Never Too Late For Curry!

Today was a one of those scheduled days. Going and coming, walking briskly and taking buses, which I rarely do in Jerusalem, just to get where I'm going on time. For example, I got home from work at 19:00 and left again at 19:30 in order to get to the community canter in time for the opening ceremony of the Israeli Memorial Day.

At exactly 20:00 a one minute siren sounds all over Israel as Memorial Day ceremonies commence. I made it in time, and sat with my friends met people I expected to meet, and many that I didn't. We sat together listening to stories and singing in hushed voices, to commemorate those who are no longer with us. There is a comfort in coming together as a community to remember and sing. A softness which can only be created in a collective experience of people who have respect for the cycle of death and life we all experience.

On my way home I realized I hadn't eaten a normal meal all day. When I opened the refrigerator to search for some food I found a pot of brown rice and curry waiting for me. From the comfort of community to the comfort of home.

I Wouldn't Trade Joe for Anything!!

Going to school at Foggy Bottom means slim pickings for lunch. Between J Street fast food and the overpriced FoBoGro, Trader Joe's emerges as a shining beacon.

Hop on the bike, ride a few blocks, and arrive at food heaven. Trader Joe's frozen section features quite a selection of Indian food, and I recently tried the Paneer Tika Masala with Spinach Basmati Rice.

For only $2.99, I got a perfect sized portion of Indian food (disclaimer: I eat like a bird) that was piping hot after just 2 minutes of quality time with the campus microwave. It was quite flavorful, and probably on par (if not better) than anything Rona and I have tasted at home.

BUT (and this is a big BUT), this meal is worth its weight in salt. A quick look at the nutritional value (or lack thereof) reveals that this meal should probably be sold in the Heart Attack aisle.

Bottom line: First line of defense: pack lunch from home. Plan B: keep a stash of granola bars in your locker. Plan C/worst case scenario, go to Trader Joe's. You might be inspired. And a little salt hasn't killed anyone, right?