Sunday, January 22, 2012

Rain, Rain, GO AWAY

Jerusalem with Rachel, Rosie, Jenette, Alyssa, and Tamara.
Yes, yes, I have not written for quite a few weeks now, and I swore to myself I would not let my blogging subside. Here's the thing, nothing new is going on in my Israel life. The weather sucks - its rainy and cold everyday all the time. School is always eventful, but nothing to write home about. And that's about that. 

Right now I am at my half way point. I return home to the states in almost exactly five months, but I'd rather not count. I am shocked that my first half has already came and went. I really feel comfortable here, but like I still have so much to do an explore. Now I have my sister and brother-in-law's visit to look forward to and I can once again be a tourist. 

Here are some things I am loving about Israel (cough, cough):

1. It is extremely rare to find someone who picks up their dog's poop from the sidewalk. Countless times have I had close calls into stepping into one of those mud pies. Just pick it up already!
2. The sizes in the stores are 1, 2, 3. Has the seamstress seen my booty? Not a satisfied customer!
"Do you love Israel? Come back for 10 more months!"


3. The city near by is 10 minutes away, but because Israel is the size of New Jersey, 10 minutes is just tooooo far. Lame excuse! 
4. I am also only am purchasing one item, so NO you may not cut in front of me for this reason. 

I love Israel, do not get me wrong. These are just some funny quirks I find on continuous occasions. I do have to say last all in one week I was given a free toaster, a free bicycle, and at a crosswalk a woman covered me with her umbrella during the rain. The little things and big hearts you find in this country supersede any of the other hoop-lah that may be frustrating. 

I hope you are finding special moments wherever you are living too.

L'hitraot!
xo

The Kotel - Both sides.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Twenty Twelve

We have 11 and 1/2 months until the world ends! Not. I don't believe in this nonsense. Things are too great for it all to just come to end. Yes, there is war and famine and poverty and natural disaster - but there is beauty, too, all over the world. There are mountains and oceans and there is delicious foods and wines, there is marvelous fashion, there is inspirational books, art, people, music - everywhere you go. If your mind is open to it, you will see colors and patterns that you didn't let yourself see before. The sounds of many languages all coming together like one beautiful song. It is there, don't look for it, just let your senses experience it. 

I don't believe in the "New Year's Resolution." Everyday you should wake up and make new resolutions, it is just easier this way. But to keep my mind open is my hope for 2012 (I also hope we make it to 2013...kidding). Lately, I have realized how wonderful things can be if you just let them be. Growing older and welcoming yet another year is not scary, it is not a damper on life, it is not the end of childhood. It is the welcoming of more knowledge, more experiences, more people to meet and risks to take. Pretend you have wings, spread them and fly. Too often we let money or other factors hold us back from living the way life was meant to be lived. Let your resolution for 2012 be to not let ANY factor stop you. I know, I know, it's reality. I have to fight off these thoughts like a dog fighting off fleas, but when you finally realize that money or something else is holding you back, you realize what a silly and insignficant disability this really is. The world is waiting to be explored by you. Books are waiting to be read by you. Music is being created for you to listen to. Visit a museum, spend a day in the park, trade driving your car to the supermarket for a bike ride, smell a flower, no, smell the whole garden, plant a garden, eat what grows in your garden, speak kind words about anything and everything, and remember that your life is for YOU

It is easier said than done, I know. You are looking at the master of easier said than done. But try. If you try you can always give yourself credit for trying. It feels better to try than to give up. I have multiple role models in my life that believe failing is just not an option and I am grateful for that. 2012 is a year of success and discovery. We had our hard times, they are over. So succeed, discover, grow, and let it ALL in.

Happy New Year!