Break Me Off a Piece of That....

Gimme a break, gimme a break. Break me off a piece of that KitKat bar!

Welcome to the newest segment of my blog I like to call Crave of the Day, which will be listed at the end of each blog entry with a reason. Can ya guess what I have a hankering for today?

I was up at 7:00 a.m. this morning and folks, it's a miracle that not only did I make it to class but I got there 30 minutes early! With the bus service in Tel Aviv frequently fickle, I decided to be play it safe and leave with plenty of time to get to school. Since I am not a morning person, and it takes forever to get ready some days, I prepared as much as possible the night before. That meant putting together my lunch, filling up my water bottles (3 with this heat is sometimes not enough!), and packing up my knapsac. Unfortunately, I wasn't that thorough because I left my Philosophy book at home and I am practically lost in class without it.

Anyway, it was great to be back in my Jewish American Literature and Philosophy courses. I know a lot of people in my class would say otherwise, but for me, these classes are the highlight of the program. I am more than happy spending hours each week delving into these texts. And, it turns out that, without the book I still had no problem chatting with Professor Harvey. I think he missed me :)

The weather in Israel is pretty nasty today. It's hot and humid and the atmosphere is full of sand and dust. It was raining dust this morning when I left for the bus, and I was scared that my hair would be muddy since I walked out the door with wet hair. I guess the dust wasn't as thick because I was okay when I got to class.

Yesterday, the author and political writer Emunah Elon (yes, the wife of Knesset member Benny Elon) came to speak to our class about her novel When You Awaken Love. I haven't had a chance to finish the novel, for me it was a bit of a difficult read, but I've vowed to continue to work my way through it. Anyway, she was really interesting in class and she made a comment that resonated with me. She said that everyone who chooses to live in Israel has chosen to put their life in danger. I wonder if people think that way, and that's the excuse they used for their bad/good behavior. I'm going to have to puzzle that over some more.

So, I need some advice. I'm in a predicament that I'm not sure how to deal with it and it's really bother me. So basically, I have a friend here who is a lovely woman. She has been very kind to me since I've moved here and I think I've been very kind to her in turn. Here's the issue - she has a tendency to boss me around and talk down to me. She actually reminds me of a friend I used to have in New York, who did the very same thing to me, and eventually we just stopped speaking. I'm the type of person who doesn't like to be told what to do, and I really hate it when someone talks down to me, but this is really a fundamental problem. How do you tell someone that you have issue with what is essentially they're personality? I spoke to Buggy about how I feel, and my thoughts on the situations, but have decided to put off figuring out what to do with her. I really like her and want to be friends, but I have a feeling that if this continues, I'm just going to end up "phasing her out" of my life. Oy, I just don't know what to do!

Anyway, I have to go to the supermarket still and pick up some of the ingredients for cooking tomorrow and Friday. In the meantime, I have been craving Kit Kat bites all day but haven't found any in this Country and it's one of the numerous items on my pre-wedding no consumption list. If you're reading this and aren't on a diet - go out and have a Kit Kat bite for me!

Victories and Defeats

This picture is courtesy of Jerusalem Shots and it depicts the Malcha Technology Park at sunset. This is a gorgeous area right across the street from the Malcha Mall and apparently there is a Mehadrin kosher catering hall inside. Buggy is thinking that it would be a good place for my parents to host Sheva Brachot so we'll have to swing by and check it out the next time I'm in J-town.

Today was very productive and I experienced the sweet smell of victory while suffering a tremendous defeat. I woke up relatively late, which was nice as I am personally trying to celebrate Memorial Day here in Israel. After a quick breakfast and logging into the computer, I gathering all my papers and headed back to the Minhal Hastudentim to see if Michael would be able to work his magic. As he feared, there was information on my school print out that wouldn't allow him to give me any benefits. After a lengthy meeting with his boss, they were able to come to the conclusion that they will cover me!

Eureka!

I am now considered a Minhal Hastudentim student. This means that they will cover almost 13,000 shekel a year of my tuition. I have been assigned a Madricha, who would be able to explain additional perks of my coverage as well. I'm also entitled to free meetings with a social worker and a psychologist at an extremely reduced rate (25 shekel a session). After all this stress, I could use a session with a shrink. I have my "golden ticket" and hope that the Bar Ilan tuition office is open tomorrow so I can get the ball rolling! Woohoo!

Well, I was on a high from the success and decided to go and tackle Macabi. I got to the office and took a number. I sat until it was my turn and then took out all of my evidence. I handed the woman all of the papers I needed and explained my situation. She spent a long time on the computer and told me that she first needed to switch my private insurance to my public insurance. OK, I let her do then and print out a new card. Then she explained that I will now only pay Macabi 65 shekel a month as opposed to the 365 shekel a month I've been paying privately.

After that was taken care of, it was time to discuss compensation for the months that they have been ripping me off. According to her, however, having a Teudat Zehut DOES NOT mean that I've made Aliyah.

Really?

Well, how come every other agency told me otherwise. Also, she looked at the forms from both Misrad Haklita and Bituach Leumi and said that she won't reimburse me for the money I've paid privately because according to both papers I didn't make Aliyah or choose a Kupat Cholim until May.

Huh?

I don't get it. Why then did Bituach Leumi charge me for retroactive pay if I didn't have an official Kupah? How come I paid them an extra 1000 shekel in back payments if I wasn't covered? Well, she told me on the papers what the problems were - because both pages were marked with the date of May as opposed to just with the date of August - and that's why she won't give me back any of the money.

I asked her to give me a printout of all the money I've paid them since I've moved here. It was well over 3,000 shekel. I thanked her for her time and walked out of the office.

I'm tired of this fight and honestly, these government entities don't know their ass from their elbow. No one knows what they are talking about! Misrad Haklita say one thing, Bituach Leumi says another, and here comes Macabi and they say something COMPLETELY different.

I called Buggy and told him what happened and he said that now it's time to talk to the news agencies and the newspapers. I said that I'd rather write a letter first from a lawyer and then see what happenes, before I engage the media. The good news is that at least I've corrected the overpayment issue, so now I don't have to worry about another monthly payment of 365 shekel for June. I'm quite comfortable leaving the fight between Macabi/Bituah Leumi and Misrad HaKlita until after the wedding!

Well, I was okay spirits after this conversation and decided to walk all the way back to my apartment from 10 Balfour. I decided to take a new route and cut across Sheinken Street and made my way to King George. On King George, I saw a number of really nice pillow stores and thought that it would be a great place to come and pick up some decorative pillows for the couches in our new apartment. I also walked by the comic book store Buggy orders his comics from. I would have gone in and picked him up a couple of comics but I have no idea what he has/hasn't read and didn't want to pick something up he has already read or has no interest in reading.

I walked down Dizengoff and stopped into the new kosher bakery that El Jeffe told me about, which is right off of Bar Kochva street and right before Dizengoff Center. I asked them about Challah's for Shabbos and they told me that they have Challot on Thursday and Fridays and they also have some Parve baked goods. The bread selection was also incredible and they had plenty of whole wheat options. I picked up a small loaf of whole wheat bread to try and even made Tamara from my class a sandwhich for lunch tomorrow.

By the time I got back to my apartment, my dogs were barking and I was pretty dehydrated. I spent the rest of the day doing some wedding stuff, relaxing and reading my assignments for class tomorrow. I have a ton to read for class on Wednesday though and hope I'll have enough time tomorrow night to do that before my 7:00 a.m. Wednesday wake up call. That's gonna hurt!

I'm back in Jerusalem on Thursday though, to take care of some apartment stuff, and now that I've decided to entertain this Shabbos I also have to figure out the menu. Buggy's Aunt made this amazing Asian sesame spinach salad and I want to try to replicate it for first course on Friday night. As for the rest of the menu, I want to use up what I have in my house instead of buying new because I'm not sure how many more opportunities I'll have to entertain before the wedding. That means I'll probably be making a pie of some sort, cooking up the gfilta fish and maybe making something with the crushed pinapples (Hawaiian chicken perhaps?). Oh well, I have some time to deal with that until cooking commences on Thursday.

I can't wait for this semester to finally be over!

Gay Cowboys

Sorry for the title but I was strapped with an appropriate title for this post and then, on my HOT cable, came a commercial for Brokeback Mountain. I've seen this movie already but Israeli's will get their opportunity to watch it on TV this coming Friday night. Oh well, I'm going to please g-d be entertaining again so I guess I'll miss the second viewing.

Its been quite a busy few days! I begged El Jeffe for a ride to Jerusalem on Tuesday afternoon and, true to form, I arrive at Buggy's parents house a few minutes before candlelighting. The ride was a lot of fun though, with Nechama, Rachel and Oren sharing the trek. I sat with Buggy's apple pie and low-fat cheese cake on my lap the entire way to Jerusalem, and was thrilled that at least El Jeffe kept the car cool enough so that it wouldn't spoil.

Shavuot night in Buggy's family is amazing! We got to his Aunt's house and she had three tables set up with bowls and platters full of anything you can image you would want to put into sushi! There were stacks of nori, platters of fresh salmon, bowls of sticky rice, caviar, wasabi, soy sauce, egg and tofu and this amazing spinach and sesame salad that was divine! Buggy and I polished off almost an entire platter of salmon by ourselves! I used some chopsticks and Buggy alternated between his fingers and a fork. We had such a good time then we were both stuffed by the time dessert came out. I asked for some tea and managed to get a bag called Hot Love, which is this amazing raspberry and vanilla flavored tea. I need to find this in Israel because it was so yummy, but it's made by a company called Pompadour and I've never seen that brand in Israel. Anyway, I was so exhausted from lack of sleep that I didn't join Buggy at any of the shiurim. I was a bit embarressed about it, but Buggy stayed up until the last shiur at 4:00 a.m. and said he learned enough for the both of us. Shavuot lunch was also really nice as we ate by family friends of my parents who were visiting their Rechavia apartment from Queens. After lunch, we both went to our own rooms and passed out. Next thing I knew, Yom Tov was over and Buggy and I were making our way to the Mall to run some errands. I felt a bit weird, celebrating only one day of Shavuot, but I quickly got over that when I booted up the Finale of Heroes. Well worth it!

Thursday was nice and hot in Jerusalem but I spent most of the day indoors as Buggy had to work. Then, around 6:00 p.m., we headed back to Tel Aviv to catch Bracha and Anat's performances at the Tel Aviv Museaum. They were absolutely incredible! Both were accompanied by the Holon orchestra on pieces by Mendelsohn and Bach and then Bracha and Anat closed off the night with an incredible solo duo. It was magical! Buggy and I had stars in our eyes as we left the museaum.

And then, Friday, is was back to Jerusalem for the weekend. We walked to the parking lot to pick up Buggy's car and I was drenched in sweat from the heat and humidity! I need to get some more flary skirts cause it's hot in pants these days! I was looking forward to a relaxing Shabbos and then the inevitable happened. And, when I say inevitable, I mean that I'm shocked it hasn't happened already!

Buggy's parents entertained and I was helping with the soup course. For some reason, someone put the extra dining room table chair directly behind my chair so it was difficult to maneuver. And, as I was bringing one of Buggy's parents guests her bowl of soup, I tripped on the chair and spilled the soup next to her arm! She got flustered and upended the kiddish cup of red wine. I was so embarresed and I felt awful, as if I had scalded her but fortunately I missed her. And, of course Buggy's Mom was using her white tablecloth. Well, I ran into the kitchen to get a paper napkin to mop up the spill and when I got back they were pouring seltzer over the stain, which miraculously lifted up and almost disappeared (but not quite as I wasn't that lucky).

I felt awful the entire night, even though Buggy tried to make me feel better about it. His parents and the other guests were really nice about it too, but I still felt really bad. I didn't sulk though, but I did spend the entire meal apologizing to this woman. I wouldn't have felt so bad but she made some comment that because of me, she was scared Buggy's parents wouldn't invite her back. It was a mean comment, she should have just let it go, but by saying what she did it just rubbed the whole thing in. Anyway, I told Buggy I no longer help when it comes to soup. I am good with the stuff that doesn't spill and stain - like bottles of closed soda and the salt.

Shabbat day was really nice, we ate by his brother's apartment in Katamon so at least we got in a bit of a walk and got to bond with the kids. It was really hot though and when we got back to his parents house, I was sweaty! We patted ourselves on the back for making it in the heat and then both went to sleep again. We do a lot of sleeping when we're at his parents place, and spend more time alone in separate beds then we do together! We both practically slept through Shabbos and then on Saturday night we went BACK to the Mall so that we could buy a birthday card and take out some money.

And that's when I found out about the invitations for the wedding. So, the people doing the invitations for us are really wonderful folk. So much so, that they offered to have their daughter bring the Israel and Europe invitations to Israel for us for free, as she was coming to the Holy Land for the Chag. Well, of course I was thrilled with her offer, and kept waiting to get the call to pick them up. The call came really early on friday morning, when she called to let us know that El Al lost her daughter's luggage and somehow the invitations went to Rome. Fortunately, they found our now Italian invites and they were delivered safe and sound to Ramat Beit Shemesh. Now, all Buggy and I have to do is make arrangements to go get them.

They could have been delivered to Eilat, I'm just so thrilled that they are in this Country and in one piece! I can't wait to see the invitations too, it will make the proximity of the wedding that much closer!

This morning, I met with my Kallah teacher for my very first Kallah lesson. It was a little unnerving meeting with her in a public restaurant in Jerusalem, but we really have no other choice in the matter. So, we met and spent almost two hours together! My Kallah teacher is a lovely French/Israeli woman who is married to a Rabbi in one of the Yishuvim. She is very sweet and her English was excellent, which was an initial concern of mine. Anyway, I was so flustered though about the topic that when I offered to pay for the bill and went to sign the check, I completely forgot to leave a tip! I am so embarressed, especially since we plan on meeting at this same location for the rest of my lessons! Hopefully, next time I'm in Jerusalem I'll be able to swing by and give the waitress a tip. She worked hard and didn't deserve the accidental shaft.

After the Kallah classes, I walked over to the El Al office and waited on the long line to convert my open ticket to a scheduled flight. They were pretty efficient and pretty soon I wasn't waiting for the El Al folks but for Buggy, who was stuck in traffic on King George street on his way to pick me up. We had a very quick lunch and then he dropped me off at the Tachanah with my huge knapsac. I told him that I wanted to walk from the Arlozorov bus station to my apartment and he warned me that my bag was too heavy. He said it was roughly the same weight as an Israeli Army radio and that I should be careful. Well, that just sounded like a big challenge for me and since I had equal distribution on the knapsac straps, I was excited about the prospect. I filled up my water bottle and got ready for the trek.

When I got the gate for the 480 bus, I saw the huge line and immediately joined the que. Well, I missed the 3:00 p.m. bus because it was too full but managed to be the fourth person in line for the next bus. I waited patiently with everyone on the line, sandwhiched between two sweaty and smelly gentelman but holding my breath so it wouldn't bother me. And then, out of nowhere, this woman with a shaitel and designer handbag tried to cut the line. Well, another woman on the line wasn't having it, so she started to yell at this woman to go to the back of the line. There are way too many times that this has happened to me, and so I was happy that this woman was making a statement. And boy were they going at it. The shaitel woman was screaming back that she could cut whenever she wanted to and no one could tell her what she could or could not do. Meanwhile, the shaitel woman had a daughter with her, a teenager with a pouchy tummy sucking on what looked like an iced lemonade. Well, next thing I know, the bus pulls up and suddenly this daughter had elbowed her way past ME and was pushing her way onto the bus. The woman screaming at the shaitel lady was saying she was going to go report her and the shaitel lady told her to go ahead. I looked up at the young girl, and watched as she smiled - she SMILED! - at her Mother and told her to just ignore the "crazy" woman and get on the bus. Well, I was now pretty pissed because this girl cut me in line. It was the principle of the matter! And what was worse was that she wore the garb of someone who is "frum" and acted like a complete pig.

I got my ticket and made my way to the back of the bus, taking a seat diagonal from the girl, who was waiting for her Mother to get on the bus.

I put my bag onto the seat and asked her: Are you dati?

She asked me why I wanted to know that information?

I said, you look dati based on the way you're dressed. And I asked her a second time.

Again, she asked me why I wanted to know.

So I told her that she should be absolutely ashamed as a religious girl that she acted in such a way. I told her that what she did was a terrible Chilul Hashem! And then I switched to English, because it's much easier for me to speak in English, and I just let it all come out. I said how disgusting her behavior was and how terrible it was that she did what she did with a big smile on her face.

I didn't talk long because I saw that nothing I said hit home, she still had that big assed smile on her face. It was so ugly, she was so ugly. I was so ashamed to be religious and, at that moment, was ashamed of this woman and her daughter. I wanted to tell this woman that she failed as a Mother, that she raised such a child without the basic Derech Eretz. I wanted to rip her shaitel off her head because it represents Tzinut and she acted in a manner that was not modest. But mostly, I wanted someone to come and force them off the bus because even in Israel there are rules in which you must abide by.

But instead, I pulled out my iPod and plugged myself in. I looked out the window at the beautiful scenery flanking Highway 1 and watched the green roll away as we headed towards Tel Aviv. And, once we got to the bus station, I walked all the way home carrying the 50+ pound knapsac. I arrived soaked through with sweat but feeling relaxed and refreshed, happy that I didn't keep my opinions inside to fester and that I told the girl how I felt.

I'm tired but I'm forcing myself to stay up because Office Space will be on TV in a few minutes. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day running some more Aliyah related errands. Namely, I have to go back to the Student Authority to hopefully get the signoff on my paper which will reimburse me for my tuition. Then, depending on the time, it's off to Macabi to have a chat with the Office Manager about how they've been stealing money from me for every single month since the day I signed up with them. Here's hoping I won't need a lawyer when I'm done.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day in the States and I hope everyone enjoys the Parade, supports our Troops still fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, eats LOTS of BBQ and soaks up the sun either in Central Park or on the Beach in the Hamptons!

Strike Over!

The strike is finally over! That means, it's back to waking up at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday mornings so that I can make it to class on time. I have no idea what the terms were, nor do I necessarily care, but if everyone is happy then good. Of course, extending the semester by an entire month doesn't make ME happy. In fact, at this rate, my Philosophy final will probably be scheduled for the day of the wedding. And, while I'm sure everyone really enjoyed the nice long break between Pesach and Shavuot, I was actually looking forward to NOT having to go to school in June/July so I could concentrate on other important things like wedding and moving.

Oh well, really nothing I can do about it so I'll just sit back and see what happens. Of course, now I actually have to go and do the reading for class on Wednesday. Oy.

Today was a quiet and semi-productive day. I cleaned out my fridge and did some light housekeeping, ran some pharmacy errands and then had a minor melt-down. Unfortunately for Mom, she once again bore the brunt of it. I'm tired people. Just really, really tired and last night I was so overtired that I didn't sleep. Not at all. When Buggy called me at 9:30 to wake me, I felt like I had just fallen asleep! I begged him to let me snooze a bit but the damage was done and I got up a few minutes later.

I needed a walk and since Tel Aviv is nice and hot but not humid (yet, you know this will be coming soon and with a vengence) so I left my apartment and started to amble. Only, I don't really know how to amble. Living in Manhattan kinda beats that out of you, and so I took off and somehow found myself in front of a salon. I looked at my greasy hair, pulled back into a tight ponytail, and decided why not? I deserve to do something nice for me...And I went in and got myself a blow out, or a Fan as they call it here in Israel. Yotam did a very nice job, even leaving some wave so that I have a little bounce to the strands, and I walked out feeling a little more human. I can't really do much about the bags under my eyes. Hopefully I'll have enough time to put on some makeup before Shavuot starts.

It's weird to me to be celebrating only one day of Shavuot. I don't think I'm staying up at all this year - I'm just way too sleep deprived to try that - but Buggy is going to pull the all nighter. He had already mapped out where shiurim he wants to go to and I keep dreaming about hitting the sheets and calling it a night. And, while all my friends and family will be spending the second day celebrating the Chag and gorging themselves on cheesecake, Buggy and I will have lots of errands to run.

El Jeffe just called to let me know that he's not coming to pick me up before 5:00 so I'm thinking that gives me plenty of time to get a quick nap in. It would be nice not to bite Buggy's head off out of exhaustion. Poor guy - sometimes I think he's a real Saint for sticking with me.

Chag Sameach! Good luck to all you lactose intolerant folks out there and Cousin Neil - this means you!! Don't forget the Lactaid pills!

Stiff Peaks

It was American day at my laundramat this afternoon and it was a blast. By the time I hauled all of my dirty sheets, towels, and clothing to the crowded locale, I was pretty hot and sweaty. I was hoping the place would be empty, since it was 11:00 a.m. on a Monday morning, but to my dismay all of the machines were taken. An elderly gentelman from Delray Beach Florida was occupying two machines, while an American woman in a skin tight tanktop and shorts (with her lovely breast tattoo on display) occupied the other two. Another gentelman, who kept more to himself with his cigarettes had the lone machine on the right while the middle machine was full, done, and no owner in sight. Of course, all I needed was one machine but I was in a predicament since there are no carts for me to put the wet clothing into. So, I had no choice but to wait, and shmooze with the folks doing laundry.

Finally, in strolled in a barefoot, tall, tan Lithuanian complete with peeling nose and a bright aqua towel slung over his shoulders. Beads of water dotted his back and I kept waiting for them to just roll right off but, in the Tel Aviv sun, they just magically absorbed into his skin. I told him that we were waiting for almost 30 minutes for him to claim his clothing, and he told me that I should have just dumped his wet clothing anywhere. Then he said that life was too short for anything but sex and swimming. The Floridian asked me if he heard the Lithuanian correctly and I said yes, he did, and went back to reading my book. The Lithuanian apologized and I told him it was okay, and that I appreciated the apology. Then I loaded in all my stuff and waited with the rest.

The good thing about putting in the laundry into the machine last is that I get pre-wearmed dryers, which means less money to dry my clothes. When the Lithuanian was finally finished with his dryer, he asked me if I was from New York. I said yes, I was, and then he walked out of the laundromat. Before he left, he turned around and said, he could tell a New Yorker from miles away because "I looked cool".

Don't know what that means but ok.

Anyway, I got my laundry all done and made it back to my apartment with plenty of time to do the rest of the things on today's to-do list. After I put everything away and remade my bed, I sat down with my recipe book and planned out my shopping and cooking. I decided to make Buggy a special cheesecake for Shavuot, especially since he can't eat any cheese that's above 5%. I was also going to make an apple pie for Buggy's Aunt, since we are going to be eating Shavuot dinner with them. As I was walking towards the Supersol, I called Buggy to check in and he warned me that all cheese products would now be 75% more expensive because of Shavuot. I was outraged - that's extortion! Had I know, I would have gone cheese shopping a few days ago! Anyway, I wasn't unhappy to find that prices for cheeses were really reasonable and I stocked up.

I'm still having issues with the whole grams, pounds, ounces conversion and so I walked out of SuperSol with 6 tubs of light cream cheese and 5 tubs of 5% sour cream. I got home and started working on the apple pie, which took me no time at all to get into the over. Then, I sat down with my cheesecake recipe and the internet and tried to figure everything out. Turns out, I overestimated ingredients by 4 tubs of cream cheese and 2 1/2 tubs of sour cream. But, since the expiration date isn't for another few weeks, I'm hoping to use it in other recipes for Buggy.

Now, I have to admit, I'm a bit distracted these days. and so by the time I finished separating out the whites from the yolks I forget that I was supposed to whip the whites up first. Of course, I started with the yolks and before cleaning the beaters, went to work on whipping up the whites. I kept whipping and whipping and whipping and no stiff peaks! So, I did what I always do when I mess up with cooking, I called Mom. She told me to throw out the whites and start again because there was no way they would form stiff peaks! Oy, what a waste of 5 yolks and 5 egg whites!

Well, I finally finished the new batter and then had to figure out the oven conversion. See, this recipe calls for 12 minutes at 500 degrees F and then 50 minutes at 250 degrees F. But, my oven works on Celsius only and so I had to do that conversion first. I enlisted Buggy's help for that because my Internet went down and I couldn't access my favorite conversion site. Sadly, it took more than 6 hours to bake 2 cheesecakes! I really hope Buggy likes them so that I'll feel like the time was all worth it.

Tomorrow is going to be a quiet day and I'm hoping to be able to get to the Ministry of Students before I have to pack and get to Jerusalem for Shavuot. I'm thinking about staying up Shavuot night, Buggy is defnitely going to stay up the whole time but he knows what he's going to do. I don't think 7 hours of Hebrew lecturers is going to work for me. We'll see - I can at least start by going to one of the lectures.

At the Carwash...

These building in Bayit Vegan is what Buggy refers to as the eyesore of Jerusalem. I wish I had a picture of this during the day, these buildings are absolutely bizarre. And you can just imagine how much it costs to live in the row of connecting apartments up top. With the views of Jerusalem, I'm sure we're talking well over a million.

So, I spent majority of Thursday and Friday in the kitchen and running errands. I went to three different supermarkets looking for salsa so I could make the taco salad for El Jeffe's meal. Then, it was back to my apartment to grill the tuna for the tuna salad nicoise, roast the vegetables, steam the string beans, roast the potatoes, make the sesame teriyaki and barbecue chicken and make sure the apartment was clean and ready for Shabbat before Buggy came from Jerusalem. By the time Buggy finally walked through the door, I was pretty much done with everything and absolutely wiped. He was hungry so I told him to help himself to anything in the fridge. I went to my bedroom to put away some of the clothing that I had laid out on the bed and Buggy followed me, chomping on a pickle. I asked him where he got the pickle, and he told me the container on the top of my fridge. I grimaced. And told him that those were the pickles that fell on the floor that I never got around to throwing out. He looked at me like I had two heads and then started ticking down the food-related "issues" I've caused him since the beginning of our courtship.

First, it was the laxative chocolates. He forgave me for that because I ate them too and was sick right along with him. Then it was the whole wheat pasta, which I told him he's going to have to get used to cause I'm saying goodbye to white pasta. After that, it was the Fiber One chicken that apparently had him really sick to his stomach. And now, I was feeding him dirty pickles!

I explained that the pickles fell out of the fridge late one night and rather than leave them to rot and smell up my garbage, I put them back in the container and made a mental note to throw them out the following day. Umm, so I just forgot to throw them out.

Anyway, we watched some Harry Potter Goblet of Fire before it was time for Shabbat. The meal at El Jeffe's was so nice, it was just really great being able to talk to new people and drink with friends. Buggy walked me home and I was tettering on my flip-flops from all the Glenfiddich. The next day, I slept in and then Buggy came by for kiddish/lunch. It was the first time I've made a zucchini bread since the famous Zucchini Bread Incident of 1996, and I was really nervous. Buggy loved it! And, as he read some more of his book, I whistled a happy tune and made the tuna salad nicoise dressing. It was good except I dried out the tuna. Otherwise, I assembled everything so nicely, even Chef Rob would have been proud! We finished lunch and spent the rest of the day relaxing and reading. I did some reading for class next week and Buggy plowed through the rest of the newest Lord of the Rings novels.

Saturday night, we decided to go to Buggy's friends in Givat Zeev for Melavah Malka and a movie. Since I made so many apple cinnamon muffins (the low-calorie ones his nutritionist gave me the recipe for), I brought over 6 fresh ones and we took the Harry Potter movie. For some reason though, by the time we got there, I was absolutely exhausted. We ended up only staying for a few hours and watching half of the movie, because Buggy and I continued on to his parents house in Jerusalem.

We unpacked quickly, washed up, and then went to our separate bedrooms. Unfortunately, my bedroom came equipped with my very own mosquito! Man, these Jerusalem mosquito's are absolutely relentless. I padded into Buggy's bedroom to wake him up at 9:00 and show him all of my bites, but he begged me for a few more hours of sleep, and so I took his DVD player and watched the rest of Harry Potter.

Buggy left me for about an hour to attend his third Shiur Chatan - I still haven't started Kallah classes - and I just hung out and surfed the net. He picked me up around 1:00 and that's when the marathon of errands began. We went over to the Malcha Mall so Buggy could wash him car, and the dust in the air started to suffocate me. I was having some trouble breathing, so Buggy put the air on in the car and let me sit and breath while we went through the car wash. We went inside the mall and just ran a few errands, including getting Buggy a new wallet (his broke) and grabbing a bite to eat. Since Buggy has so much work due for school tomorrow, he dropped me off early at the Tachanah and I was able to get on the 4:30 p.m. bus back to Tel Aviv. Unfortunately for me, I had the Israeli version of a Big Gulp of Diet Coke at lunch and my bladder started hurting before we even hit the Ayalon highway.

We pulled into the Arlozorov station and I was doing the dance in my chair, desperate to get out and get moving...to the nearest bathroom. Unfortunately for me, my apartment is a good 40 minute walk from the Arlozorov bus station. I don't think I've ever done that walk as fast but somehow, I made it back to the apartment in time.

It's already 11:30 p.m. and I'm contemplating making the apple pie for Shavuot now. I'm excited about tomorrow, I have to do laundry desperately (I'm down to 1 pair of Granny panties) and I'm going to make Buggy a low-fat, low-calorie cheese cake for Shavuot. Also, my friend Bracha is in town and Buggy and I got tickets to her sold-out performance at the Tel Aviv Museaum on Thursday night! I cannot wait to see her! I haven;t seen her since before we got engaged, and she is such a brilliant violinist, I know the concert is going to be spectacular!

Song of the day is anything off of the Arctic Monkey's Favorite Worst Nightmare CD.

Sushi and Yom Yerushalayim

So, I moderate the responses to my blog because sometimes people write things that are just plain dumb. Someone posted on my most recent post - describing my situation in Israel - that I should "quit whining and get a life". Hmm, I just wish the person who wrote that would have the eggs to identify themselves. Saying something like that under the veil of anonymity is so cowardly, I would have had tremendous respect for the person with that very same comment who at least owned up to it.

Moving on...

Slightly Mad tagged me the other day and so I wanted to take this time to respond to the tag. Unfortunately, I don't really know any of the other blogs I read, so I can't pay the tag forward and so the buck's gonna stop here. Anyway, the tag is to list out the five favorite places I like to it in my location. But, since I shuttle back and forth between New York, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, I'm going to list my 5 favorite sushi restaurants.

1) Sushi Samba 7 - By far my favorite sushi restaurant in Manhattan. Located on 7th Avenue South right below Christopher Street (convenient to the 1,9 trains), I started going here way before Samantha had a date at this locale on one infamous Sex and the City episode. It's all in the spicyness of the sushi, and put a jalapeno with my spicy tuna roll and I'm in heaven. Couple my sushi with the Emerald Forest drink - which is loaded with rum and is green people - and it's a fantastic night out at a botte in Gotham. In the summer, the restaurant is packed with people who like to be seen and people to see. Book reservations way in advance and try to get a table on the roof deck, it's worth it.

2) Choshi - This little known sushi restaurant on Irving Street, across the way from Friends of a Farmer (a well known brunch place that is absolutely packed on Sundays in the summer), I am always shocked at how consistently good the sushi is. Freshness if key, and every time I went for a pre-drinks dinner at the corner shop, I was impressed with the sushi quality. Also, their sake collection is vast and, if you like cold sake, they have some incredible plum flavored brands that are perfect with edemame and an avocado/tuna roll.

3) Yoko Ono - Located near the Bursa, this is by far my favorite restaurant in Tel Aviv! Forget the fact that Buggy and I had our second date here, the sushi is terrific, the prices are reasonable and the ambiance is great. It's a perfect romantic spot for an intimate dinner, and also casual enough for an evening with the girls. The wait staff is really friendly, and the wait is practically non-existent. I highly recommend their sorbet for dessert too, because there is nothing better than washing down some great sushi with a nice passionfruit sorbet.

4) Sushi Running - Ok, ok, technically this is not in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or New York but the Herziliya sushi restaurant was surprisingly good! Located away from the hotel strip, these restaurant features the conveyer belt bar, where the sushi chefs put out plates of varied sushis for patrons to grab at will. This is a lot of fun if you're in the mood to play "guess what we're eating". But, if you want something a bit more formal, there is both an outdoor and indoor eating area. The menu was vast and they had some interesting appetitzers. I personally love sushi that comes with some tempura, but did not find that on their menu. Nevertheless, I was able to mix and match and basically create my own inside out roll, which was great!

5) Yama - Back down on Irving in Manhattan, Yama is the restaurant where the food really does live up to the reputation. Located off the beaten path, you have to really look for the sign of you might walk right past it, the cramped quarters gives way to an intimate dinner atmosphere where people are gorging themselves on sushi and sashimi. The sushi here had such smooth rice that it almost dripped down my throat like liquid, which was a pretty incredible sensation. Since the down-downtown Yama tends to get overcrowded, with lines out the door, I recommend skipping the sceney spot for this locale, where the sushi is just as good if not better.

Today was Yom Yerushalayim and somehow, Buggy and I ended up in Jerusalem not once but twice! I have never seen the flag parade before, although I think I did participate in it during my year in Israel. I don't remember much from 1995 - it was a while ago - but I do remember marching with friends from the Tachanah down towards the Old City, through the Arab shuk and to the Kotel with hundreds and hundreds of people. It was such an amazing experience, I wish I could remember more of it. Anyway, Buggy and I made it through the thousands of high school students gathering at Gan Saccer with their flags and back to his folks house to get ready for tonight's party. We had a family function in Beit Shemesh that we had to get ready for, and it was nice and wet. Apparently, it poured in Jerusalem for a few hours. They even reported some spots of hail in the area! Buggy and I had a gorgeous, sunny day in Tel Aviv. Sadly, his car is still covered in the dust from the dust storm and the woman at the gas station remarked that his car looked terrible. Meanwhile, everyone else driving around in Jerusalem looked like they just had their cars washed at the car wash. I promised Buggy we'd go to the mall to get his car washed.

The drive to Beit Shemesh was nice and quick and we were only 45 minutes late to the party. Then I did something stupid, Buggy got mad, we had words, and I apologized. I then spent the rest of the evening feeling bad about what I did, and so I offered to drive back to Jerusalem with Buggy so we could discuss and work things out. He dropped me off at the Central Bus Station around 10:15 and I was soon batteling a throng of pre-and-post-peubescent kids trying to make it back to Tel Aviv. At one point on the crowded bus (the kids were sitting in the aisles that's how crowded the bus was!), I felt like this crotchety old man who had no patience for the chattering and singing of these little kids. I don't know how that happened, I used to have so much patience. I really need to work on that.

Anyway, tomorrow will be back to the government with the rest of my Aliyah issues. I'm saving the fight with Maccabi though until Buggy can come with me. I want to make sure someone who is fluent in Hebrew is on my side during what is bound to be a hell of a fight.

Layla Tov and Chag Sameach!

My Big Fat Miserable Aliyah Experience

My cousin in Florida called this afternoon to make sure I'm okay, saying that since I haven't updated the blog in a while nor been phone accesible, he was concerned. Don't mean to worry anyone out in the blogosphere, just dealing with my own private hell.

See this photo, doesn't it get you right in the gut? Maybe bring a tear to your eye? Perhaps a little niggle of guilt for not being on the plane towards Israel to realize your own personal Aliyah? I ripped this photo right off of the Nefesh B'Nefesh website (cmon, go ahead, come after me for copywrite infrigement, I dare you!) because I wanted everyone to see that I will never have that. Ever.

People, I had a plan. I really did. The plan was to come to Israel, get a Masters, and if I loved it here, only THEN make Aliyah. And make Aliyah through the fine folks over at Nefesh B'Nefesh, who managed to create an organization designed to support the new Olim. Well, if ONLY the person at Nefesh B'Nefesh would have told me that I shouldn't get a Teudat Zehut, and if ONLY someone at my program in Bar Ilan would have put all of the important information in place to accommodate a foreign student, if ONLY....then I wouldn't be in this predicament.

But alas, I cannot change the past. I just have to fight like hell to make sure I have a future.

Wednesday's meeting with my Absorption advisor, Lea Dvir, did not start off well. I brought all of the information the woman who called to set up the appointment a day earlier, had instructed me to bring. What she neglected to do was tell me that the bank paper I needed to bring had to have my teudat zehut number on it. Bringing three copies of past bank statements, with only my bank number on it, was not sufficient. Well, I got all angry about this because it was NOT my fault that she gave me the wrong information. Lea was not interested in my anger and so she started yelling right back at me. I fumed. She said the woman who called me was new and didn't know any better. I said that I was the one inconvenienced and would have to come back now and wait for g-d knows how long. Lea said that this was not a good way to start the meeting or our relationship. I shut up and let her continue, the anger just flowing through my body. Then I started shaking. I decided to wait and ask to speak with her advisor as soon as everything was done. I think she finally saw my shaking and tried to soften her position. Either way, we managed to get through the meeting. She gave me the information I required, and told me that they would in fact provide me with the back payments for my Sal Klita (absorption basket) and that the money should show up in my account within the week. She handed me a calendar, and we went through everything I need to do now in order to get everything set up. At this point, I decided not to ask to speak with her supervisor or to complain. It was pointless, it would get me nowhere. I just kept my mouth shut and let her do her job. She made an appointment with me for July, to check in to make sure that everything is going well, and then for August 22nd. That is 3 days after the wedding and also 364 since my official Aliyah date. She needs to physically see me that morning in order to provide me with the final grant payment of around 1500 shekel. So, at 10:00 a.m. three days after the wedding, Buggy and I will have to be in Tel Aviv bright and early for the meeting. I'm not looking forward to it.

So, I left the Ministry of Absorption and walked downstairs to the Ministry of Students to discuss the fact that, as an Olah Chadasha, I am eligible for financial assistance on my Masters because I started the program before I turned 30. After 30, they do not provide any financial assistance. I walked in and had a meeting with Michael, the first available representative. I told him my sob story and he was sympathetic and he understood. He said he would do whatever he could to help me. I was extremely appreciative. And then he told me what needed to be done and what needed to be done within a span of 5 days. Apparently, the budget for this year was closing on May 14th. That meant, I had to get everything in to him by that date, or I will miss the cut off. I needed to get him an official transcript, a signed letter by a lawyer (over at the courthouse mind you) that stated I did not get a second degree at another institution, a copy of my acceptance letter into the program, a copy of my acceptance letter into the Master program, my teudat zehut, my teudat oleh and anything else that would help make my case. Well, I do not have an official copy of my diploma or transcript but Bar Ilan does, so we made some calls and someone in the English department faxed him the information. Then, it was a matter or pulling the rest together. I had to leave it for Sunday, the courthouse, as I had lots more to do.

I ran back to my apartment and found the right piece of paper from the bank, and then went back to the Ministry of Absorption. It was now lunchtime and I was close to tears, because she wouldn't open the doors again for 2 more hours. Fortunately, the security guard thought I was Russian and he took pity on me and called Lea. She let me come up with the paper and now, all I have to do is wait for the money to be deposited into my account.

I quickly hailed a cab and headed over to Bituach Leumi, the National Insurance Agency, and after spending 25 shekel discovered that they were closed.

This was not my day.

In fact, they are only open 3 days a week and I had to come back on Thursday! Lord have mercy on me.

I woke up bright and early on Thursday morning and headed back to Bituach Leumi. It was steamy and humid and I was exhausted from stress and lack of sleep, but I made it and joined the long lines of people waiting to get in. I was given a number and told to wait downstairs with tons of people. An hour and a half later, I fought my way to the front when my number was up. I didn't get this, people don't adhere to the numbers! I was vigilant, and yelled when a man who came 10 numbers behind me cut the line. He didn't show his number, he just went about his business. He got pissy when another woman demanded that he cut the line and threw his pen down on the table. I was happy he was having a fit, he deserved it. Who did he think he was? Anyway, I elbowed my way past him and handed my number and form to the woman behind the desk.

Who informed me that I was waiting on the wrong line.

The breath left my body quickly, like someone punched me in the stomach. Was she for real? Apparently, I was supposed to be upstairs. So was the German guy, who spoke no English, standing next to me. She wrote us notes and then escorted us upstairs, where another large line waited for us. This time, I cut the entire line. I waved my note in front of annoyed and frustrated faces like it was the Golden Ticket and I sat in front of the woman who explained to me the entire aspect of Health Insurance.

And how I owed the Israeli government almost 1,000 shekel in back pay.

Huh?

I didn't understand, I've been paying Maccabi 450 shekel a month as an outsider and here she's telling me I owe THEM money? How could that be?

She said it was Chaval (unfortunate) that I was being screwed by Maccabi, but I owed the government money because they were covering me since my Aliyah date. They asked me to give them a credit card right then and there, and then handed me 5 pages of Hebrew forms to fill out.

I started crying, I couldn't believe I had to part with more money! I said to the man that I didn't even know that he was covering me! He said to me, well, do I pay car insurance only after my car is stolen.

What a jerk.

I called Buggy out of class and told him he needed to help me. I put him on the phone with all the people behind the big desks who hadn't a clue. And he spoke to them and then told me what I needed to do. So, together, we filled out the forms. I sat on the floor and read the forms in my broken Hebrew, people looking at me as I stumbled over vowels and letters and pronunciations. Finally, we managed to get through them all, and I was called back into the office. She promised me that, in one weeks time, I would get the form that I would then bring to Maccabi and stop paying them the money. Whether or not I will get the money back from Maccabi though she didn't think would happen. She told me to find myself a good lawyer.

Oh, I have every intention of getting a lawyer if Maccabi won't reimburse me on the money they've been stealing from me!

I ran back to my apartment miserable with the whole experience and then waited for the 61 bus to take me to the bus to Jerusalem. I was going to Jerusalem for the night because Buggy and I needed to take care of benchers for the wedding. We were going to go to Miller's in Meah Shearim, and I was insistent that it happen since we've been trying to order the benchers for MONTHS!

Buggy picked me up at the bus station and I was tired, wet, cold and miserable. He was hungry and we both had to take out money, so I put my knapsac on my back and we walked from the parking lot down the steps to the Bank HaPoalim on King George Street. The one underneath Lev Yerushalayim.

Well, I still don't know how this happened, but one minute I was following Buggy across the slick stones and the next minute, I was down on the ground. My New Balance sneakers don't get good traction on Jerusalem stone and my feet just buckled. I went down hard on my right knee and almost tore a hole in my khaki pants. I remember Buggy's feet as he raced back to help me up. And then I just cried. And cried. And cried. And told Buggy I wanted to go home - to America - and that I wanted my Mommy.

What a pathetic sight. A grown, 30 year old woman crying in the arms of her fiance for her Mother. I limped towards the ATM and tried to stop the tears, people were staring at me. My pants were full of dirt and mud and I had no idea what condition my knee was in.

We hobbled towards the restaurant and took a table. I pulled up my pants and saw the damage and tried to look at the bright side. Nothing was broken.

But, there was no way we were going to Meah Shearim that afternoon. We ran a few smaller errands that night, picking up a birthday present for Buggy's older brother at the mall and going out for dinner at Pizza Hut. I needed the pizza people, I needed the comfort food to help get me through the day.

Friday was a nice day and it led into an even nicer weekend. Buggy and I just relaxed in Tel Aviv. I cooked all afternoon, making honey sesame salmon, fiber 1 chicken thighs (I do not recommend these, but it was a new recipe and I figured why not), grilled chicken breast, steamed string beans with hot lemon vinegrette, a fruit salad and two other fresh salads. We had a wonderful Shabbat together, it was as if nothing else in life existed. We both read, took a long walk on the boardwalk and through the Namal, and then on Saturday night we went to see a lousy movie (Sunshine) before Gaby left and I passed out.

And then Sunday came, and I had to resume dealing with the government. Only this time, Buggy was coming with me to act as interpreter. We left for the courthouse at 1 Weizman fairly early and made our way through security. I didn't know what to expect but we headed over to the information booth and explained what we needed. For 41 shekel, the lawyer on duty was going to fill out the form that confirmed I never did a second degree in the States. We got the form and went to fill it out and wait on line when we were intercepted by a man claiming to be a lawyer. He took us to a bar in the back of the lobby and said he would fill out the form for the fee. I was skeptical and asked to see his ID. Once Buggy confirmed he was legit, I told him what needed to be written and he filled it out. He fished a stamp out of his pants pocket, took my money, and was on his way.

Shady but legit. Buggy said that it was because there is a glut of lawyers in this country with no jobs and this was his way of making quick cash. Whatever, I didn't care, as long as it was done.

Then we got back to the apartment, I packed up food for Buggy for the week, and we went back to Jerusalem to try our luck with the benchers again. On our way, we had some drama with the apartment we'll be living in P"G after the wedding, and that waylaid us from our schedule. With that fire smoldering, we managed to make our way back to Meah Shearim. We missed the turn and decided to park all the way up the heel from Kikar Shabbat. No big deal going there because it was down hill, but it would be a pain to climb that hill on the way back to the car. Plus, we were racing against the clock. I felt like Jack Bauer on a mission, I was racing the clock for the Ministry of Students and now, Buggy needed to get me out of Jerusalem before the big Beitar match started. Long story, but basically, the big soccer game of the season and the really rich Russian man rented out Gan Saccer and was holding a free viewing and carnival for Jerusalem Beitar fans. They were expecting thousands and the streets would be jammed. Buggy needed to get me to the Bus Station before they closed the streets, and time was running out.

We finally found Millers and spoke to Mrs. Miller about the order. We picked the same bencher as Buggy's sister's and went through mincha/maarvi's as well.

And then she told us the price and we were both shocked! It was well over $1,000! Not thinking that either of our parents would want to spend that kind of money on benchers, Buggy and I packed it in and made our way back up the hill. I managed to get to the bus station in time before they closed the streets and got back to Tel Aviv right after sunset.

Today was another exhausting day. I went back to the Ministry of Students with all the information he asked for, and he started my file and wrote the letterI need to take to the University to be refunded my money. I will be entiteld to 13,000 shekel a YEAR and that's not chump change folks. But, before I could get the paper, his boss needed to sign off on it officially. However, she was called "upstairs" and he didn't know when she would be back. I had to wait.

2 hours later, she finally returned, looking nonplussed and refreshed. I thought I was going to be on my way, and then Michael told me that we had a problem. I have to provide her with additional information in order to get the official sign off from them. And, it's not going to be easy to get, as I have to work with the people at Bar Ilan and they have NOT been at all helpful. This will be another nightmare, but for 26,000 shekel, I am not willing to let it go. I will have to deal with it all tomorrow.

If you've managed to read this whole blog posting, I say congratulations to you! Thanks for sticking with me these days. I've been through the ringer and it's much appreciated.

For my non-Israeli readers, PLEASE learn from my mistakes. MAKE ALIYAH WITH NEFESH B'NEFESH. OR, if you have an Israeli parent, DO NOT GET A TEUDAT ZEHUT unless you know for a fact you want to make Aliyah. Otherwise, you're life will start to resemble mine and that ain't pretty!

As far as the people over at Nefesh B'nefesh are concerned, I'm not that impressed anymore. As soon as Erica in the Israel office heard that I had a Teudat Zehut, my phone calls for help were never returned. I guess since I won't be counting in their PR campaign, as another body for their big photo op when the planes arrive chock full of people, they don't care about being helpful. And as a veteran publicist, I know just how important that photo op is.

Oh, and before I sign off, I want to recommend the book The Kite Runner. I know I'm at least 5 years too late, but I picked this book up on Buggy's mother's bookshelf and it was a terrific read. Helps put my entire experience in perspective.

As my Mom said to me the other day: At least I have my health and my man.

Amen.

Some Kind of Wonderful

Buggy admitted to me, the other day, that he has never seen some of the classic movies of the 1980's and 1990's. It started off innocently, him asking me about the song St. Elmo's Fire. When I responded about the movie, I drew a blank stare. I immediately fired off the rest of the Brat Pack pcictures: Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, Breakfast Club, The Outsiders, Red Dawn, etc. I threw in some classic John Cusack films too: Say Anything and Better off Dead ("I want my two dollars!") and still I got nothing. Weird Science? Nope. Some Kind of Wonderful? Nu-ah.

D'ya know John Hughes?

Who?

Oy - I know what Buggy is getting as a present in the Yichud room, a DVD collection of classic John Hughes movies. I guess that's what happens when you grow up watching Jordanian TV!

And speaking of John Hughes movies, I came across the following blurb in yesterday's New York Daily News Rush & Molloy gossip column.



And the Tribeca Film Festival award for least-pampered auteur goes to ... Mary Stuart Masterson. "Isn't that pretty," "The Cake Eaters" director said to her publicist when she received a rosy cocktail at the film's premiere party at Star Lounge. Then, to the flack, "You don't have to hold it for me. You're not my tray.

Now that is a celebrity who is clearly a human being. Go Watts!

Today has been a quiet day. I made an executive decision this morning to skip school, especially with the student strike now going on day 25. I wasn't feeling all that great when I woke up this morning, and since the e-mail chain from my classmates weren't very encouraging, I decided to take a pass. It's not like I have nothing to do! I've never been this busy in my entire life.

First, I had to go to the ATM and take out money to pay Itai my half of the bills this month. Of course, it's a ridiculously high amount of money but I have no choice, I have to pay it. Then, I made my way over to Supersol to pick up some food for the week and through Shabbos. Buggy is coming to Tel Aviv for the weekend, and so I planned the menu. Since it's supposed to be nice and warm this weekend, I want to keep the meals light. I'm going with a saucy chicken on Friday night, some orzo, a cauliflower and corn kugel and some string beans in lemon vinagrette. For lunch, I'm going to make the lacquered salmon from the new cookbook Mom bought me back in January, an edemame salad, a pasta salad, a garden salad and whatever leftover kugels and chicken we have from Friday night. With some fruit and sorbet for dessert. we should be all set for the weekend.

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. I got a call from my "caseworker" at the Ministry of Absorption and I have to come down at 8:30 a.m. to meet with her! Why I have to get the really early morning appointments, I do not know, but I'm going to suck it up and drag my lazy bones out of bed. As soon as I get the ball rolling with her - which will hopefully translate in some money getting added to my bank account, I'm going to head over to the Ministry of Insurance where I will hopefully be able to work out my health insurance issues. That needs to get taken care of ASAP, cause Maccabi is taking a huge bite out of my bank account each month! By the time that's all taken care of, it will probably be way past noon, and I have writing and cooking to do tomorrow night. Thursday will be another bright and early day as I have to go to Jerusalem to deal with some banking issues and we must go to Meah Shearim to order Benchers and Mincha/Maariv's for the wedding. It's getting a little ridiculous already!

As for the rest of my day today, I'm going to start working on my next story which is due out in class in 2 weeks, and I have to write a new business proposal. Here's hoping everyone is taking it easy in the Tel Aviv heat!

Spidey and the Bonfires

Last night, the air in Jerusalem was so thick with smoke that you absolutely choked with every, single breath. Happy Lag Baomer everyone! That means, the really religious today are headed up North to Meron to cut their 3-year-old's hair, people are finally able to listen to live music and go to movies, and it's time to break out the new clothing.

Last night, Buggy and I decided to buck the trend and stay away from the bonfires. This, of course, was after I educated him on what S'mores are. Can you believe that he's never heard, much less had a S'more? Now that is Chaval! Anyway, we decided to go see Spiderman and, well, so did a lot of other people. We purchased tickets in advance though, so there was no fear we'd be sold out of the flick. Anyway, the movie was okay, not amazing. Personally, I felt that Peter Parker was just too wussy in this film. I mean, he cried a LOT! I would have enjoyed it a lot more without the intense waterworks. That was too much for my taste.

By the time the movie came out, the bonfires had been burning for hours and you could barely see through the haze. We were hungry so we went back to Caffit on Emek Refaim for dinner, and we split two dishes. The portions there are absolutely massive, so we brought home doggy bags. As we were leaving the restaurant, Buggy asked me if I wanted to drive back to his parents house. Now, at first I was reluctant because he's been driving his Mother's new car, but it was 2:00 a.m. and the streets were pretty much deserted, so I gave it a go.

It was fantastic! I didn't realize how much I miss driving a car! I would have gone for a bit of a spin but again, not in Buggy's Mom's car. He promised that I can drive his car some other time, which I'm really looking forward to doing. And, since his car is a convertible, I might even drive with the top down.

Shabbos was very nice, relaxing and extremely hot! On Thursday night, Buggy drove out to Herzlia Petuach to pick me up after a Dr.'s appointment. I waited for him in the lobby of the Daniel Hotel, which had a wonderful view of the beach down below. We ended up a local sushi restaurant for dinner, before heading back to Jerusalem. Fortunately for us, the streets were completely empty. Unfortunately, the reason for the emptiness was because over 100,000 people were in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv protesting against the government. They called for the resignation of the Prime Minister and the Depense Minister, in response to the Lebanon War of Summer 2006. Personally, I don't address any political issues on this blog, but I have to say one thing. If 100,000 people show up in protest, don't you think the government should listen?

We got back to Buggy's folks house and watched an episode of Heroes before going to bed. Friday was busy but not crazy busy. We went to a couple of places, including a few pharmacies so I could fill a perscription. I had wanted to go get a pedicure with his sister, but didn't realize that you needed to make an appointment in advance. There is the difference between Israel and New York - in New York, nail salons are a dime a dozen. You can walk in at any time of day, really, and someone should be available to do your nails. My toes are in serious need of some grooming, but the earliest appointment we could get was for next Friday. So, I took matters into my own hands and just cleaned up my feet so that they were presentable in open toed shoes.

Before we knew it, it was time to light candles and for Buggy to go to shul. We ended up eating a quick dinner alone, which was nice, and then I washed the dishes and we went to sleep. We were invited to his second cousin's bar mitzvah and Buggy had promised to wake up on time but that was before my 5:30 a.m. wake up call.

So, here's what happened. I was being feasted on by a Jerusalem mosquito! I woke up at 5:30 to buzzing in my ear and an inch over my eye. I had gotten bitten already over my right eyelid and you know that mosquito was just gunning for more! He had a taste and I knew he was coming back for me. So, I walked into Buggy's room and woke him up. Poor thing, he jumped out of bed and stood at attention. I think he was having an army dream or something, but then I explained about the mosquito and pointed to my eye. He asked me what I wanted him to do, and I didn't really have an answer. I just didn't want to get bitten anymore, so I curled up onto the floor at his feet. Well, he wasn't having any of that, and there was some musical bed switching going on. Finally, at 6:00, I just went back to my own bed and prayed that the mosquito had flown away.

Because Buggy was up so early in the morning, he overslept and at 9:45 was waking me up and running out the door to get to minyan. Fortunately, I had the keys to the apartment so I was able to take my time. I had to first cover up the bug bite over my eye, which, fortunately, wasn't too swolen. I put on my suit and walked the few blocks to the bar mitzvah. People, it was HOT in Jerusalem on Shabbos and that suit was stifling! I was also one of the only people there in a suit, most were more casually attired and so I chidded to Buggy that he should have told me. Being a typical guy, he said he had no idea how women dressed and wouldn't have been helpful either way. Besides, he thought I looked good, so he was happy either way.

Next time, I go casual.

But, that brings me to an interesting incident. Somehow, and really I just don't know why this keeps on happening, but whenever I'm around his Aunts I turn into some moron. I end up saying the wrong thing, asking the wrong question, etc. and I aways feels bad about myself later. I'm going to have to really work on this cause, I'm hoping for alifetime of interaction with these women and I need to figure out how to communicate properly.

Today has been a very busy day for us! We are doing some more wedding and apartment errands. I am going back to Tel Aviv tonight because I have a lot of work to do tomorrow, both for school and for my job. It's exciting that I finally have some real work to do, and I'm looking forawrd to making some money again.

As for the student strike, well, things have taken a turn for the worse. The administration basically came out with an announcement that all students must return to class or else. The student union said that now they will go around and start locking the gates of the school so that no one can get onto campus. My program said that, if that happens, they will have to figure out another option about class.

People, if the students are going around with chains and locks, I ain't going to class! I refuse to anger a person who can easily wield a chain and take me out. I like my nose too much, and don't care about the program THAT much.

I'll keep y'all posted. As for where I am now, Buggy is working on a model for school and I'm in the office with him updating the blog. It's nice to escape the heat for a few hours, as it's really brutal out there! I'm hoping it cools down before I have to get on the bus.

Till next time....

Voracious Appetite

I have no idea what's wrong with me, but for the past two days, I've had a voracious appetite. I was starving last night when I walked back to my apartment from school. I walked from the Arlozorov station and it took a bit longer than usual since I'm a lot more tired by the end of the day. I was so hungry when I walked into my apartment that I polished off a huge hunk of Challah with 1/3 fat Chummus. Yikes! Today was pretty similar.

I woke up this morning and was thrilled to have another day off. Long live the striking students of Bar Ilan! Anyway, I had mounds of laundry to do and, after a healthy breakfast, headed to my laundromat near Gordon. All was going well, I was engrossed in the middle of Augusten Burroughs' Running with Scissors when in walked two clueless, middle age, American women. They walked right up to me and asked if I could help them with the laundry. I was shocked, since there are two huge signs in English with the instructions, but I decided to help them nonetheless. After loading the machines for them and explaining how much shekel they needed, woman #1 asked me the usual questions:

1) Are you visiting or do you live here?
2) When did you move here?
3) Where did you move from?

As soon as I answered the questions, she got down to business. She has a son (yes! a son!), who is 28 (a yungen), who just moved to Tel Aviv and is very handsome. She said this part with a wink and, for the first time ever, I smiled back and told her that I was off the market. I did a little ring wave and all of a sudden she backtracked and said, he just needs some friends. So, after what seemed like ages, I needed to find a way to shut her up and so I took her son's name and cell phone number. Fortunately, my dryer was nearing the end, so I quickly ended the conversation and got to work folding my laundry. As I was leaving the laundromat, she called after me to get in touch with her son and introduce him to some nice, young, single girlfriends!

Anyway, when I got back to my apartment I had just enough time to put away my laundry and eat a quick lunch before I had to run off to the Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of the Interior). I had to go there because this morning, when I called Misrad HaKlita (Ministry of Absorption), I was told that I could FINALLY have an appointment. Fortunately, the appointment is for 9:30 a.m. tomorrow morning. In order to officially get my paper that declares Aliyah (or return citizen since my Dad is a Sabra), I need a couple of things like my passports, my Teudat Zehut, 2 passport photos (good thing I brough 10 with me from the States!) and a piece of paper that lists when I have been in and out of the country. Interesting! I had to go to the Ministry of the Interior in order to get that piece of paper and - good for me - they were open from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. this afternoon. Now, I've been there before, and it was a 2 hour ordeal. So, this time, I brought my iPod, a book and a bottle of water. Thinking I was going to be there for at least a couple of hours, I was ready to hunker down until it was my turn. But, with no line in sight, I went up to the information desk and the woman printed out the sheet that I needed! And, just like that, I was finished. So, I decided to walk all the way back to my apartment. With the heat already starting to pour over this City, it was a sweaty more-than-a-stroll back to my apartment. By the time I got in, I was hot and sweaty, and was starving again! Maybe it's the exercise!

A couple of noshes later, and here I am, blogging while watching The Wedding Planner on Hot. I don't particularly care for this movie, but there are some fun parts so I figured why not. I'm still pretty tired from the walk, and the sky has taken on a brownish and hazy sheen. The sand from Africa has made it to our shores and it's going to be grimy and hazy for a few days. I'm hoping tomorrow won't be so bad but, just in case, I made sure my t-shirts were all clean.

It took me a while to find this photo of Julia Roberts, I've been searching the web for a couple of days. This is the gown Julia wore to the 74th Annual Academy Awards and I thought it would be a perfect gown for my future sister-in-law to wear to the wedding. Without some of the skin showing, of course, it could be extremely elegant on her.

Well, I'm off to make myself a proper dinner before it gets too late at night to be eating! Wish me luck in tomorrow's heatwave!

Heatwave

Check out my office, with my new cordless phone! Before I bought this phone, I had to sit in that chair when on the phone with the States. Now, I am able to roam around the apartment with the phone! It's a beautiful thing to be mobile people, a really beautiful thing. So, you might ask, what made me buy the new phone? Well, when I got back from Jerusalem on Sunday, I discovered the green light on my VOIP box blinking. Now, that's not a good sign as the green light needs to be steady. When I picked up the phone, I was greeted by a fast busy signal. Also, not a good sign. Fortuitously, Mom called on my Israeli cellphone and I told her the problem. I then gave her the number of my VOIP company and asked her to call them and tell them what was wrong. Within MINUTES, Mom was back on the phone with an answer. Turns out, my phone wasn't hanging up properly, and hence the need for the new phone. And with the new phone, everything works great!

Folks, I have never had experienced such great customer service and on a SUNDAY no less! If you're planning on moving to Israel, and want VOIP, I urge you to use US Voicelink. Besides the great system (blei ayin harah!) do it for the customer service alone. Just knowing that you can contact anyone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter what time or what time zone, is such a god send! And, they know their stuff people! And you want to be with a company that knows what they're doing - especially from 6,000 miles away in Israel.

Anyway, the heatwave is coming and it is going to be a scorcher! I am really happy that the student strike is on tomorrow, because I need to do my laundry before the heat comes in. At first, Weather Underground called for Thursday's highs at 104 degrees F. Now, that number absolutely freaked me out and I called Buggy and told him that I'm moving if that's a realistic number. But then, today, the website dropped the number down to the mid 90's. Still hot, but not a scary number. I can feel the heat coming, it's giving me a big headache, and I'm really happy that I have plenty of Mei Eden water in my apartment. I'm gonna drink like I'm a camel!

Today, I did something that I really not too proud of. I crossed picket lines and went to class. I felt terrible, and kept thinking about the men in front of the big rat who strike in the City. I was pretty scared going to school today, half expecting students with clipboards and bullhorns and bright red shirts and buttons to be patrolling the campus. Then Josh in my class freaked me out by saying that the Union was patrolling the school to make sure classes weren't in session. When someone accidentally opened the door to the class, my heart skipped a beat. Fortunately, it wasn't a Union member.

Today was my turn on the hot seat as the class critiqued my story. I was nervous about the piece, I wasn't really confident when I sent it out to the class, but the feedback was pretty helpful and mostly positive. I'm actually looking forward to the rewrite, but that is going to have to wait as I have my second story due in 3 weeks! Yikes! My mind is a big ol' blank and I need to find some good materials.

Michal Govrin, an Israeli award winning author, came to our class this afternoon and talked about her work. She read from her award winning novel called The Name and answered a multitude of questions in the class. What resonated with me, when she responded to a question about material, was that stories attach themselves to her like a dybbuk. And, unless she is all consumed by the story, she cannot sit down and write. I actually really get what she's saying. There are some mornings when I wake up and just have to sit down at my computer and write. Those mornings are great because the material just flows. Otherwise, I sit down and force myself to write and then I end up spewing out pages and pages of junk that's really useless. Oh well, art is hard work. Ya just have to keep at it!

I'm a bit jealous of Buggy. He has a great package with HOT cable and gets an MTV channel that plays the music I love. Whenever I'm at his apartment, I basically ignore him and watch MTV, for the new music of course! Anyway, I managed to find a lot of great stuff online and am working on yet another mix for the Bugster. If you haven't heard, Arctic Monkeys, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Kaiser Chiefs AND Kings of Leon all have new CD's out there. Plus, The White Stripes are back with a vengence! Songs I highly recommend include:

Icky Thump - The White Stripes
Fluorescent Adolescent - Arctic Monkeys
Weapon of Choice - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
On Call - Kings of Leon
Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs
Time Won't Let me Go - The Bravery

When I'm done with the mix, I'm going to upload it to iTunes and post that link here so you can buy the music if you're interested!

OK, it's late and I'm off to bed. I have mounds of laundry to do tomorrow, and tons of papers to read before I get started on the rewrite.

Good night!