Words to the Cosmos

RIP Brian

// October 28th, 2005 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

Brian P. Meier died October 25, 2005. More later on who Brian P. Meier is. For now, know this; I will miss you Brian. And I will cry for you.

Children should be wild things…

// October 24th, 2005 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

[for mia]

Children
should be wild things,
Ablaze with the glory of creating and loving
all creatures equally.
A-wisened with curiosity
and compassion
for all, even the evil things.
Eyes alight and heart open
we can learn so much
about our connection
to the Divine
if we just stop ourselves
for a small space
and ask them to share
their wisdom
with us.

SILA Value: Humility

// October 24th, 2005 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

SILA Value: Humility
102205

Omerta is the word for the mafia code of silence. I learned that today. Any day that I learn something is a good day. Sitting in SILA, just Pat, Mia and I. Small group. Casual group, rainy cold day. Humility. Humility means to me staying mindful that I’m just one piece of the whole pie and that alone, I’m not the whole pie. I’m only a wee slice and it’s much nicer to be cozily snuggled with by brother and sister slices. My humility is voluntary and directly connected to the model of “2-way” service. I serve in areas, which I hold a surplus. I do not give what I need, unless someone’s need is greater than mine.
It should feel good to give. It should rejuvenate. It should feel really good. Not that schmarmy “oh I martyred myself doing a good deed and earned some spiritual credit I can use later when I fondle my next child” I love my service now. If I don’t love it, it’s my duty to say; “I can’t do this.” To serve and build resentment is no good and the service is corrupt and is of little benefit when extended.
Years ago, I studied under a teacher, Satori, who was crazier than a bedbug, but who was jacked into the Thelemic and Asiatic currents in a way that I needed to learn from. I used him, as is often done by those in search of majickal power. It is an often done thing. There were, however, times he would look at me, and my blind cockiness, with silent and pained omniscience. Silent because he knew I was nowhere near awakening fully on my Path. No teaching would spurn the event and he could only use words that I could use from memory, after I had woken up.
Pained, because I was blind to see how my ego muted my power, my ability to see. Pained, because he knew what events would await me to shake me into actually seeing. My stubbornness and savant talents made me a ripe vessel for harshness. A thick horsehide needs much beating before the horse will move from the touch of the whip.
My ego has not served me well over the years and has repeatedly proven to be my greatest hindrance on my Path to Becoming.
My natural abilities tuned to majick has fed my youthful definition of self as I became “clever”

“Clever got me this far
Tricky got me in
Time to feed the Monster
I don’t need another friend….”

Clever was my downfall. I gave up “clever”. I give up my youth and embrace my Mother phase and look forward to my time as a Crone, as a wise woman. I love you. All of you. Even you weasels too slick to know why I would even make the effort.

Ojo is missing

// October 21st, 2005 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

I had to take Ojo and Griffin over to my mom’s for the day. Taking them out if the car, one under each arm I rushed into the garage and mom his the button closing the garage door. They got spooked and Griff plunged his back toenails (long, dirty and burley) into the flesh on my arm. I dropped to the floor in order to keep them contained until the door finished closing, but Ojo wiggled like a router snake and he ran out of the garage in into the woods.

I was frustrated, but had a test at school and had to leave. So he’s in unfamiliar territory and the weather is begining to get cold. Hopefully he’ll approach Mom or one of her neighbors and we’ll get him back. Ojo, is a dear cat, but he’s been a handful since day 1.

Late Nite Again…

// October 19th, 2005 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

Another night is zooming past me. I’ve got a project to lauch on Thursday so I’ve been staying up way past my bedtime lately. Now since my blog has been used in a feeble attempt to character slander me and you never know what nitwit may be reading let me stress **THE PRECEDING SENTENCE DOES NOT REFER TO DRUGS, DRUG USING OR DRUG SELLING. I, IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM use drugs or condone the use of drugs. SAID “PROJECT” should not be considered as selling drugs, nor as receiving cash wages…

Stupid isn’t it? That I would have to make such a disclaimer on my own little personal blog. My own personal place on the web which is used like a diary to keep in touch with my own little patterns of perception. A place where I can write and continue my healing process. My recovery process. Stupid that someone would try and twist these words to be used against me.

Since I have been able to do a lot of recovery work, a lot of healing from my past patterns of harmful behaviour and perception, I freely share my feeling and experiences. I’m not ashamed of them, and I know how they can be of benefit to someone who shares my struggles. When I’m strong from the core, you cannot shake me into weakness. You cannot take what I have. It can only be freely given.

I’m so grateful I’ve been able to do what I have done since 2003. It’s made a world of difference and improvement on my life. Adrian complains repeatedly on his blog that people (ex-girlfriends) who read his blog, turn the information contained back upon him unfairly. He feels this is incredibly wrong of them and claims more integrity than to do that. He, however, has proven that he would do exactly that thing, including the falsificaiton of information in order to “subdue” me.

Poor thing. He’s got it all wrong. No wonder all his dreams are expressions his insecurity and sense of strong-arm importance. I hope he gets a chance to go on a healing journey of his own and do the work necessary to discard his own harmful patterns of behaviour. He’s still using the same ones as he did when we were “together” in 1997 and they haven’t grown gracefully in the last 7 years.

Quick Post

// October 13th, 2005 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything

When I get a minute to sit down I have a whole lot of things to report. I get today off for Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and I have class this morning and then lunch with my headhunter. It is VERY nice to have a mid-week day off. I have the ablility to get a ton of errands done in a short amount of time. Mia has Friday off from school so I have to arrange her childcare during the day.

Oh yeah….Jerod Adrian Goins. You can kiss my whole asshole. You are beyond my dissapointment. And the funny thing is…you are the one who is missing out. And you don’t even know it. It’s pretty sad really that you parade around all puffed out and pompous and you don’t even realize the amazingly beautiful world around you. You don’t even know how insecure and lonely you appear….or do you? (more on this later)

Quick Post

// October 13th, 2005 // 4 Comments » // life the universe and everything

When I get a minute to sit down I have a whole lot of things to report. I get today off for Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and I have class this morning and then lunch with my headhunter. It is VERY nice to have a mid-week day off. I have the ablility to get a ton of errands done in a short amount of time. Mia has Friday off from school so I have to arrange her childcare during the day.

Oh yeah….Jerod Adrian Goins. You can kiss my whole asshole. You are beyond my dissapointment. And the funny thing is…you are the one who is missing out. And you don’t even know it. It’s pretty sad really that you parade around all puffed out and pompous and you don’t even realize the amazingly beautiful world around you. You don’t even know how insecure and lonely you appear….or do you? (more on this later)

emergency preparedness kits

// October 5th, 2005 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything

The emergency preparedness kits are designed to be the basis for some of the supplies that may be needed to have available when an emergency or disaster happens. While the materials included in the kits are a good start, there is no kit that can provide all the supplies that individuals may need in an emergency. Your kit should be customized based on your own personal needs. Additional contents could include:

Clothing and Bedding

• At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hat and gloves
• Thermal underwear

Tools and Supplies

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Mess kit, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
• Cash, traveler’s checks, change
• Non-electric can open, utility knife
• Tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Matches in waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Paper, pencil
• Needles, thread
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench, (to turn off household gas and water)
• Plastic sheeting
• Map of area
• Battery operated radio and extra batteries
• Whistle
• Plastic storage containers

Sanitation

• Toilet paper, towelettes
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Plastic garbage bags, ties
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach
• Hand sanitizer

Water

• Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation) Note: Hot environments and intense physical activity can dramatically increase the amount of water that a person needs to drink.
  Food
  Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
  Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
  High energy foods-peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
  Vitamins
  Comfort/stress foods- Cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, tea bags
  Special Items
  Medications (both prescription and non-prescription) that you take, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, etc. (Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications)
  Extra eyeglasses
  Important family documents (in a waterproof, portable container)
  Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
  Passports, social security cards, immunization records
  Bank account numbers
  Credit card account numbers and companies
  Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
  Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
  Entertainment- games and books.
  Supplies for persons with special needs, such as infant, elderly or disabled persons
  Family or workplace disaster plan
  Rethink your kit and individual needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
  For more information about disaster Preparedness please visit the American Red Cross website at:
  http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared
  MAKE A PLAN BUILD A KIT GET TRAINED VOLUNTEER GIVE BLOOD

Emergency Food Supplies

// October 5th, 2005 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything

Emergency Food Supplies

Even though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off your food supply for two weeks, consider maintaining a supply that will last that long. You may not need to go out and buy foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned goods, dry mixes, and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Be sure to check expiration dates and follow the practice of first-in, first-out. PREPARING AN EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY As you stock food, take into account your family’s unique needs and tastes. Familiar foods are important. They lift morale and give a feeling of security in times of stress. Try to include foods that they will enjoy and that are also high in calories and nutrition. Foods that require no refrigeration, water, special preparation, or cooking are best.

Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will babies, toddlers, and the elderly. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices, and soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people.
Make sure you have a manual can opener and disposable utensils. Don’t forget nonperishable foods for your pets.

STORAGE TIPS

• Keep food in a dry, cool spot—a dark area if possible.
• Open food boxes and other re-sealable containers carefully so that you can close them tightly after each use.
• Wrap perishable foods, such as cookies and crackers, in plastic bags and keep them in sealed containers.
• Empty open packages of sugar, dried fruits, and nuts into screw-top jars or air-tight canisters for protection from pests.
• Inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use.
• Throw out canned goods that become swollen, dented, or corroded.
• Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies, dated with ink or marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.3

SHELF-LIFE OF FOODS FOR STORAGE

The following provides some general guidelines for replacement of common emergency foods.

Use within six months:

• Powdered milk – boxed
• Dried fruit
• Dry, crisp crackers
• Potatoes
• Use within one year, or before the date indicated on the label:
• Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups
• Canned fruits, fruit juices, and vegetables
• Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Hard candy and canned nuts
• Vitamins

May be stored indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions):

• Wheat
• Vegetable oils
• Dried corn
• Baking powder
• Soybeans
• Instant coffee, tea, and cocoa
• Salt
• Noncarbonated soft drinks
• White rice
• Bouillon products
• Dry pasta
• Powdered milk – in nitrogen-packed cans

Entry for October 05, 2005 – Why all the Disaster Stuff

// October 5th, 2005 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything

In the past two years I’ve recovered from my own personal disaster. I’ve been living with extremely minimal resources and attempting to cover the basics as best as I can. I’ve also seen the merits of living anonymously and “off the grid” a bit. I have gone from having a TON of stuff to a comfortable, but minimal existance. I can go farther, but I don’t think it is fair to my six year old daughter to force her to live like an ascetic hermit because of her mother’s peculiar habits.
On the other hand, it’s also my duty to keep her safe and protected in any situation as she grows and develops and explores her world. I’ve committed to some additional training in wilderness thriving, urban farming and gathering, and disaster preparedness. So I’m compiling some documents for my own personal use, that seem like they might be helpful as a post. I’ll keep updating my posts on some of the plans that I’ve been able to put into effect to further my goal of being able to live out of a footlocker, if need be.

Tipitaka – The Pali Canon

// October 5th, 2005 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything

The Tipitaka (Pali ti, “three,” + pitaka, “baskets”), or Pali Canon, is the collection of primary Pali language texts which form the doctrinal foundation of Theravada Buddhism. The Tipitaka and the non-canonical Pali texts (commentaries, chronicles, etc.) together constitute the complete body of classical Theravada texts.
The Pali Canon is a vast body of literature: in English translation the texts add up to thousands of printed pages. Most (but not all) of the Canon has already been published in English over the years. Although only a small fraction of these texts are available on this website, this collection can be a good place to start.
The three divisions of the Tipitaka are:

Vinaya Pitaka
The collection of texts concerning the rules of conduct governing the daily affairs within the Sangha — the community of bhikkhus (ordained monks) and bhikkhunis (ordained nuns). Far more than merely a list of rules, the Vinaya Pitaka also includes the stories behind the origin of each rule, providing a detailed account of the Buddha’s solution to the question of how to maintain communal harmony within a large and diverse spiritual community.

Sutta Pitaka
The collection of suttas, or discourses, attributed to the Buddha and a few of his closest disciples, containing all the central teachings of Theravada Buddhism. (More than nine hundred sutta translations are available on this website.) The suttas are divided among five nikayas (collections):
· Digha Nikaya — the “long collection”
· Majjhima Nikaya — the “middle-length collection”
· Samyutta Nikaya — the “grouped collection”
· Anguttara Nikaya — the “further-factored collection”
· Khuddaka Nikaya — the “collection of little texts”:
o Khuddakapatha
o Dhammapada
o Udana
o Itivuttaka
o Sutta Nipata
o Vimanavatthu
o Petavatthu
o Theragatha
o Therigatha
o Jataka
o Niddesa
o Patisambhidamagga
o Apadana
o Buddhavamsa
o Cariyapitaka
o Nettippakarana (included only in the Burmese edition of the Tipitaka)
o Petakopadesa ( ” ” )
o Milindapañha ( ” ” )

Abhidhamma Pitaka
The collection of texts in which the underlying doctrinal principles presented in the Sutta Pitaka are reworked and reorganized into a systematic framework that can be applied to an investigation into the nature of mind and matter.

emergency preparedness kits

// October 5th, 2005 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything

The emergency preparedness kits are designed to be the basis for some of the supplies that may be needed to have available when an emergency or disaster happens. While the materials included in the kits are a good start, there is no kit that can provide all the supplies that individuals may need in an emergency. Your kit should be customized based on your own personal needs. Additional contents could include:

Clothing and Bedding

• At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hat and gloves
• Thermal underwear

Tools and Supplies

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Mess kit, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
• Cash, traveler’s checks, change
• Non-electric can open, utility knife
• Tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Matches in waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Paper, pencil
• Needles, thread
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench, (to turn off household gas and water)
• Plastic sheeting
• Map of area
• Battery operated radio and extra batteries
• Whistle
• Plastic storage containers

Sanitation

• Toilet paper, towelettes
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Plastic garbage bags, ties
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach
• Hand sanitizer

Water

• Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation) Note: Hot environments and intense physical activity can dramatically increase the amount of water that a person needs to drink.
  Food
  Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
  Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
  High energy foods-peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
  Vitamins
  Comfort/stress foods- Cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, tea bags
  Special Items
  Medications (both prescription and non-prescription) that you take, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, etc. (Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications)
  Extra eyeglasses
  Important family documents (in a waterproof, portable container)
  Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
  Passports, social security cards, immunization records
  Bank account numbers
  Credit card account numbers and companies
  Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
  Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
  Entertainment- games and books.
  Supplies for persons with special needs, such as infant, elderly or disabled persons
  Family or workplace disaster plan
  Rethink your kit and individual needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
  For more information about disaster Preparedness please visit the American Red Cross website at:
  http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared
  MAKE A PLAN BUILD A KIT GET TRAINED VOLUNTEER GIVE BLOOD

Emergency Food Supplies

// October 5th, 2005 // 4 Comments » // life the universe and everything

Emergency Food Supplies

Even though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off your food supply for two weeks, consider maintaining a supply that will last that long. You may not need to go out and buy foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned goods, dry mixes, and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Be sure to check expiration dates and follow the practice of first-in, first-out. PREPARING AN EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY As you stock food, take into account your family’s unique needs and tastes. Familiar foods are important. They lift morale and give a feeling of security in times of stress. Try to include foods that they will enjoy and that are also high in calories and nutrition. Foods that require no refrigeration, water, special preparation, or cooking are best.

Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will babies, toddlers, and the elderly. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices, and soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people.
Make sure you have a manual can opener and disposable utensils. Don’t forget nonperishable foods for your pets.

STORAGE TIPS

• Keep food in a dry, cool spot—a dark area if possible.
• Open food boxes and other re-sealable containers carefully so that you can close them tightly after each use.
• Wrap perishable foods, such as cookies and crackers, in plastic bags and keep them in sealed containers.
• Empty open packages of sugar, dried fruits, and nuts into screw-top jars or air-tight canisters for protection from pests.
• Inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use.
• Throw out canned goods that become swollen, dented, or corroded.
• Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies, dated with ink or marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.3

SHELF-LIFE OF FOODS FOR STORAGE

The following provides some general guidelines for replacement of common emergency foods.

Use within six months:

• Powdered milk – boxed
• Dried fruit
• Dry, crisp crackers
• Potatoes
• Use within one year, or before the date indicated on the label:
• Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups
• Canned fruits, fruit juices, and vegetables
• Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Hard candy and canned nuts
• Vitamins

May be stored indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions):

• Wheat
• Vegetable oils
• Dried corn
• Baking powder
• Soybeans
• Instant coffee, tea, and cocoa
• Salt
• Noncarbonated soft drinks
• White rice
• Bouillon products
• Dry pasta
• Powdered milk – in nitrogen-packed cans

Entry for October 05, 2005 – Why all the Disaster Stuff

// October 5th, 2005 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything

In the past two years I’ve recovered from my own personal disaster. I’ve been living with extremely minimal resources and attempting to cover the basics as best as I can. I’ve also seen the merits of living anonymously and “off the grid” a bit. I have gone from having a TON of stuff to a comfortable, but minimal existance. I can go farther, but I don’t think it is fair to my six year old daughter to force her to live like an ascetic hermit because of her mother’s peculiar habits.
On the other hand, it’s also my duty to keep her safe and protected in any situation as she grows and develops and explores her world. I’ve committed to some additional training in wilderness thriving, urban farming and gathering, and disaster preparedness. So I’m compiling some documents for my own personal use, that seem like they might be helpful as a post. I’ll keep updating my posts on some of the plans that I’ve been able to put into effect to further my goal of being able to live out of a footlocker, if need be.

Tipitaka – The Pali Canon

// October 5th, 2005 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything

The Tipitaka (Pali ti, “three,” + pitaka, “baskets”), or Pali Canon, is the collection of primary Pali language texts which form the doctrinal foundation of Theravada Buddhism. The Tipitaka and the non-canonical Pali texts (commentaries, chronicles, etc.) together constitute the complete body of classical Theravada texts.
The Pali Canon is a vast body of literature: in English translation the texts add up to thousands of printed pages. Most (but not all) of the Canon has already been published in English over the years. Although only a small fraction of these texts are available on this website, this collection can be a good place to start.
The three divisions of the Tipitaka are:

Vinaya Pitaka
The collection of texts concerning the rules of conduct governing the daily affairs within the Sangha — the community of bhikkhus (ordained monks) and bhikkhunis (ordained nuns). Far more than merely a list of rules, the Vinaya Pitaka also includes the stories behind the origin of each rule, providing a detailed account of the Buddha’s solution to the question of how to maintain communal harmony within a large and diverse spiritual community.

Sutta Pitaka
The collection of suttas, or discourses, attributed to the Buddha and a few of his closest disciples, containing all the central teachings of Theravada Buddhism. (More than nine hundred sutta translations are available on this website.) The suttas are divided among five nikayas (collections):
· Digha Nikaya — the “long collection”
· Majjhima Nikaya — the “middle-length collection”
· Samyutta Nikaya — the “grouped collection”
· Anguttara Nikaya — the “further-factored collection”
· Khuddaka Nikaya — the “collection of little texts”:
o Khuddakapatha
o Dhammapada
o Udana
o Itivuttaka
o Sutta Nipata
o Vimanavatthu
o Petavatthu
o Theragatha
o Therigatha
o Jataka
o Niddesa
o Patisambhidamagga
o Apadana
o Buddhavamsa
o Cariyapitaka
o Nettippakarana (included only in the Burmese edition of the Tipitaka)
o Petakopadesa ( ” ” )
o Milindapañha ( ” ” )

Abhidhamma Pitaka
The collection of texts in which the underlying doctrinal principles presented in the Sutta Pitaka are reworked and reorganized into a systematic framework that can be applied to an investigation into the nature of mind and matter.

effulgence: the state of being bright and radiant….

// October 3rd, 2005 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

effulgence: the state of being bright and radiant.

Today is kinda a weird day. The company I’m projecting for is a private, family-owned company and they give Rosh Hashanah as a company holiday. Rosh Hashanah is, as described by chabad.org is;

Rosh Hashanah in a Nutshell

The festival of Rosh Hashanah –the name means “Head of the Year” –is observed for two days beginning on Tishrei 1, the first day of the Jewish year. It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, and their first actions toward the realization of mankind’s role in G-d’s world.
Rosh Hashanah thus emphasizes the special relationship between G-d and humanity: our dependence upon G-d as our creator and sustainer, and G-d’s dependence upon us as the ones who make His presence known and felt in His world. Each year on Rosh Hashahnah, “all inhabitants of the world pass before G-d like a flock of sheep,” and it is decreed in the heavenly court, “who shall live, and who shall die… who shall be impoverished, and who shall be enriched; who shall fall and who shall rise.” But this is also the day we proclaim G-d King of the Universe. The Kabbalists teach that the continued existence of the universe is dependant upon the renewal of the divine desire for a world when we accept G-d’s kingship each year on Rosh Hashanah.
The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar, the ram’s horn, which represents the trumpet blast of a people’s coronation of their king. The cry of the shofar is also a call to repentance; for Rosh Hashanah is also the anniversary of man’s first sin and his repentance thereof, and serves as the first of the “Ten Days of Repentance” which culminate in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Another significance of the shofar is to recall the Binding of Isaac which also occurred on Rosh Hashanah, in which a ram took Isaac’s place as an offering to G-d; we evoke Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son and plead that the merit of his deed should stand by us as we pray for a year of life, health and prosperity. Altogether, the shofar is sounded 100 times in the course of the Rosh Hashanah service.
Additional Rosh Hashanah observances include: a) Eating a piece of apple dipped in honey to symbolize our desire for a sweet year, and other special foods symbolic of the new year’s blessings. b) Blessing one another with the words Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim, “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.” c) Tashlich, a special prayer said near a body of water (an ocean, river, pond, etc.) in evocation of the verse, “And You shall cast their sins into the depths of the sea.”

—

So we get the day off. Since I’m a consultant, I don’t get paid for the holiday, but I’m still pretty excited about getting a weekday off. I’m glad that I learned of this only last week, because I didn’t have
time to overload myslef with other stuff like doctors appointments and stuff. So, I asked my Mom if should would like to go shopping. She and I used to do that very often, but in the past years neither of us have had the time or the money to do something like that together. It should be interesting. Part of me is concerned that it’ll turn out like previous attempts; with her pushing my buttons and me needing to distance myself to keep healthy, while inside doing the self-loathing shuffle. Another part of me believes that I have changed at a core level. That I’m able to remain open and compassionate to the point of interacting with her, but not reacting to her. Lets see if it works in practice.

Happy Rosh Hashanah everybody…

// October 3rd, 2005 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything

effulgence: the state of being bright and radiant.

Today is kinda a weird day. The company I’m projecting for is a private, family-owned company and they give Rosh Hashanah as a company holiday. Rosh Hashanah is, as described by chabad.org is;

Rosh Hashanah in a Nutshell

The festival of Rosh Hashanah –the name means “Head of the Year” –is observed for two days beginning on Tishrei 1, the first day of the Jewish year. It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, and their first actions toward the realization of mankind’s role in G-d’s world.
Rosh Hashanah thus emphasizes the special relationship between G-d and humanity: our dependence upon G-d as our creator and sustainer, and G-d’s dependence upon us as the ones who make His presence known and felt in His world. Each year on Rosh Hashahnah, “all inhabitants of the world pass before G-d like a flock of sheep,” and it is decreed in the heavenly court, “who shall live, and who shall die… who shall be impoverished, and who shall be enriched; who shall fall and who shall rise.” But this is also the day we proclaim G-d King of the Universe. The Kabbalists teach that the continued existence of the universe is dependant upon the renewal of the divine desire for a world when we accept G-d’s kingship each year on Rosh Hashanah.
The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar, the ram’s horn, which represents the trumpet blast of a people’s coronation of their king. The cry of the shofar is also a call to repentance; for Rosh Hashanah is also the anniversary of man’s first sin and his repentance thereof, and serves as the first of the “Ten Days of Repentance” which culminate in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Another significance of the shofar is to recall the Binding of Isaac which also occurred on Rosh Hashanah, in which a ram took Isaac’s place as an offering to G-d; we evoke Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son and plead that the merit of his deed should stand by us as we pray for a year of life, health and prosperity. Altogether, the shofar is sounded 100 times in the course of the Rosh Hashanah service.
Additional Rosh Hashanah observances include: a) Eating a piece of apple dipped in honey to symbolize our desire for a sweet year, and other special foods symbolic of the new year’s blessings. b) Blessing one another with the words Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim, “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.” c) Tashlich, a special prayer said near a body of water (an ocean, river, pond, etc.) in evocation of the verse, “And You shall cast their sins into the depths of the sea.”

—

So we get the day off. Since I’m a consultant, I don’t get paid for the holiday, but I’m still pretty excited about getting a weekday off. I’m glad that I learned of this only last week, because I didn’t have time to overload myslef with other stuff like doctors appointments and stuff. So, I asked my Mom if should would like to go shopping. She and I used to do that very often, but in the past years neither of us have had the time or the money to do something like that together. It should be interesting. Part of me is concerned that it’ll turn out like previous attempts; with her pushing my buttons and me needing to distance myself to keep healthy, while inside doing the self-loathing shuffle. Another part of me believes that I have changed at a core level. That I’m able to remain open and compassionate to the point of interacting with her, but not reacting to her. Lets see if it works in practice.

Happy Rosh Hashanah everybody…

Effulgence & Rosh Hashanah

// October 3rd, 2005 // No Comments » // language, life the universe and everything

effulgence: the state of being bright and radiant.

Today is kinda a weird day. The company I’m projecting for is a private, family-owned company and they give Rosh Hashanah as a company holiday. Rosh Hashanah is, as described by chabad.org as:

Rosh Hashanah in a Nutshell

The festival of Rosh Hashanah –the name means “Head of the Year” –is observed for two days beginning on Tishrei 1, the first day of the Jewish year. It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, and their first actions toward the realization of mankind’s role in G-d’s world.
Rosh Hashanah thus emphasizes the special relationship between G-d and humanity: our dependence upon G-d as our creator and sustainer, and G-d’s dependence upon us as the ones who make His presence known and felt in His world. Each year on Rosh Hashahnah, “all inhabitants of the world pass before G-d like a flock of sheep,” and it is decreed in the heavenly court, “who shall live, and who shall die… who shall be impoverished, and who shall be enriched; who shall fall and who shall rise.” But this is also the day we proclaim G-d King of the Universe. The Kabbalists teach that the continued existence of the universe is dependant upon the renewal of the divine desire for a world when we accept G-d’s kingship each year on Rosh Hashanah.
The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar, the ram’s horn, which represents the trumpet blast of a people’s coronation of their king. The cry of the shofar is also a call to repentance; for Rosh Hashanah is also the anniversary of man’s first sin and his repentance thereof, and serves as the first of the “Ten Days of Repentance” which culminate in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Another significance of the shofar is to recall the Binding of Isaac which also occurred on Rosh Hashanah, in which a ram took Isaac’s place as an offering to G-d; we evoke Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son and plead that the merit of his deed should stand by us as we pray for a year of life, health and prosperity. Altogether, the shofar is sounded 100 times in the course of the Rosh Hashanah service.
Additional Rosh Hashanah observances include: a) Eating a piece of apple dipped in honey to symbolize our desire for a sweet year, and other special foods symbolic of the new year’s blessings. b) Blessing one another with the words Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim, “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.” c) Tashlich, a special prayer said near a body of water (an ocean, river, pond, etc.) in evocation of the verse, “And You shall cast their sins into the depths of the sea.”

—

So we get the day off. Since I’m a consultant, I don’t get paid for the holiday, but I’m still pretty excited about getting a weekday off. I’m glad that I learned of this only last week, because I didn’t have time to overload myslef with other stuff like doctors appointments and stuff. So, I asked my Mom if should would like to go shopping. She and I used to do that very often, but in the past years neither of us have had the time or the money to do something like that together. It should be interesting. Part of me is concerned that it’ll turn out like previous attempts; with her pushing my buttons and me needing to distance myself to keep healthy, while inside doing the self-loathing shuffle. Another part of me believes that I have changed at a core level. That I’m able to remain open and compassionate to the point of interacting with her, but not reacting to her. Lets see if it works in practice.

Happy Rosh Hashanah everybody…