It's been a While

It's been a while since my last post. Not that so many crazy things have happened since, but rather I've just been caught up in the every day grind; wake-up, try to make shacharit, go to work, get home, eat/make dinner and then maybe get to workout or do some errands. This post will be a collection of thoughts/lessons I've had over the past 2 months since my last one.

Lesson #1: Israelis may seem abusive but they are not

In general, I've been having more interaction with more and more Israelis, wherever I go. Some of these interactions to put it the mildest people get into my "ארבע אמות" with a loud voice. No matter how much people say "Israeli culture" this or that, it can never mentally prepare you enough. I was very taken back and made me quite upset, but after speaking to others it was determined (by Anglo Olim) that that's just the way they act and it's not our fault. Since then, now that this is my mindset, my interactions with others have actually been very pleasant.

Lesson #2: Israel is still seen as a vacation rather than a place to live

My sister and brother-in-law recently flew to Israel and I got to spend a weekend and a couple of evenings with them. I was so happy to see them and it was so amazing (and thanks for importing the goods from חו"ל). Over the dinner conversation, how other people were talking about Israel and how they interact with certain people in the country or how they need to "do everything" in Jerusalem it really got me thinking. I don't know exactly what, but it just made me think, and the words are still hard to express in writing - the title of this section is the best that I can come up with.

Enjoy a picture of my failed quinoa patties

Lesson #3: Socializing as a young professional is hard AF

Every night when I come home I'm so exhausted, and I have other house things to do; like shop for groceries or other things I may need, cook, clean and just get ready for the next day. The only day that I get to see anyone else besides my roommates for a prolonged period of time is over Shabbat. Building relationships and trying to make new friends on a couple of hours a week is tough - but as the weeks go by it gets better. 

Went to an English comedy show of Israelis who can't speak English... it was pretty funny

Anyways, I am tired as of the time I writing this, so I am gonna cut it here. I hope next time, I'll summarize whatever happens on Chanukah!! Until then - stay tuned!