A Few Moments of Diversion

I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing me kvetch about how stressful work is these days with all the High Holiday preparations before Rosh Hashanah [rahsh ha-SHAH-nah], the Jewish New Year which begins at sundown on Wednesday. There is no equivalent in Christian churches, and I would bore you terribly if I were to list in detail the 827 different responsibilities that seem to be looming over me as the date comes closer. Just trust me that there is a LOT that needs to be readied and that there doesn't seem to be enough time in which to do it all, but it all must be done in time no matter what.

And, of course, in the midst of it all has been my own life -- spending time with Jeremy (who started a class at our local community college this week that he said was "awesome"!!!) and with Tom (who moved to a new house last week, in an ill-timed but tremendously exciting venture!), seeing my friends, as well as doing laundry, making dinner, paying bills ... the daily grind.

But because all of this apparently hasn't been enough to manage, there was also an annual festival thrown into the mix -- a "meet 'n' greet 'n' eat" celebration of Fall and the High Holidays, which also serves as a "Welcome Back" to the student community that has returned to this college town. And the place where I work is always represented by an information table and a cookie decorating station. We like to appeal to all ages.

So Nikki, our Kitchen Coordinator, came in a few days before the event to bake cookies and to prepare frosting. And, fabulous person that she is, she made up a tray for the Office staff so that we could have a few moments of diversion in the midst of our chaos. I cannot express how much that small gesture meant -- someone was thinking of us, taking pity upon us, and offering us some fun instead of more chores and deadlines. I was so excited!

So here is the brief step-by-step of my own mini work of art:




The cookies and the frosting were so good!!! If I hadn't known they were pareve ([PAHRv] = neither meat nor dairy), I would never have known they were pareve.

It is with tears in my eyes that I wish you a heart "Mazal Tov," Nikki, as you leave us this coming week to take your fabulous new job with more regular hours and all the other perks you need these days. God was watching over you when that came along! Your smile, your joy and your eternally positive disposition will truly be missed; and I am immensely grateful for the care you've taken of Jeremy when he's worked with you, as well as for your friendship ... :)