Bring on the joy, bring on the oy!

So today’s been a very weird, and kind of wounding day. A friend came out with a wild and out-of-left-field comment about Jews, and some of us were pretty stunned. She’s since apologised.

I think, though, that in the last few years, I’ve slowly become aware that just because I was lucky enough not to grow up around racism and anti-Semitism, it never meant they weren’t there. I live in the state that is the highest in the country for hate-group websites. I’ve actually had someone swear to me that those damned Jews control the media and that’s why 9/11 happened. I’ve had people I loved dearly say things to me that felt like knives between my ribs. I’ve seen things on the news that make me so blindly homicidal I’m glad I don’t own a gun.

I’m tired of it. I feel dirty. I feel like I’m never going to be able to get clean again, and, really, I won’t. Unless I can find some other planet to live on that is somehow devoid of racism of any kind, I’m stuck with this one. And I have to make the best of it.

Therefore, this is an open invitation to everyone. I mean, everyone. On April 6th, 2004, I’m going to be hosting a Second Night Seder. The Jewish holiday of Passover begins at sundown the night before, April 5th, and I will, of course, be spending that with my own family. But second-night Seders are traditional, and this year, for the first time, I’m going to have one. It will be open to anyone who is at all curious about Jews and our traditions, or about Passover, or what a Seder is, or just wants to attend a Seder where someone ELSE makes the charoseth for once.

All I ask is that you be open-minded. No one is out to convert anyone else, nor will such behaviour be tolerated. This is just a fun, informative, enriching evening. Bring your friends, bring your questions, bring your brains and your hearts, bring your kids.

All plans are, of course, just beginning. So far, it’s my hope to have a variety of dishes from Jewish traditions all over the world. While I’d like to stay semi-traditional, I’d also like to incorporate many new traditions, and those of other families. I want this to be educational for everyone, myself included.

I have a tentative venue for this event, though it’ll depend on how many people commit to coming. I do ask that you tell me if you’ll attend, and if you say you’ll be there, that you actually show up. If you want to bring more people, mitzvah! Please do! Just tell me first. I’ll also be compiling a list of dishes, and if you have an interest in tackling them, please let me know that, as well.

I’m quite open to feedback about this, as I want the evening to appeal to many. I hope to see many people there.

Pot pourri

I’m a naughty girl, and I’m probably going to regret everything in a few months. Oh well.

Having said that, I’m chipper about the Seder. Thanks to all who’ve already given suggestions, and keep ‘em coming. Tentatively, I think we’re at over a dozen people so far in less than 24 hours. That’s lovely, and I’m quite happy about it.

Just finished watching A&E’s "Pride & Prejudice." Note to self: do not watch sappy romantic productions late at night. No good can come of it, no matter what you may be looking forward to in the future.

Most importantly today, however, is that I paid my first visit to Curves. I won’t say it was effortless, but I managed to talk the entire way through, and even had to slow down at one point as my heart rate was too high. Yay, enthusiasm! I was the only person on the circuit by the end, but Annette, the trainer, stayed with me almost the whole way through. She was impressed that I remembered the proper way to hold my feet in the leg machine, and that I said it was exactly like riding a horse: toes in and up. I also, of course, used my time to good advantage by telling her all about the Wenches Guild. I think next time, I may wear my red T. I have to say I was surprised Lars made such a comparatively quick winnowing of the logos—he’s usually not that decisive. Not to say he can’t be, just that he usually chooses not to. In a way, I’m glad he did. Otherwise, it’d drag on bloody well forever, and my breasts would be well past my knees before I had a pretty shirt with which to cover them. But please jesus we mustmustmust make sure SOMEONE proofs the thing before it goes to the printers. I love him like a house afire, but when he makes a spelling error, I want to incinerate him.

The kitten is progressing well. She doesn’t bite me nearly so often, rah rah. Nor does the dog try to eat her so often. In fact, the two of them have become great friends, despite the former’s occasionally trying to nurse off the latter, to the great confusion of both. I suppose, however, it’s a step up for the kitten: she used to try to nurse off the bathmat. What that must have tasted like I surely don’t wish to know.

There’s a lingering melancholy in me, I have to admit. I’m hoping it’s something the changing of the seasons will finally eradicate, but I think it’s partially a lingering sense of disappointment in many things, most of which are simply too maudlin to get into. Some will resolve themselves eventually, some I should just resign myself to after so many years, and some are simply a part of going through life and learning some bitter lessons.

I have a haiku in my brain, trying to get out. Maybe I’ll finish it later this evening….