42 Days Left

As most of you know, from my FB postings, we are leaving Philadelphia. And as most of you also know, I truly hated living here the first 6 months. Ok, so "hate" is a strong word, but I cried a lot during the first half of 2010. I also fought with Craig, and somewhere in between the crying and the fighting, I got pregnant, so I was also throwing up too. Plus, the winters here were brutally cold, and the summer unbearably hot.

What I wouldn't have given for a rainy Los Angeles winter, and some Santa Ana Winds. I  had planned on not liking it here for the two and half year sentence I'd been given. But a strange thing happened, I actually began to enjoy my life in Center City. Charlotte was born at Hospital of University of Pennsylvania.  I made a few good friends, and a lot of  lovely acquaintances.  I joined two book clubs, and read some books, but laughed a whole lot more. I ate at amazing restaurants, and discovered bikram yoga, (i've only gone 3 times - but it sounds very impressive doesn't it?) And Craig and I stoped fighting and relaxed. I only regret not seeing more shows and theater. Admittedly, I got pick pocketed twice, but it is part of Philly's charm (not really - its sucks) But that's not the memory I'll be walking away with. Mostly, I want to tell every single friend that I made here, thank you for being so nice and welcoming, thank you for making the city of Philadelphia my home. 

One aspect about moving that I like, is that it gives me permission to check out for a few months. I can stop worrying about what I'm not doing, (career, working out, and possible grad school dreams) and instead, I get to focus on a "transition" period. Which ultimately leads to  justifying my awful reality TV habit. Like Bethanny Ever After.  I loved Bethanny last season, but no so much this year. She seems to have gotten what she wanted and is edging Jason out of her life, but in that cowardly way, where she wants to make him the bad guy. If I hear her tell one more person how Jason, keeps calling her "damaged", I may have to turn on off the TV (although its unlikely). Plus she surrounds herself my people on a payroll that "yes" her. I have a slight feeling that Veronica just wants to scream in her face, "you are insane, lady." I also have a theory that Bethanny's therapist is in love with her and is driving a wedge between her and Jason. He never, ever defends Jason.  May I add on a separate note, that I loved Bethanny's evening birthday ensemble, the black off the shoulder dress, hair parted in the middle and hoop earrings. And isn't fitting that Jason bought her a diamond spear necklace? It suits her personality. But on to the next show..... The Real Housewives of NJ. It is only the beginning of the season so I have time to get out while I can. But here is what I want to know: what is Jacqueline thinking by sending her daughter, who seems to have a drinking problem, to Las Vegas? How much longer can Teresa pretend that everything is Ok with Joe? and why does Jacqueline stop talking to Teresa? Alright it looks like I'm in for the season...ugggh. I have no willpower.

I have been reading a little too. I just finished Then Came You, by Jennifer Weiner. I laughed through the whole book, and like most of her stories, got teary eyed at the end. I'm currently reading Some Assembly Acquired, by Ann Lamott. While not as compelling as Operating Instructions,

Ann Lamott, is so honest and therefore very funny, so I'm enjoying the read. And in all fairness, Operating Instructions was about becoming a mother, and this book is about becoming a grandmother, so maybe in like 25 years, I'll appreciate it more. Or thirty years..

Finally I have a new blog that I check into from time to time, Mayim Bialik's official blog site.  Mayim's best known for her role playing Blossom, and now she's  she's also written a book called Beyond The Sling, which I have yet to read.  Her parenting style couldn't be further than mine, at least on the surface. I'm not into bed sharing or breastfeeding past a year (but no judgement on others who do- I mean that!)  I don't know what her stance on immunization is, and personally, I hope that she vaccinates her children, but that being said, I'm amazed at how strong her convictions are, her commitment to living a Jewish life, being a vegan and not to mention her Phd in neuroscience. She seems to do it all and with a sense of humor.