“Debbi won’t talk to me, Shan keeps trying to talk to me, and I’m enjoying Ma’s classes. So everything is both boring and crazy”

Chanukah brunch Sunday after Shabbos Chanukah has been a long-standing tradition in the Taub household. Ma wakes up early, makes everyone’s favorite breakfast foods, sets them up along the counter, buffet-style, and then goes back to sleep for a few hours. Chanukah vacation is one of her only breaks from school, and she takes full advantage. We also eat a lot of takeout and go out to a restaurant as a family at least once. No complaints here; I love Chanukah with the fam. I try not to think about next year; Libby married, and just me and the parents. Hmmm, I actually wouldn’t mind it that much. Strange.

A sound from the other side of the table makes me look up from my plate of berries.

Libby has taken to muttering lists of things she needs to get done. Literally, girl sits at the supper table, mumbling like she rides the subway.

I tilt my head to listen to her conversation with herself, almost knocking over the syrup.

“Alterations. Shoes. Scrapbook. Sheitel. Alterations. Shoes.”

Wow, getting married in two weeks is stressful. I contemplate this as I slide a third pancake onto my plate.

My phone buzzes. I ignore it and chew carefully, humming. My phone buzzes again, and then again while I’m rinsing my plate.

“If you don’t answer that, I’m going to have to throw it against a wall,” Libby says calmly.

Wow, getting married in two weeks can make you crazy.