Dance, Dance

I finally went Israeli folk dancing Jerusalem! After making several planning attempts for the past two months, both my energy level and work schedule coincided to make it happen. It did require eexploring yet another corner of Jerusalem that I had not yet been--French Hill, or northeast Jerusalem.

After forgetting how to say French in Hebrew and hoping the people who seemed to understand me actually were talking about the same thing, my brother and I, and 3 friends made our way through the compounds of apartment buildings to the "community council."

Though security was lax compared to most JCCs in the states, we still couldn't figure out which floor to page to let us in for dancing. A few tips from a guy catching a breather at the ground floor gym solved that problem. Then it was like walking into my own home.

The music, the people, the dances! I had such an overwhelming sense of belonging, and that has been something I've needed lately. I even understood all the Hebrew used to teach!

Going dancing at the French Hill Community Center is on the repeat list for sure.

Sundays, 7pm (beg) 25NIS,
13 Rehov HaHagannah

Volunteers-R-Us

I seem to always miss the volunteer photo shoots. Or I'm on the wrong side of the camera. So, a coordinated effort was made to take pictures last night at our most recent departure party. Well, I was loud and pleading, and that coordinated everyone.

But it was so much fun. First we tried to line up 8 cameras, sync their timers and position everyone so that they fit. Chaos. But the attempts were so much fun. Thankfully, there was the token non-volunteer who graciously took photos for us after the mayhem. Thank you , Tabea. You Rock.

And here we are, in living post-midnight color!

Postscript: Thank You

Lately, I've been receiving a lot of compliments. Many unexpected, or in areas I had already decided I am deficient in.

During my teens I had a difficult time accepting compliments, that I didn't have as a child. Ah, the hubris of childhood, when we truly believe that we deserve the nice things people say to us. What I've realized is that some old habits of deflecting praise have cropped up again, and that is no good at all.

When I give someone a compliment, the most satisfying thing is for them to acknowledge it and say thank you. After all, a compliment is simply voicing a personal opinion, and what is nicer than to have your opinion accepted as fact?

So, I want to thank the people who enjoy hearing me sing, reading what I write, think I'm a fast worker, or have complimented me in some other way and were met with some sort of deflective answer instead of the gratitude I felt. The positive things you say make my day for weeks after the fact.

Thank you.

Doodles

When work is slow, the creative mind finds ways to fill the time. I am in no way an artist, since I have friends who truly are, but I am slowly becoming addicted to making stick figure doodles with the Facebook graffiti application. I think the most mesmerizing element is the replay button, which shows each application of pixels until the final save. This is especially cool when there's any handwriting or on the more elaborate pieces in the gallery.
I've included my first attempt as a sample.

Fun With Words

Eventually there had to be some word mix-ups living and working in a country where your first language is not first.

Today, my boss was explaining that we didn't need to change the soap with the Bibles. And while I was wondering where the Bibles were, it suddenly dawned on me that she meant bubbles (the instant foam soap). We shared a good laugh, though she felt the need to say her English wasn't so good.

Well, I got to tell her that my Hebrew isn't so good.

There were some guests who made a request for clean towels and their room was on my list, so I tried to tell them "yes, I'll bring them, but not now", meaning later. This conversation took place entirely in Hebrew and I said "לא אחות". They gave me the funniest look and I realized I must have said the wrong word, but I couldn't think of the right one. This led to pantomime with my watch. Ah, "לא עכשיו" they were kind enough to help me out with my garbled vocabulary.

This has been the source of residual laughter for days, and I'm pretty sure more circumstances will arise to continue the fun. Well, hopefully, it'll stay fun!

Girl On A Bus

Ever so often you see a beautiful person. Someone who you can't help but look at because the aesthetic is so pleasing.

Today, there was a girl on the bus. She was flawless. Perfect skin, angelic eyes, masses of raven curls casually pulled back, classically dressed and demure. Nothing was artificial or strained; just easy, tasteful, and fabulous genetics.

Music Moves Me

When your internet connection is spotty, it's an excellent time to browse the files stored on your computer. I swear a laptop is nothing more than a portable file cabinet that lets you keep all your junk with you all the time. Photos, old poems, school papers, and, don't forget the space hog of all time, music.

Right now, I can't sync my iPod with my computer without erasing its memory. So, I have music on my computer that isn't on my usual listening schedule. Today it yielded a lovely surprise.

A friend sent me the latest album from Me Without You, and the first song "Every Thought A Thought of You" was exactly, exactly, what I needed to hear this morning. The lyrics follow (minus the Arabic at the end).

every thought a Thought of You
no more thought, I ought to do...
when there’s not a thing we see
or touch we trust is true
every thought a thought of You

every look in search of You
what need for books when we’re with you?
you wear a thin disguise,
O, Light within my Brother’s eyes!
every look in search of You

every song in praise of You
our darkest nights are days to You
the Trees raise branches high
like arms in church to grateful Sky,
every song in praise of You

no one here to believe but You
everyone else is bound to leave but You
when they swear, their love is real, they mean
I like the way you make me feel
there is no one here to believe but You

Sigh

So I'm in a bit of an emotional slump due to some personal drama and choices. This tends to quell the writing impetus. But. I'm not going to let it deter me for too long because when I blog I remember the good things too. And that's what I need, especially right now.

Coming home to little comfort gifts on my pillow and desk does a world of good. Thank you, Maki!

Hot soup when you need it is also amazingly wonderful. I got my soup at New Gate Restaurant in Old Jerusalem. Vegetable and noodles. Delish.

And kind ears to listen. Thank you Revita, Sam, and Esdras.

What's That Feeling? Oh Right, Patriotism.

I am an American. I like being an American. Being in a foreign country really helps form your cultural identity quickly, because never before have I felt attached to my nationality.

I discovered how American I was by how quickly I tired of people bashing America. It always starts with derision and hate.

So, I asked why? The reason-- overwhelmingly because Americans are stupid. Ah.

Stupidity is a crime globally unforgivable. But really, how does everyone know Americans are so stupid?

And this is where it gets good.

Americans are stupid because we don't tell other people when we think they're crazy. Americans are stupid because they want everyone to get along. Americans are stupid because we don't assimilate our immigrants into a standardized culture (we let them keep their diversity, shame on us).

These are just a few of the choice answers from sophisticated, intelligent (certainly not "stupid") non-Americans. Because apparently, it really is us vs. the world.

Amazingly, not even the current administration can put a damper on my present feelings. What were they called again? Oh, right. Patriotism.

Oops

I took an unintended sabbatical from blogging. This was due to some health issues. I prefer to not post gory details to an open public; don't worry, everything is under control and yes it was rather unpleasant and serious. But I'm recovering well, and soon it will all be past.

Some pleasant parts.
I noticed that my hair finally touches my shoulder blades. Albeit wet and combed straight. After two years, it's pretty exciting.

Sometimes you just need to dance. No matter how you feel. Because after, the important things (like attitude) always improve.

Vinegar really does take the calcium deposits out of hot water boilers.

Good friends and good food are really all you need. When G-d created the garden of Eden, he knew this. Too bad we so often get confused and think it's not enough.