And Now for my Weekly Update
A reader of mine suggested that even though I might not have anything to report, I should try to update the blog at least once a week so folks know I’m alive and well. Who am I to deny “my fans” my online presence? (Yeah — whatever) Okay, well, here is my attempt at doing a weekly blog.
Important stuff: I’m doing fine. My body still doesn’t like when I eat foods that are bad for you (high fat, high sugar). Unfortunately, it is hard to avoid doing so around this time of year. I simply rest assured that come the first of the year, I will get back to exercising. All other things not withstanding, I know that when I exercise, I generally felt better about myself. My health remains okay. My next scan is 12/29, but I won’t get the results until 1/5.
This time of year, cancer not withstanding, is incredibly stressful. This year, as opposed to other years, I actually tried to help MaryBeth with the shopping. Essentially, I bought lots of stuff on Amazon. 
What’s interesting, though, is the fact that people still don’t seem to get that Hanukkah is NOT the Jewish Christmas. It is true that Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the oil burning for 8 days, but miracle wise it’s not anywhere near the supposed miracle of the birth of Jesus. It’s just not as big a holiday and I largely resent when people try to equate the two.
In our house, we light candles and the kids get some gelt (both chocolate and actual currency). I remember growing up and Granny giving me and my siblings aluminum wrapped dimes for each candle on the menorah. This year, our kids made out, as the dime was upped to a quarter. Every night, we say the blessing, light the candles, and share the gelt. Beyond that, though, we don’t do much for Hanukkah (though, my younger son has a hankering for cooking some latkes). Of course, we also have the Christmas tree set up in our living room and the kids (particularly my daughter) is already bouncing off the wall in anticipation of Christmas.
I have to say that I am looking forward to getting together with my family to celebrate my nieces Bat Mitzvah and Hamburger Hanukkah. What makes this gathering all the more memorable is that the last time this same group of people got together it was to mourn the passing of my father. I am very much looking forward to seeing my family under much happier circumstances.
In the meantime, if anyone knows J.J. Abrams, please let him know that I, too, am a Star Trek devotee and would be happy to fill in as an extra in the Star Trek sequel on which he’s working.
Thank you all for keeping track. It means a lot that people still check up on me and care.
Merle