a new beginning

So a lot has happened since the last time I blogged, or rather "tested" this blog lol

I actually had a blog somewhere else but unfortunately, I forgot my username and Google won't give me any hints :( But I didn't have a lot of posts there anyway. I was going through a rough time and wanted to talk..which brings me to this blog!
I am planning to update this blog as often as I can. I believe that writing about my daily life/concerns helps me come to terms with them and hence understand them more effectively.
Anyway, so today I'm sick :( I was planning to talk to my boss about quitting (I'll get to this in a sec), but it looks like I'm gonna have to do this next week as Wed. is my last shift for the week. I'm also going over to my friend's house for Sukkot dinner tomorrow and I'm sooo excited about it! We agreed to have a very simple, traditional Syrian/Iraqi Sukkot dinner (I'll be cooking lol). I called my aunt yesterday and got a few recipes/instructions on what to cook. I just wish I thought about this when I was in Toronto where I had better kitchen equipments/easy access to ingredients :*( But I did go to the superstore yesterday (ethnic food aisle, of course) and grabbed some Sumag, Za'atar and allspice. We are not building a sukkah :( but we will be praying together.

I haven't started cooking yet but it shouldn't take that long as I'm only making Kebbe Burgul and Kabab (baked Kabbab, can't BBQ today because its raining). I'm so excited for Turshi Shalgham (pickled beets)/Murabat TufaH (apple preserves) which I made a couple of days ago.

My new friends are also excited since they haven't experienced an actual "Sukkot" yet. They call themselves "self-taught Jews". One of them converted to Judaism last year, under the supervision of Rabbi from a reform synagogue and the other hasn't officially converted yet, however she does observe most Sabbath laws/prohibitions and maintains a Kosher diet. So as far as she's concerned, she's Jewish. The plan was to invite someone else (also a convert), but I'm not sure if all three will be joining us for dinner tmrw.

Back to what I was saying about my job. I was gonna talk to my supervisor about quitting...I just feel like I don't belong there :( People there are nice but they expect me to assimilate by adopting their "modern", Western lifestyle. They are easily offended and very narrow-minded. Back in Toronto, people had respect for those of other faiths. They are more aware and accommodating and some are even accepting. They listen when you explain to them why it is that you can't do certain things such as touching members of the opposite sex. Here, I feel like people want you to adopt their culture, their beliefs and their lifestyle. It's really sad.

And with that I'll end this post. I have to start cleaning.

Till next time,
Yokheved