Skipping lots and lots of messages.

Holiday was nice. The synagogue service was irritating -- there was an Israel bonds appeal, which I dislike to begin with, though I understand the logic of having them at High Holiday services, but this one was particularly irritating. The guy kept talking about how "we" have to get "our children and grandchildren" to connect with Israel, because of all the recent studies showing that "our children" don't feel a personal connection, and "we" have to remember how much "our generation" has contributed to Israel, etc. There was a definite normative "we" in that speech, and I was not part of it. The sermon was OK, but kind of boring -- do good things, and make sure that when you do then, you are doing them "as a Jew."

Family dinner first night, friends second night. The family one was OK, the friends one was fun. Finally found a readily available kosher wine that I actually like. (Previously, all the kosher wines I've liked have been the little tiny brands that practically nowhere in the States sells -- there are some drinkable ones from bigger brands, but nothing I'd think of as really good.) Also had a blush wine (non-kosher) from a vineyard out on Long Island, which was OK, if a little weird -- it had strawberry in it -- and a German white that was fabulous. Oh, and there was food too. Potato kugel and yams and asparagus and carrots and matzo ball soup and vegetarian chopped liver (made of lentils, walnuts, and onions, I think), and chicken and gefilte fish and brisket for the meat-eaters.

Just played Trivial Pursuit with my dad. He won.

I just realized I've had my underpants on inside out since this morning.

heh.

Well, at least you aren't these guys: [link]

"You might be a redneck...."

I'm eating pickled jalapenos and I can breathe! Yay capsaicin!

I am Laga. Except it's allergies not a code, and Spicy Chicken stir-fry from a grocery store deli instead of jalapenos.

that reminds me of this.

hee funny x-post. I meant keg-exploding-rednecks remind me of that.

that reminds me of this.

Wow, I was really surprised to see they had beers in their hands. I'd never have guessed they were drinking.

Holy cow!!! How much gas did they spread over there!

Sparky, sorry about the house. But, seriously, location is king (to the nth degree with this current housing wackiness), so I think you guys made the right call.

Aimee, I hope the rest of your day was better.

We went out for dinner and a few beers in Salem-town last night, and apparantly something didn't agree with Tom, 'cause he's sick today. Blergh.

I should make some coffee or something.

Seattle airport is on the list. Not only did they want my laptop removed from my carry on for the xray, they had me remove all electronic devices. Given my work this meant essentially unpacking my entire bag into one of those bins while a perky TSA agent told me I was doing a good job. It is a miracle no one is dead. At least I got a first class upgrade.

Ed Gein.

I'm on the plane now. It is so very wrong that I've been up for three hours already.

Not only did they want my laptop removed from my carry on for the xray, they had me remove all electronic devices.

I've had that happen when I flew this summer...in Chicago and KC. Out went my iPod and cell phone and my transcription equipment. It was fun.

Poor Tom! When do you leave, Nora?