Still on Planet Earth

כ״ו חשון, תשס״ו

Apologies for having disappeared from the virtual world for so long. Not only do I not yet have an internet connection at home, I also don't really have time to write. Sometimes an idea for a post flits into my head, but it's long gone by the time I might have had a minute to jot it down, and extended time to flesh it out would have been non-existent anyway.

Lest anyone get the wrong impression, busy in this context is a positive adjective. My life is very full yet very simple. I learn Torah in a community of special people, both teachers and students. I don't do much else except eat out (donations always welcome ;-) ). A little English tutoring, a bit of shabbat visiting, some crocheting (mostly while in class)...and I'm happier than I've been in a very, very long time.

On one hand, this is like an extended vacation for me. I have no stringent requirements except those I've taken on myself, I have the flexibility to direct my activities according to my ongoing needs, and I am with friends both new and old. But more than that, I am fulfilling a dream, and I have set aside enough time to do it that I can allow it to be a process rather than a task. I do have an awareness of my goals, but thankfully I can leave it under the surface of my consciousness most of the time; I think it's wholesome to focus on the journey rather than the destination.

In any case, although I miss all my friends across the world, I wouldn't trade my current life for anything. I apologize for being out of touch, but please know that I frequently think of each of you and care very much that you are well. I will make an effort to be online a bit more than I have been, but can't make any promises. (For those of you who keep blogs, additional apologies for not reading them.) Meanwhile, shalom u'vracha!