Remember what Chanukah is all about

 Just read this  on http://www.askmoses.com/ I really liked this response to "Can I have a Hanukkah Tree"

 Remember what Chanukah is all about

Posted by: Lisa, West Hempstead, NY on Dec 28, 2005

It’s quite ironic that out of all the Jewish Holidays it is on Chanukah that people want to “adopt” other cultures and celebrate “like everyone else”.

On Passover we celebrate freedom from slavery. On Purim we celebrate freedom from the threat of annihilation. In the story of Chanukah. however, they didn’t want to kill us or enslave us. All the Greeks wanted was to deprive us of our own identity and make us “like everyone else.” They hated the fact that we have our own Jewish culture and pride. They tried first to persuade us, then to force us, to “adopt” their culture and customs.

We celebrate Chanukah precisely because we didn’t cave to the “peer pressure” and remained dedicated to our own heritage, traditions and holidays. G-d saw our devotion and determination, He performed miracles, and gave us yet another holiday to celebrate with pride and Joy.

On Chanukah we celebrate a victory over “cultural oppressors”. We remember that people fought for our right to practice our OWN traditions. So it would only make sense that when celebrating Chanukah today, you celebrate the miracle by being proud of who YOU are!

Hawaii Weather

Comparison Weather Facts

• On average Pearl Harbor, HI is warmer than Virginia Beach, VA by 11°F.

• Virginia Beach, VA recorded the highest temperature of 105°F in 1918.

• Virginia Beach, VA on average is cooler than Pearl Harbor, HI by 15°F.

• Virginia Beach, VA recorded the lowest temperature of -3°F in 1985.

• Pearl Harbor, HI averages more precipitation than Virginia Beach, VA by 106.4in.

Hawaii? Yup. Hawaii.

So, we just got word of our transfer to Hawaii.  Not sure of any specifics yet, but we know it will not be until after July.  My husband is still in training and his program does not end until July 8, 2011.  But, wow, we are moving to Pearl Harbor, HI.  This is kind of really cool.  I am afraid for Hamlet though.  He might not do to well in the heat.  But, with proper A/C he should be fine.  Might not be able to move him until after October because of the heat.  We will deal with it.  I have so much to think about now. So much to do.  House has to be fixed up.  House has to be cleaned.  House has to be sold or rented.  Need to find a new house to live.  But, Hawaii. I guess it is such a romantic place.  At least in all the movies and photographs. I hope it is close to that.  Of course,  I grew up watching Magnum, P.I. so in my head, THAT is what I think Hawaii will be like.  Oh, wouldn't that be nice to have Tom Selleck to be my neighbor?  Or my house guest? 

Anyway, so after DH is done w/ his training, hopefully, we will take a family vacation.  Then, maybe have some time to be with each other before the big move.  That would be nice, right?

So, here are my other questions/concerns...
Will our family come and visit?  I guess we will see them about as often as we do now.
Can we afford housing there?  Looks like we will be spending about 50% more on housing than we do now.  But, I think we get COLA that should offset the money issues.
I hear the school system is a joke there.  Well, we will not be there for so many years that it will make a difference.  The girls and I will learn other ways.
Is there much of a Jewish community there?  I hear there is a synagogue on base. I guess that will be our best option.  I will miss the JCC and Iliana will miss her friends.  We will have to find some mommy groups.

Oh well, the wee one is awake and screaming.