does time have to be linear?

On NPR the other day, a man explained how he didn't feel he needed to follow the rules the world has created around linear time. First thought: What a kook. Second thought: How does he survive if he purposely isolates himself from society? Third thought: aybe he isn't kooky, maybe he is onto something...maybe he really understands what it means to LIVE. Fourth thought: No, he's a kook. 

The concept of linear time has remained on my mind. I mean, this is my first post since 2013. I never stopped loving to write. I never was judged on what I wrote - hell, no one even reads this. But if time were linear wouldn't we (or I) be better at being consistent? Me and consistency never really were dear friends. We aren't enemies either. We are just very different and can't seem to figure out how we fit into each others lives. I have never consistently been on a work out plan more than 4 months. I have never consistently eaten healthy. I have never consistently read books - I either am really into a book or it just sits on the nightstand. I have never consistently written in my blog or journal. Don't worry, I do consistently brush my teeth every morning and every night. Showers are consistent too. But I get caught up in other things. I get lazy. I get distracted. Hey, I'm just being honest. My moods change as much as food or fashion trends - and my mood has a lot to do with my consistency. 

Boredom at work led me onto Tumblr which ultimately led me back to my blog. I read the last few posts and smiled from ear to ear because I discovered - I totally am consistent! At least WAY more than I thought. I still whole-heartedly believe the same ideas about balance - within yourself and a relationship - and how to achieve it. This includes how to be happy by letting your life's direction be taken by the wind. And that traveling and writing and reading taking care of your mind and body are the simple things that I personally need to feel free. Many times I do not feel free. I feel chained down to the roles society has created for me. My job. My empty bank account. My room that I'm renting from my sister and brother-in-law. All these things most certainly do not make me feel free in the same sense of freedom I felt while living in Israel or traveling elsewhere. However, I have discovered that physical freedom is completely different from mental freedom and freedom of your heart. The former not being the most important. Your mind and your heart must feel free. That is really it. You should not feel trapped in a relationship that brings you no fire. You should not feel like you have no outlet to express your creativity. You should certainly be able to get there all on your own...and you should continue the journey to that place throughout your whole life. 

You would think with the last paragraph that I would be a TOTAL eco-friendly, granola-eating, Birkenstock-wearing hippie who practices yoga and dumps 1 tsp of chia seeds in each 8 oz. of water. FALSE. I actually am terrible at yoga which keeps me away from practicing and I just had 14 handfuls of jelly beans. I regret it all. But my previous ideas come from a place of living simply, and recognizing you really do not need many things to find balance and happiness in your mind. All you really need is the notion to understand if you wanted to be a practicing yogi who eats the same 80% plant-based diet as Giselle and Tom Brady, you really could be. 

Cheers to keepin' it consistent!

don't go changing a soul.

Think about yourself for a minute (like you don't already think about yourself all day). Most emerging adults are pretty satisfied with who they have become. We surround ourselves with friends who are similar and share the same interests, humor, and style. We talk a certain way, walk a certain way, shop at certain stores, and have certain activities we enjoy. We can not be changed. 

When you start to date someone, there will always be something (maybe a lot of somethings) that you don't necessarily like about them. Small or large, don't credit yourself with being able to change that aspect of who they are. You like who you are and you are aware of your own flaws and you are setting out to fix them. So, don't go doing it for someone else. You either need to embrace it or leave altogether.

Time creates all things.

If you give it enough time, your good and bad qualities will blend together and balance each other. And if they don't, walk away gracefully because you are just not a match.

For ourselves, its a wonderful thing to continuously notice something that we want to change/improve. Striving to be a better version of yourself is nothing to be ashamed of.

summer goals:

-read as many books as possible
-learn to skateboard
-squeeze in a beach picnic at least once a week
-YOGA
-eat clean
-go on a few different, new adventures (i.e., drive the coast)


Summer is the perfect time to readjust, recalculate, and refocus. The surplus of Vitamin D creates a playground of happiness and motivation. Enjoy it!

thank god it's friday, right?

Just a couple minutes ago I was going to send out a snapchat to my friends with a tagline - something along the lines of, "YAY FOR FRIDAYYYY!" For whatever reason I waited and thought I would do it later. Then I proceeded to Instagram (a very social-media kind of morning) where the first post was a quote:

People wait 
all week for Friday,
all year for Summer,
all life for happiness.

Truer words were never written. 

I know I am not the only guilty soul of this. I see it all the time. Girlfriends of mine and myself spend a lot of our time planning, then counting down, then doing it, then documenting it, then planning again. Looking forward to something is the best way to get through the week, but hey, what about the week itself?

Yesterday was Thursday, which means Redondo Beach Farmer's Market. I took the baby I watch down there for a little stroll and some play time and honestly, we both came home so happy! It was so beautiful outside. I got a delicious iced coffee from a cart who's business shared my first name. Zachary tried his first cherry (pit removed). I sampled Jalapeno Popcorn (no description necessary, except for YUM). All followed by a wonderful play session at the park. Simple, joyful, and overall a great day. Friday is not always where its at, people.

Take advantage of your Mondays and Tuesdays. Take advantage of your Winter and Fall. Take advantage of all of your days. Not each one needs to be grand, including jet-setting and sipping champagne. Sometimes the simplest days, rain or shine, can be the best.

Poop, Broccoli, & Strollers

It's funny in high school and college when you get that "Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?" question. It is always so glamorous. You see the suit, the office with an ocean view, and the overflowing bank account. If you are like me you see all kinds of new and interesting places being traveled and explored. I thought I would be roaming the world, never considering the price tag. Speaking of things being funny, I still envision myself this way.

This leads me to my life of wiping up poop, steaming broccoli, and learning the intense and overwhelming technology of today's average stroller. You can add to this list - knowing very ridiculous songs about colors and animals, adopting an entirely new wardrobe of yoga pants and big ugly shirts (as well as mastering the au natural no make up look), whipping around town on a Saturday night with the girls and then remembering you have a car seat in your car, and I have to just mention the poop again. "Your baby is so cute" is what I get a lot. I used to always say "I'm his nanny!" Now I just say, "Thanks!" I mean at this point he is partially mine, right? I mean that in a totally non-creepy way. I would never claim full responsibility of the child I watch, but it's like when you work at an ice cream shop, you would say, "my ice cream is the best in town!" You sure as hell did not create that recipe and simultaneously get the position of cashier. We all take ownership of our jobs, especially after some time. But being a nanny is a breed all its own. I am well aware that I am nice, white, young, Jewish girl and that most people would choose me to watch their child, but, like, are you sure? I am 100% capable of taking care of this baby, I have fallen in love with him! But I am also 100% capable of losing my phone for the second time at Coachella, spending too much money on clothes and other random items, and deciding to up and leave the country with the drop of a hat (done that multiple times now). I find myself displeased with my nanny career considering I am an educated woman in the field of Journalism, but then I think about the perks: the yoga pants, no taxes, nice hours, the baby sleeps a lot, we take walks regularly, no make-up, no cubicle, and I just love the yoga pants. I was so rushed before to get into my field, go back to grad school, find a "real job." As the time moves forward, I realize I don't have the worst thing going for me. I have the ability to really explore my options, write in my blog, plan my future.

The day will come when I am doing what I am meant to do and what I am great at. That day will come for anyone who is willing to let it, who is willing to work for it. The rushing is silly and pointless. Everyone has many roads that lead to many places. We just have to slow down. Accept the nanny career as it is because its a good thing right now.

That's my cue...the baby's crying.

You are young, you are getting old.

"You are young! You still have so much time to make decisions."

"You are about to be 24, you should be at least heading in the right direction."

These are the conflicting things not only going through my own head, but what I am being told by others. Sometimes the same person says both of these things to me in one conversation. Sometimes one of my parents says one of the two, the other one says the other, the next day they switch. P.s. confusion is not a good parenting technique.

Listen, (well, read...) I went through four years of college, like many others. I graduated and didn't leave feeling like life was going to start right there, right then. Maybe I should have? I felt like a lot of different big opportunities were on their way and I would get my toes wet in a few of them and rely on what I have relied on for many years - the wind - to lead me in the right direction. I don't really recommend this advice to future grads, but it hasn't served me all that bad. However, here I am today stuck between a....(I wanted to say a rock and a hard place, but I am trying to be a writer here). Here I am today with slight opportunities here and there, all requiring my hard work, FOCUS, determination, and focus (did I mention focus?). I am willing to work hard for something I love, and I am determined to do something I love and be good at it, but my focus has led me astray. I am no doctor, and I would never diagnose myself with a disease that children and adults actually do struggle with each day, but I definitely do have focus issues. If I haven't seen a friend in a while and I am really excited about our coffee date, here goes the introduction: Hi! Hey! How are you doing? I've been good, just busy working and - I seriously love this sweater where is it from? I got it at this new - oh the one with all the clothes? Yeah, they have - Wait, I have to ask you this before we keep talking about that, did Jim and Kate break up? OMG, yes! So sad, I think he che - Yeah I heard he cheated with that random chick, do you watch that new TV show? ...... Get it??

I received sound advice from one of the writers/producers of Friends on Monday morning. Lucky me, I got to meet with him for an hour while he made me feel more motivated and more capable of successfully reaching my goal than I have felt in a while. It is inevitable to still feel self-doubt, like someone else is much better than you, but I am learning all about this thing called, FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT.

Not because I have focus issues, but because it is time to change the subject - Anna visited from Friday until yesterday. We had the best time!! I loved having her in California with me and shopping and eating and shopping and eating and shopping. It is amazing how I met her in Israel, spent everyday with her for 9 months, and feel closer to her than some people I have grown up with. If only she were a guy?! Sharing the same humor with someone is priceless.

The beginning of 2013 had me uptight and nervous and panicking over my future. April is now here and I have stepped back and let the wind back into my life. Things will work out because I want them too. Enjoy the moments you have with your friends and with YOURSELF while you are young. Eat well, take care of your body and your MIND. Read. Write. And always appreciate.

My last post was in June, last summer. Well now it is just about to be April and everyone is talking about summer again! Oh, how time flies.

I wish with every ounce of my being that I could say this was a continuation of my journey's through Israel and continuing abroad, but instead I am home in Southern California and have been here since August. I have been working as a nanny and have just started to take prerequisites to apply for grad school. My writing - my love - has without a doubt taken a back seat, better yet its been locked in the trunk of the car. Why? I have NO clue why. Laziness? Self-doubt? Who is even reading this anyway? I guess I don't really care who reads it. It's a place for me to regurgitate my thoughts and practice my craft. A place where I can be honest without judgement. I would love for a career in writing to come sweep me off my feet into the moonlight of swanky coffeeshops and ultimately onto bookshelves in all shapes and sizes, but if only it were that easy...

Luckily I have family and friends who are the equivalent to a very pricey Shrink and have encouraged me to keep writing - whether its published, private, in a blog, or on a Post-it. These same friends and family have given me priceless advice, the most important coming from my dear Deanna, "These are precious life hours that you are wasting." No one has ever spoken truer words.

No countdowns, please!

Sunset from a friends roof in Yafo, Israel

During winter, the days couldn't go any slower. Now, the sun doesn't set until 8 pm and the ocean is the perfect temperature. I could lay in the white fluffy sand all day...and never go home. Too late, the plane ticket has been purchased. My year in Israel has been....well, unexplainable. There are no words that I can say to sum it up. Well I guess, perfect? I am not going to be going home fluent like I had planned, but I am pretty damn good compared to my level of Hebrew knowledge when I arrived here. I have met so many amazing people from all over the world - these people have become friends, really, really great friends. That is why I am not going to say, "goodbye." I know I will be back soon enough.

Enough about this going home business. I still have a month of adventures and excitement left here. What has been going on has been similar to a rollercoaster, or a double life. By day I am an English teacher to what are now my favorite children in the world. Nights and weekends are for parties of all kinds and "exploring Israeli culture." I put quotations for a reason, if you can't figure it out, I am sorry, but I am not going to tell you. I love the diversity of my life here. I love how I wake up feeling ready for each new day and each new activity. On a Monday I could be kayaking in the ocean and the next day I can be babysitting a three year old that speaks three languages. Nothing is linear, consistent, or in any kind of pattern. There is lack of balance and direction. Everything is just the way I like it.

Summer Sunset outside of Netanya, Israel

PRIDE

Conquering the Negev Desert

Now is a good time to explain what this crazy life has entailed. Last weekend there was the Tel Aviv Gay Pride Parade and Beach Party. Considering Tel Aviv is a top 5 gay capital of the world, it was up there with most amazing things. The crosswalks were transformed from their normal boring white zebra stripes to all the colors of the rainbow and gays and straights flooded the streets to support equal love for everyone. I am a supporter, so of course I was there marching with all the sexy people under the blazing sun all the way to the beach. Only a day later I had to say goodbye to my dear friend, Anna, she headed home a couple weeks early and I am so sad to see her go considering I spent maybe 18 hours of the day with her, everyday. I went hiking south in the biggest crater in the Negev, to a bachelorette party, a wedding, a three day music festival at the Sea of Galilee, and my students had a concert. Each and every one of these events has made me happier and happier. It has also brought me to the conclusion, or proven my hypothesis, that Israelis are the craziest, most fun, amazing, and wild people I have ever come across. Being in the presence of an Israeli is one of the best things ever. You are sure to a. learn something new and/or b. do something stupid/something you never would have thought you would do.

How is one supposed to leave their "happy place?" Head back to their family and friends and get a job? I need answers. In the Jewish Holy Land you would think a nice Jewish girl could find them. Nope, I only have more questions.

Holocaust to Revival

When I look around, all I can see are Israeli flags. The country is covered with them. There is blue and white banners lining the streets of every city. Remember after 9/11 when every American house suddenly displayed those historical, patriotic stars and stripes? Every year Israel does this too. Israel dedicates an entire week to remembering the events, victims, and survivors of the Holocaust. Followed by a day of commemoration to the Fallen Soldiers of the Israeli Defense Force, the victims of terror attacks, and the families who have lost a loved one. The final celebration is Independence Day - think 4th of July, but (even) better. My students at school put on a beautiful ceremony to remember the Holocaust. They all wore white to school and sang songs. A loud siren played for two minutes through the country. Everything stops. People, cars, restaurants. Everyone stands in silence. The students at my school all rose and bowed their heads during the siren. All these kids understand what happened to their family members during World War 2, it's unbelievable and an experience I can't forget. The program I am in, Israel Pathways (a reminder because I have been such a bad blogger lately), set up a seminar for us starting right after Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Rememberance Day) through Yom HaZikaron (rememberance day for fallen soldiers and terror victims). We visited Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem), Har Herzl (military cemetery), Menachem Begin Museum, and Israeli Art Museum. We had a beautiful ceremony in Latrun that commemorated fallen soldiers, specifically "Olim Hadashim" (people who move to Israel). "Lone Soldier" is a term for someone serving in the Israeli Army that has moved to Israel without any family. They are given a lot of great benefits including a place to live, usually on a Kibbutz. Unfortunately, these soldiers lose their lives too. We heard their stories and testimonials from their families. It was almost unbearable for me. These kids, yes kids, are 19, 20, 21 years old. They fight for an entire country. And they die as heroes. I felt so much pride for Israel this night, even more than I do on a regular basis, and I still continue being stunned at the fighting that goes on here. The final morning of our seminar, we were invited to attend the government ceremony honoring the fallen soldiers and victims of terror at Har Herzl. This is an extremely beautiful cemetery and the event is honor to be able to attend. Even though it was all in Hebrew, we got to hear B.B. Netanyahu (the Prime Minister of Israel) speak. Lastly, we said Kaddish for those we have lost.

The party starts at sunset - Yom Ha'Atzmaut! Independence Day! Israel is 64 years old and I have the honor of living here, making friends here, and teaching here. I celebrated for myself, for the Israelis that risk their lives to live here, and for Jews all over the world that have a place like this to call home. I went to a few different parties and had a great day at the beach. The whole country goes wild. There are people in the streets and in all the bars. There is a lot of conflict with this idea. Those who lost a son, daughter, friend, brother, sister, or anyone in this war spends the whole day mourning and then they are expected to celebrate for this country that yes, indeed, is still pretty messed up. The State of Israel is 100% something to celebrate every year, but it is so hard for a family to do this directly after grieving a loss. I don't connect as deeply to this, so it was easy for me to wave an Israeli flag and be proud following a week of commemoration, but I do understand where they are coming from.

So many things in this country need to be fixed. The litter problems, the price of gas, the price of cars, and the price of homes, the racism, the war, the list goes on. But I have never felt so proud to be somewhere as I felt this past week. I miss my family and friends with everything I have, and going home to hug them all sounds amazing. But after my experience, after being surrounded by these young men and women wearing their uniforms because they learned that they are here to live for each other and not for themselves, that makes me proud. I am proud to see my students, 6 years old to 12 years old, respecting a moment of silence for those who died in the Holocaust and for understanding that Jews have struggled for freedom for many, many years. I am proud to have a second country I am allowed to call "home."

(I thought I lost my camera charger, so no pictures, sorry. And no worries, I found it! Phew.)

Slicha...

Shlomit & Yaki's Wedding with Amanda.

Wow...I am terrible. I love to write. I love keeping a journal - especially when I am abroad. But why o' why have I sucked at keeping up this blog? I'll be totally, totally honest...laziness. Winter took hold of my body and I just didn't find the chance to sit and my computer and do what I love most...type away. So much, well too much, has happened here in Israel since my last post. I will try to remember the quick version, as much as I can of it. There was Purim (f***ing amazzzzing), a visit to the children's hospital, Tel Aviv Street Party, Afrojack!, my Sister and Jeremy came to visit (lots of driving, and eating, and driving, and floating in the Dead Sea, climbing Masada, all the tourist stuff again), a HUGE Israeli wedding (Mazal Tov L'Shlomt v'Yaki), an Engagement Party (Mazal Tov L'Avigail v'Chuck) teaching and teaching and teaching, then no teaching during Pesach break, and a camping adventure just last night. Phew! Now here we are...I have had 2 weeks off for Passover. I had a really nice dinner with the Levy's, minus a seder which is ironic, but still fun nonetheless. I am obviously still having a ball. I love every minute that I am here. I won't lie - there are many things I miss about home too. But it's just too hard to be homesick when I have the sand in my toes and the Mediterranean Sea staring me back in the eye.

Global Warming Purim Party - Dead Sea

Delivering gifts to the Children's Hospital for Purim!

With my time in Israel fading (too) fast, I have started to realize that I need to figure out my future. I need to make plans. I know, I know, I am growing up and grown ups work and pay bills and settle down. But why does that just not seem right? I still have a lot I want to do before all that. Once you do all that, then what? You just do that until you retire? No thanks. I don't want regrets and I want to go and travel now. Of course money is a factor, maybe the only factor, and I plan on making some of that green paper right when I get home. But why is it so bad to just work really hard anywhere I can and then go on another trip? Why do Americans have rules about what age to go to school, work, get married, have kids. It will all come and happen when it is supposed to happen. But what is the rush? I am very happy for all the friends and family in my life who have done those things, but those are the things that happened to them...I just have different things happening to me. In June I will be 23. That is young. Too young to not do what I want to do. Maybe this is selfish, or maybe my family reading this wants to strangle me for being such a "chunty bunty" as we call it in Israel, but I can't help it. I find my happiness in traveling. If you do too, don't deprive yourself of it. Everyone deserves the luxury of traveling. When I say luxury, I don't mean 5-star hotels and lobster dinners on the beach. I'm the girl who stays in hostels and eats street food. I just mean the luxurious benefits that traveling brings to your mind, body, and soul. The clarity it gives you and the amazing beauty of places unknown.



So that's my plan...no plan at all. Just the way I like it :)

Playin' Hooky & Plantin' them Trees.

Not because I want to. My door won't lock to my apartment, sooo I have been waiting for the locksmith to come for almost 2 hours now. I missed my whole day of school with the kids. I'm bummed. Today is Tu B'Shvat - the birthday of the trees (very similar to Earth Day in America). There was lots of yummy treats at school and fun activities and I missed out! On a positive note, my roommate and I finallllllly got our curtains up that we bought 5 months ago (so sad) and I have been sitting in this room enjoying them.

I have missed a good amount of time writing on this blog for whatever reason, but it's February, its Tu B'Shvat, it's almost Valentine's Day, and well, I'm locked in my room. So what better time to blab? 

The BEST news I can share is that my sister, Jessica, and her hubby, Jeremy, are coming to visit me in a month!!! I couldn't be more excited. I already have so many great things planned for us to do, but we only have a week so we are going to jam-pack it. It is Jeremy's first time and Jessica hasn't been in a little over four years so I can pretend to be a tourist all over again! 

My teaching partner...obviously not teaching at the moment.

Lately, being a volunteer, I realize a lot about money and spending it and making it. A wise guy (yes a wise-guy who is actually quite smart) recently told me, "Money? What is money? I am supposed to spend the money I make. Should I be taking it to the grave with me?" I like this. I am not dumb about my spending, but working everyday without making money...that is when you understand what is rewarding and what is important. You don't have to always work to get the paycheck. What about working just to do something good for someone else or for yourself? I cherish the fact that everyday I have to get up early and hang out with 9, 10, 11, and 12 year olds who don't speak my language and it's not for nothing. It's for something that I will keep forever, just a special feeling. Some days I can admit, I forget this thought and think why am I doing thissss? But when I get that first smile and "Shalom Alana!" from the kids...my heart melts. 

If you are missing something extraordinary like this in your life, it is never too late to volunteer!

L'hitraot,

xoxo

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.

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!

tumblr

I have started another type of blog. I will definitely still keep this one, but this is more of the play by play of what I do. My tumblr will be short - just pictures and quotes. 

Check it out here: http://alanaerin.tumblr.com/

xoxo, L'hitraot!

חופש

A visual description of the Judean Desert.

As an American, freedom comes easy. Physical freedom, mental freedom, financial freedom, any freedom that one may lack, I feel we have full advantage of in the U.S. I feel that everything I do or have done up until this point in my life has completely been my choice. I have chosen to be the person I am, travel to the places I have traveled to, eat what I want, read what I want, go to university, have a Facebook account and a blog, and so on. As Americans we forget that not everyone around the world has these same freedoms. That they live under governments that choose their lives and their limits. This weekend was out Freedom Seminar in (the beautiful) Ein Gedi and Judean Desert. I had been anxiously awaiting this weekend because I haven't been to places like Masada and the Dead Sea in four years. Again, breathtaking. Again, a reminder of how amazing Israel is. The history that is Israel, the stories, the people that walked these deserts and discovered this land. It's all almost unbelievable.

Feeling a natural high.

Teaching in Netanya doesn't provide many outdoor activities unless at the beach, so doing this was an amazing change of scenery. I also love getting together with the other Israel Pathways participants that we really only get to see once a month. We stayed at the Ein Gedi youth hostel. Our first day we hiked Nahal Mishmar. This is by far the most beautiful, fun, and rejuvenating hike I have ever been on. The energy it infused in me was better than the cup of coffee I drink every morning. The still quietness of the Judean Desert is nonexistent in my day to day life. You can listen to your own breath and your thoughts so clearly. It was something I think everybody needed. I was challenged to climb up higher boulders and shimmy my way across very steep and narrow cliffs to get to the other side. The challenge felt good, overcoming it felt even better. Five hours later the hike ended, I only wanted to continue.

Challenging and invigorating. Choose this path if you dare!

That night we had a not so great guest speaker. I wish I could share her name or what she talked about, but I have no idea. That was it for the night, and I slept like a rock. The next day we were given the option to hike early up the snake trail to the top of Masada or go about an hour later and take the cable car up. Because I had such an amazing time the previous day, I opted to do the Snake Trail hike. Only forty-five minutes, but ALL uphill. This one was much harder for me, but again I did it! And I felt great. Our Madrichim (directors) shared with us what Masada meant for them. Masada is another one of the incredible and historical stories that holds a special significance for the Jewish People and the Land of Israel. But we have all heard it before (thank you birthright) and we wanted to experience Masada in a new way. Learning what significance it held with individual Israeli's was a really unique way to deliver the story of Masada. I loved it. Straight to the Dead Sea Spa for some mudding, floating, and lunch! Just like every tourist visiting Israel, we caked ourselves in the special mineral filled mud of the country and slowly waddled our way into the saltiest and lowest point of the earth. The Dead Sea is something fascinating. No creature can survive in it because of the amount of salt and the are amazing little salt glaciers covering the floor. But float in for fifteen minutes and walk out with the most exfoliated, softest, freshest looking skin. It heals cuts and wounds. It is just magical. We had the most perfect weather this weekend to top it all off, so the water was the most beautiful shades of blue and turquoise. It was our private island it felt like. (No pictures, my hands were too muddy!)

Waterfall at Nahal David.

We did a small Shabbat Service followed by dinner and then a dance party. Two birthdays were in the house so some of us got together with some drinks and music. I'm a granny and made it back to my bed by midnight, but I was ready for the following day and our second optional hike. I slept in until eleven am...like I didn't need it or something? And a big group of us just walked next door to the beautiful and easy hike up Nahal David, a nature preserve. There were beautiful waterfalls and strange/cute animals. It was breathtaking, the mountains surrounding us and the Dead Sea off in the distant. I was still crushing on the  beauty of Israel, it's not something you can get over too quickly.

We closed up the weekend with a summary of what freedom means to us, to Israel, to Judaism, and to the world. It's funny that this topic was for a group of Americans, but then I realized how good it was to reflect on it. We take it for granted. We have no idea how lucky we are. We try to help countries adopt a Democractic Government, yet no one's Democracy is anything like ours. There are many reasons for this and Israel is a good explain. Israel, Americas friend/ally, is Democratic to a degree...but it is NOT America. There are Arab-Israeli's living here who are not nearly free. There are Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza who are not either. They abide by very specific rules just because of the location of their homes. They can not drive on certain streets, live in certain neighborhoods, and they have a curfew. This is not free, but this is Israel. Many people can disagree with me about the level of freedom Americans have compared to other places in the world, and that is fine, but I AM grateful to be American. And I AM grateful to be Jewish. I have many doors open for me for these two simple and genetic reasons. I am where I am today because of these reasons. It is a blessing to say the least. 

A beautiful tree at the Ein Gedi Youth Hostel.

CHANUKAH in NETANYA

Latkes hear are called Levivot and they are not a popular Chanukah treat (depressing). Sufganiyot are jelly-filled donuts and these, however, are a popular treat for the holiday and I have definitely eaten my fair share. Chanukah in Israel is not nearly as big a deal as other holidays. People continue to work and university students go to class. There are parties and Chanukiah (menorahs) in the windows, but normal life continues throughout the eight days. The most interesting part of it all, I completely didn't realize it was Christmas until about 4 pm on the 25th. What a weird feeling! The other night all of our group went over to Shomy's (our director) house. His family is amazing. The made us the most delicious meal - I'm still full two days later. Yesterday I finally did get to eat Latkes. I spent the day in Ramat Gan and Even Yehuda visiting friends. I'm sad tonight the Chanukah festivities and meals are ending after tonight! I can't say I had a bad time though...

Merry Christmas to all those back home. Happy Chanukah to everyone. And I wish the happiest New Year to all!!!

xoxo, L'hitraot

You will never fully understand: The Israel-Palestine Conflict.

This past Shabbat I attended a Shabbaton sponsored by MASA Israel Community. The topic was Israel Security and Diplomacy. About 75-100 young adults joined together for the weekend in Jerusalem to learn, discuss, debate, share, and inspire ideas focusing on the issues that are always consuming this country and the people who live in it. As people from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Russia, and Brazil, we hear a lot about this conflict through friends, family, different forms of media, etc. But you never understand it the way it really is unless you are living it. Those not fully educated on the topic are quick to judge one side or the other as murders, racists, baby-killers and what not, but this is NOT the case at all. Both sides have made mistakes and bad decisions. Both sides are responsible for what has happened and still continues to happen here in the Middle East today. A weekend learning and participating in this event does not make me an expert, and I can't even say I'm the best person to write a blog post about this issue. But I do and have always felt strongly about this issue.

First we toured conflict areas including the border (fence, barrier, everyone calls it something different), Hod Hofsavim (where Hebrew University is located, and an area to look out and see Bethlehem), and we drove past a security checkpoint. After our tour we checked into Beit Yehuda Hostel, a beautiful hotel in Jerusalem with comfy beds and hot showers! We didn't have too much time in between settling and our first speaker: Benzi Grueber, the Vice Commander of Armoured Division 252 also serving in the army as a colonel. He has served the most days in the reserves compared to anyone else in the IDF and he miraculously keeps a calm, charismatic attitude even through all that he has done and seen. He talked to us mostly about the ethics that soldiers in the IDF use during decision-making. This is not normal decision making: should I get the black heels or the red ones? This is eight second, life or death decision making. This is, if we ambush this home, is the family inside decision making.

The inspirational lecture led into Shabbat. We lit candles, said Kiddush, did Kabbalat Shabbat and then ate one of my favorite Shabbos meals so far. SO yummy. Food comas and all, we had another lecture from Khaled Abu Toameh, the West Bank and Gaza correspondent from the Jerusalem Post and U.S. News and World Report. He has also been the Palestinian affairs producer for NBC News since 1988. Along with many other remarkable jobs and achievements, he is an "Israeli-Muslim-Arab-Palestinian" journalist and documentary filmmaker and overall fascinating human. Yes, there were questions he did not enjoy answering, but overall he explained that he doesn't have the answers (like anyone else) he reports on what he knows and what he discovers. He lives a nice life in Jerusalem with his family and travels to the West Bank and Gaza on a daily basis. Is this dangerous? What do the Arabs in these places think of a fellow Arab who gets to live in Israel and report for an Israeli publication? Is he crazy? All these questions crossed my mind, but he had simple answers for all of them. Someone has to do this job. An Israeli can not visit these territories the way Khaled can freely do so, so how else would JPost get their information? Arabs are okay with an educated man delivering news to the public eye that is fair and balanced. All these things we forget to think about in the heat of the moment. The rest of the evening was group discussions and debates. I learned form the Russian MASA participants there that most of them never knew they were Jewish until 6, 10, even 17 years old! Judaism and it's cultures, traditions, spirituality, etc. skipped a generation. Their grandparents practiced the religion, then with all the communism, their parents left it behind. Now that they have discovered who they are, they have chosen to bring it back into their life fully and even most of them have decided to make Aliyah (move to Israel and become a citizen). Amazing. 

With a good nights sleep and a cup of instant coffee, the next day brought on even more education and insight into the problems that lie within this tiny piece of land. Ethan Bronner, Bureau Chief at the New York Times started our day with an analysis on the Middle East today. He has done three Israel tours as a journalist reporting on this issue, first in the 80's for The Boston Globe, and the second in the 90's for Reuters. Yes, another remarkable person to hear speak. Lunch followed and then workshops. There were five to choose from and I attended New Media Campaigns and Negotiating Peace in the Middle East. My first workshop was similar to all I had been learning at SDSU. How to understand the power of New or Social Media, does it help or hurt in cases like the problems of the Middle East, and how you can manipulate this power for the better. Old media is slow, when things happen it is not aired on television or printed in the newspaper the way it is uploaded to YouTube or posted as someones status on Facebook, which is done within seconds or minutes of an event. The power of New Media can be damaging. Organizations such as the IDF have learned the hard way that Social Networking can very well be their enemy. Soldiers have to be much more aware of what they are posting ever since an incident in 2010. One soldier from an elite unit of the Artillery Corps shared details of an upcoming operation in the West Bank onto his Facebook page. Because enemy intelligence scans the internet for pieces about the IDF, he was removed from the unit and the operation was cancelled. This is just a glimpse into all the things we discussed in the workshop. Negotiating Peace in the Middle East combated a whole different topic on this issue. We discussed tips on negotiating in any issue, not just within politics. As well as preparing your negotiation, and the "Seven Elements of Negotiating." These seven elements include anything from body language, dress, and language, up to what you are putting out on the table, the standards you keep, alternatives (what you are willing to take off the table), and actually signing the deal/making the commitment. After we reviewed how important each individual element was we split into two sides - Palestinians and Israelis - and discussed the issue of Palestinian Refugees. How were the Palestinians going to have their 4.7 million refugees, once "kicked out" of their homes into either Gaza, the West Bank, or other Arab coutries (which have also kicked them out) and allow them back into Israel. Israel is risking a lot by doing so. We risk our status as Jewish state. Is this racism? The debate can go on forever. 

Shabbat was ended with a very quick Havdallah service followed by our last lecture by a panel on the De-legitimization of Israel, the impact of public relations on Israel's security, and what we can do as American Jews living in or out of Israel. The three men on the panel were David Harris from Israel Project, Dr. Jonathan Rynhold from Bar Ilan University, and Eran Shayshon from Reuters Institute. "De-legitimization" of Israel is something that isn't just discussed and supported by Palestinians here in the Middle East, but also by many groups in the U.K., the U.S., and all over the world. Just look at your college campus, you have a student-run Palestinian support group right in front of you whether you know it or not. David Harris made a point that stuck with me like glue, when speaking to these supporters, or anyone for that matter, do not use words such as de-legitimization, intifada, barrier wall, or any other negative term used in these discussions. These negative words hold a connotation and by using them, it says we agree. We want to legitimize Israel and we put the fence there to control riots, not to seclude or de-humanize anyone. Things like this need to be taught to others, others who may not know because they have not been here. I understand that Israel has made major boo-boo's. But many people need to understand that Israel is doing what they can right now. Right now being the key words. 

On top of all my new knowledge I met so many new and awesome people from other MASA programs around Israel including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Modi'in, etc. People from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Brazil and Russia! These experiences don't really come close in comparison to any other. Yet another reason I am blessed. 

Baruch Ha'Shem!!!

*No pictures in this post because of Shabbat!

Israel is the same size as Rhode Island, but...

In Israel, no one  waits in line. Therefore, if you have been waiting expect to continue doing so. In Israel, people who are having friendly conversations appearing to be screaming at each other. In Israel, everyone honks their horns (all the time) not out of rage, but instead for warning. In Israel, don't expect to be apologized to if someone has bumped into you/cut you off/etc. In Israel, personal space does not exist. In Israel, the boys are not old fashioned and will not call you first. In Israel, the boys also have a stereotype that American girls are extremely easy, all of them. In Israel, a lot of things are different from in the States. A lot of things take getting used to and some I feel I may never get used to at all. However, there is something strangely spectacular about this place. I am still learning about this country, about its history, politics, security, and its people. Some days I just despise the man at the shuk because he is screaming the price of tomatoes (non-stop) and just won't shut up....

Now I am going to bed realizing that none of this matters, because it is simply amazing here.

Click here: Israel's Remarkable Achievements

two homes and a bunch of places inbetween.

It's funny how true it is: "You don't know what you got 'til it's gone." In my case I had to go thousands of miles away from home to realize how much love/appreciate it. In the past three months I have been lucky enough to realize I have two places I call home. I have my home(s) in America where my family lives and where I was raised/grew up/attended school. I also have Israel. I considered Israel home even before I ever came here because of my heritage, but now I have came and went and came and went and now live and left for a vacation and came back, make sense? This vacation in Spain was wonderful and beautiful and somewhere I had dreamed of going for many years now. However, it reassured me of the way I feel about Israel and how it is my "home." Enough about this, all my posts are about my pride and bladddy bladddy blah. So, SPAIN. We all got the week off from teaching, so Amy and I took advantage and booked our flights to Barcelona and Seville. We saw all the sites, walked all the streets, and ate almost all the food (or at least it seemed so).

BARCA

An outside view of La Sagrada Familia.

A majority of my friends had studied for a semester in this beautiful city and I always envied them. I would see pictures and hear stories and continue to tell myself that one day I would get to see it for myself. Living in Israel has given me a geographic advantage, a.k.a a much cheaper flight, so why not?! Night one we arrived around 11 pm, a perfect time for a full night of festivities considering the Spanish lifestyle. We settled, changed, and started drinking. Our hostel (Kabul in Plaza Real) invites all guests to go out to a different place every night of the week. This particular night (or every Saturday) was Razzamatazz. This is the biggest club I had ever been too - this coming from a Vegas girl. Inside there are five different rooms with different music, different scenes, different vibes. Just massive! We had a good time, but it was overwhelming. 

Gorgeous fountain in Park Citadel.

We got just enough sleep to venture out for our first day in Barcelona. We strolled on Las Ramblas, a very popular main street for Catalonians and tourists. A nice art market lined the street closest to the marina and Amy and I both purchased ourselves handmade glass rings. The Chelsea vs. Liverpool futbal game was showing at all the local sports pubs in the late afternoon, so we did as the Europeans do and grabbed a beer and screamed when someone scored. The following couple of days are mumbled and jumbled and blur together. The reason for this is not strictly to blame on alcohol, but also because of the 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm siesta and the miles and miles of walking and even the one day of riding bikes (uphill mind you). To sum a lot of it up, we got to visit the BEAUTIFUL La Sagrada Familia church and Park Guell - Antoni Gaudi's incredible masterpieces. This is a man who really blows my mind. I understand being inspired by nature, but to the level he has taken it is really something extraordinary and something I don't know how to put down in words. Every street, lamp post, apartment, sidewalk, even graffiti wall was gorgeous. The people too! I have never seen so many fabulously dressed people in one area at one time. Loved it.

View of Barcelona from Park Guell.

SEVILLE

Amy and I on the "Big River" in Seville.

One hundred percent ready to head South, we left Barcelona on Ryan Air (which I do not recommend to fellow or future travelers). My lack of sleep and carb-filled diet left me a bit ill and Seville was a place where I could get myself back in order, rest up, and enjoy the rest of my holiday. Again, we arrived late but did not do the correct amount of hostel research prior. So we searched the streets for a place to stay and finally settled on a very quaint Spanish-style hotel. We ate the yummiest dinner and got in our first good night of sleep, all set to jump into what Seville had to offer. 

Spanish Style in Plaza de Espana.

First thing in the morning we switched ourselves over to the most wonderful hostel, The Garden. We explored all day and saw beautiful parks, the university area, the massive cathedral, and got lost in Reales Alcazares (the oldest palace in Europe, still active today). The city truly had the Southern feeling to it that Barcelona lacked. It was mellow, laid back, and peaceful. No one was hurrying to get anywhere, no cars honking, and I saw barely anyone using a cell phone - Todo, we are not in Kansas anymore! The hostel offered free Sangria from 8-9 pm, a perfect opportunity for Amy and I to let loose before heading to our first Flamenco show! Wow, talent. I don't know what else to say. The dancers tell the most passionate and fierce stories with their bodies and the costumes. The way they clap and stomp their feet is something I have never seen before. I couldn't take my eyes off! We met up with others from our hostel for a pub craw. At the first bar we took mini Salsa dancing lessons, but unfortunately I never got to use my moves out on the dance floor. 

Plaza de Espana.

Our second full and last day in Seville we signed up to go on a walking tour of the city (again offered through the hostel). Our guide, Phillipe, knew SO much information and was really silly and cute. Fun fact, Phillipe is from Italy, so the fact that he knew every detail about Spanish history and landmarks, the language and was fluent in English just blew my mind. Even though we walked for what seemed like forever, the tour was wonderful. We visited the bull fighting ring on our own, grabbed one last scoop of the best ice cream I have ever had in my life, and headed back to the airport. 

Back in Barcelona by 11 pm, we had five hours to kill before our flight back to Israel. We went late night souvenir shopping (but don't get excited because it was too expensive, I couldn't buy all of you something), grabbed sandwiches and a beer, went back to the airport to sleep on the freezing cold tile floor (then got kicked off the floor), checked-in, and Hasta Luego!

Two girls taken over Spain. I feel satisfied, like I got to see everything I had hoped for and more. Like I didn't waste a minute. This post could be pages beyond pages longer, but the details sum up like this: Spain is wonderful and magical. It was clean and aesthetically one of the prettiest places I have been so far. The people were the most surprising because I thought they would know much more English and that they would be rude. Total opposite. Very few people knew any English and they were so kind. I look forward to going back again some other day. 

So much Hummus...I'm turning into a Chick Pea.

I have NO complaints in the Israeli food department. I mean, who on earth dislikes authentic Mediterranean cuisine? But the time has come to pump the breaks on the hummus intake. Israeli chocolate is another one of those things I may have to buy an extra suitcase to fill on the way home. It is irresistible in this country, as well! You can't go wrong with shwarma, pita, harif, tehina, salat, the occasional falafel, shakshuka, matbuka, sabeech.....ahhh......

To add to my glorious eating escapades, my last Shabbat was top notch in the food department. The lovely Amy Zitelman is lucky enough to have her mother in Israel right now. They, again, invited to stay the weekend in Jerusalem at their apartment. Her mother is a co-founder of the Women's Renaissance Program. An amazing organization that allows Jewish Mom's to experience birthright for themselves. The goal is to bring them to their homeland for eleven days, learn about their heritage, bring it home and implement it into their family's lifestyle. This Shabbat brought all the groups together from LA, Ottawa, Seattle, etc. at Aish HaTorah (a seminary right at the Kotel/Wailing Wall - stunning building). Mrs. Zitelman asked Amy to choose five friends to bring to this dinner of 150 women to speak about our experiences with Israel previous to the program we are doing now and our present situation. Also, how we feel about being here and the country in general, and how our parents feel about us being away from home so long in a country that is consistently being threatened by it's neighbors. For me it is easy to answer each and every question. 

     My first time in Israel I was eighteen. I was on the ten day birthright trip with my older sister. She made all the plans and I tagged along, not really knowing that traveling would impact me or make me feel any certain way. Getting off the plane and being welcomed into the country with a "Welcome HOME" took my breath away. I continued to feel like I belonged, like maybe I had been here before? There was no words, it just felt right. I came again to learn at Neve Yerushalyim (a girls seminary in a very Orthodox/religious neighborhood in Jerusalem) for about a month during my Sophomore year of college. Again, I felt comfortable. I had more culture shock leaving and returning home than being in Israel. I realized more how much I stood behind my faith and how important Judaism and the State of Israel was to me. These two experiences prompted the easy decision to live here for ten months after college. I didn't think twice before submitting my application for this program. I knew I would enjoy myself and that I would always cherish my time living in a place I always called home anyway. I know my parents worry sick, that's besides the point. They understand how I feel, how my sister feels, and how our whole family feels about Israel. It is in our blood to be Zionistic, to want to support our "home." Yes, my parents miss me and I miss them, but this was something I had to do. I am who I am today because of my parents' support in everything that I do. 

So these were my answers. I encouraged these women to keep in touch with me and to pass my information along to their kids. I am more than happy to be a poster child for Israel.

My upcoming two weeks is more than something to look forward to. There is a jam-packed seminar from Wednesday to Saturday for all Israel Pathways participants to learn about Israeli Society. The itinerary is incredible. Then Saturday - off to Barcelona for a week!!!

Besosss xx!

Jewish Women's Renaissance Program: http://www.jwrp.org/

*On Shabbat we do not take pictures or use any form of technology, it is the ultimate day of rest. Therefore, this post has no pictures. Use your imagination :)

Walla!

One of my 5th grade students today kept saying, "Walla!" after each correct letter from the alphabet that he wrote down on the white board. I said, "Ma ze Walla?" (What is Walla?) He just looked at me and said with some abbra-cada-bra hand gestures "WALLA!" And I got it. I learned later that it is a kind of slang word similar to "for real!" This made his actions even cuter. 

I have thought maybe a few times about being a teacher in the past, but I know that is not the right career fit for me. I am more of a camp counselor type. I like to play and act like one of the kids, not discipline them and command them to do things as a robot would. I like to encourage their freedom of imagination and their playfulness. No, Israel hasn't changed me. I still do not want to be a teacher, but right now one of the best feelings I get is watching the light bulb go off in one of my students heads. That "Ah ha!" moment when they totally get it, and even when they remember it the next day, is one of the best feelings. It is a feeling a plumber, actor, lawyer, etc. does not get. Only teachers. 

Other than my teaching filled days, the nights have been filled with a wide variety of activities. There has been a few wild nights out in Tel Aviv, an Idan Raichel concert, running along the promenade, a rooftop BBQ & Karoake event, and a VERY religious Shabbat in Ramat Bet Shemesh. 

The Girls (& Alon) at the Masa Mega Event in Jerusalem.

Tel Aviv is one of my many reasons for loving Israel. It is number nine on the list of most expensive cities in the world, which doesn't make it a hot spot for the college-style wallet I still have, but girls have advantages (wink wink!). Miraculously, some Israeli men are gentleman and still offer to buy me and my girlfriends drinks without anything in return, just a new friend/welcome to my country type of deal. So, in that case, we still go out there and we still have a ball. This is a city with energy pumping through it's veins. The people are beautiful and fashionable and the restaurants, bars, clubs, and even just the streets, have something magical about them. Something you don't find in America. One of my favorite parts, everyone you are surrounded by (in the club for example) is Jewish. Now that is not something I can get used to when I get back home...all the Goyim! (Just Kidding!) Two places I went recently were The Cat and The Dog, and The Deli. The Deli is disguised as just another sandwich shop on the street front, but go through that mysterious booming black door and its an amazing bar, dance floor, and a deejay that plays the funkiest beats. Amazing. 

MASA is the umbrella in which my program sits under. Every year they throw a MEGA event for all the participants in Israel. This year it was at a huge auditorium/event center place in Jerusalem. They had a couple quick speakers and singers and dancers opening the night, but the finale was a two hour long concert by The Idan Raichel Project. Idan Raichel is a very talented musician and artist who has brought people together, mainly those who otherwise wouldn't have a shot, to make music. He has brought singers into his project from Ethiopia, a drummer from Morocco, and a guitar players from Uruguay. It is an amazing thing he does and the music is incredible. Dancing was in order and kind of fake singing too. 

 

Day-to-day life is still in tact. I spend my weeks in Netanya and Shabbat wherever I can throughout Israel. The work week ends Thursday afternoon and picks back up on Sunday, bright and early. Definitely takes getting used to. I had a difficult time last Shabbos with a family I knew from back in  San Diego. They are religious and all eight, yes eight, of them made Aliyah about two months ago. They are living in a heavily American Orthodox populated neighborhood that is really beautiful. The kids are ranging in ages 1-9. I understand moving six small children across the world can be a massive adjustment, therefore I am giving them the benefit of the doubt, but the children were not so kind to me. Luckily, Shabbat is every single week and I can look forward to my next one wherever and with whoever it may be :)