That's Life 2-20-09

Issue of Feb. 20, 2009 / 26 Shevat 5769

Dear That's Life:

Here I am back at my computer at midnight, too wired to go to sleep

although I'm really exhausted. I've been out at an evening meeting again, one that I dreaded going to, only because it's frigid outside

and I really would rather be wearing my pajamas, finish cleaning the

kitchen and have some quality time catching up with my kids and

hopefully getting in a relatively early night for a change.

But for most of the women I know, when it's Tehillim night, a shiur, a

Sisterhood meeting, book group, local chapter of a women's Jewish

organization or PTA, we reluctantly drag ourselves out into the cold

dark night. I am sure that not one of us ever regrets the effort once

we're settled cozily in at the meeting home. Every gracious hostess

offers hot drinks and enticing fruit and snacks to make her guests

really feel at home. And the ambiance is always warm and inviting,

with like-minded women working together for a worthwhile cause,

planning an upcoming event, discussing a beloved (or criticizing a

not-so-great) book, or simply praying or learning together.

Somehow, after a full day of work, whether in our homes or outside,

we seem to be able to find that extra bit of energy to conjure up a

smile and create some friendly conversation, and "steal" a bit of time

to add one more thing to an already full day. So kudos to all the

hardworking ladies we all know, here in the Five Towns, and

everywhere. It's what makes this place where we live a real

neighborhood.

Miriam L. Wallach is taking a short break from the column –– if you

spilled your guts in print every week, you'd need a break too.