Hi, Gang!

Just coming up for air for a bit!

I've been lurking, adding quick notes when I can relay things in a short
time. Also have been saying prayers and wishing good things for all those in
need. Just am in the time of year when my attention span is short, and I
tend to only do things in short bursts.

To give you an idea of things around here, some days I only have carpool or
driving to Karate. Two weeks ago, I had a program with a guest speaker,
dinner (for 20) and dessert (for 50) at the synagogue which took over a
month to plan (mailings, reservations, shopping, cooking, writing the
program booklet, running the event, thank you's and closing details like
reimbursements and reconciling the budget, etc). Yesterday was a doozey -
Long Range planning committee, then went to a friend's house to do a
Chanukah craft project which will be a gift to our kids (gelt pouches), then
helped Ian with a painting project for the Chanukah party today (for a
contest) and then helped Becca to make a brioche like dough for a project
for history class on ethnic foods; she's making a chocolate babka. Sheesh.
Stayed up until two just to unwind. Am paying for that today.

Want to wish each of you a Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, Joyous Solstice
(is that the correct thing to say?), and good wishes for any other holidays
celebrated.

Here is some other stuff I've been working on (have been writing this in
dribs and drabs)-

The Fall is always busy around here (that's the norm in Jewish households).
In addition to celebrating the Fall holidays, and having my mom here for
them, there were all the committee things at synagogue that need completing
to have everything ready for the holiday services (the most attended ones of
the year).

Just like there are two day a year Christians (Christmas and Easter), there
are the three day a year Jews (those who only attend services on Rosh
Hashanah and Yom Kippur). Population explodes (we have to rent a larger
venue and bring everything over on a truck) and it is the synagogue
leadership's opportunity for the year to reach as many people as possible.
Well, that means lots of work deciding on the schedules of things for the
next six months so brochures can be printed up, etc. Just plain lots of
busywork.

The holidays themselves were wonderful. It was great having my mom here. She
was exhausted most of the time; just catching up from her usual schedule of
working full time (at 71, with RA and a myriad of digestive issues). We did
get out to do one day of museum stuff, which she really enjoyed. Upon
returning home, she immediately came down with an URI; happens every time
she flies. But she is doing better now.

As for things around here - Plaquenil plus Relafen is really helping, so
most of the time, my RA isn't impeding anything. Its rather nice to just be
able to 'not think about it' and do what I need to. It's been a few years
since that luxury has been available.Now, if I could only say the same about
my allergies and IBS. Had my annual physical last week. PA thinks my balance
issues are chronic labrynthitis.

The kids were in a karate tournament a few weeks back (just some local
schools who are part of an 'alliance'). Becca placed first in sparring and
2nd in forms. Ian earned his first trophy by placing 4th in sparring.

Soccer team is over for Becca. She was on the JV-B team. Their record was
1-17. But they had fun and lots of team spirit. And it was a great way to
connect with the school society and help Becca feel better about starting
high school - all good things. She has recently tried out for a part in
Macbeth. The cast list should go up before holiday break. Her grades are all
90+ except for honors math. She is just not connecting with this teacher. I
don't think she's a bad teacher, but that Becca doesn't 'get' her style.
After a D+/C- on her midterm, Becca finally is accepting help with the
subject

Ian is having a good year at school. His grades on exams have been in the
85 - 100 range (yes, exams in 3rd grade - science, history , math and
spelling). Essay writing is not a strong point - keeps trying to get away
with the minimum effort because writing is so difficult. Have an appointment
with a pediatric neurologist for screening for ADD/ADHD and fine motor
issues. We think some is related to the apraxia which was why he needed
speech therapy to speak as a toddler/preschooler (we thought it was
just an oral motor issue, but it could be more global). If we can get a
diagnosis, then we can get a plan for either some OT, or at least get a more
extensive accommodation plan for written assignments (like being able to use
school computers to type instead of write by hand, untimed tests, etc.)

Doug's company just had a forced layoff - everyone except Doug. They are
waiting for some orders to come through and until then, can't meet a full
payroll. We don't know if Doug will continue to be paid as of Jan 2nd. Wish
us luck with that.

Our friend's son, Alex, has been going between the hospital and rehab and
now has a tentative release date. When he goes home, he will continue to
have his vacuum pump (just like Diane W) and will have home PT and OT. It's
going to be a long road for him. And unlike Marissa, his appearance is
affected by his facial injuries, which were extensive; Haven't seen him, but
have been told "he won't look as cute - for a long time."

On that note - May each of you have a peaceful and joyous holiday season and
New Year, with the best health your circumstances permit.