Fishtank fun

Friends, it's been a long, long, LONG time since my last post...

Thank you for hanging in there with me.

July has been an extremely busy month for me in several ways, all of which I'll eventually get to, but none of which is the subject of today's post.

Today, I'm writing about our fishtank.

Our fishtank is a new member of our family that came to us in a funny way.

Back when my husband was courting me (it was a long-distance relationship) and I visited him once in Pennsylvania, his apartment was SPOTLESSLY clean except for his fishtank: he said that the brown-ness of the water was "natural" (and let's not get into what was covering the walls).  I said that that thing had to go - as there was absolutely no way it would join us in our marriage if it was so brown.

My amazing husband did so, but I had no idea of his immense attachment to the fishtank.

Flash-forward to this summer - whenever we have run out of ideas to do with the kids and everyone we know is busy, we go to the fish store.  This is one of those "I'd rather be cleaning the tile grout than be here, but I'm here to support my amazing husband" moments for me.  So we've done that several times this summer, my husband always looking longingly at the fish.

And then my husband came with a surprise for me, that was actually a gift to himself.  The day before our wedding anniversary this July.  He came home with a fishtank.  And three fish, each fish in its own pot (for travel purposes, of course).  The kids went wild, cleaning the cabinet with baby wipes.  I just stood there, asking "what, on earth, is that?".

Apparently, I had told my amazing husband that he could have a fishtank if he finds one for $50.  Which apparently was quite the challenge since a 30-gallon tank with stand (and we're not even counting the fish) easily can run you over $200 or so.  I have no recollection of this challenge, but my husband took me up on it and found a tank and cabinet and 3 fish for $50.  Thank you, Craigslist.

So here I am, the family asleep, me sitting next to the fish tank.  The kids are in love with the fish and the process of feeding them.  The fish are extremely entertaining and serve as conversation starters for my suddenly-fish-loving family.  I have nothing to do with the tank maintenance, but right now, at this moment, I'm happy it's here.  I'm happy my husband got his wish, I'm happy my kids find it exciting, and as I sit here watching the fish swim, I suddenly crave sushi.  JUST KIDDING.

I just find it peaceful.

Tragedy for Houston Jewish community

We're back from Israel, and more about that later, but first - devastating news rocked the Houston community over the July 4th weekend...

Houstonians Josh and Robin Berry and their kids were traveling back from Colorado when they were hit head-on by an oncoming vehicle, close to midnight.  The parents were instantly killed and the three children were injured, two seriously.  The children are in Lubbock right now and should be able to travel back to Houston this week to continue their treatments.

The Jewish Herald-Voice has ongoing coverage of the efforts to help the family and to support the children.  Beth Yeshurun has set up a fund for donations to help with expenses which you can access here (select Perlo-Berry Family Fund to designate your donation).

Such a tragedy is hard for any community, but a community is what helps us cope.  All of our prayers and efforts will build foundational support so that the Berry family can go on and live the values the parents taught the children.