What is a Perfect Day?
From a perfect cup of coffee to escaping the everyday stress of our busy city, four Atlantans dream about a perfect day.
Chana Shapiro is an educator, writer, editor and illustrator whose work has appeared in journals, newspapers and magazines. She is a regular contributor to the AJT.
Diane Braun
Retired Greenfield Hebrew Academy Media Specialist
My perfect day begins with freshly brewed coffee. I drink it black at the perfect temperature and in one of my favorite cups. Sometimes it’s the cup given to me by one of my closest friends, with a saying on it: “Don’t mess with me!” I smile, remembering all of the mornings we drank our coffee together.
Depending on how I’m feeling, I might consider stepping on the bathroom scale. I try not to do it that often, and if I’m not happy with the number, I vow to remember to weigh myself before I’ve had my morning coffee (as though that will make much of a difference.)
Recently, I read that two things make your day better: don’t watch the news and stay off the bathroom scale.
Back to my cup of coffee, which I have rewarmed, making me think of my crazy, wonderful friends, which translates to “I am lucky. I have everything.”
If my day continues to be a perfect one, I realize that I can change my plans if I want, and I don’t have to be happy all the time, as in “Put on a happy face.” Showing my emotions is healthy and authentic. Being authentic is better than being perfect, and the only thing that needs to be perfect is my coffee! And my perfect day ends with coffee Haagen Dazs ice cream for dessert.
Another “perfect day” thought: I recently read on Facebook: “In my dream world, books are free and reading makes you thin!”
David Reznick
Kosher Supervisor for Major Certifying Agencies
A perfect day? I’ll settle for a good day. Perfection is above my pay grade. My idea of a wonderful day is spending time with my Atlanta grandchildren and telling them a story for the 15th time (and my grandchildren still enjoy hearing it!) and having the opportunity to bless them. I bless the children and their parents before Shabbos; then I go home to enjoy the peace and beauty of Shabbos in my community.
Engaging in my professional endeavors provides a measure of personal satisfaction. But, for me, involvement in scholarly pursuits and being connected and engaged with the Jewish community offer even greater rewards. Every day is a good day.
Dave Savage
Artist/Ceremonialist
I wake up in a friend’s babbling brookside cabin in North Georgia with my wife and visiting daughter, son-in-law and grandson. Waffles, fruit compote and whipped cream are on the menu. After breakfast is playtime with my 2-year-old grandson. After play, I go for a walk, where I meet a variety of people to share some of my good ideas and well-intentioned advice: It’s great to feel appreciated.
Back at the cabin for lunch, my son-in-law is grilling the trout he caught in the brook. After lunch I go for a canoe ride with my wife on the nearby lake. Then, I return for a nap on the porch, with a soft breeze.
For dinner, dear friends come to take us to a local BBQ shack. It’s my birthday, after all! Later, I lead my mezuzah installation ceremony at our friends’ new cabin.
Then it’s time to eat my cherry a la mode birthday pie, share fond memories, and read a book to my grandson. I’m sleepy. It’s time for bed and cuddling under the comforter with my wife. Good night on a perfect day.
Evi Reznick
Retired Librarian, Multi-media Storyteller
My idea of a perfect day is being back in Modi’in, Israel, sitting outside in my tropical garden, watching my grandchildren, who are sitting at the picnic table, eating GranE’s soup. I’m holding my newest granddaughter, who was born last Mother’s Day, and I’ll finally get to give her a hug and a kiss.
While the kids are eating, I get to read them a story and enjoy the brilliant sunshine. I’ll get no phone calls from the IRS or Georgia Power telling me they will disconnect my power in 30 minutes; or that it’s time to renew my auto service contract. There will be no inquiries from somebody wanting to buy my Atlanta house, or from the police, the army, the sheriff collecting funds. I won’t be sitting in traffic. I’ll just be feeling the joy of living in my homeland in a neighborhood where all the street names come from the “Song of Songs” (Shir HaShirim).
Hopefully, my husband and I will travel soon and experience the perfection of coming home to Israel.
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