marti and erin.com

To anyone out there who still periodically checks in with this blog, I am both proud and heartbroken to report that Erin will be leaving the fine state of New Jersey to explore the greener pastures of our nation’s capitol. I would like to publically state (or as widely as this blog is read) that I will dearly miss my friend Erin and hope that this blog is a vehicle that will keep us together so that she can keep us apprised of her adventures below the Mason-Dixon line.

Cheers to Erin for all of the friends and memories that she has in NJ and to all of the good times that lay ahead in DC! We’ll miss you and always love you!

I know its been ages since we’ve added a post and Erin and I are really busy with work right now, but in just a few weeks we promise there is good stuff to come! Just be patient! Thank you!

When I was in college and often the only Jewish person in a conversation, I became the resource for all things Jewish. Often I would answer questions about holidays, traditions, manners, etc. This evening marks the beginning of Purim- one of the most festive Jewish holidays. There are two important things I like to note about this holiday. The first is that it is based on the book of Esther. When women look for inspiration in the Bible, they should try Esther- its the story of a pro-active woman who takes fate in her own hands to make things happen. The second note is on the traditional Purim snack of Hamentashen. The name has historical reference, but this treat was best described by a friend as a “Jewish Poptart.” I suppose this summarizes my effectiveness in explaining Judaism to others. Oh well, if not effective, at least my friends get to share the good snack food.

Greetings all! Sorry its been a while since the last blog. I had to share a great word that Erin taught me. The word is CONFABULATION and it describes so many of my situations…both the schmooze-factor and the fact that sometimes I need to fill in the blanks with more amusing details than might have really happened. Feel free to use it in your daily life!

Noun
1.
confabulation - an informal conversation chat, confab, schmooze

2.
confabulation - (psychiatry) a plausible but imagined memory that fills in gaps in what is remembered memory - something that is remembered

I whole-heartedly support the woman who had her Year of Yes. It seems to me that she might have been hesitant to say yes before that. I, on the other hand, am thinking that cynicism might be reduced for some from having a Year of No. Maybe people should say “no” to more invitations if they don’t really want to go or “no” to favors that eat up their time and have little benefit. I know people like this….these are the people who give until they have nothing left and risk burn out. They could use some downtime, to be selfish and do whatever it is that they want.

I guess in some way its a Year of Yes. I encourage these people to say yes to nourishing their own souls, to getting sleep when they are tired, and grabbing some alone time when they need it. Say no to the time suckers and doing things because “its the right thing to do!” Say “yes” to you!