smonster, I am awestruck at your fortitude and... I don't even know the right words. I'm so glad you are feeling calm, empowered, and confident -- fucking hard-won.

damn it's exhausting having those kinds of conversations. Especially piled on top of each other.

Totally. I still feel nauseated and weak and headachey. I fully believe all my stomach stuff is at least partially due to emotional distress, and I’m hoping I will have fewer issues once I can settle.

That sounds like a hell of a Friday, smonster. A lot of hard work, mentally and emotionally. But it seems like the sort of thing that could pay off long-term.

Laura, the reno sounds lovely.

Thank you for checking in when you can, Shir

That sounds like some big stuff, smonster! Good for you! But also take care of yourself because it also sounds pretty hard.

Just to give you a glimpse of how organized things are here, home front command instructed to prepare shelters for 72 hours with food, water, money, chargers, emergency lights, medications, personal belongings, change of clothes, supplies for pets and babies, etc..

My heart sank and I quickly started to pack a larger go bag and trying to understand what do I do with the cat for 72 hours. 10 minutes later they sent another clarification that these are the general recommendations and this was not an official instruction. We are, indeed, in the stupidest timeline.

On the bright side, while packing I found the alcogel from 2020, and I'm referring to Hamas as a tough fitness instructor as I'm on a high floor and there are a lot of stairs down and then back up to my place.

On the very, very, very bleak side, they've started to identify the casualties in the kibbutzes who were nearly destroyed. 108 new dead to the count just from today, just from one kibbutz. I'm gutted. This was a massacre.

Oh Shir, I am so sorry that you and all those around you have to endure this madness.

I'm just heartbroken. Please know you have so many people across the ocean sending you and yours love. I wish there was something concrete to do.

The civil society is 5000% functioning and wonderful. From blood donations to support to anyone who needs it. Everyone is chipping in. There are hundreds of ways to support and help.

The authorites who are actually supposed to provide basic support, assistance and protection leaves so much to be desired. And I can't help but fear that we are being navigated to one of the worst possible options.

Please know you have so many people across the ocean sending you and yours love. I wish there was something concrete to do.

Thank you. This really does help.

Just don't watch the videos or the footage. Trust me, no good comes from this. These are massacares, both here and in Gaza.

May the bloodshed end quickly, may they all return safe and alive. May we all have much better and humane leaders.

From your keyboard to God's desk? I don't know.