It's Monday night, and technically, I was supposed to be moved out by now. Luckily, my host family needed a few more days (they just got back from vacation), so I'll be arriving at their house on Thursday of this week.
In the time that I've been busy NOT blogging, I've been prepping for my absence here at home. After getting a free 60-day membership at BJ's Wholesale Club, I've already been there multiple times gathering goodies like a squirrel before winter. It also helps they are the only place in the surrounding area that sells kosher challah. Spending time with my dog has also been very important. I feel so guilty about going, and it's hard to convince myself that I'll be back frequently enough that she won't forget me.
Another thing I've been working on is building an arsenal of modest clothing. Up until this point, I've dressed modestly, that is, for modern standards. I've been wearing skirts for two years, and generally wear tops that have either a modest neckline or longer sleeves...now I'm just buying shirts that ONLY have both. Before Rosh Hashana, I started visiting my favorite stores to load up on long- and short-sleeved tees with crew necks, henleys, long skirts, nylons, new closed-toe shoes, and pretty, light-weight shirts that can also stand to be layered in my climate. I'm enjoying dressing more modestly, and look forward to gradually progressing after I begin studying.
On a side note, I have a serious shopping problem: if I get anywhere near a TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Target, H&M, F21, or anywhere that sells cute and cheap clothing, I will NOT leave the vicinity without at least 2 items. Because I want to only focus on studying and growing spiritually, personally, etc., I am instituting a miniature shopping halt on myself. I have more clothes than I've had in years at this point in my life - largely due to buying better quality, better fitting items than I did in college. My college years were filled with t-shirts, ill-fitting jeans and Central Michigan University hoodies, and thankfully, I've gotten past that. I could write a whole post on how changing the way I dress has changed a huge part of my personality and self-esteem...so, yes, I think I will just save this for a different post.
One final bit: I am thinking of starting a new blog. I started this one quickly, and had just been using the name "Anat" as a temp because my husband and his friend were pushing me to choose it as my Hebrew name. I've decided against it, however, and want to go with the name I fell in love with when I first started learning about Judaism eight years ago, and that name is Avital.
So, what say you to a a new blog (same idea, new name)?
I think you can change your blogger name (the anat613 part) pretty easily. It make affect a few followers who have links to your blog, but I don't think it will affect people that follower through a reader like google reader or anything.
ReplyDeleteWhy did you choose Avital?
I chose Bracha because it just fit and felt blessed to be part of the Jewish community. I connected closely with Tzipora's story in the Torah, because she does what is right and necessary (circumcision) when no one else (including Moshe Rabbeinu) seems to have the guts to do so.
Best of luck in all your experiences, and I look forward to followign your blog.