Hope everyone is having an easy fast. Most days in camp I'm too busy to eat anyway, so I bring a sandwich with me on the go. But when you are not allowed to eat you feel it so much more.
Last week's dress up contest was crazy hat day. Some kids didn't bring hats, so a little boy got up wearing a kippa. These kids are no where near religious, but they are encouraged to wear kippa and yalmuka in camp, with incentives and prizes to help them. I asked each kid what his hat was called, so the kid said, 'it's called a God cap'. I asked him why and he said cuz when you wear it it reminds you of G-d, and it's important. He's only seven. Needless to say, he won the dress up contest.
It's little things like that that make me smile and remind me why I'm doing this.
It's harder for me to connect to the kids cuz I don't have one specific bunk to connect with one on one, it's really all the kids in my charge. That's about 40 kids every day, and I'm only now beginning to learn all the names. But I decided to put in extra effort to learn the kids names and matching faces, because that is important.
Camp is going good. Every day is different, but thank G-d at the end of every day I can say we did it, and then go to sleep. Correction: and then prepare for the next day.
It's definitely an alternate universe. I know it won't last and it'll end sometime, but I can't remember what it was like before, and I have no idea what will happen after. For now, the present is good enough for me.
Who knows what the future will bring- forget about it, just focus on the now.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brain is moving so fast like a whirlpool, like my fingers flying over the keyboard, so much happening, so much to say, but can't think, no time to think, no time to breath, no time to eat. No time, no time...
It's all happening too fast. Getting off the plane, no sleep. Sunday. First day of camp. The baking flopped. I take these things hard. I almost cried, but pulled myself together. Shluchim's motto is, just laugh, it's all ok. I know that, but easier said then done. Me, this is all on me, I don't want to mess up. The stress, the pressure, I feel as if I am in grade school and pressured to get good grades, only, I can only imagine what that's like cuz grades weren't my strong point.
Shluchim keep saying, good job good job, the first day was amazing, and all I can think is ya sure, you probably say that every year no matter how it went.
I feel out of my element here. In a different world. Things move so much faster here and you just gotta keep up. My converse all stars are getting a good work out, they will be worn down by the end of the summer. The building is huge, up and down and around, walky talkies help some, really cool to use, but still. You just keep on moving from the second you wake up, which is early, until you get back from camp and collapse in utter exhaustion, to have to pull yourself together 10 minutes later cuz there is stuff to do for the next day, and then it starts all over again.
And here I'm speaking like I've been in camp for weeks.
I long for the freedom that I had before. The 'me' time, the downtime, to chill, to sleep, or whatever. Now, I feel like I'm being pulled from all sides, I feel like when I talk no one listens, I feel like I need to be in three places at once; I feel like a parent. Wow.
But then I remember how dull my life was before, how I had nothing to do, and how exciting it is now to be a part of something, to have an awesome responsibility, to have the master key to a building and the only driver for our awesome car, and carry a clipboard. It is a big responsibility, yes, but I know I can do it. I know I have it in me, sometimes it's just hard to find when I'm tired, or grumpy, or upset. And I just want to sleep and not get up the next day and not do it all over again, and just fly home and forget it.
That's when I hear a little voice inside my head. Sometimes it's my mother, sometimes my friend, sometimes even me, saying yes you can Altie. Get up, get moving, and do what you know how to do! Oh, and do it well.
I try. Right now my bed is calling, it's late, and that little voice only works after I've had sleep and food.
Good night, and I hope everyone's summer is going well.
It's all happening too fast. Getting off the plane, no sleep. Sunday. First day of camp. The baking flopped. I take these things hard. I almost cried, but pulled myself together. Shluchim's motto is, just laugh, it's all ok. I know that, but easier said then done. Me, this is all on me, I don't want to mess up. The stress, the pressure, I feel as if I am in grade school and pressured to get good grades, only, I can only imagine what that's like cuz grades weren't my strong point.
Shluchim keep saying, good job good job, the first day was amazing, and all I can think is ya sure, you probably say that every year no matter how it went.
I feel out of my element here. In a different world. Things move so much faster here and you just gotta keep up. My converse all stars are getting a good work out, they will be worn down by the end of the summer. The building is huge, up and down and around, walky talkies help some, really cool to use, but still. You just keep on moving from the second you wake up, which is early, until you get back from camp and collapse in utter exhaustion, to have to pull yourself together 10 minutes later cuz there is stuff to do for the next day, and then it starts all over again.
And here I'm speaking like I've been in camp for weeks.
I long for the freedom that I had before. The 'me' time, the downtime, to chill, to sleep, or whatever. Now, I feel like I'm being pulled from all sides, I feel like when I talk no one listens, I feel like I need to be in three places at once; I feel like a parent. Wow.
But then I remember how dull my life was before, how I had nothing to do, and how exciting it is now to be a part of something, to have an awesome responsibility, to have the master key to a building and the only driver for our awesome car, and carry a clipboard. It is a big responsibility, yes, but I know I can do it. I know I have it in me, sometimes it's just hard to find when I'm tired, or grumpy, or upset. And I just want to sleep and not get up the next day and not do it all over again, and just fly home and forget it.
That's when I hear a little voice inside my head. Sometimes it's my mother, sometimes my friend, sometimes even me, saying yes you can Altie. Get up, get moving, and do what you know how to do! Oh, and do it well.
I try. Right now my bed is calling, it's late, and that little voice only works after I've had sleep and food.
Good night, and I hope everyone's summer is going well.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
When it rains it pours
It poured on Shabbos. It was glorious. Rain, oh rain how I love thee. It made this place feel less strange and foreign. Bringing something familiar to an otherwise unfamiliar place. Twas nice.
Other then that, it's really hot and humid here.
I slept 16 hours on Shabbos. It was awesome. Now I feel more like a person and less like a zombie, and a little more ready to tackle camp and all the little things we need to do.
Goodbye tonight, hello tomorrow, let's get this summer started!
Other then that, it's really hot and humid here.
I slept 16 hours on Shabbos. It was awesome. Now I feel more like a person and less like a zombie, and a little more ready to tackle camp and all the little things we need to do.
Goodbye tonight, hello tomorrow, let's get this summer started!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Blogging from the airport
So I'm here, at the airport, at 6 am. Not fun. Hardly slept, so tired, can't string coherent sentences. Packed, over packed, overweight but they let it go.
I try to remember that I'm going essentially for shlichus. I'm working in a camp, giving non religious kids a summer filled with Judaism. It's a big responsibility and a good thing to do.
I try to remember that I signed up for this, that I want to go.
I try to tell myself that Pittsburgh will be cool, it's a new place for me.
I try to tell myself a lot of things, but my addled sleep deprived brain doesn't understand.
It says to me, why Altie, why are we up this early?
And I don't know what to tell it.
p.s. this is the coolest feeling having a laptop at the airport. My first time.
I try to remember that I'm going essentially for shlichus. I'm working in a camp, giving non religious kids a summer filled with Judaism. It's a big responsibility and a good thing to do.
I try to remember that I signed up for this, that I want to go.
I try to tell myself that Pittsburgh will be cool, it's a new place for me.
I try to tell myself a lot of things, but my addled sleep deprived brain doesn't understand.
It says to me, why Altie, why are we up this early?
And I don't know what to tell it.
p.s. this is the coolest feeling having a laptop at the airport. My first time.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Fireflies
They were my favorite summer companions. Many a lazy summers night we would sit outside, my little neighbor friends and I, lay in the grass and look up at the sky. They would come out after dark. We called them light-up bugs, because they light up.
They would flit around aimlessly, and their tails would randomly glow, for but a second, leaving you to wonder if you actually saw what you saw. It was magical.
I just saw one tonight. I wasn't sure it was it, but there was my little friend, winking at me. I forgot how much fun we had as kids.
Hello fireflies, my summer friend.
They would flit around aimlessly, and their tails would randomly glow, for but a second, leaving you to wonder if you actually saw what you saw. It was magical.
I just saw one tonight. I wasn't sure it was it, but there was my little friend, winking at me. I forgot how much fun we had as kids.
Hello fireflies, my summer friend.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Cause and effect
I used to think the trees created wind. After all, you can't see the wind, but you see the trees moving with the breeze. Then I grew up and was set right.
Cause and effect. Do I cause my actions, or do my actions cause me to be the person I am?
It is true that a person is more likely to act according to his surroundings. If a person is in a room full of people who are quiet, naturally he will stay quiet. If the room full of people is loud and partying, well he might still be quiet.
There is a concept, fake it till you make it. Smile, and you will become a happy person. Force yourself to learn, and you will become a learner. Do an action over and over again until the action becomes you.
The same with the way you dress. Dress aidel, and you will become an aidel person. And the opposite is also true.
A strong person causes his actions, but a weak person lets his actions sway and define him. So which person are you?
Tonight is Gimel Tamuz. I can't help but remember where I was a year ago. In an airport in Detroit, on standby, hoping I would get on the plane that would take me to California. I davened mincha, I called my mother crying, and when I calmed down I realized it was Gimel Tamuz and I was stuck in an airport.
No, this is not some story that ends with how I did mivtzoyim and told everyone about Gimel Tamuz and got Jews to do mitzvos. That's not how every story ends. Sometimes, self reflection is enough. Where am I? Yes, I know I am here, but where am I in life? Where am I headed?
Tomorrow is my brother's bar mitzvah and I will count that as my farbrengin. Wherever you are, whatever stage you are in life, take a moment for self reflection and ask yourself, where am I? Do I let my actions define me, or am I strong enough to make my actions reflect the person I want to be?
Lechaim
Cause and effect. Do I cause my actions, or do my actions cause me to be the person I am?
It is true that a person is more likely to act according to his surroundings. If a person is in a room full of people who are quiet, naturally he will stay quiet. If the room full of people is loud and partying, well he might still be quiet.
There is a concept, fake it till you make it. Smile, and you will become a happy person. Force yourself to learn, and you will become a learner. Do an action over and over again until the action becomes you.
The same with the way you dress. Dress aidel, and you will become an aidel person. And the opposite is also true.
A strong person causes his actions, but a weak person lets his actions sway and define him. So which person are you?
Tonight is Gimel Tamuz. I can't help but remember where I was a year ago. In an airport in Detroit, on standby, hoping I would get on the plane that would take me to California. I davened mincha, I called my mother crying, and when I calmed down I realized it was Gimel Tamuz and I was stuck in an airport.
No, this is not some story that ends with how I did mivtzoyim and told everyone about Gimel Tamuz and got Jews to do mitzvos. That's not how every story ends. Sometimes, self reflection is enough. Where am I? Yes, I know I am here, but where am I in life? Where am I headed?
Tomorrow is my brother's bar mitzvah and I will count that as my farbrengin. Wherever you are, whatever stage you are in life, take a moment for self reflection and ask yourself, where am I? Do I let my actions define me, or am I strong enough to make my actions reflect the person I want to be?
Lechaim
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Little brother growing up
It feels like just yesterday. We sent him off to shul with a bag of sour sticks, evidence of it drooling down his chin. His hair was freshly washed and combed, that action taking some time and effort, and a bit of struggling. He looked so cute and little in his tiny sneakers. And today was the day. He was getting his first haircut.
That was ten years ago. This week my little brother will be turning thirteen. He is my youngest sibling, and the last of the boys to have a bar mitzva. It should feel more special and momentous, but somehow it's not. It just feels normal. Regular.
A few years ago when my sister was not yet married I said, iy''h by the time my little brother's bar mitzvah comes around, she will be married, and maybe we will even have a niece or nephew to celebrate with. B"H my 'prophecy' came true. My sister is married, and my little niece will be at the bar mitzvah.
I am happy for him. I know to a little boy a bar mitzvah doesn't mean much. Your friends come, you get money and presents, you have cake, and dancing. And for Orthodox Jews, the boy is not exactly taking on the mitzvot for the first time. They are trained from when they are young, so that when they come to the point where they are obligated to do them, they won't be so hard and burdensome. So what does a bar mitvah mean, exactly? I guess it means he is growing up.
To my mother he will always be her 'baby'. And she does baby him. I can imagine he will be married and my mother will still call up reminding him little things, making him food, driving him places. But such is the way of a mother. To me he will always be the little brother who is slightly annoying, sometimes okay, and will never grow up.
To my little brother: (name excluded, in case it will G-d forbid affect his future shidduchim***) I wish you much happiness, and hope that your growing up years will be smooth and not bumpy, and that one day I will look at you and no longer see you as a baby, but a mature adult, and an equal.
Now lets hope that I can find a dress in time for the bar mitzvah, and that it will truly be a joyous occasion.
Mazal tov!
*** meant strictly as a joke.
That was ten years ago. This week my little brother will be turning thirteen. He is my youngest sibling, and the last of the boys to have a bar mitzva. It should feel more special and momentous, but somehow it's not. It just feels normal. Regular.
A few years ago when my sister was not yet married I said, iy''h by the time my little brother's bar mitzvah comes around, she will be married, and maybe we will even have a niece or nephew to celebrate with. B"H my 'prophecy' came true. My sister is married, and my little niece will be at the bar mitzvah.
I am happy for him. I know to a little boy a bar mitzvah doesn't mean much. Your friends come, you get money and presents, you have cake, and dancing. And for Orthodox Jews, the boy is not exactly taking on the mitzvot for the first time. They are trained from when they are young, so that when they come to the point where they are obligated to do them, they won't be so hard and burdensome. So what does a bar mitvah mean, exactly? I guess it means he is growing up.
To my mother he will always be her 'baby'. And she does baby him. I can imagine he will be married and my mother will still call up reminding him little things, making him food, driving him places. But such is the way of a mother. To me he will always be the little brother who is slightly annoying, sometimes okay, and will never grow up.
To my little brother: (name excluded, in case it will G-d forbid affect his future shidduchim***) I wish you much happiness, and hope that your growing up years will be smooth and not bumpy, and that one day I will look at you and no longer see you as a baby, but a mature adult, and an equal.
Now lets hope that I can find a dress in time for the bar mitzvah, and that it will truly be a joyous occasion.
Mazal tov!
*** meant strictly as a joke.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
SUMMER!!! and stuff
Summer comes,
Spring wanes,
along with it comes sunshine rains.
The temp is hot,
the guys are not,
in the pool we want to stay.
I've got to work
no time to play
for me this ain't vaca-
tion.
Rise at seven
kids and camp
no time for a nap.
Burnt we get
like barbecue
faces red and peeling.
No sunscreen?
That's just dumb
tanning like a beach bum.
No plans for next year
but who cares
forget about it now.
Relax, let loose
enjoy the sun
have some summer fun.
Three months it is
until it ends
and then the fall comes again.
The ant and the grasshopper
like in the French fable
La cigale et la fourmi on my kitchen table.
Danced and sang
all summer long
the inevitable I did prolong.
The time has come
to move on, but-
damn I've got no job.
Spring wanes,
along with it comes sunshine rains.
The temp is hot,
the guys are not,
in the pool we want to stay.
I've got to work
no time to play
for me this ain't vaca-
tion.
Rise at seven
kids and camp
no time for a nap.
Burnt we get
like barbecue
faces red and peeling.
No sunscreen?
That's just dumb
tanning like a beach bum.
No plans for next year
but who cares
forget about it now.
Relax, let loose
enjoy the sun
have some summer fun.
Three months it is
until it ends
and then the fall comes again.
The ant and the grasshopper
like in the French fable
La cigale et la fourmi on my kitchen table.
Danced and sang
all summer long
the inevitable I did prolong.
The time has come
to move on, but-
damn I've got no job.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Life's ups and downs
I want to write a story. But it involves so many decisions. Should the protagonist be good or bad? Should I kill someone off? Have them die of a natural death? It's a bit like playing G-d. I get to decide what happens to the characters.
Not so much in real life.
I would love to write my own story someday. It is far from over, and G-d willing won't be for quite a number of years. I want to be able to inspire people with my life, the struggles I went through, and what I did to overcome them. Does that sound egotistical? It isn't. Every person has a story to tell. Some stories are more exciting then others, but every story has a starting point, and many ups and downs.
When the bocher Nosson Deitch A"H passed away, someone said something that sounded strange. He said, Nosson was a part of my life, and now all those pages that he was on will be gone, like they were ripped out. But that's not true. Just because someone is gone, doesn't mean they never existed. The ending may be different now, but everything until that point is still the same.
If life is like a book, what do you do to turn the page? When things are just not working? Do you think it's possible to just skip to the next chapter?
I wish that life were like a fairy tale. Once upon a time, they lived happily ever after, and everything in between. But it isn't. You have to create your own destiny. You have to work for your success and your happily ever after.
Sometimes life is so confusing. Like a whirlpool, or a tornado. Everything spinning out of control. I feel like pounding my fists, screaming, crying, or breaking something at all the injustice of it.
But sometimes, sometimes I take out my siddur. I give a little prayer to G-d and say hey, and then I feel better afterward. I feel calm, and I remember that I am not alone in this. He listens, even if it seems He doesn't hear.
Not so much in real life.
I would love to write my own story someday. It is far from over, and G-d willing won't be for quite a number of years. I want to be able to inspire people with my life, the struggles I went through, and what I did to overcome them. Does that sound egotistical? It isn't. Every person has a story to tell. Some stories are more exciting then others, but every story has a starting point, and many ups and downs.
When the bocher Nosson Deitch A"H passed away, someone said something that sounded strange. He said, Nosson was a part of my life, and now all those pages that he was on will be gone, like they were ripped out. But that's not true. Just because someone is gone, doesn't mean they never existed. The ending may be different now, but everything until that point is still the same.
If life is like a book, what do you do to turn the page? When things are just not working? Do you think it's possible to just skip to the next chapter?
I wish that life were like a fairy tale. Once upon a time, they lived happily ever after, and everything in between. But it isn't. You have to create your own destiny. You have to work for your success and your happily ever after.
Sometimes life is so confusing. Like a whirlpool, or a tornado. Everything spinning out of control. I feel like pounding my fists, screaming, crying, or breaking something at all the injustice of it.
But sometimes, sometimes I take out my siddur. I give a little prayer to G-d and say hey, and then I feel better afterward. I feel calm, and I remember that I am not alone in this. He listens, even if it seems He doesn't hear.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Memories
Here's the thing about memories- they change depending on how you feel. When you are sad your memories will have a sad tint to them. And the same when you are happy. Your memories of things and places reflects your mood.
Just like smell, music is strongly associated with memories. If something memorable happened while you were listening to a particular song, every time you hear that song you will feel the same emotions you felt then. Happy, or sad.
For me, even happy memories of a good time and place with people I like being around, are just a bit sad. It is sad because I know it will never happen again, and that it is over. That's why sometimes it is hard for me to remember. Then I end up missing the experience and wishing I could relive it. And wishing that I could go back and redo it, and take advantage and make it ten times greater.
Last summer I had an awesome time in California with my friends. I was recently listening to a song that I listened to all the time last summer and it brought it all back. And here's the funny thing- I can't remember anything negative. I mean, there was negative stuff, as there are many times, and it's not like I blocked it out. But when I remember it, I'm not mad or upset anymore. It's more of a, 'I remember when that happened. Awww can't believe I did that.' But all the good times overpower everything else.
I wanna make new memories. I wanna be able to say ten years down the line, 'remember when we did that, or went there, or acted crazy?' It's harder now, not being in seminary or with my friends all the time. Now when we want to get together we have to make an effort. A text or a phone call or a walk. It's not the same as living with girls for a year, or spending a summer with them, laughing and bickering and smiling and crying and going through everything together with the people you care about. But then again, who ever said friendship was supposed to be easy?
Here's to a life time full of great memories and experiences with the people you love, and the ones who you will meet who will become a special part of your life.
Just like smell, music is strongly associated with memories. If something memorable happened while you were listening to a particular song, every time you hear that song you will feel the same emotions you felt then. Happy, or sad.
For me, even happy memories of a good time and place with people I like being around, are just a bit sad. It is sad because I know it will never happen again, and that it is over. That's why sometimes it is hard for me to remember. Then I end up missing the experience and wishing I could relive it. And wishing that I could go back and redo it, and take advantage and make it ten times greater.
Last summer I had an awesome time in California with my friends. I was recently listening to a song that I listened to all the time last summer and it brought it all back. And here's the funny thing- I can't remember anything negative. I mean, there was negative stuff, as there are many times, and it's not like I blocked it out. But when I remember it, I'm not mad or upset anymore. It's more of a, 'I remember when that happened. Awww can't believe I did that.' But all the good times overpower everything else.
I wanna make new memories. I wanna be able to say ten years down the line, 'remember when we did that, or went there, or acted crazy?' It's harder now, not being in seminary or with my friends all the time. Now when we want to get together we have to make an effort. A text or a phone call or a walk. It's not the same as living with girls for a year, or spending a summer with them, laughing and bickering and smiling and crying and going through everything together with the people you care about. But then again, who ever said friendship was supposed to be easy?
Here's to a life time full of great memories and experiences with the people you love, and the ones who you will meet who will become a special part of your life.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Things that irk me
Please stop sending me forwards that start off: "If you delete this email you really have no heart." Really? Really? Cuz that is for sure gonna get me to read it. And then it goes on to say that they are sick, or dying, and need your help, and that microsoft, or google, or AT&T, or any other such corporation, promised to give them 5 cents for every time it is forwarded. Bla bla bla. And on and on.
I don't believe it for a minute. No one gives out money like that. The only way you may actually get money is if you win the lottery or play on a game show. All those ads you see that say 'enter to win', they are bogus. You can't actually win anything. They just want your email address to send you spam.
And another thing: I just got a forwarded email saying that a virus is coming. A) I don't believe it's true. And b) if it is, maybe the virus is contained in that email and when I open it it will crash my hard drive. So now you really expect me to open it?
Stop sending me forwards. I don't send them to you.
And just because my name is the first letter in your friends list on facebook does not mean I have to get all your requests to join groups, to play farmville, or any such thing. How bout we try this: I'll leave you alone and you leave me alone. Deal.
I just think forwards are stupid. Plus, those forwards that say, forward this to 5 people and see what appears on your screen, they don't work. I was stupid enough to try it once. Forwarded emails take up space and time.
Before you decide to say that I am insensitive or that I really don't have a heart: that is entirely not true. I have a heart, I'm just not stupid enough to buy into these things. You really want my help? Call me or come see me. Don't abuse my email address with your problems and then blame me for not caring.
This is my rant for the day.
I don't believe it for a minute. No one gives out money like that. The only way you may actually get money is if you win the lottery or play on a game show. All those ads you see that say 'enter to win', they are bogus. You can't actually win anything. They just want your email address to send you spam.
And another thing: I just got a forwarded email saying that a virus is coming. A) I don't believe it's true. And b) if it is, maybe the virus is contained in that email and when I open it it will crash my hard drive. So now you really expect me to open it?
Stop sending me forwards. I don't send them to you.
And just because my name is the first letter in your friends list on facebook does not mean I have to get all your requests to join groups, to play farmville, or any such thing. How bout we try this: I'll leave you alone and you leave me alone. Deal.
I just think forwards are stupid. Plus, those forwards that say, forward this to 5 people and see what appears on your screen, they don't work. I was stupid enough to try it once. Forwarded emails take up space and time.
Before you decide to say that I am insensitive or that I really don't have a heart: that is entirely not true. I have a heart, I'm just not stupid enough to buy into these things. You really want my help? Call me or come see me. Don't abuse my email address with your problems and then blame me for not caring.
This is my rant for the day.
The art of littering
It's funny to see how people surreptitiously drop stuff on the floor thinking no one notices, and trying to look like they didn't even realize.
Guilty as charged.
Guilty as charged.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Of Cookies and Crossroads
I made cookies today. It was a nice smell. Like oatmeal and cinnamon.
I can get so much work done when I trick my brain into thinking that I'm not actually working. Like stuffing envelopes with invitations to my brother's bar mitzvah (which is in less then two weeks) while watching a show. Then, I am doing something enjoyable while getting a tedious task done.
I haven't had much to write about in awhile. I think you have to be actually doing something with your life to have stuff to write about. I kind of realized that living your life in the future, based on what I will be doing, isn't much of a life.
I will be a head counselor this summer. I leave in two weeks.
I will IY"H maybe go on shlichus next year, I have no idea where I end up.
I will G-d willing get married sometime, and start a great life together with the lucky guy I will marry. And have kids, and maybe get a degree, write a book, open a chabad house, or school, be a principal, or psychologist, guidance counselor, social worker, one or all.
Right now I'm not really doing much. I wish I could say I'm at a crossroads in life, but that already happened. I think that when I got to the fork in the road I just forgot to choose a path. Maybe I'm still sitting there pondering which way to go. I hope to figure it out soon.
I'm going to camp in two weeks. That's all I know right now.
Oh, and my cookies are good.
I can get so much work done when I trick my brain into thinking that I'm not actually working. Like stuffing envelopes with invitations to my brother's bar mitzvah (which is in less then two weeks) while watching a show. Then, I am doing something enjoyable while getting a tedious task done.
I haven't had much to write about in awhile. I think you have to be actually doing something with your life to have stuff to write about. I kind of realized that living your life in the future, based on what I will be doing, isn't much of a life.
I will be a head counselor this summer. I leave in two weeks.
I will IY"H maybe go on shlichus next year, I have no idea where I end up.
I will G-d willing get married sometime, and start a great life together with the lucky guy I will marry. And have kids, and maybe get a degree, write a book, open a chabad house, or school, be a principal, or psychologist, guidance counselor, social worker, one or all.
Right now I'm not really doing much. I wish I could say I'm at a crossroads in life, but that already happened. I think that when I got to the fork in the road I just forgot to choose a path. Maybe I'm still sitting there pondering which way to go. I hope to figure it out soon.
I'm going to camp in two weeks. That's all I know right now.
Oh, and my cookies are good.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monopoly, then and now
Remember the good old days when monopoly came in one standard game, with paper money? You could buy avenues and railroads and companies. It came with little red and green houses. It was a classic.
Now, as I watch my little brother and his friend play, monopoly is just not the same. Now there are no little houses, and you can't buy avenues. Instead, you could buy Mall of America, JFK, airports, cities. AND, and, there is no paper money. Each player gets a credit card, and it comes with a little credit card machine. It's all electronic banking now. And they will never know what once was.
Sigh. I never knew a new game of monopoly would hit so hard and make me realize how much the world is changing.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Gave blood!
I have to admit, every time Yossi posted a story about how he gave blood, I was a bit jealous. I've wanted to give blood for the longest time. I never have. Once, when I finally got around to doing it there was a snow storm and it was canceled. So today when I saw on ch.info that there was a blood drive specifically specifically for women, I decided to go.
I was nervous. I'm not scared of blood, I just don't like pain. When the baby put his mouth on my leg I flinched, even though he has no teeth and technically can't bite me. But it's human nature.
They checked me for all the important stuff, blood pressure, iron level, temperature. It all checked out. Yay.
I sat in the chair and looked at the needle. The needle looked at me. Then the nurse (don't know if they are nurses but medical people) gave me her 'world' (a stress ball shaped like a world) and told me not to ruin it. I told her maybe I'll make her world a better place. Then that needle went right into my arm.
It was taking awhile, so she said I'm a slow bleeder. Said I, oh that's great, if I ever bleed to death will it take a long time?
Then I got really cool green sticky tape to wrap around my arm. Drank some juice, got two stickers saying first time doner, and, be nice to me I donated blood today. And a free coupan for a meal at Mendy's. Probably give that away.
Now I have given the gift of life. Feels good.
I was nervous. I'm not scared of blood, I just don't like pain. When the baby put his mouth on my leg I flinched, even though he has no teeth and technically can't bite me. But it's human nature.
They checked me for all the important stuff, blood pressure, iron level, temperature. It all checked out. Yay.
I sat in the chair and looked at the needle. The needle looked at me. Then the nurse (don't know if they are nurses but medical people) gave me her 'world' (a stress ball shaped like a world) and told me not to ruin it. I told her maybe I'll make her world a better place. Then that needle went right into my arm.
It was taking awhile, so she said I'm a slow bleeder. Said I, oh that's great, if I ever bleed to death will it take a long time?
Then I got really cool green sticky tape to wrap around my arm. Drank some juice, got two stickers saying first time doner, and, be nice to me I donated blood today. And a free coupan for a meal at Mendy's. Probably give that away.
Now I have given the gift of life. Feels good.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Bluntness
Some people ask me why I'm so blunt. I say, why must you beat around the bush?
Being blunt has its limits, just like everything else. But there are times to say things in a sensitive way, and times to just say it straight. And I love seeing the look on someone's face when I say something totally open and honest and refreshing, and they were not expecting it.
You want to know if I have any pictures with guys on facebook? Or of me drinking, or smoking, or doing hooka? (Guilty on the last charge but it is gone now). Or, gasp, nude photos? Why don't you just ask me straight out, instead of hinting at it? I'm a big girl. I'm not stupid. You want to know how I dress or if I have problems with tznius? Again, just ask me.
I'm referring to the shlucha I just spoke to in regards to a job for next year. Of course, I went to check my pictures on facebook right after I spoke to her, just in case...
Being blunt has its limits, just like everything else. But there are times to say things in a sensitive way, and times to just say it straight. And I love seeing the look on someone's face when I say something totally open and honest and refreshing, and they were not expecting it.
You want to know if I have any pictures with guys on facebook? Or of me drinking, or smoking, or doing hooka? (Guilty on the last charge but it is gone now). Or, gasp, nude photos? Why don't you just ask me straight out, instead of hinting at it? I'm a big girl. I'm not stupid. You want to know how I dress or if I have problems with tznius? Again, just ask me.
I'm referring to the shlucha I just spoke to in regards to a job for next year. Of course, I went to check my pictures on facebook right after I spoke to her, just in case...
Monday, May 24, 2010
:) very cute
On a Northwest Airways flight from Atlanta , GA , a well attired middle-aged woman found herself sitting next to a man wearing a kippa ("yarmulka" in Yiddish). She called the attendant over to complain about her seating.
"What seems to be the problem, Madam?" asked the attendant.
"You've sat me next to a Jew!! I can't possibly sit next to this strange man. Please find me another seat!"
"Madam, I will see what I can do to accommodate," the attendant replied, "but the flight is virtually full today and I don't know if there is another seat available."
The woman shoots a snooty look at the snubbed Jewish man beside her (not
to mention the surrounding passengers).
A few minutes later the attendant returned and said, "Madam, the economy and club sections are full, however, we do have one seat in First class."
Before the lady had a chance to respond, the attendant continued, "It is only on exceptions that we make this kind of upgrade, and I had to ask permission from the captain. But, given the circumstances, the captain felt that no one should be forced to sit next to an unpleasant person..."
The flight attendant turned to the Jewish man sitting next to her, and said: "So if you'd like to get your things, Sir, I have a comfortable seat for you in First class..." At this point, the surrounding passengers stood up and gave a standing ovation while the Jewish man walked up to the front of the plane.
The lady then said indignantly, "The Captain must have made a mistake.."
To which the attendant replied,
"No Ma'am. Captain Cohen never makes a mistake."
"What seems to be the problem, Madam?" asked the attendant.
"You've sat me next to a Jew!! I can't possibly sit next to this strange man. Please find me another seat!"
"Madam, I will see what I can do to accommodate," the attendant replied, "but the flight is virtually full today and I don't know if there is another seat available."
The woman shoots a snooty look at the snubbed Jewish man beside her (not
to mention the surrounding passengers).
A few minutes later the attendant returned and said, "Madam, the economy and club sections are full, however, we do have one seat in First class."
Before the lady had a chance to respond, the attendant continued, "It is only on exceptions that we make this kind of upgrade, and I had to ask permission from the captain. But, given the circumstances, the captain felt that no one should be forced to sit next to an unpleasant person..."
The flight attendant turned to the Jewish man sitting next to her, and said: "So if you'd like to get your things, Sir, I have a comfortable seat for you in First class..." At this point, the surrounding passengers stood up and gave a standing ovation while the Jewish man walked up to the front of the plane.
The lady then said indignantly, "The Captain must have made a mistake.."
To which the attendant replied,
"No Ma'am. Captain Cohen never makes a mistake."
Sunday, May 23, 2010
A double mazal tov
Dear blogger:
It's starting. You know that moment, that single event that triggers a whole bunch of other events, like a domino effect that goes on and on and doesn't stop until it's over? That starts everything else into motion, and then you know, you just know that that is it and nothing will ever again be the same? Know what I'm talking about? Like this.
I do.
Today not one, but two of my classmates got engaged. No, not to each other. And no I don't think they planned it. It is exciting, and beautiful, and amazing, and of course, totally expected.
Yes expected.
It makes sense that the year after seminary, two years out of high school, a class of girls who are bli ayin hara 20 years old should start getting engaged. And the more the merrier.
I look into my glass ball... or Jewish equivalent. In our future I see many simchas, lots more engagements and weddings, then kids, and families and homes.
20 years down the line when we all meet up for our reunions and catch up, and figure out if the nerds really did become famous and the popular girls really did go down the drain- oh that would be public school reunions, my bad- we will all laugh and smile and say, remember that day when two girls in our class got engaged? G-d willing may it be soon for everyone.
I can feel the rumbling. It is starting.
It's starting. You know that moment, that single event that triggers a whole bunch of other events, like a domino effect that goes on and on and doesn't stop until it's over? That starts everything else into motion, and then you know, you just know that that is it and nothing will ever again be the same? Know what I'm talking about? Like this.
I do.
Today not one, but two of my classmates got engaged. No, not to each other. And no I don't think they planned it. It is exciting, and beautiful, and amazing, and of course, totally expected.
Yes expected.
It makes sense that the year after seminary, two years out of high school, a class of girls who are bli ayin hara 20 years old should start getting engaged. And the more the merrier.
I look into my glass ball... or Jewish equivalent. In our future I see many simchas, lots more engagements and weddings, then kids, and families and homes.
20 years down the line when we all meet up for our reunions and catch up, and figure out if the nerds really did become famous and the popular girls really did go down the drain- oh that would be public school reunions, my bad- we will all laugh and smile and say, remember that day when two girls in our class got engaged? G-d willing may it be soon for everyone.
I can feel the rumbling. It is starting.
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