Nilly and Shir, I'm so happy to hear that you are okay. Please stay that way, and Shir I'm so pleased you are keeping yourself busy doing things that help people, it's so important.

I'm kind of fried on work issues and feeling anti-social and worried that the fucking GOP will shut the government down in a month.

Hugs to all who need them!

Timelies!

I want to post something more, not just "I'm OK", but I'm afraid that for now, I seem to have lost the ability to talk about anything that isn't war-related. Just like during the Covid shutdowns, when everything was pandemic-related. Even the most mundane everyday life little details.

It's a bit of a self-contradiction, what with me trying to get the minimal possible dose of news-reports, and none of the visuals, but still.

Take care. Sorry. All my ~ma and good vibes and thoughts and prayers to y'all.

[Edit: Oh, and tomorrow - um, well, my timezone tomorrow, since it's already Friday here - is Shabbat, so I don't use the computer and won't post even a short contentless post like this one. But the reason will hopefully be Shabbat, not anything else.]

Shabbat shalom, Nilly

With thanks again for the official Nilly calendar, today is a most spectacular triple Buffista Birthday! Happy birthday wishes to Matt the Bruins fan, Cashmere, and megan walker. Someday you should gather together to celebrate your day. In the meantime, we celebrate with you here. I hope that the world treats you well this day and for the year to come.

Shabbat Shalom, Nilly. We appreciate that you take the time to check in when you can.

Shabbat Shalom, Nilly. It feels like a small thing but also the biggest thing, but I hope this Shabbat can do its Shabbat thing and bring everyone there some rest.

Happy birthdays! Please celebrate on my behalf as well. We need more joy in this world.

The rest in a different post.

Too quiet today, what is everyone doing this weekend?

And, different post. I want to make this one a bit more informative.

While not listening to or watching the news I understood that the Israelis in the south keep using the same word describing the events of Oct. 7th. That word is tophet, a very specific term for hell that involves sacrifice of children. So once more I'll urge you not to watch or read the news. I've seen enough horrific images, and by now I managed to see 7-8 that I deeply regret seeing.

However! There are very good advices here as to what to do if you've seen awful stuff. Please follow accordingly. [link]

Also, I cooked for 3 hours and fed lots of people today. Volunteers and friends. This made me feel good - or, well, more normal - for the first time in a while.

Also 2, I'm almost starting to get used to the sound of booms from Iron Dome's interceptions. Or at least, it doesn't make me Very Alret And Scared each time. There have been plenty, my apartment is in a location that gets the distant sound of them from remote areas.

Also 3 - I am very concerned about Gazans and every fiber of my being does not want revenge (whatever it is even good for? There has been enough bloodshed. I don't want anyone else dead or wounded or scared). I don't know what I can do about it other than say it. I don't want another massacre. Not in my name.

And now I'll wash the dishes, change to pajamas, try to watch something stupid to keep my mind of the grief and concern, and pray that I will not get another alarm clock tomorrow morning courtesy of Hamas. I want a quiet and lazy morning that includes pancakes. But will see.

That's all for now. May this end soon.

Shir, I wish you and yours quiet and pancakes.

I'm so sorry. Which feels like everything and nothing at the same time.