I sometimes wonder what I would take if I could only take what I could pack in one suitcase. I’m not talking about packing for a vacation. I am imagining taking and not returning. Perhaps it is the turmoil and catastrophic events that pervade the news… but that’s my imagination.And as I wonder about the contents of that suitcase, I always find myself including a piece of art.

Fred’s last blog about his dog Charcoal got me thinking a lot about our pup, Luna. The bond that has developed between us in just three months, is amazing. We can sense each other’s needs and know when something is not right with either of us.

This past week brought big and happy news in our family.   She said yes!!  

I was watching the movie Vengeance this week and, in the opening scenes, two male characters are discussing commitment. Their view on commitment was essentially, in this time of social media and instant gratification, why should they have to commit to anything? With endless options at their fingertips, why commit to personal relationships or long term goals?   The focus of their discussion was that that with a touch of a button, they can have the next great thing, whether it be a new relationship or a new career.

A week ago this morning found Shelly and I at the Legislative Breakfast of the Queens Jewish Community Council (“QJCC”) at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates.  Shelly does not usually join me at these breakfasts but this year our daughter got installed as a director by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

I do it a lot—maybe more than I should. Do you? Whether it’s analyzing my golf swing, reviewing client interactions, or reflecting on personal relationships, I often find myself looking back with gratitude. But often, I’m my own worst critic, replaying moments and wondering what I could have done better which keeps me up at night.  

Being a pet lover came late for me 11 years ago when a little black, female Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle) entered my life.   She is aptly named (by my wife Joanne) Charcoal and pictured.     To be honest, it was not love at first sight, but, day by day, she grew on me until she stole my heart. To say I love her is an understatement!  

I’ve always felt that the happiness of people who live (or vacation or snowbird) in warmer climate, is inversely proportional to the weather in colder climates (from where many seek refuge).So, it was no surprise that we received a text on Sunday (while I was shoveling snow) from our friend who left New York on Saturday morning (before the snow) for Florida.