Who am I?
I am a blogger who hasn’t written consistently on this blog for quite some time. I think my last post was back in January.
I am a writer who writes every day for work and in a weekly writing community.
I am a returning UBC-er (Ultimate Blog Challenger)coming back after a brief hiatus, because, as my blog title suggests, we are living in times without a manual. Some people have thrown the manual out the window. Others never bothered to look at it in the first place. And yes, I am speaking politically. But I promise that not every post will be of a political nature. I don’t have that kind of energy. 😅
On the days that I feel so moved to speak out, you are welcome to skip those posts. I understand if my views aren’t your cup of tea. And if you would like to comment, please be respectful.
I am a proud Jewish-American who puts my Star of David necklace away in mixed company or if I’m going somewhere unfamiliar. I’ve never had to do that before, and I am jealous of those who don’t have to worry about wearing their faith in public. I have a lot to say about what it’s like being Jewish in 2025.
I am a Gen-Xer firmly planted in the “sandwich” generation. I love to see the humor and irony in this stage of life. There is plenty of both. I’ll share those stories with you as well.
I am a small business owner, a storyteller, an avid reader who loves to write book recommendations, a wife, a mom of two fabulous children, and a dog mom. You will see it all in my writing.
I am happy to be here and look forward to all of your posts.
XO,
Elisa
Brenda Marie Fluharty
July 1, 2025 at 4:28 pm (1 week ago)Elisa, I look forward to reading your posts.
Eydie
July 1, 2025 at 1:59 pm (1 week ago)I would wear your Star of David every day! Why should you hide your religion? Please, try to wear it again – it’s who you are.
Elisa
July 1, 2025 at 4:16 pm (1 week ago)Oh, I do wear it now. I just take it off occasionally when I don’t feel comfortable. Thanks for the support!
Mary
July 1, 2025 at 11:28 am (2 weeks ago)Elisa, I am a Christian with a LOT of Jewish friends, one of whom has family in Israel that she worries about all the time. I’m so sorry that we are living in times like these. I’m looking forward to your stories of being of the sandwich generation, as my husband and I were there for quite a while.
Elisa
July 1, 2025 at 4:14 pm (1 week ago)Thanks for the support, Mary!
Kimberly W
July 1, 2025 at 10:46 am (2 weeks ago)Hi Elisa, looking forward to reading more this month! I wrote my last blog in January as well, I love the energy of the UBC to pick us back up and get us into it again!
Elisa
July 1, 2025 at 4:13 pm (1 week ago)We’ve got this! Happy writing!
Barbara
July 1, 2025 at 10:23 am (2 weeks ago)Welcome back. I’m fairly new around here.
These are very challenging times indeed. I’m so sorry you’re in the middle of it.
I’m looking forward to reading your posts.
Elisa
July 1, 2025 at 4:13 pm (1 week ago)Thanks, Barbara
Angie
July 1, 2025 at 10:22 am (2 weeks ago)Hi Elisa! I’m a Gen-Xer too so I know what it’s like to ride life without a manual sometimes! I so sympathize with you about how the world is so today that you cannot even be proud of your heritage. Looking forward to your posts — hope you stop by mine this month too!
Elisa
July 1, 2025 at 4:13 pm (1 week ago)Hi Angie – I will definitely checkout your blog.
Jasmine
July 1, 2025 at 10:19 am (2 weeks ago)So glad to see you back, Elisa! I felt every word—especially the part about navigating life without a manual. Your honesty and mix of humor and heart are such a gift. Looking forward to following along this month!
Elisa
July 1, 2025 at 4:18 pm (1 week ago)Thanks, Jasmine!
Tamara
July 1, 2025 at 9:53 am (2 weeks ago)Elisa, wonderful to see you back 🙂
So sorry you don’t feel safe to wear your star, that is just not right.
Looking forward to your posts!
Elisa
July 1, 2025 at 4:12 pm (1 week ago)Great to be back! Looking forward to reading about your travel adventures!