Back at last - with the latest from Africa!

I'm sorry that it's been so long since I last posted, everyone! It's been a crazy couple of weeks, but things seem to be settling down, now. 


Not too long ago, our good friend (and cousin) Arie came back from an overseas trip, and brought me some funny photos, all the way from... Togo! I'm glad that I finally have a chance to post them here.


Just so you know, Togo holds a special place in my heart - back in sixth grade, I wrote a report about Togo. Why did I choose it, I hear you cry? Well, I remember appreciating the fact that we shared a four letter name that began with tee-oh. But I also liked that it was a small, modest country that I hadn't heard of before. And now, after all these years, to think that I'm coming full circle and featuring it on my blog! Well, it's really something.


Anyway, on to the signs! Here's what Arie found:

I like that one a lot. They seem pretty confident, for that little country that I remember. But check out this one:

Good thing that their typos aren't cause for embarrassment :)


But really, that one is cool. Way to cover their bases - it seems that enough embarrassment occurs on this beach to warrant a sign! We can forgive them the misspellings, right? Come on, I think Togo is even smaller than Israel... oh, nope, I just checked. According to Wikipedia, Togo is about 3 times as large as Israel. Wow, do I live in a small country.


Thanks again, Arie! And have a great week, all!

Caution! Ridiculous Signage Ahead!

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So, as you may have heard, we have a fuzzy new member of our family. Unfortunately for her, though, the only pet shop in our immediate area closed down last year. (The funny aside here is that a steakhouse opened up in its place. A little creepy, no?) 

Anyway, in order to buy rabbit food and supplies, we now need to go into Jerusalem. And of course, the pet shop that was highly recommended to me is located right in the center of town, which is currently under construction. I went there last Friday, and no, getting there and parking were not easy. In the end it was all worth it, though - check out what was waiting for me:
 

Every so often I wonder how long I'll be able to keep this blog going. And then I find things like this and stop worrying :)

And as one more side note - the pet shop guy said that if I find five families in Gush Etsion who are interested in buying from him, he will deliver to us! If it's at all tempting, he carries Science Diet dog food. Intrigued, anyone?

Have a great week, everybody!

Haveil Havalim - The La"g La'Omer Edition

Well, here we are again. I haven't actually participated in Haveil Havalim for quite a while, but hosting is always fun, so I figured I would give it a shot. For those of you who haven't been to my blog before, feel free to take a minute or two and look around! And for those of you who are regular frequenters of my blog (thanks, guys!) but don't yet know what Haveil Havalim is, here's a fast sum-up: HH is a weekly roundup of blog posts from all over the world, written by Jewish and/or Israeli bloggers. Bloggers take turns hosting, and this week is my turn! Or, in official jargon:

Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Jack. The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means "Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'hevel,' or in English, 'vanity.'

Anyway, it seems I host when barbecuing is involved - first on the Fourth of July, and now on La"g La'Omer. Yes, I know that most of us call one that La"g Ba'Omer, but my dear husband, Balashon, says it might be otherwise, and I like to back him up. 

Oh, and one more thing - I think that people sometimes tend to only visit blogs that they recognize, and skip the ones less known to them. So in the name of equal opportunity, I'm listing the posts by description only, and in the order that they were submitted. I hope you enjoy it, and maybe even find some new blogs! And if you don't enjoy it, sorry - you can host next time and do it the way that you like :)

And so, with no further ado - Haveil Havalim!

Should we be looking for our rewards in this world or in that to come?

What does it take to be Israeli? Here's a great attempt at the chutzpah aspect.

A blogger and his shul were featured on MSNBC.com. How exciting!


Some art and poetry, for a change of pace.


It is what it is: a concise Metamorphosis of a Mother.


When is change in Judaism a good thing? The door to discussion has been opened.


Not one... not two... but 38 interesting links about Lag Ba'Omer!


Is the censoring of "South Park" indicative of worldwide fear?

A nice review of media coverage on issues of religion and state in Israel.

And a little more.


An interesting perspective on volunteering in the IDF.


A difficult Shabat... can you guess why?


An interesting article: Gaza Boat Organizers Endorse Terrorism


One more: Peace yes. Normalization? Not really...


An upcoming chuppah!


How would you choose a mikveh in this situation?


An intriguing view we don't often get to see - stepparenting.


Our security rests in our hands alone.


The glaring omission of Bob.


A really interesting new use for graffiti!


A young Rabbi is trying to dispense with marriage altogether - I haven't heard this one before...

A fast, interesting Dvar Tora about why Shabbos is listed in the middle of the parsha of the Festivals

Women who have taken taharat hamishpacha upon themselves shouldn't let anyone else cheapen it for them.


Don't we want to chat?


Building and Bibi.


A different, insightful definition of "Time-bound."


Do we prefer roller coasters or tea cups? Good question.


Is Israel at peace with Egypt and Jordan? I guess it depends who you ask.


An interesting effect of today's technology on teenagers.


One of many stark differences between 12th grade girls and 12th grade boys.


Do the stories we tell our children set us up for disappointment? Intriguing.


An interesting look at different kinds of Blog Carnivals.


Some nice photos and descriptions of the non-densely populated hills of Judea and Samaria.


How to make a child-friendly, virtual bonfire for Lag B'Omer.


Wow - a Pro-Israel, Zionist Palestinian Organization!


How intriguing - perhaps we should all paint our floors yellow.


A thorough and interesting book review: Unlocking the Torah Text: Vayikra.


How do you feel about saddle shoes? You may find yourself with a new appreciation after reading this.


When do you feel blessed?


Hebrew Charter Schools - Wave of the Future?


It's always easy to blame the victims.


Some bloopers from the Jewish Week and the Jerusalem Post.


And here are a few good ones that I happened to come across, although they weren't officially submitted:


Happy Blogiversary!


Ongoing tensions in Ramat Bet Shemesh (there are a few entries on this one).


Which plotlines do you avoid?


Making lemonade out of lemons, as always.


Women leaving Orthodoxy?


Did you know that brushing your teeth is good for more than just your teeth?


She's back!


Our thieving children... for the greater good?


Seven pounds of black furry love.


A handful of family.


Is Artzot HaBrit singular or plural?


and of course :)

That concludes this edition of Haveil Havalim! If I’ve somehow managed to omit a submission, please send me an e-mail at 321toby at gmail dot com and I’ll be happy to plug it in. And don’t forget to submit your carefully-selected blog articles to the next edition of Haveil Havalim using our handy-dandy Blog Carnival submission form!

Happy Lag BaOmer!