See You in January!

“Can you please put your dirty clothes in the recycling?”
“What, mom?”
“Sweetie, I need to you really listen to me. Please put your clothes in the recycling?”
“You mean laundry?”
“Yes, laundry. I’m so sorry.”

This conversation occurs between me and my eldest son at least once a week when he arrives home from school. In addition to mistaking “laundry” for the recycling bin, I often refer to the refrigerator as “the stove” and, for some reason, I keep calling my prized Dutch oven a dustpan. I was never like this before I had kids.

To see me in my everyday state, attempting to multitask an unrealistically large number of tasks between carpools, is to witness a woman happily overwhelmed. And sometimes it shows. 

There used to be a time when I could, for example, attend a Torah class, return home, call a friend and nearly recount the class verbatim. Now, I find it laborious to retain information when someone is speaking because my mind is like a sieve. Before, it used to function as a tape recorder. 

All this to say that I could use a little break to recharge my batteries. 

I recently took off one week to commit to as little as possible. After a few days, I noticed an immediate [positive] difference in my focus. So I’ve decided to take a one- month hiatus from writing this beloved weekly column. But don’t worry, I’ll be back before you can say “Ayatollah.” The truth is, I feel a special bond with Journal readers and consider your readership a privilege. Since I became a regular contributor to the Journal in 2019, I’ve written nearly 200 weekly columns (and many cover stories)  and I’ve loved every minute of it. So trust me, I’m not going anywhere. It’s too much fun.

Once I’m recharged, I’m very much looking forward to jumping back into the fray and writing about everything from the revolution in Iran to the local grocer to my mother’s saffron addiction. 

But wait, there’s more!

I’m thrilled to announce that beginning in January, in addition to my weekly column, I will be writing a [humor] advice column titled, “Dear Tabby.” 

I’m thrilled to announce that beginning in January, in addition to my weekly column, I will be writing a [humor] advice column titled, “Dear Tabby.” 

I’ve always dreamed of having my own advice column. If you seek advice on a matter and value my undoubtedly incredible wisdom (and humble attitude), please email your questions and problems to deartabby@jewishjournal.com. Whether you need relationship advice or have a question about religion, politics or even food, few topics are off limits, and all published letters will remain anonymous. But please remember that it will be [mostly] a humor advice column and my responses will often be tongue-in-cheek. While I may not be able to save your marriage, I’ll try my best to make you smile. 

I’m even happy to offer tips on how to remove stubborn saffron stains on those dirty clothes in the recycling bin. I mean, the laundry basket.

See you all in January! Actually, knowing how I function, don’t be surprised if you see me earlier. You see, it’s quite possible I may see something really deep or funny that I absolutely have to share with you immediately.

Tabby Refael is an award-winning, LA-based writer, speaker and civic action activist. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @TabbyRefael