bits

Sister had an ultrasound last week...Looks like the end of November will bring a baby boy. She and fiance have settled on the name "Austin Bailey" and thus far, everything looks good. Mom has yet to email me an ultrasound pic but as soon as I receive it, I'll post it here.
May G-d continue to bless.
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Roommate and I signed a one month lease extension on Friday. Apparently he wants to give his prospective employer another month to contact him before he gives up and agrees to stay here for an additional year. For month-to-month leases, our landlord charges an extra $50 per month (which roommate has agreed to pay, as he should), ostensibly forcing tenants to a one year commitment.
At least I know where 'home' will be for another month...We'll see what happens in 30 days.
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On Saturday afternoon I went on an extensive bike ride (with no particular destination) around BTown, snapping some pics along the way, some of which I'll post here (I posted "Signals" earlier today).
My ten-speed has been a priceless purchase. There's something freeing about hopping on a bicycle, pedaling away from my doorstep and gliding on the open road.

Memories of childhood and training wheels
Scraping concrete and a bloody knee
Tears, bandage and a mother's kiss
And you're pedaling again with sky and road reflecting in your eyes

Now I pedal on coughing streets of heat and expensive metals
Through dark neighborhoods, the sound of jubilation, radios, televisions and disputes
And I'm a million miles from 'home' and training wheels
Away
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Last week I finished the "Genesis" portion of The Torah. Simply amazing.
As I delve deeper into the sacred texts of Torah, the heart and soul are strengthened. If one allows the Holy Scriptures to enshroud the heart, mind and soul, he or she will discover the unexplored mystical dimensions that is Torah (the word Torah is derived from the verb "to guide" or "to teach").
I use "unexplored" because of an important rabbinic teaching that says there are 70 interpretations for every word in Torah -- and they're all correct -- and Jewish tradition speaks of four dimensions of meaning: the literal, the allegorical, the metaphorical and the mystical. Indeed.
Also, I've begun praying every night and every morning. Framing the day with a moment of meditation and prayer provide balance, focus.
The incredible sense of peace, tranquility and happiness that I've been blessed with is simply indescribable. As Jacob said in his prayer for aid against his brother Esau ("Genesis" 32:11), "I have been diminished by all the kindness and by all the truth that You have done Your servant."

mc