Two Ares

You can't stop us!

2010-09-01T05:38:00.002+03:00

"Terror will not determine Israel's borders or the future of the settlements." Natanyahu said after 4 people were murdered for traveling in a car that was determined shootable by the neighborhood terrorists. That's right, Natanyahu, you let them know! They can kill us all they want, it won't stop us from giving them what they want! Take your best shots - at close range, if you so desire... but don't think for a second that that will force us to take peace off the table. We're going to give you our land if it's the last thing we do... So don't stop terrorizing on account of consequences, cuz the worst thing that can happen is you'll end up in an Israeli prison being thought of as a hero by your neighbors and friends outside the slammer, while inside the slammer enjoying all the wonderful benefits that come with a "life sentance" in an Israeli jail...until we decide your more worth it to us to be set free to kill and spread hatred again in exchange for ummm, the ever elusive peace. You can't stop us!

All Growed Up...On Paper

2009-08-24T09:40:00.004+03:00

On paper I do seem like an adult.
I'm in my 30's, have a son, bought an apartment, I am the director of a youth program...
But in the mirror with my denim skirt & T-shirt look I look that much different than high school... except I'm now covering my hair and toting my son.
It doesn't bother me, and I'm not sure if it should...

9 Av

2009-07-31T10:26:00.002+03:00

How to make Tisha B'av more meaningful for next year...

Dreams

2009-07-27T17:51:00.003+03:00

"What do you do when you realize that all your dreams have come true?"

- Coyote Ugly

For a long time I have dreamed of running an organization aimed at helping English speaking teens living in Israel. Today I was offered the chance.
So why am I hesitant? Is it because I really want to be a stay at home mom? Or is it more that I'm afraid of failing. Being handed this huge opportunity, with a huge risk of failure, after years of talk that I can do it better.

Just Stop!

2009-07-15T21:13:00.002+03:00

I don't know which bothers me more - the chillul Hashem from the overflow of chareidi bashing comments after every stupid protest in Geula/Meah Shearim, or the stupid protesters who bring about chillul Hashem with every move they make.

3 Years

2009-06-24T21:00:00.004+03:00

It may seem weird that I haven't written in so long, and boom there's a poem. Not so weird. Sorry. I have written here a few times, and just have not posted what I've written. Why not? 'Cuz I'm not sure if I like where I stand on the political issue that bothers me the most, Gilad Shalit.

I would like to say go get him at any cost. We should not be held captive by their kidnapping. The "palestinian" people (for lack of a better name), should fear what would happen if their goons kidnap an Israeli (soldier or civilian) in the future. Instead, they see us not making any moves, they see their little campaign has paid off big time. Yes, I think risk lives to bring him back. Make a big deal about it. Have the world look at us in disbelief. Yes, people could die. He could die. Those sent in to bring him home can die. I would like to say it's worth it. My husband thinks it's great I'm not making those decisions. I guess I do too.

What happens if we do send in soldiers and they don't come back? What happens if he were to be killed due to our mission? What if the soldiers we send in are taken captive. Now we've handed them ammunition. Not cool. But trading those we have in our prisons, people put in prison because we saw them as a danger to society, a threat to our way of living (you know, the walking on the street without being afraid the bus next to you is about to blow up type of living), ok - a threat to our very lives for him? Also, not cool. How many people are going to die because we made a deal with the devil to free one life and bring him home? All of our sodiers will be at risk for being ambushed & kidnapped. But he's alive. He's waiting for us to bring him home. His family is waiting. Each day you wake up, buy a cup of coffee, read the paper, go to work/school/or do whatever you have planned for that day, is another day that he is in the hands of his enemy. Another day at their mercy, without knowing if his nightmare is going to end.

So, why today? Why did I decide to write it out now? I'm not sure. That's the truth. I walk by the demonstration tent on a fairly regular basis. They want you to sign a petition to bring him home. They list the number of days he's been captive for. This week marks the third year he's been held. (Sunday according to the Jewish calendar, tomorrow according to the Gregorian calendar). Something needs to be done.

I am glad I don't make these types of decisions... I just wish someone in our government would.

Playing In The Wind

2009-06-15T11:35:00.004+03:00

I watch as they play together, the purples and yellows.
Up and down the street they run.
Swirling, twirling, and gliding together.
They leap up, and dance their ways back down to the ground.
I glance up at the flowers still on the trees and wonder,
Are they waiting for their turns to fall to the street and play,
Or clinging to the tree hoping they're not next?

It's About Time...

2008-12-28T21:01:00.003+02:00

I was interviewed by some BBC reporters while waiting for my bus at the mall today. They wanted to know how I felt about Israel's attacks on Gazan residents. I told them I thought it was about time. They wanted to know if I was aware that children & civilians would be hit, and that people are going to die from these attacks. I reminded them that people have been dying, and asked him if knew that on Friday 2 young Palestinian girls had been killed when a rocket on its way to Israel fell short and landed in Gaza. They thanked me for my time and moved on... perhaps looking for a leftie who would feed their story line... The next person they asked just happened to be learning in Sderot and told them she was happy that the government was finally doing something. She described life as a student where you weren't half as concerned about your grades as you were about making it home that day. They thanked her for her time, and moved on. The next person they found said his bus was pulling up, so they could ask one question. He was asked, what do you think about the IDF's recent attacks, he said "It's about time, I gotta go." So there you have it BBC...the mall people agree "It's about time!"

Jenin

2007-09-24T01:54:00.000+02:00

My friend went to the store today and asked where the vegetables were grown. Don't worry the shop-keeper told her. They're from Jenin. Great. That's just what she wanted to hear. She's planning on living off of canned vegetables for the year. Not a bad idea...

Forgiveness...

2007-09-23T00:45:00.000+02:00

Yom Kippor has just ended... A time when Jews traditionally ask each other for forgiveness for things that have done, might've done, or even wished they had done... One of the major downsides of asking for forgiveness is actually calling someone who you might've insulted or hurt or bothered. But maybe you didn't. Like sometimes you can say something that someone else will take personally...and sometimes you can say the same thing to the same person and it doesn't bother them at all.. I think instead of the person asking for forgiveness trying to figure out who they might've insulted in the past year... the insulted parties should be responsible for declaring they took something personally, and informing the other parties they need to be forgiven.

Feeling the Ignorance....

2007-09-19T00:07:00.000+02:00

The kitniyot issue in this country was weird to get used to. In the States the norm is not to eat kitniyot on Pesach - in Israel there are many more people who do eat it, and you find yourself surrounded by products in kosher for pesach stores that you can not eat. But you generally accept the customs of your family and community and watch as others eat corn chips knowing that their doing nothing wrong - but you can't have any.

The kitniyot issue in no way prepared me for the Shmita issues though. Shmita has started. I'm not sure why I feel caught off guard... I've known that it was starting for quite some time.... I know I was planning on attending some classes on the laws of Shmita.. but I never got around to finding out about them... and I definitely did not get around to actually going to them. Suddenly I am realizing how ignorant of the laws I really am. Why didn't we spend any time studying this in school? Shmita was sorta glossed over... after the basic "every 7 years, we don't work the land in Israel" we never really went into details of... so then what do we really do. Sure we discussed the nissim that could happen if we worked the land for 6 years and not 7... but the practical what to do during that 7th year was never discussed. Now, I know what you're thinking... I went to school in the States.. where this is not an issue... My schooling did includ memorizing the steps of bringing karbanot, all the materials and measurements of the mishkan, and how to write progams in BASIC... none of which I'm ever going to really have to deal with... so why not the laws of shmita? And now i'm faced with all these ideas of laws I've never heard of before, and everyone has a different story about what they do.

Some of the laws are intertwined with ones personal political tendencies, and some to are attached to various loopholes.

Tangling laws with politics.... i'll save that for another post :) Right now i'm just trying not to feel overwhelmed by all the new laws I find myself treading through to stay afloat...

In Jail

2007-07-08T12:37:00.000+03:00

I'm working in a camp right now in Golan. Last night we played campture the flag. There was a major complaint about the game regarding the jail situation. The girls who were caught were not be freed, and wanted to escape so they could continue playing. The guards thought that it would not be fair to continue letting their captives go. Throughout the game we called escape time when everyone in jail was free to run away...but before trying to get the flag they needed to return to their base. This morning I had the chance to check the news... and I saw that Olmert's government has decided to once again allow prisoners go. Unfortionately for us, this insn't a game and the flag their trying to reach dosen't end the game with a kumzitz... At what point was he supposed to learn that life isn't a game, and sometimes there are losers... like those our soldiers risked their lives to put in jail in the first place?

shavuot

2007-05-24T00:24:00.000+03:00

I had a great time this Shavuot, as I spent it on the Northern Front. I had wanted to do a learning program with the youth group I'm working at - but that didn't work out... I was told "maybe next year"...yeah, maybe.

*******************
In other news, my computer is not working right now, and I can not sign into blogger from my roommates computer (i have no clue why...) so don't expect any posts real soon (I'm using the Northern Front computer now)

Weird Week

2007-05-17T22:43:00.000+03:00

Today has been a great ending to an otherwise pretty awful week.

g'night ya'll :)

Artist/Band: Atkins Rodney
Lyrics for Song: If You're Going Through Hell

Well you know those times
When you feel like there's a sign there on your back
Says I don't mind if ya kick me
Seems like everybody has
Things go from bad to worse
You'd think they can't get worse than that
And then they do

You step off the straight and narrow
And you don't know where you are
Use the needle of your compass
To sew up your broken heart
Ask directions from a genie
In a bottle of Jim Beam
And she lies to you
That's when you learn the truth

If you're going through hell
Keep on going, don't slow down
If you're scared, don't show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there

Well I been deep down in that darkness
I been down to my last match
Felt a hundred different demons
Breathing fire down my back
And I knew that if I stumbled
I'd fall right into the trap that they were laying, yeah

But the good news
Is there's angels everywhere out on the street
Holding out a hand to pull you back up on your feet
The one's that you've been dragginig for so long
You're on your knees
You maight as well be praying
Guess what I'm saying

2007-05-16T03:14:00.000+03:00

Ever think how sad it would be if you're in the same situation you're in now...in 10 years?

The Color Of Seasons

2007-05-13T23:27:00.000+03:00

The first year after I made aliyah (moved to Israel) I was so impressed with the flags. Leading up to independance day the flags were not only out on the public buildings, but on most private porchesn and hanging from window, and hardly a car went by which wasn't proudly waving a least one blue-and-white flags. My second year as an Israeli the pride in the blue & white was not nearly as evident. Blue and orange were the colors of the moment, and you had to pick a side. Last year things were not much better, it wasn't as much a blue orange conflict as it was people were still too hurt to fly the flag of a country they blamed for so much. We're in the middle of the independance celebrations now, and I am happy to say the streets have once again been filled with blue and white. I don't think the pain is gone, and I don't think people have just moved on - but hardly a car goes by which isn't widely waving at least one blue-and-white, and the private apartment building are once again littered with flags being flown from porches and windows.

Moment of panic

2007-05-03T19:43:00.000+03:00

I've been on busses the day after busses have blown up, I've walked around town and seen debris from bombings left over, I've spent time in neighborhoods being shelled and so it came as a shock to me when I felt a panicked. My class was starting and the teacher asked for the door to be closed. I looked at the closed door, looked at the windows (a story above ground level) and I started being bombarded with thoughts relating to the Virginia Tech shooting - can I jump out?! What would happen if someone came in with a gun! I'm sitting in the inside of a row! As these thoughts and others were attacking my thoughts a funny thing happened. A guy with a gun did walk in. I immidately breathed a sigh of relief and then laughed at myself, about 1/4 of my class packs heat...

What Does Rashi Say?

2007-04-30T14:25:00.000+03:00

While studying psychology in my secular Hebrew textbook, I came across a phrase the author then tries to explain bringing down the first פסוק in אחרי מות and רש"י's explanation to explain the material. I thought that was really cool!

Whatcha' Missed....

2007-04-29T18:51:00.000+03:00

OK, so at first i couldn't sign into my blogger account because i couldnt' remember my account name. But then I was just lazy which is why you were all clueless as to what's been going on. So you can stop sending me IM's telling me I haven't posted... here's what's what :) I didn't go to Chomesh again. And again. So far I have never made it. All for good reasons, but I haven't gone none the less. in that area I haven't been to Sderot in a while, or visited "my family" in Nitzanim II recently. What did I do? I did join Jerusalem in celebrating Independance day by a huge Israeli style dance party in the municipality square and joined my share of BBQ's. I did meet one of the few previously unmet readers I have (that I know of). I have cleared him of all stalking charges, and invite him to continue reading and commenting. I thought I was on strike for 2 weeks. I wasn't. I missed some classes, and that sucks. I did discover a program that seems to make more sense than learning at Open U - I have to finish checking out details and apply... I did schedule a meeting for tomorrow that will clear up a lot of my immediate future of what i'm doing workwise next year...hopefully... I did go to Mitzpe Yiricho for the first time in 10 years. It looks nothing like what I remember... I did lose a lot of game so of Settlers and a game of Risk. I think that's pretty much it.

{ok, you know I love the IM's and they can keep coming...}

Say GRRRR to Google

2007-04-24T04:43:00.000+03:00

I have two gmail accounts. One I started for blogging sake, and one i started for a project i am working on. Since I use the project account it is the one saved on my computer that i don't sign out of...{this makes sense to me, but it's 4:43 am after a night of partying ~ without alchohol} I could not remember my 1st account name, so blogger wouldn't let me sign on. For days I have had things to comment and posts to post, but to no avail. i tried all the combos of usernames and passwords but until just now i could not break my code. Luckily i have figured it out and now you will all once again be able to read my comments and posts :)

chag smayach

You've Got To Be Kidding!

2007-04-12T11:46:00.000+03:00

They paid $700,000 for it, and moved in. Now they're being kicked out. The new residents of the "peace house" in Chevron can't catch a break. Why is the government so intent on silencing every ounce of true patriotism this country has? Why does it appear that to be a law abiding citizen one must be self-hating Israeli, or at least apathetic? Why are the Jewish humanitarian groups so bent on destroying this country?

This sounds like the preview of a bad movie, unfortionately it's a never-ending story one can't turn off.

Frustrating Is...

2007-04-10T13:46:00.000+03:00

Frustration is going to school to discover you're on strike, coming home to discover the movie you've just finished downloading is in Spanish.

yes - i'm on strike, no - i don't know or care why, yes - i went to school, no - there were no picket lines, no - i wasn't the only student, yes - there were only 4 of us there, no - the teacher did not show up...

I Plan...Gd Laughs

2007-04-04T18:02:00.000+03:00

I had a great tiyul today. I spoke to a friend of mine who is a tour guide for some ideas. I had about 10 friends who said they were varied degrees of interested from "keep me informed" to "oh! i'm totally coming". We were to meet at the central bus station today at 9:30. Confirming phone calls the night before left me with 6 "yesses" and 2 "maybes". At 9:30 only one other person was at our meeting spot. By 10 two others had showed up, and everyone else had succeessfully cancelled. We had missed our bus and I was so bummed. We decided to go to Lifta (the entrance to the city) and hike from there. We ended up having a great time! I did almost die, but what's a hike without that :) We found an agam (lake) right on the outskirts of Jerusalem (who knew!), and ended up by Ein Kerem. it was awesome! So much for planning...

Two Sides:

2007-03-28T00:31:00.000+02:00

Waste Water, Don't Drink

Save Potatoes, Eat Rice

Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy

It Is Not Necessary To Understand Things To Argue About Them

Save Rice, Eat A Potatoe

Give Peas A Chance

Save The Trees, Eat A Beaver

Impatience Is Not To Be Tolerated

Stand For Nothing

If You Don't Succee You Run The Risk Of Failure

I'm Not On My To Chomesh Today...

2007-03-26T12:11:00.000+02:00

Today was chosen to be the day to retake Chomesh, a small settlement in Northern Samaria whose resients were expelled last year. The army's view on the matter has gone from anyone who goes up will be sued for the cost of the army removing them again, to the army protecting the marchers and giving in to a plan of letting them stay there for one night, before removing them. I'd like to say I'm not on my way because of Blue's Pidyon Haben which is today - but if I didn't have that excuse would I be there? The power of the people is strong, and I beleive that. I believe human will can overcome most resistance. I see in this short time the army has changed their outlook and recognizes the need the people going up have to be there, and they'll fight less to be removed then they would fight to get there... So why wouldn't I be there? Do I not believe they have a chance? Is knowing that they'll be removed after tonight putting a damper on my rage? Or am I lying to myself and without the pidyon haben i'd be there... hmmm.

What Happens After 24

2007-03-22T22:13:00.000+02:00

Is it that frum guys stop wanting to get married after they turn 24, or have they heard enough horrer married friend's stories to stay away from the chuppah? Are the guys who are left single after 24 guys who were never interested in dating before, or are they the ones who didn't succeed in finding someone? Why are there 30+ y/o's who don't ask anyone out. No, no I don't believe they are all gay - I think that's just an easy excuse...

A Would Be Must...

2007-03-18T23:34:00.000+02:00

I saw a movie tonight (Half Nelson) which except for it's R rated-ness it should be a must see for all educators. Not only should they have to watch it, but then they should have to discuss it. It's about an elementary school history teacher/basketball coach who is addicted to cocaine. I'm not going to go through the whole movie here, but basic it's about the inner struggle of someone who is trying to help others as much as he can, while feeling he is beyond help himself...

It's official! Or Is It?

2007-03-16T01:00:00.000+02:00

"(IsraelNN.com) Minister of Strategic Affairs Avigdor Lieberman said Thursday night that the new political platform of the Palestinian Authority is a declaration of war."

Umm, Mr. Lieberman...., I know I'm not a politician or nuffin' but ummm what do you think about the fact that they've kipnapped our soldiers and umm, 'ya know, they are firing rockets at us? I know those like weren't umm officially 'ya know done officially, but ummm couldn't that be umm a declaration of war?

Global Warming?

2007-03-15T04:07:00.000+02:00

Maybe it's just time for the polar bears to start migrating...we're expecting snow in Jerusalem tonight.

The Last Supper

2007-03-14T14:03:00.000+02:00

It's looking good for the Jews as this years' seder will most likely be Olmert's last holiday in office... All he's done is weaken a country. He's put lives in danger. Sleep well.

Facebooking It...

2007-03-14T03:09:00.000+02:00

I did it. I signed up for facebook. I held out pretty long, but enough ppl have given me good reasons to join that I figured I'd give it a try. So far it's not so bad. I am prepared to pull the plug as soon as it crosses a line. It's bizarrily the opposite of a blog. It's beyond anti-anonymous... I'm sure there's a word for anti-anonymous...but I'm liking the sound of that :)

School Starts Tomorrow...

2007-03-13T01:14:00.000+02:00

After a lot of frustration and a few near-tears experiences I believe I have my schedule finally figured out for this semester (which starts tomorrow). I have learned a valuable lesson about signing up for classes online - don't do it. I have learned a valuable leason about homework - do it. I have learned a valuable lession about student advisors - if they don't answer your knocks they're probably "out to lunch" and need to be called by the secretary who told you they were in their office. It's true, most education takes place out of the classroom.

Communitizing

2007-03-02T00:13:00.000+02:00

I belong to an interesting subculture within the English speaking Jerusalem subculture. It is a very transient group made up of young English speakers in their 20's and 30's who live throughout the city, move apartments on a suprisingly frequent basis, and have met their now closest friends at other people's meals or parties. I have decided to do something to help communitize this group by way of a phone book. I am going to advertise that anyone who would like to belong to the list can send me their name and whatever form/s of contact they would like added to the list and it will be published in July'ish time. I am then going to try and get ads to pay for the book (and hopefully make me a pretty penny). I have found a business partner who is going to take care of the taxes, advertisers and all official stuff.

Mazal Tov Me

2007-02-26T01:28:00.000+02:00

My baby brother had a baby boy this morning.

Weird.

Chanich Or Not?

2007-02-22T03:15:00.000+02:00

Just to clarify and translate: Teacher is to Student as Advisor/Counselor is to Chanich.

Now that that's clear. I work with high school teens. Does this make all high school teens potential chanichim whether or not they participate in the organization i work with? Should i treat them all as if they are? Act as an advisor towards them? What about past chanichim? Once a chanich always a chanich?

A Little Goth

2007-02-20T22:00:00.000+02:00

Today we played "find the counselor" in the mall. The counselors all dressed up and walked around the mall, and our "kids" had to find us and we signed their papers. I went a little goth. Put on all black, black wig, and lots of black eye makeup. Not only did most of the kids not find me, but i got the most interesting looks and comments. I scared a few kids who held onto their mothers as I walked by. i was asked by store people what exactly I was looking for. Quite an eye-opener.

Next!?

2007-02-18T19:41:00.000+02:00

Good bye police chief Kadari. One by one, the top dogs are being replaced... what will the reports say about you!? Better resign before it's brought up in court....

K'fira?

2007-02-16T01:22:00.000+02:00

Would it be k'fira to say "what if"? To say if i had taken different paths i'd be in a different place today? Are you automatically taking Gd out of the equation that way? HH - let's see what the world says :)

One Community At A Time

2007-02-13T01:53:00.000+02:00

One of my goals in joining the staff of a local English speaking youth group was to take in country-wide. We've made great progress. We have expanded to one satelite location, and after two months I am proud to say we have 18 participants who have come to at least one event. We ran a Friday night program, and attracted 10 participants while competing with an established youth group's program. Yay us!

Doh!

2007-01-03T10:29:00.000+02:00

I hate when I do things and then think about them....

"(IsraelNN.com) The Neturei Karta Hareidi religious and anti-Zionist sect has written a letter of apology to its rabbis in the United States, according to the Hebrew NFC website. Several of the sect's rabbis attended an Iranian conference that featured speakers who deny the Holocaust. The Neturei Karta rabbis also shook hands with Iranian President Ahmoud Ahmadinejad.

"Our objective was to publicize the difference between Judaism and Zionism," they wrote. "Not every Jew is a Zionist, which does not represent the people of Israel." They explained that the goal of the conference was to "explore the subject of the tragedy in the Second World War by the Nazis, may the Almighty erase their names, and it was not intended to deny the Holocaust."

The five signatories added they apologize "on the sorrow that was caused by their appearance."

Is Nuclear Capabilities Really A Matter Of National Security?

2006-12-12T00:17:00.000+02:00

Forty years of amibuity came to an end Monday when PM Olmart was being interviewed. You can't really blame him though, he wasn't elected for his military smarts.

In the interview, Olmert said Iran is working hard to acquire the same nuclear capabilities – and weaponry – as those who have already done so, such as the United States, France, Israel and Russia. He responded to the interviewer’s follow-up question about the nuclear bomb with a brusque, “I’m certain you can go to the Secretary of Defense of America and talk to him about that.”

Let's just acknowledge our good fortune he didn't know all the answers!

hooked

2006-12-10T00:47:00.001+02:00

They attach themselves to you before you are even aware. You find yourself worrying and involved in their lives. You’ve spoken to them about their future, school, and family. You may find yourself on the phone with their parents, friends, or therapists. What happened? These kids have found someone to attach to, and they’re more then willing to attach. There are today’s “at-risk” teens. They’re hurt, they’re alone, and they’re searching for something. What about their parents? What about their teachers? The reasons they are searching are as many as there are “at-risk” teens. The people they are searching for are adults they feel they can trust. Once they attach themselves to you, and you’ve started to care, you are stuck. You will worry about them, concern yourself with them, and not sleep at night because of what they’ve told you. You’re hooked. Welcome to the world of “at-risk” teens.

Today's Forecast

2006-11-26T14:40:00.000+02:00

Over Shabbat I learned that average Jews in New York do not know there are rockets being fired at Israeli towns every day. I spoke with a family visiting, who had no idea. No idea?! They said there is nothing about it in the newspapers, both public and Jewish, there is no coverage about it on the radio, and no one is talking about in shul, school, or at the table. How can that be when here there is little else being spoken of? Last week over 50 rockets slammed into Sderrot. People have been killed. This morning a ceasefire was announced. By 2 PM Israeli time at least 5 rockets have fallen today. The ceasefire lasted 75 minutes.

Protest The OU?

2006-11-21T15:30:00.000+02:00

The OU has decided to honor Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this Wednesday at their annual convention in Jerusalem. A protest is being organized. Hmmm.... to join, or to laugh... that is the Q.

It's The Law.

2006-11-19T18:17:00.000+02:00

With all the of our security, poverty, religious, and civil rights issues on the forefront of most israeli discussions the government has found time to pass a law that will help solve the problem. No, no... it's not going to do squat for the security situation. It does not effect the poor of the country. It pertains to the religious and non-religious equally, and while I can hear the argument made for civil liberty - I think that's pushing it. As of last week all wedding halls must install a decible meter. If the band's music rises over 85 decibles the electricity to the band will be cut. Currently the average is just over 100 decibles. As someone with ears, I thank you - our government - for having the ability to overlook all more pressing issues, such as the lives, well-being and security of those who put you in power to gather together agree that something must be done and pass this law. There is hope for our future yet.

Dear Dad,

2006-11-16T17:12:00.000+02:00

I think an answer to your comment (posted under "Too Quiet For Too Long ") deserves its own 15 minutes. I teach about Jewish leadership. What makes a leader. Who is a leader. Why is it important to have strong leaders. How to develop and direct your leadership qualities. I am not saying in my previous post that it was all us and only us. I'm saying there are no leaders. Barur that we managed to do what what was done b/c G-d is on our side. Is He not on our side now? Is He on the side of the Palestinians who are shooting missles at us? Hashem helps those who put in their hishtadlut... their own effort. I don't see our effort being made. I see us cowering, and appologizing, while they are dancing and claiming responsibility. They should be afraid of claiming responsibility. They should be afraid to show their allegience to the terror groups...instead they are afraid not to. If Giuliani had said about the crime in New York...well, if G-d didn't want crime here He'd stop it, areas in NYC would still be places the police were afraid to enter into... But He didn't. If we had said, (as some do) that if G-d wanted us to be living in Israel, He'd have brought us on the wings of Eagles, there would be little to no Torah in Eretz Yisroel (depending on how the rest of world politics would have played out...)

I'm not saying that we can do it without Him,
I'm saying He won't do it without us!

Were They Waiting For This?

2006-11-15T19:09:00.000+02:00

This Morning....

woman was killed and a man lost his legs when two Kassam rockets landed in downtown Sderot. The Islamic Jihad and Iz A-Din El-Kassam terrorists claimed credit.

The rockets fell not far from the house of former Sderot Mayor Amir Peretz, Israel's Defense Minister.

Fatima Slutzker, 57, who was killed in the attack, and Maor (ben Dorit) Peretz, 24-year-old guard assigned to protect Peretz's house, were hit by the rockets' wildly-scattered deadly shrapnel. Both were taken to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, where the woman died, leaving behind her husband and two sons. Peretz had both of his legs amputated. Six other people were treated for light injuries. Close to ten Kassams were fired at Sderot today.

Later Today...

A 17-year-old youth was seriously injured in a Palestinian Authority rocket attack on Sderot a short time ago. Three other people were lightly injured by shrapnel.

Them...

2006-11-15T12:56:00.000+02:00

Prior to his capture...

Ehud Goldwasser, 31, lived in Nahariya. He worked at Technion, the Israeli Institute of Technology, from which he earned a degree in environmental engineering studies. As a teenager, Udi lived in South Africa with his parents and two younger brothers. He is married to Karnit. His parents are Shlomo (father) and Mickey (mother).

Eldad Regev, 26, was a student at Bar Ilan University studying law. Born and raised in Kiryat Motzkin. Eldad is the son of Tova (of blessed memory) and Zvi Regev, and brother of Benny, Ofer and Eyal. Among Eldad’s hobbies are football (last year he passed a coaching course - he is a fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv football team), music and books.

Gilad Schalit, 20, was serving in the Israeli army. He is the son of Aviva and Noam Schalit from Mitzpe Hilla in the Western Galilee and the brother of Yoel (23) and Hadas (16). He has enjoyed playing basketball ever since he was a child, but is interested in sports in general. He follows the different leagues and tournaments all over the world, from tennis and basketball to cycling and athletics. If you wish to know the results of a tournament somewhere in the world – it’s Gilad you should ask.

Too Quiet For Too Long

2006-11-13T14:25:00.000+02:00

It hasn't been for lack of reason that I've been quiet recently. I have no words for the government's lack of governing ability, the hatred in the name of G'd that took to the streets to fight the Gay parade, and the lack of progress we have made regarding the kidnapped solidiers; the situation in the south; and the living conditions of those removed from their Gush Katif homes. I have no words because I do not understand how these things have gone on this long. I recognize that I do not understand politics. I do not understand why we downshifted from a daring nation that looked a challange straight in the eyes and said "you're on". We are a nation that was born from the fighters who collapsed the English hold over our land. We are a nation that rose up from ashes to create the most feared army in the world. We are the nation who took our barren land and made it flower. When did we become a nation bent on appeasing our enemies? A nation who accepts a Prime Minister who clearly does not understand war? A nation who can sleep at night knowing our boys are in enemy hands? Can it be because of people like myself who are speechless?

Studying and studies

2006-10-25T00:34:00.000+02:00

While this morning/afternoon was spent trying to get through some pages of my psychology text book, this evening was a textbook example... A madrich ran an activity with different improve situations for the kids to run through. At the end every violent action and word was read through by a madricha who had documented it throughout the activity. The madrich then tried to lead a discussion based about violence, and why does it come in to play so often. The most logical response from the teens - it's our way of dealing with the real world. it's our outlet for dark humor. yes, we've all lost someone or another, and maybe we want to downplay the effect of violence by playing it with our friends. hmmm. Of course, cut short we never got to reallly discuss b/c the room was needed... it's always the great discussions that never happen.

...and they loved me too...

2006-10-23T11:46:00.000+02:00

Yay! I start Thursday! I'm not sure (even a little bit) what exactly I'm doing... but I liked the place, I liked the people, and I'm going to work Thursday morning!

On Your Mark!

2006-10-23T00:30:00.000+02:00

While last year (before Rosh Hashana) ended with the bangs of the war on the Northern Front, my new year has started with bangs of it's own. I'm working with some English speaking teens, my personal investment program. I started school - Pissicologia (that's Psychology to you English speaking folks out there) Yes, after an 8 year hiatas and a lot of happiness that I am not stuck in a library studying, I have come to the conclusion that while I may not enjoy it, I need a degree to get where i want to go in this country. I have recently had a number of interviews, one that i actually want, and I have a great feeling about it. (I'll keep you updated, hopefully very soon!). I have a date this week, blind date - but sounds decent. (also I'll let you know) Now I just to hope I don't peak too soon in my new year luck, and have nothing else up for 10 months :) So keep your fingers crossed, or whatever it is you do, and if you see me smiling as I pass you by in town, it's because - well... life is great.

Just One Week

2006-09-28T00:45:00.000+03:00

We have one week a year, which we seperate from the rest of the year and say...this is it, you're in the spotlight, if you could replay every past Wednesday fromt he past year, what would you do differently. This is your chance without being caught up in so many distractions, it's set perfectly between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippor, highlighted as the week of repentance. So, how was your second-chance Wednesday spent? Hey, there's always tomorrow...

Two Days - No Coke!

2006-09-27T01:15:00.000+03:00

Yes that's right. It's been two whole days. I know what you're thinking.. big deal! what's two days. Well! Take it back!!! it is a big deal. So there! Plan is non shabbat/chag days (chag includes chol hamoed dudes!) there will be no coke.

Ode To My Americans

2006-09-26T00:04:00.000+03:00

Yes you live across the ocean,
and you wish I lived there too
But I've visited your land
And there's somethings missing for you...
No one wished me a good year in the airport, or a store
while here i've been hit with them galore
the stores, the busses, the random guy on the street
living here is just so neat
it's not that i think what you're doing isn't right
it's just that my country is so tight
It was fun to see ya'll - don't get down
and I imagine i'll be back before too long
But you've got to spend here some serious time
So you understand the point of this here rhyme

Girlie Girlie Girlie

2006-09-11T08:18:00.000+03:00

Was at my getting-married-this-week-friend's parent's house tonight. We picked out the outfits for sheva brachot... watched her try on her wigs and tichels... ooohed and ahhhhed at the wedding dress...girl talked about movies and music....called the groom... blasted music and danced... ate chocolate... giggled... played with seating arangements... talked about flower colors.... and yes, I stayed the whole time :)

Nutshelling It...

2006-09-10T07:46:00.000+03:00

Detroit is cold..not the people of course, just the weather...the people are all warm and wanna know how I am, and what's going on..and where do I live now, and what am I doing, and how do I like it...anything but cold :)
NY was exhausting...I think I saw more people individually in two days than a normal person could've fit into two weeks...still I missed some peoples and I'm sorry (Jon & Erez...that's for you)
My meeting last Monday was very positive, however I won't know anything for at least two months...School starts right after Sukkot...so that'll be perfect timing to be overwhelmed with as much as possible...but to just kinda glide until then...as most things in my life work in cycles of nothing and bombardment...
Shabbos Kallah today was really nice...much nicer once all the people left and I could just chill with my fam and the Kallah's fam...should'a just waited and come really late :)
Backgammoned, Scrabbled, and Scatergoried, and while I lost some, I won all :)
~~Night

Deep Breath

2006-09-03T03:05:00.000+03:00

Ok, big meeting on Monday for me. I'm off to speak to an established organization about adopting RAMI. I'll share more details if there is what to share. I'm more then a little apprehensive. Last time I partnered with an organization for an idea of mine I watched in anguish as they slowly tortured it, until it was just another program I could barely recognize as my own. I've only just recovered from watching that... I have looked into running this one myself and creating a non-profit org...but I know I can't run it on my own, and the people I've found who are "very interested" in helping have been less then helpful. I know they say if you want it done right you need to do it yourself, but you also need to know your strengths and weaknesses... my strength is not in networking and is not in politics.... Hopefully this org will be able to rise to that challange and leave me to create and execute the program. (Rock), I do understand there will be some changes and compromises, but I can hope not too much...can't I...

In A Land Far Far Away

2006-08-28T22:44:00.000+03:00

As seeen on The Loop
Once upon a time in the land of deranged minds, there was a cute apartment with a lot of personlity The king of the apartments was worried about the cute apartment, what if just anyone takes it and lives there! He decided that to save the cute apartment for the perfect he would hide her. Far away from all the other apartments, up high high in a building with no elevator he hid the cute apartment. He let a little old lady come to take care of her, but only the truly devoted would be able to call her home. For 40 years the cute apartment waited with only the old lady to host.
One day it happened. Two girls were looking for the perfect place to call their next home. They looked all over, but could not find the perfect place. Being truly devoted people though, they kept searching. Finally the girls found the cute apartment. They were able to overlook her location, and that she was 5 flights up.
The girls moved in, after finding the only truly devoted movers in town, and the rest will be history :)

Coincidence?

2006-08-23T17:16:00.000+03:00

Mad props to Sim for finding this

Whoa! Where Have You Been?

2006-08-21T00:14:00.000+03:00

Ok, so I quit my job, decided to go to school, I'm starting a new organization, and I came up with an interesting buisness idea to make money "on the side". Oh, and I booked a flight to the States for 2 weeks. Yup, I think that 'bout sums it up.

It's Everywhere

2006-08-09T00:46:00.000+03:00

He's not the same. His naturally smile filled face has become haunted. The twinkle in his eyes has been replaced by tears. His easy-going nonstop chatter has been replaced by silence. I've heard people say the war hasn't come to Jerusalem, but I beg to differ - when boys have to bury their best friends the war goes everywhere they are.

**************
I went to the International Art Festival tonight with my parents. We had a great time. There were booths filled with artwork, cultural icons, jewelry, pottery, clothes, collectables, food, and more! There were music groups and performers. Everyone was having a great time. At 9:30 the group standing next to us jumped 10 feet in the air. That's when the fireworks started. I asked them if they were ok, their answer "We're from the North!". I've heard people say the war hasn't come to Jerusalem, but I beg to differ - when students carry the sounds of missles with them, the war goes everywhere they are.

**************
Her eyes were all watery, I asked her innocently what alergies she had. No, not alergies - her husband was just called up to the border. I've heard people say the war hasn't come to Jerusalem, but i beg to differ - when wives are left behind by their husbands who have gone to fight, the war goes everywhere they are.

**************
They miss their friends, they miss their house, they miss their toys, they miss their beds. They want to go home. They're kids living the life of refugees all over the city. I've heard people say the war hasn't come to Jerusalem, but I beg to differ - when kids have to be explained the truth about war, the war goes everywhere they are.

What Makes A Home?

2006-08-02T02:07:00.000+03:00

Last year while I was helping Gush Katif evacuees move into their new residences, I had the opportunity to see what could make a standard caravilla a home. For many it was pictures, and those were the first boxes opened. For one boy it was unpacking his soccer parafanella and painting his room green (his team's color), while to a four year old girl it was setting up her dolls. A number of families immediately went about setting up their gardens, and I was privledge to be around to hear a Shehechiyanu being said by someone who planted his first tree which he had brought with him from Gush Katif. Two families in particular it was having guests, they played tug-of-war over where I would sleep each night. What makes your house a home?

Interview

2006-08-01T01:35:00.000+03:00

I skipped out of work early today to go to a job interview. Crashed and burned. It was like no interview i had ever been at before. i was being shot questions from the minute I walked in the office, without being offered a seat. I sat down anyway. Conclusion, the interviewer feels I'm not Israeli enough for the position. The position? Coordinate Hillel house programs for chulnick (mostly american) students who are here for the year... Biggest problem I see in situations like this is where the coordinator is Israeli, and the students don't relate to him. Oh well, their loss...I know I'd be great :) I'll keep looking. Still waiting to hear from the other coordinator position.

Golani

2006-07-27T00:30:00.000+03:00

The Golani fighters have a special place in my heart. Whenever I see a "Golani Sheli" sticker, or a brown barret (Golani's color), or even a kippa with an olive tree (Golani's symbol) I feel a connection. I want to say, hey - my brother is also Golani. Golani 51, March 03. It's kinda like a Jewish geography itch. At work today I heard that a Golani unit was ambushed in southern Lebanon. Immediately my world froze. My brother could've been there. It's like when there were regular bombings in Jerusalem, and everywhere that blew up you had spent time at, or had just been on that bus, or had cancelled plans...that feeling. I knew my brother was not there, as a) his unit is not inside Lebanon, but sitting at the boarder, and b) much to his frustration, while the rest of his researve unit was called up - he was not. At dinner tonight he got a phone call telling him that one of the officers who was killed, a boy from Eli, was from his orignial training unit. I walked home tonight with a lot running through my head. On my way home I noticed 6 golani bumper stickers and 2 kids with golani kippas. I wish that I had something to say to each of them. As I said, my brother is frustrated he was not called up, and he is currently fighting with the army to call him up. To an outsider, and even to many insiders, that may seem nuts - I think I understand. That's his family on the border - I'm only related through him.

Chaifa victim to Gush Katif evacuees

2006-07-26T01:46:00.000+03:00

(IsraelNN.com) A Haifa resident under siege by Hizbullah attacks and who ignored opponents to the government's expulsion of Gush Katif resident has written the expulsion victims and asked for forgiveness.

In an open letter posted on a Gush Katif forum web site, Y. S. wrote, "I closed my business since the beginning of the battle and I don't know what will happen. I never thought that I, a Haifa resident for 30 years, would be a refugee in my own land.

"During five years you coped with bombs, and I didn't care. Even when you came to visit me in my house, to explain, to convince, to share your feelings with me, I refused to listen to you.

"People from Gush Katif and the Shomron! Forgive me! Forgive us for not understanding you. I am not a religious man, and not a mystic person." The Haifa resident concluded that his problems are "the price that I am paying now for my late understanding."

CNN - כל הכבוד

2006-07-24T02:40:00.000+03:00

CNN had an excellent 2 hour coverage of Hezbollah - what they stand for, when/why they were created, their standings in the world, and why they are so popular in Lebanon. Without putting on an Israeli slant I think they did a fantastic job of educating the masses out there about this enemy to the world. I am very impressed.

RAMI begins

2006-07-24T00:01:00.000+03:00

I am excited to announce to my random world of readers, RAMI. Named for a close friend who has always been an inspiration to me, I hope RAMI will inspire teens around the country.

As I spend a lot of time with English speaking families across the country, I have discovered there is serious concern for the
English-speaking teens here. Anglo-Israeli teens struggle with not only the usual ?teen issues?, but also carry the frustrations and complications of being outsiders, in many cases with a loss of identity and self-esteem. These teens may have grown up outside of Israel and are now trying to deal with the changes in culture, language, and the effects of moving, or may have grown up in Israel to English speaking families and have never acclimated to Israeli society.

After much research into the situation I have decided to tackle this problem. I have recently started to put the wheels into motion for a countrywide English-speaking youth group. I am starting to write grant proposals and make contacts throughout the country.

Of course your thoughts on the idea are always welcome!

More Activism

2006-07-21T03:25:00.000+03:00

It's not always easy being an activist, but I try to do what I can. Today's activism event involved refugees from the Northern Front. Spread all around Jerusalem these refugees are just looking for a sense of home. When I heard about a refugee BBQ I knew I had to be there. Parents and children had a chance to run around some British guy's apartment and pretend they were just visiting friends, leaving that refugee feeling out in the street.

Scribbled Out

2006-07-21T02:55:00.000+03:00

I went to the kotel to meet my refugee brother and sister(in law). I said some tehillim, and then found a siddur with tefillah for the solidiers and the country. I have recently started to add that in to my daily tefillot, as I feel both need all the prayers they can get. When I opened to the siddur to the apporpriate page I found that someone had scribbled pen all over the two paragraphs. Two people would've done this, someone who is very hurt, upset, angry at the chayalim and the medina, or someone who does not think these paragraphs should be in a siddor. In both those cases, my heart goes out to the scribbler. Someone who is so passionate and feels the need to ruin a public property siddor. Did they take a pen out in the middle of davvening and cross it out not caring who saw them? Did they come specifically to cross it out? Where they in so much pain when they saw it in the siddor they tried to ensure no one else would see it...
Don't fear...blue scribbles over black writting didn't render it illegible, and I said the tefillot with a lot of random thoughts going through my head about עם אחד, תפילה and priorities.
Just thought I'd share :)

The Old City's Alive!

2006-07-15T21:56:00.000+03:00

Thank Gd not the noisy-ness that is being heard north and south of the country! I had the priveledge of spending Friday night in Jerusalem's Old City. You wouldn't know there was war being fought this Shabbat. The kotel plaza was filled with groups, dancing, singing and davvening. Men & Women's sections were packed. Throughout the meal boisterous groups were constantly walking throught the square outside the apartment. After my meal I went to a friend's apartment in the Old City who had more then 20 random guests mostly visiting from around the world. I took one of their guests for a walk down to the kotel. Even at that late hour the plaza and davvening areas were not empty. There was a boys camp singing beautifully. I made it home after 2 am.

In Jerusalem

2006-07-13T23:30:00.000+03:00

My brothers house is in the Galilee. Not a quiet place to be living this week. I offered to come up with food - as their stores are closed due to incoming rockets. I was met with "this isn't Gush Katif, we aren't looking for solidarity", and they were going to find an open grocery (which they did). A number of times I went to Gush Katif despite the rockets and shootings. I went to pass on the message that just because my house, and my neighborhood weren't under fire I felt that all of Israel was under attack, and I was there with them. They were living on the front lines, protecting all of us. The fact that Jerusalem is not being shelled does not really make this a safer area. I don't believe I'm chasing danger, more passing on the message that the country and the people are in this together. I'm not going to lock myself into my safe little house, in my safe little neighborhood, and wish this all away... But i will listen to my mom who does not see any reason for me to put myself in the hotzone...

Hitting Home

2006-07-13T23:12:00.000+03:00

As Israel/Hezbollah and Israel/Hamas strikes escalate, Israelis are making phone calls. Sure, everyone is talking about the war, I'm sure it's being discussed around the world, but here this a twist. The talk first hit me at work when we heard that guys from the company we share our building with were being called up. Called up.

ה ישמר על חיילנו

Interview!!!

2006-07-13T16:48:00.000+03:00

Yesterday I received a call inviting me to an interview for a Program Coordinator position! I sent in my CV about a month ago, and as I haven't heard anything from them, I assumed that they were not interested. WRONG! Thursday I have my interview!!! I am really excited, and of course I've decided that once they meet me, they'll love me, and I'll be able to quit here. I'm so looking forward to the minute I can quit!
Of course since my boss has been fired, and a new one hired my office has been debitched. That's a posting all to itself which somehow never got posted. The debitching of the office was basically due to the fact that no one gets along with the new boss man. I mean no one! So we've all basically banded together in our disgust and outrage of new guy, not leaving any room for bitchiness and clicks (yes, it does seem a lot like HS).

They Really Did It!

2006-07-07T00:58:00.000+03:00

I don't want today to end without writting a little something something about today. For me the most emotional part of any wedding is when groom is danced in to see the bride and cover her face with a veil. The excitement is almost tangible when they catch glimpse of each other for the first time on their wedding day. That was the feeling I got watching my brother's family walking down the steps from the airplane as they took their first steps in Israel as Israelis. This tangible emotion so strong I was tearing from happiness.
I wrote on their onlysimchas page I can't wait to be able to take for granted that they are here.
I mean it. Welcome home. Welcome to the club. It's gonna be great!

Stop And Think...

2006-06-28T12:05:00.000+03:00

According to A7, Women In Green has called on the public not to stop hitchhiking. They insist that residents should not allow terrorist to disrupt the daily routine of Israeli civilians. I only agree on one level, the level that one should not let the terrorists win by living in fear. I however, do not feel that we should continue to call on people to hitchhike, more get to the root of the problem. WIG should call on the government to increase public transportation. An appropriate call would be to not to stop going out to the shtachim, or not to stop your daily routine. However, if there was a safer mode of transportation then hitchhinking...go for it! Protect the students, soliders, residents and tourists who travel the shtachim on a regular basis.

Look 'Ma No Hands!

2006-06-28T01:03:00.000+03:00

I live in a country that while being hit with rockets, a soldier gets kidnapped during a surprise ambush, and then a civilian disappears. And the country's leadership takes some time out to think things through. Where is the leadership? Why are only the "extremists" publicizing solutions? Why does one have to be considered an "extremist" to fight for his country and her people? Why does the left only get frazzled when we infringe on the tranquility of the poor, terrorized, poverty stricken Arab. When will they stop and realize they are feeding the monster that is out to kill them? Do they have to see kutusha rockets landing in their front yards to understand? Do their sons have to be kidnapped, killed, or wounded? Truth is that would not help matters. They would write it off as an atrocity brought on by their government for treating the Arabs this way. How about the way we are being treated? The people of Sderot have rockets landing everyday. There is not an Israeli living in this country who has not be personally affected by a bombing. The people are on edge waiting to hear something positive about our two boys who have been kidnapped. And what do we do? Maybe we should learn a little something something from our murderous cousins. We pulled communities, families, and the dead out of Gaza to give our enemies something to live for. They rain terror from the skies. We don't respond. They kidnap a soldier during an ambush, where 2 soldiers were murdered and more were injured. We don't respond. They kidnap a civilian. Still no response. They're literally dying for attention! What do they have to do to get some recognition? Perhaps they should take a right wing activists position, everyone knows the government reacts to their every move, phone call, and SMS. You wanna throw molotov cocktails, rocks, rockets, and bombs...take your best shot, but to stand up and try to fight for an outpost...restraining orders, house arrest and jail. What a joke.

Baseball

2006-06-27T23:29:00.000+03:00

I remember playing baseball with my dad. If I didn't swing at a ball, he'd say "good eye, don't swing at everything, good eye". Of course, if you don't swing at anything you will strike out.

Sometimes you gotta fight when you're a Jew. I know this leftest government is trying desperately to erase the world's image of the tough Israelis taking on the world, but if we strike out enough we'll lose the game. Aren't two boys lives enough to stir up that fighting feeling? Can't we rally the troups to stop the rockets? Of course we can, they're ready willing and able to flatten Gaza...SWING Olmert SWING!

¿The Outrage?

2006-06-21T01:04:00.000+03:00

Where has all the outrage gone? Where is all the fight? Where are the human right activitists? The orange ribbon wearers? The hard right? The soft left? I don't think it matters if you are for or against pullouts, if you think there should or should not be checkpoints, or if you think this is or isn't a racist country. A city filled with innocent civilian people are being shelled. Everyday. The most I've heard about this is from Sky News. Sky News had the decency to devote almost 10 minutes to discuss the rockets, the people, the mayor, the citizens, the children, the schools, the streets, the homes, and the hopelessness in Sderot. The city shut itself down today, and subjected itself to a self-induced black-out. The black-out was disturbed by a rocket hitting the city. ROCKETS. SHELLS. Where are the country-wide demonstrations?

This guy

2006-06-12T20:16:00.000+03:00

In answer to the questions I've been getting (over the phone, not as comments), guy friend is - yes, another not-boyfriend. Why do guys not want to date me? Why do they think I make just a great friend? Between the 5 brothers I have someone should be able to give me an answer. What about me is not-datable? What about me screams...just friends? Serious convo followed a few weeks after dating had been discussed (reapproached by me after being brought up point blank by friends), where I said I don't think our spending so much time together is a good idea. Friend wanted to discuss. We talked for 3 hours. He tells me I'm one of his closest friends, he enjoys spending time with me, and no - he does not want to go out with me. Maybe he'll throw me a birthday party. Great. He called 2x today, just to see how things were going. Great. That's what I need, an attentative non-boyfriend. Why? Anyone? Bueller?

Dayeinu

2006-06-09T16:54:00.000+03:00

If I would have been yelled at, at work, but not had my apartment broken into...dayeinu.
If i would have had my apartment broken into, but not had a serious convo with guy friend...dayeinu.
If i would have had serious conversation with guy friend, but not had my plans fall through..dayeinu.
If I would have had my plans fall through but not had to go to work on Sunday...dayeinu.

In spirit of keeping this blog mainly smut free... (see previous posting)

Yes, my apartment was broken into yesterday afternoon. Everyone in my office crowded around to hear details after they heard me on the phone trying to calm down my roommate. Oh my! What happened! How! Wow! What was taken? Wow! Hmmm! Blah Fbeeping Blah. I finished my dachuf work and asked my boss if I could leave.
"why?"
"umm, b/c my apartment was just broken into {remember you were just Wow! and Oh My! ing at my desk!!!!?}, and the police are there..."
"Oh! right, I forgot"
"{Bbeep!!!!}"
"Umm, ok, I guess, good luck...oh, did you send me the report?"
"yes {Bbeep}, I e-mailed it to you"
"good"
"{Fbeep You} Shabbat Shalom"

Office Beeps

2006-06-09T13:41:00.000+03:00

I know, there are kids who read this, and next week, or next month, or...well sometime, i would read this and probably delete it. So I'm going to try and keep it clean. In the original post, the one i just deleted There was cursing, anger, the F word, and a B word, and few S's thrown in..but hey, unless I want to create a third, anonymous blog I'm going to try and keep my typing clean.

my boss has been pretty harsh lately, and I'm not sure why. In general the feeling in the office is pretty laid back. Things get done, people come in late, leave early, there's a lot of shmoozing in the office. I get along with everyone in my immediate office. There are team members who have a different office, and I do not at all get along with two of them. They jump on me about every suggestion I make, they have a tendancy to order people around, and they're just general Bbeepes. Anyway, I got called into the office, and was asked in a pretty aggressive offensive way, "do you like being here", followed by "b/c it doesn't seem like you do". What am I supposed to answer to that? She told me that she sees i'm not a team player, and I don't take criticism, and I don't do my job, and if I don't change fast, she will have no prob. letting me go. Oh, and she's disappointed in me b/c I have so much potential...
I pretty much walked out there thinking What The Fbeep!
I know a lot of my faults and strong points. I am a team player. no one takes criticism well. And i can't Fbeeping do my job if the Bbeepes in the other office don't do theirs b/c mine is step two to theirs. Of course when I brought this up the Bbeep boss lady said she'd talk to them, but the problem is really mine, and I have to find a solution.
Basically it ended with a warning, of shape up or I'm out...
Followed a few hours later by her walking into my office (that I share with 4 others) and yelling at me about not doing something that I was a. never asked to do, b. thought and still think it didn't need to be done, and c. (after she huffed off) the other girls in my office agreed with me that they didn't think it needed to be done either....
WHAT THE Fbeep!

The proceeding post has been very very cleaned up from its original smut filled content. It had been brutal clear frustrations, but I was held up posting it b/c blogger wouldn't let me log in. Which just fits in nicely to my Sbeepy week I've been having.

Coming to an end...

2006-06-06T17:27:00.000+03:00

Well, the 5 week trial period of living on my own, having a dog, and a car is coming to a close. Word on the street is they're coming back tomorrow. So, how did it go? well, i will definitely miss all those things! Moving back into an apartment shared three ways, and having to take the bus EVERY DAY to and from work...is not giving me much to look forward too.
On the horizon... I've started looking for another job, as I'm dying of boredom/frustration/apathy (probably mostly the 3rd) at my current job.
I've decided to start looking for an aparment. No, not moving out by myself, but I'm finished living with 2 other roommies.

Happy Yom Yerushalayim

2006-05-25T19:36:00.000+03:00

As I sat at work watching the live feed video of the kotel from the link Veev sent me, the thought occured to me...What the hell!. Here I am, in Israel - in Yerushalayim no less, and I'm watching the kotel from the internet like anyone around the world... For about a minute and a half I was extrememly frusterated to be working in an official office company setting. (As opposed to an informal educational organization, which would totally accept that I wanted to spend some time this afternoon in the OC) That lasted until I thought about it, and realized...but after work I'm heading to the OC... (ok...who'm I kiddin' I still would rather be working in an educational organization...but I gotta find the siver linings wherever they may be)

Happy Yom Yerushalyaim to everyone everywhere...but espcially, those who are able to be in here today.

Am I?

2006-05-22T16:40:00.000+03:00

You Are Most Like Miranda!

While you've had your fair share of romance, men don't come firstGuys are a distant third to your friends and career.And this independence *is* attractive to some men, in measured doses.Remember that if you imagine the best outcome, it might just happen.
Romantic prediction: Someone from your past is waiting to reconnect...
But you'll have to think of him differently, if you want things to work.

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

Behind The Masks

2006-05-12T02:48:00.000+03:00

Masks, masks, masks... who is everyone when they are out in the light? My friend, and fellow blogger, chavaleh, hosted a bloggers bash. Cute party where she invited all her cyber friends, and real life friends who have or had blogs to meet, shmooze and eat awesome cookies. I had a really nice time. Some faces in the crowd I knew in real life, some I've bumped into online, and most I had never come across before. Everyone has their own reason for blogging, and they all expect to have certain readers and not others. Some felt blogs are out there for anyone and everyone, and some felt it was only for those who were given the address. Whatever their topics, and reasons for blogging, they were all very nice real life people to meet.

Freedom

2006-05-08T02:11:00.000+03:00

Being handed the keys to a car for a month....Sweet.
Driving the car to pick up groceries...Convenient.
Hitting the open roads...Invigorating.
Driving with the windows down and the music up...Dominating.
Being able to drive your friend home...Freedom.

All About Me

2006-05-04T16:56:00.000+03:00

When I was younger my grandparents gave me a book called "my book about me" I had to fill in all sorts of information about myself. I had to draw a bird, write a short story, tell everyone how many steps it was from my front door to the closet tree, how many forks, faucets, and windows my house had, and what I did to when I was angry. Now I'm hit with a similiar assignment...questions have changed a bit... here's a bit about me in alphabetical order.

Accent: I can fake a few...
Booze: I drink socially.
Chore I Hate: Yes. Most anything I would consider a chore, I hate to do...
Dogs: On Trial Now, I'll keep you updated
Essential Electronics: Computer, mainly laptop, although without one I probably could survive on a desktop...
Favorite Perfume/Cologne: The ones in pretty, sealed, bottles with no chance of being opened
Gold/Silver: diamonds, pearls, whatever you are offering
Hometown: Detroit, representing :)
Insomnia: quite the issue. although early morning dog walking, and long 9 hour work days are helping cure that...
Job Title: Assistant, Marketing for Recruitment...no really
Kids: Not personally, but I know people with them.
Living Arrangements: so this changes on a yearly basis, the general theme is in an apartment with 2-3 friends...although this month it's just me and the dog :)
Most Admired Trait: you'd have to ask my friends, although this week i'd have to consistancy. After years of doing something and getting the same undesirabe result, you'd think I would chance something in the equation...but no I stick to my guns and run the cycle again...that's admirable...
Number of sexual partners: this is the best they could come up with for "N" what about Neatest talent? newest buy? nationality? Nervous breakdowns? the answer is 0 of course.
Overnight Hospital Stays: only with campers,
Phobia: feeling like i'm not in control, and yes, somehow needles fit into this, and heights
Quote: "Sometimes you gotta dance"
Religion: Jewish
Siblings: depends who is counting (6, 11, 13, and up are acceptable answers)
Time I usually wake up: now, 7:30
Unusual Talent: Yes, quite a few actuall.
Vegetable I refuse to eat: depends how it's presented
Worst Habit: I won't share this easily
X-Rays: Been there, done that, again, and again, and again
Yummy Foods I make: cookies, popcorn, chicken, potatoes, meat, stir-fry, chulent, onion rings, yeah...i could go on...you're all invited...
Zodiac Sign: cancer, seriously couldn't they either come up with a different name for the sign or the sickness?

Makes Sense To Me

2006-05-01T01:00:00.000+03:00

Twice in the past two days I have had almost identical group discussions with different groups. The first time it came up as a topic at Shabbat lunch, and the second time while I was sitting in traffic with some co-workers. I was only person present at both convos and I did not initiate either of them. The topic was the price of cars. I said (both times) if the government would drop the 150% tax it places on new cars the economy would boom. People would be able to move out of the city and get jobs. They would be able to go further for better paying jobs, and would be able to pay less for housing once out of the major cities. Not to mention, more people would be buying cars. Both times I was met with the most discouraging counter. More cars on the streets would only bring more accidents, more deaths, more traffic, more polution, and more poverty (b/c people would be faced with paying for gas, maintenance, and insurance) I still think the economy would be better off with more affordable cars.

Trials

2006-04-30T01:32:00.000+03:00

This is the start of a month long experiment for me. I have friends who have gone out of town for the month leaving behind their dog and apartment. I offered to stay in the apartment and watch the dog for them. I have always wanted a dog of my own, and since moving out of my parents house have often contemplated getting myself one. This month will probably be the deal breaker. I'll eiither move out sure I want one, or don't... Also, for the first extended amount of time I have my own apartment. I have thought off and on about getting my own place. Since moving to Israel I have always had 2 roommates.. in NY I always had one... What is life like without any? Well...I'll find out... i'm still in my neighborhood a walk of under 4 minutes from my real life apartment... I moved in tonight...so begins my trial month...

WOWed by the past

2006-04-20T22:53:00.000+03:00

The most interesting person I had the chance to meet in a long time was Yom Tov night. I was staying with a friend by her adoptive family and we went to visit a friend who was spending the chag at the same yishuv as us. He was staying by a family he had become close with while at yeshiva in the neighborhood. We were sitting in the random people's house catching up on old times and politics, when the host dad walked in and sat down. It started pretty innocently, as he asked me and the other friend I had come with where we were from. Two hours later we walked out having sat through the most interesting history lesson I have ever had the chance to attend. Our host had been born in the old city, where he spoke Yiddish to the Jews and Arabic to the Arabs. At 13 he was handed a gun to fight the Jordanians when he was taken POW for a number of months. Since then he fought in every Israeli battle. He spoke of political ups and downs throughout the years. He spoke of Gush Katif and the incoming knesset. He spoke and the three of us sat there enthralled...only disappointed when he decided to call it a night, and we went out to the street to discuss what was, what is, and will we be able to enthrall the future with our past.

...and in other news...

2006-04-17T22:41:00.000+03:00

I don't know which would bother me more. If the Knesset pushed off the swearing in ceremony out of respect to those murdered, mutilated, maimed, and hurt in the attack today, or if the Knesset did not change anything so not to let terrrorists dictate our lives. I think if we as a nation internalized each attack more, let it affect us fully, flew the flag at half mast, sounded the siren for a minute of mouning for each victim....We'd hate our enemy enough to destroy them. There's a country song that came out after 9-11 about US seeking revenge by Darryl Worley.

"They took all the footage off my T.V.
Said it's too disturbing for you and me
It'll just breed anger that's what the experts say
If it was up to me I'd show it everyday"

I think Darryl is onto something here. Those just sworn in should be present at each of the funerals, and speak to each of the survivors. Myself included. Yes, I am a survivor of this attack. No, I was not in the vicinity. I was not even in the same city. No, I don't think I knew anyone personally who was physically injured. Yes, I still claim to be a survivor. I will not be the same as I was before this attack. The same as I haven't been the same since the last attack, the one before that, and the first one I remember hearing about. I hope you are not the same either. If you are...perhaps you need to learn a little about each of the victims who were physically there.

Moadim L'Simcha

2006-04-17T00:21:00.000+03:00

In honor of the Chag I took a day off of work. I was going to hike with some friends from Beit Shemesh to Jerusalem through a few caves and whatnot...but the hike was cancelled as the rain caused fear of cave flooding... The family in the Negev who was rescued by helicopter would agree it was probably the best decision... Instead I decided to get all my errands done. I went to the doctor man to sign my license forms that I am not likely to die while driving a car from foreseeable reasons, to discover that his office has closed. No, not for the chag...shut and moved. I went to the license office to see if what i have already is good enough...but alas they are closed for the week. Fine, my last stop was the bank...which of course was closed because of the chag. Whoo-hoo! So, instead of being productive I met some friends for lunch, checked out the "town" scene. Did a little window shopping. Went to a birthday party. And watched a movie. Tomorrow's a regular work day. Wonder if there's anything for me to do in the office. I heard today they watched a movie through a projector on the wall. It's a hard days work to find 9 hours of things to do when nothing needs to get done. Oooh the life :)

all the fuss...

2006-04-11T12:35:00.000+03:00

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Kadima Party official and acting Foreign Minister Tzippy Livni told ABC's Nightline program that Arab attacks on soldiers should not be considered terrorist attacks and could be seen as "more legitimate" than attacks on civilians.

Her statements have garnered much press and she reiterated them in an interview with Israel Radio on Tuesday.

Livni defended the statements by saying that she had worked for years to convince the international community that Arab terrorists were not "freedom fighters."
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I'm not sure why everyone is up in arms about this. It is not an act of terrorism. This is an act of war. As we are being attacked war style we need to seal the borders and attack back. Go Tzippy and your leftist thoughts...Bring on the WAR and let our soldiers destroy the enemy.

Guns Help

2006-03-07T20:03:00.000+02:00

With my frustrations at so many things at an all time high, i decided to let loose a little at a shooting range. I've heard a lot of good things can come from letting out all your aggravations, and figured shooting 100+ bullets might do the trick. While I was shooting my target I missed a call from a company I had recently interviewed with. They loved me, and would like me to start tomorrow. I should go shooting more often.

I'm Ready....i think...

2006-02-27T00:16:00.000+02:00

There are many many different types of people around, i'll focus on the 3 types of people who head organzations. There is the "gotta be in charge" person. This person needs to be in charge. They'll run different committees, be the pres of various org, and generally step on whoever they can to get there. Next there is the person who accepts responsibility. They see a need, and they see that no one else is going to step in, and therefore they take charge. The third is guilted into leadership. They are voted in, and talked into taking responsibilities. They may always look for someone else to take over from them.
I like to put myself in the 2nd category. So what do I see needing my attention now? I think this country needs a program for teen olim. I know, you all think there are programs. The OU has one, and there are so many for hi-risk teens. What about the rest of the country? Yes...there is a country out of Jerusalem. What about the teens that are not smoking up, or drinking, hanging out all night in town - but who don't have a positive peer group. In my investigatings I discovered the misrad klita (dept of absorption) has set aside money for teen olim programs. Now I have to write a proposal and find an organazation who wants me to run this program. The goal of the program will be to give the teens a positive peer enviroment to work out any bumps they're having with being a teen complicated by the term "oleh" - and everything it brings with it.

I Have An Interview With....Who?

2006-02-14T14:33:00.000+02:00

I recieved a call today which opened a whole new world. Someone had receieved my CV and was calling to set up an interview. The problem is I've sent in so many CV's for so many different positions, I didn't know what type of position I would be going in for. I took down the name of the group, and answered their questions. We set up an interview for tomorrow at 9. I then turned to my trusted friend google. I searched. And searched. I entered the address. i entered jobopps with their name. Nothing. What to do. I entered their phone number. Still nothing. Ah....came up with an idea. Typed in their English named company in hebrew letters. BINGO! It turns out I have an interview with a job placement company....great...good luck to me!

Blog Haters!

2006-02-13T16:50:00.000+02:00

More and more frequently am I surrounded by blog haters. Without knowing that I am a blogger people have commented how much they hate bloggers. They call us "narcissists". What are they too full of themselves to share their thoughts with others :)

Watch Out Ann Coulter

2006-02-11T23:41:00.000+02:00

Nope, this is not a threat...just a friendly warning. I dont know Ann at all, she's a journalist who wrote an article featured on "yahoo! news" called CALVIN AND HOBBES — AND MUHAMMAD. She is just trying to understand why this "religion of peace" might be rioting to protest the world's view of their "peaceful religion" as something less then peaceful. Are they just a misunderstood people who attack embasies, riot in the street, and chase away the very people sent to protect them (TIPH in Chevron) because....they...uh...are misunderstood? Well Ann, I hope someone's watching your back...

Jobsearching

2006-01-29T19:45:00.000+02:00

The jobsearching continues with frustration climbing slowly each day. What would I like to do? I say my "field" is "informal education". For the past 8 years I've worked with teens and young adults, generally in a kiruv setting. Although my Hebrew is workable, and I've run activities in Hebrew, I don't yet feel comfortable to work with Israeli youth. This limits me to working with chldren of Olim (immigrants), students who are here for the year, and student short-term programs. Any ideas?