1. I am a name-changer. Call me Kalanit.
2. Chocolate bar from shul dipped in fresh ground peanut butter. Can you say “delicious”?!
3. I support Israel. Period.
4. I am addicted to only a few things: coffee, books, aged cheddar Pirate Booty.
5. Still a Dead Head after all these years.
6. Proud owner of an Anatolian Pyrenees dog named Motek.
7. In the past 10 years, I have gone from 130 pounds to 162 pounds.
8. No, even that does not motivate me to exercise much.
9. I prefer natural and herbal and homeopathic meds to traditional medicine, but I am not opposed to using traditional medicine when/if necessary as a last resort.
10. Whole grains.
11. Red wine, preferably merlots with dark cherry, currant, plum and toasty oak flavors.
12. I am a Dexter fan. Maybe even a super-fan. Quite possibly a maniacal super-fan.
13. I co-created a new, hip word: dext. It’s in the Miktionary so hush!
14. Vegetarian. At times a Kosher Pescetarian (who only eats wild salmon).
15. A few things for which you might hear me advocate, meaning I support…the neurodiversity and disability rights movements; human rights that are not limiting nor discriminating based upon what is or isn’t between your legs, what religion you practice or who/how your romantic love life plays out; safety and health of all children; and the right for Israel to exist, flourish and defend itself.
16. A hike through the park…a stroll through an art museum…swimming, indoor or out…gathering by the bon fire…camping...some of my favorite things to do with my family or my friends.
17. Chopped. Great cooking competition.
18. Tofurkey has the best vegetarian product out there. Beer brats. Roast. Deli slices.
19. Best case scenario: Unschooling.
20. If one has to go to school, first choice is Waldorf style and second choice is constructivist.
21. Jerusalem. My heart longs to be there.
22. Co-sleeping. Chandler until he was 7. Alia until she was 6. Neviyah—still doing it.
23. Most spiritual place on Earth – the Kotel.
24. I love to turn up the music as high as tolerable and dance with the kids all over the family room. Good cardio, lots of smiles, intense bonding!
25. Not into professional sports. Sorry.
26. Some people have low-maintenance, perfect little kids. Nothing wrong with that. But some of us (like me) have unique, creative, and deep-souled children who may look quirky to you but are beautiful to us/me.
27. I used to be a Bharata Natyam dancer. I even performed once at Wash U’s Edison Theater. Many of the ancient sculptures in Hindu temples are based on Bharata Natyam karanas (dance postures).
28. We are a no-spank family.
29. I experience the most happiness and the most pain through parenting.
30. I am a Jew. I belong a Conservative shul. I believe Halacha is binding.
31. In the in-reach debate, I fall in the Chabad camp.
32. Sushi. I bet you were waiting for that.
33. Every time Rachael has ever gotten drunk while drinking wine at my house, she has turned out to be pregnant. The logical conclusion is that getting drunk on wine with me at my house makes one fertile. (Right, Rachael?!)
34. Simchot Torah. Sukkot. Shabbat. My favorite holidays ever.
35. Brian and Neshama are awesome. The logical conclusion is that since I am friends with them, that makes me awesome. (Yes, that IS the logical conclusion.)
36. I love to watch Neviyah and Adeena run to each other in slow motion and give each other the biggest long-lost hug.
37. I love to watch Alia and Jillian run to each other in slow moition and give each other the biggest long-lost hug.
38. Rob makes the best challah ever. Second place is U-City Miriam.
39. I have to admit that Erin’s tacos are better than mine.
40. Fresh sheets on the bed. A well vacuumed carpet. Just little things that make me feel better when I am home.
41. I like to read poetry.
42. Zombies. Vegetarian zombies. Graaaaaaaaains!
43. I am a hopeless slob. It isn’t that I don’t appreciate a clean home. I really do. I just can’t seem to maintain one.
44. Love to cook.
45. My new thing – tights, boots, to-the-knee skirts.
46. I am a curly girl.
47. Bernstein earns the gold stars for eggplant parmesan and homemade pizza.
48. I am a seeker, a striver, a learner, a transcender, a lover, a peacemaker, a mover, a leader…
49. I love working on the Women’s Spirituality Retreat and Shema St. Louis (formerly Festival of Jewish Life).
50. Cold water with ice chips in a glass cup.
51. I love to weed gardens and lawns. It is stress-reducing to me.
52. Recycle, reuse and minimize waste.
53. Used clothing. One of my causes. Reduce the need for sweat shops. End the obsession to have new.
54. I wish a lived in a small house, on a larger piece of land, in a Jewish area.
55. I super wish I had a place in Israel.
56. I have been to Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, Israel, Disney Island, and Nassau.
57. I love every shade of brown from wheat to chocolate.
58. I am not affiliated with any political party, not because I am not politically active, but because they are all failures.
59. I wish I could speak Hebrew. For some reason, I am unable to really grasp any language but English.
60. I welcome the Shabbat using the Havdalah tune.
61. I will eat anything that Aura cooks (unless it is a meat product).
62. I read a lot of books but never remember the authors or titles.
63. I listen to a lot of music but never remember the names of them or the bands who play them.
64. Classical, psychedelic rock and art rock are my first choices. Classic rock, progressive rock, non-gangsta rap, old style country, blues, swing, metal, old skool, hard rock, alternative, new wave with punk undertones, political rock, reggae, and cabaret are my second choices.
65. I love to play word games, especially Scrabble type games.
66. Uno, Racko, Life, Apples to Apples and Rummy are my favorite games.
67. I like to eat out at vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
68. I believe that names are a call to the soul.
69. I miss my male friends.
70. Eggplant pie with savory butter crust made by Rachael is my definition of comfort food.
71. Kindness is one of the most important qualities one can teach one’s children.
72. I love candles.
73. I secretly wish I was Yossi – the traveling, the fooding, the dancing. Yes, I said fooding. Yossi has turned it into a verb.
74. Some friendships transcend the normal expectations of such. Carol Rose is that type of friend.
75. Happiness is curried butternut soup. (A bonus is if it is made by Rob.)
76. Never underestimate the power of a good hug, two Gaia natural stress relievers, and a warm shower.
77. I always wanted a really large family. I wish I would have started earlier and had them more often!
78. Left-leaning.
79. If I won the lottery, I would spend my days studying, volunteering and eating fine foods (when I wasn’t unschooling my children, traveling the world and buying things for my friends).
80. Remember Chic-a-sticks, The Golden Rocket, Venice Café and the velvet Elvis picture?
81. My life did not turn out how I expected but I am not necessarily disappointed.
82. Favorite family car activity? Speaking only in operatic song.
83. Neal Rose is one of the most real people I have met.
84. I love to watch documentaries, especially ones pertaining to social/historical subjects, science, and nature.
85. I love female artists whose voices are in the contralto vocal range.
86. Women’s fast pitch softball. Gymnastics. Ice Skating.
87. I am a superstitious person.
88. I speak emphatically when I am passionate about a subject. Don’t mistake it for aggressiveness.
89. I believe kids should be allowed to be kids – noisy, awkward, energetic and messy.
90. I am always concerned about how commercials, magazines, other children, billboards, music and other media affect girls and their body image and their perceived expectations…and how it affects boys and the expectations and stereotypes they will believe.
91. I love to skip down the street or through a parking lot with Neviyah.
92. I live by the rule to love all children and never judge their goodness and worth by their behavior.
93. I wish I could bake, but it is a big FAIL for me.
94. I want to be more frugal than I am. I want to be more zen than I am. I want to be more clutter free than I am. I want to be more patient than I am. I want to be more tolerant than I am. I want to be more silent than I am.
95. I am terrible at small talk. I am the queen of awkward silences. Go me! (Not!)
96. I have a little anxiety, mainly in new social settings.
97. I love social media. I am not one of those who despises it. I find it connecting.
98. Embrace the chaos! –my motto
99. Fake sausage, cayenne pepper, jelly – cooked until sticky. Best breakfast on the run!
100. Over the tree trops…
(as of 10/30/2011)
-------
1. I am in love with the idea of being in the moment.
2. I am a pretty laid back person.
3. I tend to take the leadership role in projects and at home, and in that capacity, I am not so laid back.
4. I have three children with quite a spread in age: a 15-year old boy, 8-year old daughter and 2-year old daughter.
5. I am a coffee addict. No other way to describe it.
6. I do not believe in spanking.
7. Avocado with Goddess dressing drizzled over it is my favorite snack right now.
8. I miss Jerry Garcia.
9. I have been to Israel, Spain, France, and Mexico.
10. I went from dry, red wines to fruity white wines and now am back to dry, red wines that are oaky with a hint of currents and a soft finish.
11. I am a student at Gratz College to get a for-fun degree in Jewish Studies...if I can pass the Hebrew!
12. I love the Black Crowes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Natalie Merchant, Bob Marley, John Lennon, Neil Young, Billie Holiday, and the list goes on.
13. I am a book worm.
14. I obsessively check my email and Facebook page.
15. I have been with my husband for 18 years.
16. I have lived in various areas in St. Louis and Denver.
17. I am left-leaning.
18. I had back surgery at 21.
19. I am not affiliated with a political party.
20. There are some days when I find it hard to believe that I am in my 40s.
21. I tend to congregate with people who are either much younger or much older than me.
22. Women relationships are difficult for me. I have a hard time navigating them, and often times become disappointed with myself when I fail at that higher standard I have for myself.
23. Some women I know, though, are my role models for my life: Carol Rose, Enid Weisberg-Frank, Cyndee Levy.
24. I find too-far-to-the-left and too-far-to-the-right groups to be annoying and unbalanced.
25. I try to remember that most people want the best for our country and from that perspective, we all are coming from the same space.
26. I love being Jewish. Love.
27. I am just another puzzle piece in this universe. But without me, it cannot be complete.
28. Nigguns with Ari make my soul sing in ways it ordinarily does not.
29. I love to study. If I did not work, I would do that full time.
30. I love to cook although I do not get to do it very often.
31. I own a forensic engineering firm.
32. We have 2 Jack Russell terriers and 2 zebra finches.
33. I am not so good at the small talk. You did not imagine that awkward silence.
34. I am a complete and total slob 99.9% of the time.
35. I am a font nerd.
36. Sunsets are beautiful but sunrises are amazing.
37. I want to go to Israel again and often.
38. I like to camp in the national forest.
39. Hiking, nature walks, floating down a quiet river. That is divinity.
40. Butternut squash, wild mushrooms, yellow onion, olive oil, whole grain pasta, dash of salt and pepper.
41. I love Windows 7.
42. I love my droid phone.
43. I do not say thank you enough to Cyril.
44. My favorite nuts are habanero dusted almonds.
45. Bourbon pecan coffee from VJ Tea and Spice. Wow!
46. I have a husband who is thoughtful, romantic and present in our relationship.
47. I am a documentary junkie.
48. I cover my hair for personal, religious and spiritual reasons.
49. China Mist organic iced tea, no lemon.
50. Chicago is my favorite weekend get-away.
51. I wish my lifestyle was more in line with my values, especially with regard to green living, waste, consumption.
52. I boycott Walmart and Cracker Barrel. Oh, and Hooters. (Thank you Rachael for reminding me!)
53. Connecting with G-d is everything.
54. I am sensitive to the dead.
55. Mikvah is my favorite Jewish ritual.
56. I have regrets.
57. I try to remember to let regrets pass through me when they make appearances.
58. Two natural childbirths.
59. We co-sleep with our children. Chan until 7. Alia until 6. Still do with Neviyah.
60. Did I mention I love Israel?!
61. Gala apple slices with pepper jack cheese or Havarti with dill.
62. I make lunch for my children for school.
63. I read Ann Landers daily. I secretly wish I was the Ann Landers of the Jewish Light.
64. I fluctuate in my observance as a Jew. No matter where I am on that spectrum, I always long to be more observant.
65. I keep a kosher home.
66. I find men with beards and mustaches to be incredibly sexy.
67. Jacob's Pillow. If you haven't been you are missing out.
68. Yes, I like Shmuley Boteach, and I don't care what you think of it.
69. I am a bit of a germaphobe so don't serve me drinks out of plastic cups.
70. I watch Chopped, Glee and when it was on, Ugly Betty.
71. I do not let my 8-year old daughter do things like watch I-Carly, wear short skirts or read girly magazines.
72. I do let her express herself and use her imagination without censure.
73. I am a firm believer in the inherent dignity of all human beings.
74. (in no particular order) Indian, sushi, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Greek, Mediterranean and Israeli foods are my favorite.
75. I chant my Shabbat candle blessings to the Havdalah tune. It sets the mood. It takes me to where I need to be to enter into the sacred time-space of the sabbath.
76. Jewish imagery. A peek into my soul.
77. There are only a few people who I can really count on to be there for me no matter what. You know who you are. Thank you.
78. I love my curly hair. I wish it was even curlier. I can't believe I wasted all those years doing the frizz thing.
79. I like wearing glasses.
80. I support small business even if it means I pay a little more.
81. I don't purport to know the boundries of G-d's grace and it irritates me when other think they do.
82. “There are free men with the spirit of a slave, and slaves whose spirit is full of freedom. He who is true to his inner self is a free man, while he whose entire life is merely a stage for what is good and beautiful in the eyes of others, is a slave.” Rabbi Kook
83. Leave the drama for your mamma!
84. I love my nieces and nephews like they are my own.
85. I made all my own baby food. Girl 1 loved it. Girl 2 did not.
86. David Bowie. Oh yeah.
87. Drum circles. The only way I can participate musically without sounding too offensive.
88. For me, Jerusalem was the highlight of my trip to Israel.
89. I don't tan much to my dismay.
90. I am a Halacha geek. I love to hear about it, learn about it, try to live it, argue it, debate it, rationalize it, reject it, work through it, understand it, absorb it.
91. I have always been a seeker.
92. I write bad poetry and even worse short stories.
93. As I get older, I become more fearful of "risky" behavior, like riding motorcycles, standing at the edge of a cliff, carnival rides, driving on weekend nights.
94. Rabbi Neal Rose is the most real person I know.
95. I gag when I do dishes, change diapers, scoop dog poop, clean the bird's water.
96. I really do try to be the best person I can be, and although I fail at times, please know that I actively and consciously try to improve myself at every turn and bend.
97. I wish I could have 2 to 3 more children. I really, really do.
98. I love chocolate but only a touch of it. Example: Chocolate cake with chocolate icing? No. Red velvet cake with cream cheese icing and a drizzle of dark chocolate? Yes! Big, chocolate brownie? No. Peanut butter swirl brownie? Yes!
99. There are times I miss certain people for no apparent reason--some are still alive, some are not: Boutler, Angie, Peter, Sylvia, Kim.
100. Oh, do I end with "over the tree trops"...? Yes, I do. :P
