our
own benefit and welfare. Let's try to do something for integrity and for
modesty. Let's try to come home to our borders.

BREAKING FAMILY NEWS!!!

I just got a haircut.

This has been a breaking family news update.

Everyone have a good Shabbos.

Picture on top

I cropped the picture & posted it up there but can someone figure out how to center that picture up there? I can't seem to.

Wedding Picture

Here is a picture from our wedding. I remember it like it was yesterday. Except for the logo floating in mid-air. Sorry about that.

BOOtique? Abba- so curious on what ur going to talk about in regard to Halloween vs. Halacha? Please do share.
P.S- Proud to say I got a 95 on my first Midterm! (bli ayin hora)

Know the Difference between Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms

Know the Difference between Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms

Symptom	Cold	H1N1 Flu
Fever	Fever is rare with a cold.	Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
Coughing	A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.	A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches	Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.	Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
Stuffy Nose	Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.	Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
Chills	Chills are uncommon with a cold.	60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
Tiredness	Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.	Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
Sneezing	Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.	Sneezing is not common with the flu.
Sudden Symptoms	Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.	The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache	A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.	A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat	Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.	Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
Chest Discomfort	Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.	Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

If you cant see properly. The bumper sticker says D.A.D.D

"Dads Against Daughters Dating." Now this has no shaychis to my Dadd but still thought you will think its cute.

Joke D'joure

President Achmadinajhad calls up former predident Bush. "George, last night I had a dream"
"Really" says Bush "What was your dream?"
"Well, in it I saw all of America looking more glorious than ever, and each beautiful house had a banner hanging from it."
"So what did all those banners say?" asked the former President
"Each one said 'United States of Iran'" answered Mahmoud.
"Well, it's funny you should call because last night I had a dream too"
"Really?" asks Achmadinajhad "What was in your dream?"
"I saw the entire country of Iran, beautiful as ever, and each house had a banner hanging from it."
"You too! What did the banners in your dream say?"
"I don't know" answers Bush "I don't read Hebrew"

New picture on top

Mindy/Yaakov,
You are an Admin here. When you get a chance. Could you please put a good family picture from your wedding up on top?

Yeravam Ben Nevat?

Blackberry finally came out with a software update for my stupid Blackberry Storm. But of course now i can't find the wire I need to connect it to the computer to do all that.

So if I borrow the wire from someone else does that make him a Chootei Umachti es Harabim?

(Choot=wire for those of you who haven't yet made Aliyah)

Lol..Nebacg

A man goes up to an Orthodox Rabbi and asks if it’s permissible for him to drive his Lamborghini to shul on shabbat. The Ortho Rabbi goes, “absolutely not! By the way, what’s a Lamborghini?”

He then goes up to a Conserv. Rabbi and asks him the same question. The Conserv. Rabbi goes, “of course it is, but only on ONE condition: you must give me a ride to shul every week AND let me test drive it around the block at least once!”

He then goes up to a Reform Rabbi and asks him the same question. The Reform Rabbi goes, “of course it is! By the way, what’s shabbat?”

Instructions to post a picture

http://www.google.com/support/blogger/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=41641

Picture on top

That looks like Suri & Meir at the First Ever ASBEE BBQ Contest.
Suri... What were you upset about? Maybe Esti would know.

take 2- lets see if the pic comes up now

Just posting, because i'm curious about if out picture will come up next to it. I'm hoping to send pictures soon to e/o!

Refuah Shelaima

Miriam- Refuah Shelaima. Please take care of yourself.

Meir's Update!!!

hey guys, I read miriams update and it was so cool so i decided since I'm barely in touch with anyone I also should do WEEKLY update that way we can always know what's going on and it will be so much fun.

Ok, So i'm living in Gush in this apartment called בנין ט. oh yea that's write i have hebrew on my computer with hebrew stick on letters. Anyways binyan tet is this place where people move in after they get married if they still wwant to be part of the yeshiva. it's mostly like Shiur ה guys who are still part of the Yeshiva. and then when they have kids they move into binyan יב and when they have another kid the Yeshiva will give them a real apartment. Sorry i got off track. So i'm living in this binyan with 2 darkaynu guys Saadya and Dovid it's much harder than i thought it would be, but we have 2 apartment. So it's not so bad. Meaning We have 2 bathrooms 2 bedrooms and 2 kitchens but it's pretty small but cool. My only job is to live there and we havnt' discussed it yet but i hope to be making a little money on the side doing it. I'm learning a lot a lot i mean like so much, and i'm even seeing improvements. For example at night seder which goes from 8:30- 11:00 I used to take 2 breaks, one every 45 minutes and just last night I learned all the way from 8;30 until 10 without even taking a break, I think my focus is getting much better. I have a good night seder chavruta he's a genius and sometimes it's hard for him to go at my pace b/c he gets the gemara like that, so sometimes i havta have him explain it to me like 7 or 8 times but he's patient with me and getting much better. I recently just switched morning seder chavrutas and he's also awesome, he's from sydney. but my coolest chavruta is אבנר. אבנר לא מדבר אנגלית. . he's really cool and funny especially when he tries to speak english. and we talk about the army a lot b/c he already finished it and he walks around with a gun on his back. Also I'm now a madrich for this thign called NESTO. NESTO is kinda like NCSY. it's for americans or english speakers who made aliyah with their family but they wish they hadn't. They hate israel, hate hebrew, and hate school, and just wish they were back in america with their old friends and are kids are upset at their families for making aliyah. The kids range from 7th through 12th grade. The kickoff bbq is next week so i havn't met any of the kids yet but i'm exciting. it's volunteer madrich work, and the lady in charge was big in NCSY and now started this. also I'm goign to start going to Shalva once a week to work with special needs kids. Also I plan on going to army in March, I think i'm able to turn my 2.5 yrs into 2 yrs. And there's no contract on this yet, but I think I'm gonna be living in Avi Ganz's house. When i brought up the idea it was just like to mention it, but him and his wife seriously discussed it and are really serious about it. They're moving apartment so they will have an extra bedroom. I have other options but I like this one just b/c as a חייל בודד I think it would be nice to kinda come home to a family type environment, and i really feel i have a good קשר with his entire family even the new baby. I think that's it, if anyone has any questions please feel free to e-mail me, and sorry if i accidentally sent this to some ppl who i may not even know, but you probably enjoyed reading it. Oh yea, also friendwise at Gush is getting a lot better!!! yay!!!! not perfect but better.

with tons of love,

your best friend,

Meir Samberg

P.S. that's what the alphatbet would look like if we took out the letters Q and R

and also Happy birthday אמא

שבת שלום לכלם

'

Miriam's Update

Hey All,

I decided to write an update on whats going on in my life to all those whom I love so much but maybe don't get to talk to as much as I'd like.

I came back to Baltimore from a wonderful Yom Tov vacation in Memphis. I had a rocky start mainly because I missed being busy with my family and felt like I was coming back to an empty apartment and only school work. But I took a short weekend trip up to NY this past Shabbos and had a great time.

I took the MegaBus on Thursday evening to Manhattan where I met my friend in Stern and stayed over in her dorm. On Friday we walked around a bit and than took the train to Brooklyn.

I parted with my friend, Barbara and was on my own with luggage and bags to take another train than walk from the train stop to my friend's which was about 15 blocks. Thank G-d, it wasn;t too cold outside, but as I was shlepping along I was thinking "if i were in Memphis, Dallas, or even Baltimore- any frum person who saw me would offer me a ride, but yA RIght that would happen in Brooklyn. Than Low and Behold a car pulled up next to me and a girl about my age asked me where I was going? I right away recognized her from Malka Moskowitz's pictures and said "O Hi Yehudis" and she was like Woah, how do u know my name? I jumped in her car and she knew exactly where my friend Rivka lived. She didn't know who I was, she just felt bad for how shleppy I looked and offered me a ride. Even in Brooklyn people can be friendly!.

I had my very first Shabbos ever in Flatbush at my friend, Rivka's house. We mainly stayed in her house but it was fun to be with her. She's getting married in a few weeks so it was especially nice to spend quality time with her.

On Motzai Shabbos, Malka's Friend, Yehudis(from before) picked me up and we went to STaten Island. I went to sort of help try to set up for Malka's vort in the shul with her friends, but Malka wanted me to get to meet Yitzy(her chassan) so I left the shul and ran some errands with them. it was really nice to spend time with them. They very cute together!

On Sunday Morning I took a bus back to Manhattan and spent some more time wit Barbara than came back on time to get dressed for the Vort. Grandpa was already at the Moskowitz's when I came back so I went with him to the Vort. Grandpa was introducing me to all of Yitzy's relatives etc.. as usual he was very funny to be with. After enjoying seeing some of my friends and cleaning up from the vort, Grandpa kindly drove me to Stern college and sponsored me a cab to catch the Mega Bus that was later that night. Everything worked out with MegaBus and I tried to sleep as much as I could. Im not gonna write all about my adventures when I arrived back to Baltimore, but if you want to know feel free to ask me all about it.

But Baruch Hashem my attitude has really picked up since I got back. Today I started a new job which is to be an assistant at a 4 year old school in someone's house. The teacher, Miriam Lando- converted her basement into a classroom. There are 22 students, and they all very sweet. Its definetly a busy and hectic job. I come in the afternoons after morning classes and than run aftercare so usually will get to be home b y 4 PM. The school is about a 10 minute walk from my apt. so Thank G-d its really working out.

I have lots of Midterms coming up within the next 2 weeks so its busy, and as always GREAT to have Suri nearby!

For Shabbos- Rabbi Heber (a shul Rav and one of my teachers) invited me for Friday night, and probably a friend will stay by my apt. and than we'll go to Suri's for lunch.

K- I hope to hear updates for ya'll as well! Miss you!

Love, Miriam