THURSDAY:
Yesterday Rach and I woke up and since we had an apartment meeting at 9, we had to clean. We did pretty much all the cleaning. Annoying, but oh well. Noa said it looked good :) I wasnt feeling hungry and since it was the Fast of Esther, I decided to do it! I just was on my computer for a bit and then after showering I went with Katie. We were going to go to the Azoreli Center, but when we were on the bus to there, she got a call and forgot she was supposed to have lunch with people from the place he volunteered at (place for blind and deaf people.) We then just went back to the Bat Yam mall and was kind of successful? (r bday 2.) When I came home I ended up taking a nap-I was feeling fine, just tired-but not even from fasting. After napping and arranging plans to meet up with natalie penso, I went to the ulpan for my final exam. It was a little bit more difficult then I thought. I think I did fine on it though. After that I was going to go take a bus straight to the CBS, but i didnt have my camera and knew my mom would get mad (and i would be a little sad) if natalie and I didn't take a pic together. I also made myself a sandwich and brought some snacks to break the fast. On the way to the CBS, I called rach at 5:14 to ask when the fast ended...i was just going to end at 6. She said that it ends at 5:14!!! Woo hoo!!! It was an easy fast and I didnt even eat breakfast before the sun came up! It wasnt raining at the time when I left, but on the bus it was raining.

When I got to the CBS and after asking around where "line" 60 was, I found it!!! I told the bus driver in bad hebrew when to let me off. It was pouring when I got off the bus and started to walk in Ramat Gan where Natalie's base is. When she came out it was so great to see her! Neither of us could believe it. She was in uniform with her hair in a bun. So cool. We went to a cafe nearby and got nutela choco cham and split this yummy chocolaty dish thing. It was so good-but so much chocolate. I didn't drink any water for the entire day!! After leaving, it was drizzling (i didnt consider it to be raining, but natalie did) and we got on the same bus. She got off before me, but i got a pic with her when we were on the bus! She lives like 30 minutes from Ramat Yishai, so the next time I go there I need to call her....maybe I will stay with her or something. Then I got to the CBS, but talked to Rach and I forgot to mention that MASA planned a night for us which involved a workshop we chose and then a subliminal concert (I was supposed to see david broza, but they ended up not having him...i didn't find out until the end of the concert when I was like "wait....where's david?!") I missed the workshop and Rach told me they had gotten back on the bus and were going to the port for the concert. No bus takes you directly to the port, but when I got close enough I walked and it was pouring. When I got to the port I called rach asking her where on the port because the port is kind of big. She had no idea...they were still walking to get to the place. She told me to call ami, but when I did he said that he was busy and would call me later!! I called rach back and we cracked up. She said she passed a Castro, so I was asking everyone where the Castro is on the port. No one knew. I asked these girls in hebrew, but after telling me they dont know, they told me that they speak english. I asked them, by chance, if they knew where a MASA concert was....it was like 20 meters from where i was! I was so happy with myself. I had to wait for rach and everyone to come! Everyone was so wet and I hung out with Erez for a bit and we bumped into Ari. It was pretty fun-some people were protesting saying that their lyrics are racist. I have no clue. I knew some of the songs, so it was fun to sing/dance to. After that we went on the bus and then when we got home we just hung out before going to bed at like 1ish.

WEDNESDAY:
Both of us didn't even feel like we slept. We actually got out of bed at 6 and then he drove me to the CBS because I had to catch at 6:45 direct bus to Bat Yam. There wasn't a later one that would get me back at around 9, for my last day of volunteering. I was so so so tired. I forgot a jacket and asked for a sweatshirt. I napped for like 20 minutes when I got home and rested on the ride home. When I got to volunteering I was tired. Once again, Basima asked where the other Jessica was. I can't handle that when I am cranky and tired. I told her I have been busy (because I'm leaving so soon) and didn't have time to grade them all. For my last day at volunteering I didn't work with any kids. I spent the entire time grading all of the tests. It was about 60-2 tests, each having 30 or a little more students in each class. It was kind of good because I was really tired and I wasn't sure if I could function that well. During the break I hung out with the scouts and then Lior asked me, "Whose sweatshirt is that?" It was one of the sweatshirts all israelis have (a sweatshirt made to remember a school trip) and when I told her "Boaz" she asked if I know what it meant. Oh no. It meant "Because we have it that big." Nice and approps. I was walking around the middle school with that on. Yay. Thanks Boaz! To be fair, he just threw me any sweatshirt, I dont think he purposely gave this one to me. After I finally finished the tests, I told her I had to go and then she gave me a gift (foot and hand cream...perfect!!!) and a card with a pen. She also made one for the other Jessica. But I was the only one who got a gift :)

When I got home I had about a half hour before I had to go to a meeting about Arad classes. They are mostly all Jewish, again. A lot of people are unhappy with this. The classes I want is Judaism and Medicine (which counts as philosophy) and then learning about Jewish holidays and such. It is a beginners level, but the only other class being offered that time is Intro to the Tanach, which would be so boring for me. In Arad, we are all having intensive learning until April 7. From 9:45-1 we have ulpan, at 2:30-4:30 is our first class and then from 4:45 to 6:45 is our second class. Not many people are going to do 2 classes. We are learning Sunday through Thursday. After this, however, we are done! We will just have volunteering. I dont love this, but in some ways it can be good. This is basically what marva people do. It sucks that I wont have ulpan for the rest of my time in Israel, but it is intensive, which will probably help me so so so much. I'm excited! They are only doing this for our section.

I didn't have Jewish Philosophy, so I came home, had lunch and then cleaned up the kitchen. Then I worked on my final and finished it. It was easy. The David Project was mostly us talking for the last day and got out really early. I got a 20 on my midterm quiz. (it was out of 20.) They also put up who we are living with. I am with Rach, Nicola, Cara, Leah, and Michal. NO KATIE. We talked it through and it will be fine because she will come over all the time and Nicola and Cara are doing Marva. Katie is with Naomi and Julia and 2 others-but those girls are doing Marva, so when they leave it is just going to be them 3. I am really upset that I'm not with Katie. It makes me happy that others are made because they love seeing our best friend relationship. I must say that I fosh have the best apartment. We are all already friends. Also, I talked to miki...I'm in her apartment!!! Miki and I talked, but before that Nicola, Shir, and I all talked about the apartments. I really am gonna miss Shir!

After hanging out with everyone and Maya and trying on my costume for everyone (which is not a lion, but a leapord-the mascot for David Project) Michal and I went for our last day of Garin Tzedek. In order to function, I had coffee...I'm crazy, I know. We bought him a little thing of candies for Purim. He doesn't celebrate it, but it doesnt matter. We did some work with him and played Taki. He started singing "Replay" and then we listened to music and on the computer he has "Hey Baby" so we were all singing it. We all had a fun time and were singing and dancing. He would tell me something, but I would have no clue what he was saying-and would tell him that. Then he told Michal to be the translator! When we said bye, we took pics with him and with his family (happy mom?!) and then we left. We walked around and found the 18 bus and met up with Katie, Leah, Monica, and Elana for a garin tzedek dinner/dessert whatever thing at Benedicts. Since I paid for Leah when we shared something at moses, she paid for my meal. It was great. We split chocolate chip pancakes and we all split a bottle of champagne. We were all in hyserics and being crazy hyper. It was so funny! When I finally got home I was on my computer for a bit and got to bed a little after 12. I was so tiredddd.

TUESDAY:
Yesterday I woke up at 9:30ish because I had to be at the ulpan at 10ish for a shevet thing. Instead of making masks, this actress came who uses masks and had different people come up and use masks. Joe was really good and Katie was good too. When the actress asked for a volunteer to be the girl katie (who was a boy) was in love with, EVERYONE looked at me and was chanting my name to go up. hahahaha. NO! Luckily, Nicola did it. Phew! After shevet we all hung out for a little because we had to be at the ulpan for the volunteering project. We had to make thank you cards and then fill out a thing about our volunteering placement. A group of us were the only ones that volunteer at our place, so we worked together. After this, Katie and I walked and got 5 shek falafel. So good. Then we went back to our apartments and got changed for the beach. Shir was home!!!!! She left like 2 weeks ago and was in Texas for a convention, was in LA, and then had to do stuff with the scouts for a couple of days. We caught up-which I am so happy about, because rather then having nothing to update each other on because so much has happened, we just told each other everything that has been going on! Then Katie and I went to the beach and wanted to tan. Of course I was only in the sun for a little, because of the huge clouds. It would get so cold when a cloud covered the sun. I napped for a little. Boys were playing football and it was annoying how they moved closer to where we were lying down and they hit us TWICE. I dont think they even apologized.

When we left the beach we thought we saw the 46 bus coming, so Katie took of her shoes and we sprinted to the bus stop. We kept on looking back to see how close the bus was. We got to the bus stop and were out of breath, but the bus didnt come....it was the 10, not 46. At least I got a work out! When the bus finally did come and I got home, the scouts came over and we all hung out. Then after Katie ran, I met her at the park and we then played basketball for a bit. It was nice/fun to shoot around. I really want to join in on a pick-up game. Some kids basically kicked us off, but it was fine and I went home and ate dinner and showered before meeting Ami and others to go to the play Nalaga'at ("Not on Bread Alone") which is acted by blind, deaf, and blind and deaf people. It was unbelievable. It is really sad how their craziest dream is to see the stars or be able to go anywhere alone or be able to watch TV. They talked about how they feel alone a lot of the time and the only way they know that there is someone by them is if they feel their hands. It really made me realize how lucky I am for being healthy and have a good, happy life. These people can never be independent and it is so hard for them to communicate. I don't know how I would remain sane if I couldn't let my thoughts out all the time. It was incredible how some of the actors could speak-even if they were born deaf and blind. It is also crazy how some would play instruments. Here's the URL for it: http://www.nalagaat.org.il/home.php

After that I took a bus to Arlozorov and took a crowded bus full of relgious people (I got the last seat in the back!) to Jerusalem to see Boaz before he went to Eilat with his close friends. It is the last couple of weeks they will all be together. I got there at like 12 and then when we got back to his place he helped me grade some of the tests Basima gave me to do. He did the hebrew ones and I worked on the english. He was so anal and nervous to mark things and kept on asking if this or that was right. He was a bit shocked when I told him that the teacher isn't checking over them to see if we graded them right. He also said it wouldn't take long and I wasn't even close to being done when we decided to stop because we were too tired. We finally got to bed at like 3ish and woke up at 5:30.

Today I woke up and showed Rach what I did last night and then talked to Steph for a little. I was late to volunteering, but when I got there I couldn't find Basima, so I sat in the teachers lounge listening to my ipod and playing solitaire until the period was over. I took students out, they were boys and 2 were not listening to me and being loud. Other teachers sent them back to class. In the other class I walked around helping students. Basima then gave me 2 tests her students did. She wants me to do them when I have free time and give them back to her on my last day, which is Wednesday. Is that a joke?! I find it funny, I'm not really that angry. This would never happen anywhere else. She also asked about the other Jessica. For the last time, SHE IS NOT GOING TO COME ANYMORE. So frustrating. I dont want to talk to Jess and tell her that she needs to fucking call Basima.When I got home I worked with Katie on our slides.

We are all cranky (especially Rach.) She is telling us that it isn't her project, but then she says we shouldn't have this and this. UGH. Like she doesn't want any slide effects...I wasn't going crazy with them. I swear. She didn't even want there to be red to emphasize a word on a title of one of the slides we did. At like 2:30ish, Cara and I met outside of the library and then after coming up with a really short script for our oral test in ulpan, I finally went into the library!!! The librarian spoke to me in hebrew and english. I could follow along, for the most part, of what she was asking me. She also was patient when I answered her back in hebrew. She showed me all of these great children books perfect for me. If only I had more time to go there and just read. I feel like I had a lot less free time being here. When I got to ulpan, I was nervous and trying to memorize what i had to say. I was the doctor for plastic surgery.Unlike other ulpan classes, we had class for the entire hour. After learning for a bit and preparing for the written test, Cara and I went first. Eeeeek! I couldnt memorize something, so I just said something that made sense, but not part of our really short script. Our teacher said it was really short, but she gave us an 85! I think I know why I got a 75 last time, even though I spoke for a wayyyy longer time, and I was alone...I didn't use much vocabulary. After that, while others were going, I got a Nokout (the oreo one...so good. i get that one at the place close to the ulpan because they don't have my ultimate fav kind of ice cream) and then hung out with some people who were out of class for a bit. When class was over, my group got ready for our presentation. We went first. Eeeek. It ended up going really well. I really wasn't nervous and I think ours was the most professional.

After ulpan, I had the zman madrich in Yaffo. It was a really pretty place-Rach and I decided we must have a picnic there. Noa made us pasta and salad, and then we all sat in a circle and decorated masks-one side being how we are now, and the other is how we want to be. My first side was all red, because I'm always embarrassed...but my other side was gold and had blue words by the lips such as confident, strong, etc. I still had rosy cheeks, though! I think on year course I wear that side of the mask, for the most part, but I am scared that I might go back to my other mask when I go home.

After that we bough fro-yo with our apartment stipend. So good. A couple of us couldnt finish ours, so rach finished ours! She was hungry! (I'm still a little shocked along with everyone else there that i didn't finish mine-and physically couldnt.) Then instead of going to a friends apartment, I ended up talking to aaron, steph, mom, soph, boaz, elana, michelle, am i forgetting someone else?? It was really nice, but I didn't get to bed until 3, I think.

SUNDAY:

Yesterday I woke up at 9ish and Rach, Katie, and I went to tel aviv to buy our purim costumes! In case I didn't mention what we are, I'll say it now. We are being characters from the Wizard of Oz. Rach is being the tin man because she doesn't have a heart, Katie is the scarecrow with no brain, and I'm the lion with no courage. After going to the Diezengof center, we were trying to find our way back to the shuk. We past some shuk-looking stores. We saw this hideous leapord tank top thing that was partially silky. The guy told me it was only 5 sheks, so I can't try on. I pretended I didn't hear him and tried it on. Luckily I did because it was wayyy too small. I got the bigger size and then tried it on after I bought it. It doesn't fit well. The waist is so tight, but around the boobs it is baggy.

At the shuk we got this padded bra for me and then we found some things for rach and katie. I also bought a package that had lion ears, tail, and bow tie. I'm set! While we were in the shuk, there was a music video for purim playing, we got on camera. Katie and I also finally decided to buy a basketball!!! Can't wait to play with it. I wish we had just boughten it earlier. then we got really good smoothies and took the bus home. I was late to zman madrich, but it was fine. I was late to class because I ran home to put on running clothes and grab my books. Today was our last day in Jewish Philosophy! We had so little classes this trimester. In the David Project we worked in groups on our case study. We made some progress. Then we walked home and Rach got changed to go runnning. We met up with Katie and ran the path that takes us to ulpan 3 times. We walked 1 of them. In total it was 2 miles. I don't believe it, but whatevs! I like how flat it is. I haven't ran in so long and it felt good. I have learned that I really like listening to hard core rap that noah gave me.

After we ran, we did some stretches and crunches on the grass. Then we came home and showered and had dinner before walking over to where the arts night was. The art was really good, so were the snacks :) Or was there so I was hugging him for like the entire night. For the show, I sat next to him and it was good. During part of the show, Or went with Ami and they came back a little later with Joe and then some pizza. Or gave me some of his! Yummm. After the show and getting lost on the way home (embarrassing) we all worked on our project. I finished my thing close to 2.

SATURDAY:

We woke up at 8:30 and both of us took showers. Katie had straightened my hair and it just wasn't cooperating, as always. We then left for the shul at 9:30 and when we got there we mingled and did finishing touches on things. The service was supposed to start at 10, but no one was there and people didn't really come until 10:30ish. Services were really nice. It was different because Nadav didn't lead services. I obviously didn't understand his d'var torah, hopefully when dad and noah come, they will make him talk about it in english! They also didn't do a haftorah...? When they threw the candy at him (since I was in the front row with them...tee hee) I got a couple chucked at my back. Ouch. After services we cleaned up a bit and then went to the restaurant where the party was. I thought there was going to be dancing. It was nice, just a really good lunch. Moran and the video man made a really nice, cool video. I recorded some if it. I missed the beginning though. Moran and the video man are cousins and she is also cousins with the photographer! He came late and Drora almost wanted me to take pictures for her with my camera. Luckily he came. I took pictures at the party, though. Oh, I forgot to say that my dress wouldn't zip up all the way and after everyone tried zipping it, I went with a guy to a person's house on the moshav before services to grab some safety pins. I liked what I wore, but I didn't have any pictures with me. Oops.

After the party was over, we walked back to their house and hung out there for a little. I was going to be leaving when Drora, Shlomo, and Nadav were visiting Drora's mom in the hospital, so I said bye, thanks and mazel tov before they left. I hope she is going to be okay. I watched another episode of "That 70's Show" with Moran before going to catch my bus..which was about 20 minutes late. The bus ride was fine and after catching another bus, I got home. Then katie came over and me, her , and rach talked for a bit and then watched The Lion King after katie and I made rach in a bad mood and just being crazies. I had one of rach's "daddy-alerts." After watching the lion king, we started to watch the 2nd one, even though it was past 12:30. It wasn't good, so we stopped it. I then talked to Boaz for like an hour. It sucks because I didn't get to bed until 2ish. It is so weird because I never thought I would be comfortable enough to talk to a boy on the phone for that long-and every night! weirdddd.

FRIDAY:

On Friday, I woke up and put a lot of taylor swift and other songs onto my computer and ipod. So great. Around noonish, I went to the CBS. When I got there I had to wait about 20 minutes for the 826 bus to come. I asked the driver in broken hebrew to let me know when we get to Ramat Yishai. The bus ride was nice...at one point I was sleeping and then Rach called me. I put my ipod to my ear and said hello, and was a bit confused as to why my phone was still ringing! When I got there Ohad called me to say shabbat shalom and to check up on me. It was nice to see everyone. Drora got a new haircut that looks really good. After eating a good sandwich Shlomo made me, Moran and I got ready for Kabbalat Shabbat. At the shul there were exchange students from Ann Arbor! They were in 9th and 10th grade. The people in charge of them (mom and dad know them) told me to go over there and tell them where I'm from and talk with them. I knew I was going to be awkward, but went with it. It was really enthusiastic and bubbly and they were just so cold. They made me so uncomfortable and I asked them questions about what they are doing here and if they know people from JAMD. They didn't give a shit about me. I am older...I'm supposed to be the cool one, not the weird older girl trying to talk to them!! Moran saw the whole thing and how I was smiling and they were just straight faced. Yikes.

Services were nice, lots of singing. Edo gets really into it and it is fun to watch him. Have you been there mom? I'm sure you would love it. I met some of their family and everyone's boyfriend and girlfriend. After services, we set up for morning services. I am so happy I stayed with the Weinish's, but I still felt a bit weird, especially because they would mingle with their friends and family and I would just stand by them or go pretend to eat something. I know that if it was someone in my family, I wouldn't want to have to look after a foreign family friend. I tried my best to keep busy so they didn't feel the need to make me feel comfortable.

Dinner was really good, but a bit awkward. Their family doesn't speak a lot of english and so I was just silent for the entire night. What was I supposed to say? I couldn't join in on the conversation? I tried to listen, but I could only understand bits of it and words, not really the main idea. After dinner, Moran and I hung out and watched a couple of episodes of "That 70's Show" before falling asleep around 12:30.

THURSDAY:

Yesterday I woke up at like 10 and then I did my hebrew homework with Boaz, read a child's book-I knew most of the words(!!), and blogged for a little....Boaz went to bed later than me, so he was sleeping still. At 12:30 I went to the bus stop and the bus came right when I was getting there...perfect! I had to catch a 2pm bus from the CBS, but I wanted to be there early. I got there like 40 minutes early, but I was happy. When I got home, I went to the ulpan where there was a meeting and I saw Katie after she got the surgery on her eye-she had to wear a gauze bandaid on her eye. So funny. Ulpan was fine- I did well on my quiz.

After ulpan, I went straight to garin tzedek. It was really sticky and muggy outside. Michigan weather. Yuck. WE just did work and played games with Sawzi. When I got home I showered and ate and then Michal and Katie came over. I also talked to Jill for a little. She told me what she did that day. We decided we will talk everyday, because I want to hear what she is doing!! I'm hoping that maybe I can meet her at the airport to see her one more time. At around 12, we left to go to Katie's place. Cara and Gabi came over and all of us were going to bake brownies. It ended up being Katie and I the only ones left. We were there until 2 and then right before we were going to head back, I decided I wanted Katie to straighten my hair. tee hee. It looked so good, but when we walked back it poofed. Grrrr. When I got home, Steph and so many others were on. Talked to her for a little and talked to uncle adam and aunt amy. Haven't spoken to them in such a long time.

I forgot to mention that the other day I found out Mrs. McClannahan (forgot how to spell her name), my 3rd grade teacher, past away. So weird! The sad thing is that I found out by seeing someone's fb status.

WEDNESDAY:

Rach and I skipped volunteering (I called in yesterday), but we didn't sleep in...we woke up at 7:40 and left the house by 8 to go do our laundry (aka all of our clothes.) We walked there and it wasn't bad. When we walked home, we were pretty tired and then Rach had to rush and pack so she wouldn't miss the bus to Jerusalem....ugh so upset I couldn't go to the seminar. I then took a nap and didn't go to my first class to sleep. When I went to the David Project, a couple of us just worked on our case study. In my group is Julia, Rach, Ilana, Katie, Annie, and Michal. We were given the claim that Israel is an apartheid state. We have class on Sunday to work on it.

After class, I went to the Dizengof Center and met up with Neri (Israeli from TM08)!! She was in tel aviv for testing for the army. While we were at the mall, men would come up to us and ask us questions. Then one of the guys that did it to us saw us sitting and talked to us about him being in an acting class and what their assignment is. I hung out with Neri and her friend for a bit and then they had to go...Neri lives right by Ramat Yishai and her friend lives there!!! I then walked all the way back to allenby and when I got home I packed up some clothes and went back to Tel Aviv to catch a bus to Jerusalem. Boaz picked me up and it was so nice in Jerusalem-even at night! I wasn't wearing a jacket and I was fine! The weather is so weird! We then just hung out and we started to watch a weird movie called "Perfume," but I was exhausted and fell asleep at the beginning of it. I woke up and watched the ending-he was laughing at me because he told me to go back to sleep and I was like "No! I want to watch the end!"

Today I woke up and although I didn't feel too tired, I had a bad headache...I am fosh sleep deprived. I pack up and when we get to the ulpan, few few people are there. Last night someone had a birthday party in Jerusalem and people didnt get back until after 3am. We had to be at the ulpan by 7:45. While standing around, Katie and I are being our usual selves and then we start to have a dance party. I don't think too many people saw...phew! We were waiting at the ulpan for so long and didnt leave until an hour after we were supposed to!!! There were 2 busses and Katie and I weren't together, but we just moved Katie to my bus and we sat next to each other and listened to music. I dont know how Katie does it-she is like an israeli-she (along with the scouts) went to the party last night and only got like 3 hours of sleep, but could function better than me!!

The first place we went to was a viewpint where we were given bread, chocolate spread, and chocolate milk! Yay! We were south of tel aviv and above beer sheva. Then we started to hike the 5k or something like that. It was really hot out, but not painfully hot. I wore my fanny pack!!! It was such a fun and funny hike. The hike was so easy and nice and all of us were just laughing for the entire time. The first time we took a break we played the carrot game...of course I finished the carrot! Joe saw that whenever we talk to each other we always stop walking- that is why we always end up in the back talking with the medic! Sometimes a couple of us would sprint from the back to the front or sprint up a hill. It felt so weird running with my fanny pack.

The point of the hike was to get to the tunnels. The first cave was really big and it was where birds used to be. Then we walked a bit further and took a break before going into the next tunnel. We talked about how the tunnel we were going to go in was from the times of the bar kochba revolts and where the Jews would hide from the Romans. I forgot to mention that the other day in the david project class, we saw some of the letter bar kochba wrote to his students and it was about smuggling in lulavs and etrogs for sukkot! We then had a deeper conversation if Bar Kochba was a hero and did the right thing. Is it good for soldiers to go to Masada to see that people died for their land. We had a discussion on if people should die for their land, or live for their land. Then we went into a cave where we had to crawl. I brought my flashlight from my bat mizvah (finally it became useful)!! At the entrance there were HUGE bees. scawy.

It was so fun and because I brought my fanny pack with, I brought my camera and took many pictures of people. At one point Cara decided to try and do a summersault...she got stuck. hahahaha. I also was going feet first when I should have gone head first and I was going uphill. Cara is planning on going to the army so she was sliding herself and grunting, even though she could have crawled. It was so fun to do it with my friends.

After that (and peeing for the 5th time in nature), I got back on the bus and we drove to where we would be repelling! The bus ride was about 40 minutes and nearly everyone crashed...except for Katie and I who was doing karaoke on the camera/video man's phone. We sounded awful and were being so loud. At one point we were looking through the songs and we both saw Kelly Clarkson so we both scream at the same time "KELLY CLARKSON!!!" It was funny, but not as funny as we made it. Katie all of the sudden couldnt breathe and was moving her body back and forth trying to get air. We almost died from laughing so hard.

The repelling was more like jumping off of the rock literally one time, and then just going down midair. It was a really deep and a huge cave. During the time I waited to go, I put some mustard flowers on my turkey sandwich. Oh, also, during the hike I thought I saw the leaves that taste like chips, so I ate it-ew. The security guard started to crack up and ask what I was doing. He told me I probs shouldnt do that because it could be poisonous and if it is salty, it is probably from animal pee. I told him that I dont care, as long as it is salty! When I went down into the cave, there was a dog there and he was playing fetch with a water bottle. So cuteeee. After that we got back on the bus where we drove home. It was such a fun siyyur, and I forgot to mention that my bus was where all the scouts were. Made everything better.

When we got back, I went to katie's put on her clothes-looked like a boy (Noah) and then we laughed that I am like Amanda in "She's the Man." We went to the artists market and katie got a really cute barrette. Then we went to Japanika and split a 8 pieces with salmon, sweet potato, and asparagus. I dipped it in teriyaki sauce. So goodddd. The guy remembered me from being there last week...oops! Then we split a piece of bread and then went home. When I got home I showered and then Rach trimmed my hair. Pics should be going up soon. Even though I was exhausted, I stayed up until 2. I talked to noah for an hour or something like that. So nice talking to him! Can't wait for him and dad to come!!!

I also found out tonight that Mrs. Maclanahan past away (my 3rd grade teacher)...it is weird that I found out over fb...

MONDAY:

Yesterday, I thought Rach would wake me up at 8, but she overslept until 8:40. Cool. After getting up and getting ready and waiting for Boaz to get ready ("If you give a mouse a cookie"="If you need boaz to leave your apartment so you can go to volunteering") I got to volunteering a little late. Not sure if either of the brits are coming back. Every time Basima is asking me. I was so tired. Luckily, I just graded tests for basically the entire time. I was in a different class, in the back grading and this class was so obnoxious. It could have been because I was tired but they were so fucking loud and both guys and girls would shriek and scream. Also, this one kid kept on making the most loud, annoying sound possible. I was so close to blowing up. After the break, I told Basima that I would finish grading the tests, but then asked if i could go because I didn't feel well.

When I got home, I was about to go to sleep, but then benji came over to wait for nicola-they were going to go to the beach...it was so nice out. Not too hot, but good enough weather for the beach. I wanted to go, but told them I needed to sleep. I had only gotten 8 hours in the past 48 hours. That was mine and Rach's motto for the day. We were walking zombies. Eventually I rested and probably slept for a good 30 minutes. Rach came home and after eating shnitzel and veggies with hummus, even though we really, REALLY needed to do laundry, we couldn't miss the opportunity to go to the beach! We were so tired, we almost missed the stop for the beach. oy. The beach was so so so nice. Many people there. Bat Yam is so cute and great. Benji and I ran into the water. It was cold. I got out and went to dry off. I wanted to lie on my back, but then guys started to play football (ah I mean soccer) right by me and I knew I would get hit by the ball. I then lied on my stomach and the ball went right in between rach and my head. They didn't even apologize! I then had to go so I could shower and then go straight from ulpan to garin tzedek. The bus took forever to come and I had to take a fast shower and pack up really fast.

I ended up only being 10 minutes late!! At first ulpan went well, until she wanted to look at our homework. She didn't care about the written part, but the grammar. shit. She got so mad at me and then asked in front of everyone and wrote a 70 on the board and asking if I got that grade would I know why. I fought back saying no, because this was the first time I didn't do my homework and i did the other pages (I didn't mention that no one else did!!!) UGH. Then she wanted me to start, and I did it fine. The rest of class ended up being fine. During the break I had her look at everything I had already done. Then someone was calling me and I didn't recognize the number so I picked up, and it was Jill!!! She was in Israel! During the break Michal also told me she had just spoken to the dad of Sawzy and apparently from now on, he as ulpan until 8:30 almost every day. Michal and I dont know what to do. I guess we can go from 8:30 until 9:30. We usually do an hour and a half, but now we will just have to do an hour, hopefully!! After the break we had a quiz, it took me a while to do it, but I think I did good.

When I came home, after checking my facebook and getting a funny message from steph about something aunt marla said (hahahah) and then the video goodman and ariel left for me, I had chicken salad Nicola made. It was nice, all of us together, minus shir :( Then at around 8:30 or so, Rach and I went to the hostel Jill was staying in. It was great because in front of the hostel are chairs I have always wanted to sit in! Rach and I could barely function we were so tired and I looked so fancy and business-like in my outfit (only clean clothes I have.) We walked up stairs, and saw Jill on the 4th floor, but the stairs stopped after the 2nd floor, so we had to walk back down to take the elevator. It was so nice to see her! She has her braces off?!?! We caught up and she told me funny things about Puerto Rico (i.e. soph singing really loudly in the silent car.) We also talked about how our moms act similar and we made fun of them. We talked about Uncle Al and him getting emotional-and how Jill finds it hilarious! She said he cried when she left for camp, but when sarah left for college he BAWLED. I knew he cried for sarah, but not bawl! Jill also told me that she is going to go to camp for the whole summer. I am probably going to get in and go to the seminar for david project june 14-17, so maybe I'll stay after for a couple of days with the Freedmans. The woman chaparone came to knock at like 10 saying they should get to bed in like 10 minutes. When we said bye and it was so weird! She is going to call me thursday because she is in Jerusalem and I thought I would be too because of the seminar...

When we got home I did a blog entry as rach packed for tomorrows hike and I think I was in bed around 12:30ish.

SUNDAY:

On Sunday, I had to wake up at 8, to be ready for a shevet siyyur by 8:30. I got FOUR hours of sleep. Only like 7 of us showed up for the siyyur-the less the merrier! We took a bus and were in the area I volunteer at for Garin Tzedek. We learned about refugees. For some time we sat on the grass and this guy talked to us about refugees and then talked about the area we are in and where most of them are from and how their lives are. The organization he worked for originated from people seeing 1000 people sleeping in the park and then providing them with blankets and clothing. The organization does a lot by providing bedding and I'm sure other things to try and get these people back on their feet. We walked around the area and at one point we stepped over a pipe that was transferring the pee and poop to a truck. I gagged (like real gags) 2 times. One time I wasn't even breathing through my nose! We went to the building he works in and talked about different questions we have and just what we were thinking about. I brought up how it is difficult to deal with this situation and was so overwhelming. I see what goes on with the refugees and their lives are so hard, but although I am doing something, it isn't much of an effort. I'm not sure if I am just lazy and don't want to make the extra effort. It is hard to pick things that are important and what you want to be dedicated to because there are so many different things that can use attention and help.

After the siyyur I had lunch and then had class. Surprisingly, I didn't fall asleep during the classes. It was really nice out so before class Julia, Rach, and I changed into dresses. I was so happy- maybe that was why I had energy! We had the last part of class for Jewish Philosophy outside. It was nice. After class, I came home quickly and then met Michal to go to Garin Tzedek. When we got there, he wasn't there. He was at ulpan-um thanks for telling us! So then we left, but felt bad because for the rest of the week we are pretty busy and weren't sure when the next time we could go there. I decided to go home and grab some dinner before going back to Tel Aviv and meet Boaz and the CRS. By the time I got home I had about 5 minutes. Cool. I then went back to get on a bus. I was running about 20 minutes late, but it ended up being perfect timing because he called asking where I was when I was 2 minutes away! We both are bad with time.

We then went to allenby and walked to the beach after passing my british friends and them embarrassing me. We walked along the beach for a long time, but it was nice. He was determined to find the really good ice cream place he went to when he stayed in Tel Aviv over the summer with friends in 10th grade. A long time later, it ends up being Aldo. Nothing special, but still really good ice cream. I am still a little mad at aldo for ripping me off in Jerusalem. We ate the ice cream on the beach and then asked people where a bus stop was-I thought we for sure missed the bus. Boaz asked this one guy and then he stumbled through his hebrew and he was an American who had recently moved to Tel Aviv. It was so nice talking to him and funny to see how Americans are (they talk like me) compared to Israelis. He gave us where he think it might be, but said he wasn't 100% sure and didn't want to lead us the wrong way, so it would be better if we asked someone else. Usually I'm the one giving that whole speech! haha. With Israelis they will just say they dont know and walk away. We, Americans, or maybe just all foreigners just want to help everyone ahhahah.

We thought we for sure missed the bus, but were still speed walking and then I saw a bus stop and it didnt say bus numbers 18 or 19, but said 10 and it said that was going to bat yam! Boaz and I were so excited and then as soon as he asked a woman sitting if she knows if the last bus 10 came by, it pulls up!!!!! It was such good luck! We kept on joking and saying that whatever happens God wanted to happen. Once we got on the bus, a police car was blocking the road for about 20 minutes. Boaz and I didn't care that we were sitting on the bus waiting because we were just so happy to be on it!! I then realized I had my hebrew homework and I wanted him to help me, and now would be a perfect time! After him (trying) to read the intro that was in english, and we got to my homework, the bus started to move again. The bus went a little past the beach, so we had to walk about 10-15 minutes to my apartment....nothing compared to how much we walked on the beach. I forgot to mention that I saw the beach that had different days for men and women. Love it! I want a picture of the sign. We then played some taki, talked with Rach and then he helped me with my homework. He only helped me with the stories and having to write the endings of stories or letters to different characters. I had grammar stuff to do, but it was easy, so I would just do it the next day. For some reason I didn't get to bed until around 4, once again.

Oh, and it was really warm again and I wasn't cold in a tee shirt and jeans. I had a scarf on, but still...curazy!

SATURDAY:

On Saturday Rach and I were passed out until 1:30. We both laid in bed for a bit, but needed to pee so badly. The bad thing is that the bathrooms were far away and right where the tv room and everything else is, so when we went pee, they said good morning to us. We just watched TV for a little and then had a brunch with salad, bread and different cheeses to put on the bread. Then we got dressed and Moty took us to Ranana. It was really nice out and we walked on the beach and would watch old men throwing iron balls (a game) and people of all ages playing paddle ball. He knew a lot about the area and was telling us how much higher the city is from sea level and how the waves are breaking down the land and there is construction to make sure hotels at the edge of the land won't fall into the ocean. After getting ice cream, (my favorite cone kind-I hadn't had it in so long!!!) we walked around the center of the city. He told us about the different terrorist attacks happening around here in 2003 (I think.) It was really nice to learn different, interesting facts about the area. It was quite an enjoyable tour. There also is a lot of art there-like on the cable boxes, the city paid an artist to paint a picture on it. Most of them dealt with soccer. When we came home we watched some more TV and then went out to dinner at this arab place. They always go there and so the owner greeted them and they knew the waiters. Reminded me so so sooo much of Uptown Parthenon. So much good food and homemade pita bread. I always eat the small dishes and then forced my main dish down my throat. After dinner we hung around for a bit longer (Cara called me and we talked only in hebrew...and yes, the conversation did go somewhere!) and then their friends came over so we talked to them for a little. I think I understand a lot more. Still not good at speaking, but it is a big step that I do sometimes follow what is happening (but def cannot follow along shows in hebrew.) Ofir took us home and even though we were exhausted, Cara peer pressured Rach and I to go out with her. We went to a bar and didn't get back until 3:30ish. It was fun.

I forgot to mention about the Druze soldier that was murdered in the West Bank on Wednesday. I read an article about it on ynet and it is so interesting how loyal they are to Israel. Here is the article I read about it: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3847349,00.html

I also cannot believe about the death that happened to the luge athlete. There was some news reports on it from Vancouver, but is it a bigger deal in the U.S.?

Dad- I told mom this, but when we were driving to and from Ranana, we went past 2 prisons. The first one we past was the biggest one in Israel and that is the one where most of the terrorists are held. Dad, it is HUGE. On the way home we past one that was really run down and Moty told us how in Israel, they were planning on privatizing prisons. Therefore, the government would pay the company, but the company would have to keep the prison in shape. It was going to happen, but then the court recently ruled against it.

FRIDAY:

On Friday, I kept on waking up because I was anxious that Rach called and that I didn't pick up. We were going to meet up at the CBS to then take a bus to Ranana where her family friends would pick us up and take us back to Kochav Yaier. Rach eventually called and then I got up around 12:30ish and had a quick breakfast and got ready. It was perfect because Boaz's mom was taking Anat to gymnastics, so she said she could drop me off. I accidentally got רננה and רחביה confused so at first Boaz asked where in רחויה I wanted to go. I just kept on saying, no! I just need to go to the CBS so then I can meet Rach there and we can take a bus. hahaha. Later I told him that I meant רננה, oops! I feel like that happens to me a lot. That reminds me of the story with steph and her nickel hahahahhaha!!!

Oh, and from now on, I saw that when I indent, it doesn't really show up on the blog post and it just looks like one long thing. Now I'll leave a space in between each paragraph, so it hopefully is easier to read. Anywayyy, when Boaz's mom dropped Anat off, I saw that it was the community center and I think it was donated by people or an organization from Rhode Island!!!! I'll see if I can find out more about it if I go there one time to play bball with Boaz. So, I get to the CBS and then wait for Rach to come-she went to the shuk and bought rugula for her family friends. She is walking and it is pretty hot out and the bus is there and I'm in line for it when she comes. It was perfect. We got to sit next to each other in the 2nd to the last row. The ride was really short and easy. We couldnt resist and had to have 1 1/2 rugulas each. They are just so good from marzipan! I think their trick is they leave them a little undercooked. That is just a rumor I have heard. There are rumors about their rugula. It is funny how it is a big American place-Boaz had never heard of it.

After waiting for a little, Rach's family friends come. When we said hi he hugged me-big teddy, funny bear. Him and his wife have 3 kids. 1 girl who is 30, a boy who is 28, and another son who is 23. The dad's name is Moty, the wife is effie. The girl's name is Tal, the younger boy is Ofir, and the other boy is Shachar.

THURSDAY:

On Thursday, Rach slept through her alarm, and I got a text saying no lunch and learn, so I turned off my alarm and woke up at 12:30! Then I packed up for the night (going to Jerusalem) because I had to take my stuff to Ulpan. I also found out from Craig saying that he is excited that I applied, but my application I sent was blank...never thought there would be problems with something because I had a mac! Luckily, Nicola has a PC, so I just have to redo the app on her computer, when I get a chance. I started to do it, but then had to go to Ulpan. Ulpan did not go too well. She always makes me go first! I think I was just grumpy from sleeping, so I got so offended when I asked her what a word meant on the quiz and she got so mad telling me that I need to know these words and it is so bad that I don't and how this shabbat I NEED to go over everything. She was yelling this to me in front of everyone (all 7 of us!) but still! I'm not good when people yell at me. I just get red and choked up. I then just didn't say anything and just went back to working and she came up to me and touched me saying "b'vakasha, beseder?" UGHH. Then the thing that bugs me is other people asked her what words meant, and she would tell them without getting angry. So annoying. Also, I know I didn't do well on that quiz it was with "אותי, אותך, אותה, אותו, ...."

Right after Ulpan, Michal and I went to Garin Tzedek. We got there on time and then helped Sawzi with work in a workbook. After that, when the bus came, Michal asked the bus driver for me to let me know when we start to go pass places where the 18 bus stops because I needed it in the opposite direction. He told me just to walk through an alleyway that would lead me right to the 18 bus. He insisted on me doing that, so I got off the bus, but refused to go there. I asked some people where I could find the 42, because that could take me to the same basic area. After some people asking me questions and waiting for the 42, I see that another bus that was coming also stops in that area, so I get on the bus, asking if it stops by the central railway station. After a little, I go back up to the bus driver to ask him when I should get off. He said I missed the stop and should have told him where I wanted to go. Great, thanks. Then I walked and got on a different bus after I asked someone if it was okay to take. Then I'm not sure when to get off, so I ask a soldier, he doesn't speak english well and tells me to go straight and left. He really meant right. It was fine though because I knew it was left, but a girl showed me a shortcut. I finally got to the bus and was on the bus to Jerusalem.

When I got there, Boaz didn't have the car, so before waiting for the 13 or 20, I went to take out money. I kept on trying smaller amounts and eventually it gave me 100 sheks. I called mom and talked to her for a bit, asking to reload. I wait a little for the bus and then I'm on it. I talk to rach for some of the bus ride-she was visiting a friend from home in Jerusalem. Her friend is doing a semester of high school there. I'm so happy I didnt do that because they have no freedom and learn all day and it is just like school. I love being an adult and having freedom. They also can't take any form of public transportation. Rach had to go there, but she could only be there until 10 or something. No busses stop near there, so she had to take an expensive cab ride. yuck. When I got to where Boaz lives (last stop...phew!), he came to get me. I thought I knew the way, but good thing he told me to stay put because I would have gone straight rather than turn right. That night we just hung out and he forced me to watch Saw II. So gross. Surprisingly, no nightmares, I just cringe whenever I think about it. After watching that we had ice cream that had hard chocolate on the outside and omg it was so good. We watched some of that 70s Show and I fell asleep as the morning prayers for Muslims began.

WEDNESDAY:

Yesterday I was so tired when I went to volunteering. It ended up going pretty well. I graded tests, which were easy to grade, and helped some students with their work. I wore my hair in a fishtail and the "cool" girls that usually laugh at me when I ask them if they have done their homework told me they really liked me hair!! I tried to show one of them how to do it. Yay!!!!! After volunteering, I came home and found out that Craig got my camp application, but it was blank. Greatttt. I need to redo it on a PC computer, so I started to redo it on Nicola's computer.

Then I went to class and we discussed the homework. Our homework was finding the meaning of the 2 stories of Adam and Eve. The opinion we read believes that those are 2 characteristics we humans have. I'll go into more detail about it another time. But basically the first Adam isn't aware of metaphysics, while the second Adam is. Then there are reasonings behind Eve, what Adam is supposed to do with the land, God's name, and how he was created. Then in between classes I had my first Nok-Out while being here!! (The place didn't have the kind I usually get.) It was good!! The David Project quiz was such a joke. I finished in like 1 and a half minutes. I slept for the rest of the time. Then during class we talked about the different aliyah's that Israel has had.

When Rach and I came home we decided I would make dinner because she wasn't feeling well. It was almost a fail, but I did it! I made noodles and meat sauce. It ended up tasting really good! (note to self: "pepper") After dinner, Rach and I checked and saw that we both got in for the Jewish leadership seminar! The first one is Feb. 17-20, which is a bit of a problem because nadav's bar mitzvah is that weekend. I'm going to call them to ask if I can leave before Shabbas so I can catch a bus to Ramat Yishai. Joel came over and then a little later Nicola and James. We all hung out and I talked to steph. She had a snow day. I miss snow days! I saw the pooch. I miss himmmm. Oh, I forgot to mention that during classes I also signed up to see David Broza perform! My friends want to do Israeli dancing, but I know I have to go see him. Not sure what I should say to him afterwards...say my last name? or that I'm family friends with the Lis's? Or that my uncle is Uncle Ron? Anyway, Maya came over and after talking with Boaz and showering, me, her and Rach watched some of mean girls before falling asleep at 1.

(got a little behind...)

TUESDAY:

On Tuesday, I woke up after 12. Such a nice sleep in. Nearly 10 hours of sleep!!! The siyyur was architecture in Tel Aviv. Almost no one showed up. Maybe there was about 12 of us? So nice!! It was nice to walk through tel aviv. The architecture wasn't interesting to me, but the 2nd part of the siyyur was really cool. We went to this museum of Joseph Bau and his daughters taught us all about him. He only signed his work with someonig that looked like a swan, but when you look at it sideways it said באו. He had to be secretive and not become famous because he was part of the Mossad and forged documents. He was also in the concentration camp and that is how he met his wife. In the movie "Schindler's List," the wedding scene is talking about Bau and his wife. His daughters told us the incredible story of how they got married and told us how many times he almost died. When he got to Israel, he took a facination in the language because of the deep meaning behind each word. For example, the word אמת, לחם and more. There is a book he writes and his paintings are really meaningful. The website for his work and stories about him is: www.josephbau.com

After that and doing the "Be happy now. Do you know how? How how how how how how how Meow!..." dance, Rach and I walked and went to the Japanika bar. I ended up getting salmon with asparagus and sweet potato. SO GOOD! Rach and I kept on talking about the sushi for a couple of hours. We hadn't had sushi in such a long time. Then we talked about how in the states that meal would cost us about $20, except here, it only cost us 20 sheks! On the bus ride home this old man kept on eying Rach. He was funny because when he would read from his book he would shake from laughter!!! When we got home we made sandwiches and cut up many veggies. We met katie and the bus stop and then went to the beach. We had a little picnic and had my laptop to go over slides for our David Project quiz. It was nice to hang out with them. We then came home and was late for the movie night, which was at Rachel's house. We saw the movie "Raid on Entebbe" and after eating some of their challah, we came home and then after talking with Boaz for a little, I did my homework, talked to him for a little more, and then went to bed around 2ish.

Today (!!!! ahh it is so nice to write that!) I had to wake up for volunteering. I was so tired from not going to bed until 1ish...i was talking with steph. My bed is so cozy now. I was the only one there and I graded tests and then talked with girls and helped them with their work. When I graded the tests, I was in a separate room and slept for a little :) While helping the girls they made fun of my accent, but kept o saying it was "cute." When I came home I rested for a bit and then the woman who teaches shevet optional classes came with her daughter and a group of us baked challah. It was really fun to make, but messy. I may or may not have eaten some of the raw dough? Joe was the only boy. So fun. Cara is really thinking about making alyah. So cool.

After that I did some of my hebrew hw, but didn't have time to finish before we had to go to class. I got there a little late, but everything worked out because we went over the homework! Phew!! During class I said some inappropriate things, but not on purpose. Let's just say I tried to say cup...My hebrew teacher also made fun of how I am so bad at speaking hebrew. Yay. After that I rushed home and took a quick shower before meeting Michal at the bus stop really late for Garin Tzedek. I forgot to mention that I talked to Daniel Fastman earlier during the day, and I was planning on hanging out with him tonight. He was going to be at a park in tel aviv for a reunion with everyone in his basic training unit from the army. I thought I shouldnt go because it was a cute reunion for them, he insisted it was okay. Anyway, when the bus finally comes and once we get passed the creepy men standing outside of their apartment, we get inside and he boy is sleeping. So we just drank some juice, watched tv, and played with the cute baby for a little. The baby is so cute and they let me hold her :) Her hair is growing in and ugh so so so cute!

After a little we decided it would be okay if we left, so we left and once I got home I tried to figure out where this park was. It was right by the Tel Aviv University train station, so daniel said he could just pick me and my friends up from there. I found out we had to take a bus to the central train station and then take a train from there to the other train station. It was already almost 10! We knew we would just take a taxi back, but so much travelling for a little, short visit. Daniel called me to ask what the plan was and when I told him we were on our way, he said that him and his friend can just come pick us up. um okay!!! Then a guy called from the Jewish Leadership seminar. He interviewed me, and I thought it went well. I told him how I really am interested in it because I might want to do something with the Jewish Federation when I am older. Daniel called me 2 times during the interview. I called him back and he told me he was at the mall. Yikes! I ran to get Cara, Rach, and katie and we started to walk. When we got to the mall we kept on looking into cars, but they werent Daniel. When I was on the phone with him he said he could hear our laughing (Cara tripped!) He finally spotted us, and then we spotted him...he was on the other side of the road. We started to walk around (because there is a fence in between the different sides of the road.) Then he hopped the fence and walked towards us. AH! It was so nice to see him. When we got into his friend Mike's car (Mike made aliyah 5 or 6 years ago from the U.S. and he was in the same unit as Daniel) and we drove off. During the car ride he updated me on everyone. Is it sad that I had no clue what was going on back at home?! Sadly, I have a feeling I wouldn't even know if I was at home! So maybe it is good I'm in Israel because then it seems like a valid excuse :)

I thought the bbq was over, but apparently not! When we got there Daniel was such a good host asking if we wanted something to eat, drink, etc. Then for the next hour we all hung out and talked to his friends. At the end, when Cara was saying she was planning on going to the army, one of the guys who seemed a bit drunk asked her why. He told her what happens when you have to shoot an arab and watch the blood come out of them. Then he told her not to call him crying after she has to kill someone. Oy. Daniel told me that he hadn't seen some of the people in his unit for 2 years. Such a nice reunion-all the guys catching up, etc. When they said bye, they gave such nice, strong hugs to each other. I remember on the TM Daniel telling me that when they got out of the army they were crying because they were happy, and sad. They go through such difficult times together. Daniel also told me how my hebrew is probably good, I just am not confident. He thought my hebrew was good on the TM. Hahahaha. I appreciate his kindness.

Then when everyone left, he drove all of us home. He had to take out the carseats in his car. They are for his niece and nephew. So cute!!!!! When we got home, we hugged goodbye and said that we will see each other when Tasha comes in. Yay!!! I must say that it is a bit pathetic that I saw all of my Israeli counselors from my bus, but none of the people my age...

When I got home we all hung out until 2ish. I talked to my mom on skype. Then after Katie and I waking up Rach and Julia by having a laughing attack in the room, we went to bed.

TODAY!!!

We woke up at like 8:30 and left shirs place by 8:45ish. Shir's sister drove us back to Bat Yam. When we got home I finished my midterm and then of course my email wasn't working to email it to him. I emailed it through shani's email. Then after mvgash dirah (played never have I ever) I blogged for a bit and then had lunch. I finished off the salami, and then cut up a banana, 4 strawberries, kiwi, and a pear to make a delicious, beautiful looking fruit salad. YUMMM. I then had class and after having left overs for dinner, Shevet went to Tel Aviv for wine tasting and learning about alcohol in Judaism. Of course all of Shevet people showed up for this! We got so much wine. I don't love it. We all had a pretty good amount and after getting home, talking to boaz for a bit, I talked to dad and we are starting to figure out our schedule for when he comes. Ah it is now 12 and I am going to bed RIGHT NOW! So happy I caught up. I'm bummed I got so behind because I didn't go into specific details about the past week...

One thing though: we got security alerts to stay out of Jerusalem city at night (past 9pm) and we couldn't go on the beaches for a couple of days after Hamas sent explosives in barrels to Israel shores. It is weird that I don't hear much about what is going on even though I am not only in Israel, but right by a beach! I guess I feel more safe here than if something liked this happened in the U.S. They would make a big deal and I feel like the IDF is more prepared for situations like this.

SATURDAY:

I woke up at 9:30, but didn't get out of bed until 10. Then at 10:30 I began to work on my midterm for Jewish philosophy. I was almost done, but decided to stop because I wanted to shower before shir came to come pick us up to take her back to her place for the day and night. When she picked us up, it was like a 25 minute car ride, and I zoned out/doZed for a little. Shir's house is so nice and spacious. I wanted to take a picture of her backyard. It was beautiful. They had a table and Rach and I joined the 6 in her family for lunch outside. The food was so so so good. Then after clearing the table, all 3 of us went onto the grass where it was sunny and rested for a little. They had a remon (pomegranate) tree, chinese orange tree, and something else. It was so pretty. For dessert we had ice cream with fruit and fried bananas. SO GOOD. It is really interesting how in Israeli homes, the children always do most of the cleaning up. Good thing I don't live in Israel! Just kiddinggg.

After lying down for some more outside, we went for a walk. We met up with shir's best friend and walked around the moshav. Her moshav is one of 7 that are all connected to each other. We walked by the orange trees and had some oranges. So nice. I think that when I live in Israel for a few years, I might want to live on a Moshav or something. After walking we came back to shirs house and watched tv/ napped for a couple of hours. We had a typical Israeli, chill dinner and then after hanging out some more in her room we visited a friend of hers. Rach and I watched the money taxi show. At like 11:30 we left and then after getting into the cozy bed (once again) and rach and I slowly taking turns reading the children's book called "פרח, פרח אל תבכה" (Flower, flower don't cry.) Then we went to sleep.

FRIDAY:

On Friday I woke up around 12ish and Boaz and I left at around 1ish to go catch a bus to get to the shuk. The bus finally came and we were running short with time. I needed to catch the 3 pm bus. We rush through the shuk and boaz didnt know where marzipan was, so he asked someone where it was. I quickly bought rugula, then after buying him some candy, we got on the bus back to the bus station. I quickly waved bye and then got off the bus. As soon as I did that I bumped into Mikey Soclof!! It was really nice to bump into him for a couple of seconds. The timing ended up working out so well. When I got home, after getting lost, I helped make a salad, then I showered before our 10 guests came over. Cara brought 5 yeshiva friends of hers. Dinner was really nice/funny. The yeshiva boys are funny, but they also have a very preachy, spiritual side of them. One of them was such a good speaker. After some back rolling done by rach and joel scratching my back really, really well, Rach and I watched some of 7 pounds, but were too tired to finish it.

THURSDAY:

On Thursday, I woke up earlish to go do laundry alone. Can't go in much detail now, but I got really lost and walked so far. I was carrying so much laundry...the laundry bag was bigger than me. I was sweating. When I finally got there after only doing 1 day of blogging, an older man kept on telling me how the manager who owned the laundromat was a pig and was from germany and blah blah blah. A guy in his 20s was there and was laughing. When the guy walked out to try and get ahold of the manager, the guy told me how he had no clue what the guy was saying. I was curious of where he was from...his english and hebrew as really good, but when he spoke on the phone he spoke english. hmmm. When I left he commented on how my bag was bigger than me. I told him that i knew and then said thanks? Oy.

I came home and then went to lunch and learn. It was good lunch, but there weren't cups so I drank out of bowls. Tomer shared with me. We learned about the commandments and honoring one's parents. She said that there should be one for honoring one's children. I completely disagree. After Noa driving Katie, Rach, me to the ulpan, we were cracking up and Rach had a daddy alert. HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I peed my pants a little. Keep it up Rach!

Then I packed up and went the Jerusalem. I took a bus to Boaz's. When I got there we hung out and started to watch "Love Actually." Then Gal, his friend, came over and we all hung out for a bit. His mom made us good soup. Then we walked to their friends house and a group of us hung out. I felt bad because when they spoke hebrew I had no clue what they were saying, but then when they talked to me in English, all the pressure and attention was on me. Especially when they helped me practice my hebrew. My face was so red. Then we went to the city and after Boaz driving different drunk friends home we finally got to bed at like 4. I was so so so tired.

WEDNESDAY:

On Wednesday, I decided to be a B.A. with Rach and we decided to call in sick and not go to volunteering. I was so excited and I acted how I would if I found out there was a snow day. I was so hyper and couldn't fall back asleep right away. We made pancakes for breakfast! Then after taking Boaz to the bus stop, I went to class. Class wasn't anything too special. In Israel Advocacy we talked about Israel and the Holocaust. We heard how Obama a few months ago was in Egypt and was saying how the reason Israel was created was because of the Holocaust. Oy...not good. Then a couple of us invited ourselves to go to this event where we were supposed to get dinner. We had to rush home and run back to the ulpan. The bus was so so so late (like over an hour.) We were all starving. When we finally got on the coach bus and got to the event, there wasnt dinner, just snacks. We got there late, so once we started to stuff our mouths they told us we had to go inside. Ugh! The event was Desert Queen and is basically women traveling all over the world in Jeeps for a week. Masa recently partnered up with them, so we get to go traveling with some Israeli women in Jeeps around Israel. Not sure when, but I am excited!! Tzipi spoke and all the women there were just crazy, fun Israelis. There would be fun song breaks where everyone would get up and sing. They all reminded me of my mom. In the Israeli society, my mom would be seen just as a typical, crazy Israel woman. When we got home we had dinner and then went to bed not too much later.

TUESDAY:

On Tuesday we had a Shevet siyyur to see old synagogues in Tel Aviv. We went to three or four different synagogues. All were beautiful and only some were still in use on a day to day basis. one was only open for the high holidays. Afterwards a bunch of us got the best falafel in Tel Aviv, and it was amazing. It melted in your mouth. We made it back to Bat Yam in time for our siyyur with the sofim--volunteering at a special needs school, playing with the kids and doing different Tu B'shvat projects. I woke Boaz up in time and dragged him along with. Right before he left he got a phone call from his friend saying that his friends great grandfather had just died. Boaz was in shock. It was sad because Boaz had told me a couple of days ago how his friend was crying to him on the phone because he knew his great grandpa was going to pass away soon, but the army wouldn't let him go home. Anyway, so for most of the time Boaz was on the phone with his friend. The kids were adorable and it reminded me a lot of the Friendship Circle back home for different holiday events. After dancing for a little with them (the music was kanye and other rap--it makes the volunteering so much better with that fun music blasting) I helped different kids plant flowers. Towards the end, I just planted a lot alone. It was so relaxing--I desperately needed alone time.

Afterwards the sofim invited us to join them at their volunteering placement--a community center for at risk kids. We played soccer for a bit and then I left with Rach, Boaz, and Michal for the beach. Boaz got shwarma and my friend was working there!!!! We talked for a little :) After that we all just hung out and rested on the beach. I tried to nap, but my nose was so stuffy. So annoying. It was getting chilly out, so Rach and Michal left. Boaz and I walked home after the sun set. When we got home Rach was finishing up making dinner. Boaz and I were going to play Taki, but when we were about to play dinner was ready. Rach made good chicken and the dinner consisted of many funny low blows. Boaz and I played Taki for a little, but after he was killing me, I told him it had to be a tie because we had to go to tzofiem night. Haha.

Tzofiem night was IDF night! We watched a funny video and funny demonstrations done by the tzofiem of what it is like to go through registration. Some of the questions are so weird and the person interviewing you just doesn't care about your answers. They ask how many friends you have. After you answer they say "no, I mean how many really, really good friends do you have." They continue to say that until you are like down to 1 or 2 people. Then we learned about the different units guys and girls are in and the process. I am so happy I learned that because Boaz has tried many times to explain to me the process, but I just couldn't understand him. Boaz would correct what the tzofiem would say if they were wrong and would talk with them. Then 2 people that were on year course came who are currently in the army. They talked about some experiences and how quickly you pick up hebrew, how everyone around you admires you and are really nice and try to help you, etc. Then Rach, Boaz, and I went to the fountain where we met up with Cara. After hanging out there for a bit, when we came home we hung out with Shir and Maya. Three people ended up sleeping over that night! (Maya, Boaz, and James)

(guilty of copying and pasting some of what rach put in her blog)

MONDAY:

Monday was a very special day. 50 of us did not go to our normal volunteering. Instead we went into Judaean Samaria to a border patrol base and planted trees with soldiers. Now JNF's idea of planting trees is not exactly us planting trees, rather it is us holding the tree up that is already in the whole and pushing dirt back in the whole and then tying the tree to a pole. It is all just for show. Before this, though, we had refreshments and we met some nice, flirtatious soldiers and some soldiers who didn't want to deal with us. I'm happy I finally got some pictures of me with men in uniform! Boaz goes March 11, hopefully I'll be able to get at least one pic with him in uniform!! We then watched four soldiers in different demonstrations on how they capture terrorists. It was very interesting and boy are dogs fast. Afterwards some of us got our faces painted in army paint. Mine was green and brown. People thought mine was really cool. Awesome. Some people who had done the black/green look put on some outfit and went to pretend to be a rock. Camouflage is amazing. You really are not able to find them unless you are close enough. We were then able shoot some paintballs at targets. Afterwards was a quick movie about the border patrol and then a Q&A with some soldiers who had made Aliyah and about their experiences with the Border Patrol and everything else with Israel. There was a girl on the panel and she is actually in combat and was from America. After the Q&A we had lunch with the soldiers--it was a feast for Tu B'Shvat. It was not normal army food--it was yummy. After Rach and I went looking for a bathroom where we met Ephrat, who is from Jerusalem. She gave us toilet papers (there is never any in the bathrooms) and she offered to give us face soap to wash our faces. And here we thought that we were going to go to Ulpan with our faces like that. We quickly washed our faces and raced back to the bus. As we got on the bus Katie was ready to kill us b/c she still had paint on her face.

Ulpan was boring and after that I had to rush home and shower quickly for garin tzedek. We did homework with them. Sawzi is really smart because he catches on and understands what he has to do after I initially help him out. When I came home I waited for a bit and then Boaz came. Shir, Rach, and I met up with him at the mall and then all of us walked to the beach where we got ice cream. Boaz got falafel and I was hoping I would see my friend that works there, but unfortunately, he wasnt there. We bumped into some friends and after meeting up with Katie, we finally went to victory. It took us so long to decide what we wanted. The woman working there loved speaking to us in English. I got many samples. It was funny because when Shir spoke to her in Hebrew, she said in English "Wow! Your hebrew is really good!!" hahahahaha. After the ice cream we walked back and then after hanging out for a little, I didn't get to bed until 2ish.

Ah, I am officially a week behind. I have about 2 hours of free time. I better catch up NOW! warning: these blogs are going to be pretty short. (maybe that is a good thing?!-rhetorical question, dont answer it)

SUNDAY:

On Sunday I woke up at 11:30. I was exhausted and not feeling well...I had a bad cold and my throat was sore. Around 12:30ish I was waiting for the bus to get to the ulpan for zman madrich. When the bus came I was putting my bag on me and then my chamza necklace broke. I was at an emotional part of the month and I was just sick and tired. I held in my tears on the bus. After the meeting, I saw katie and as soon as I hugged her I started to cry. I was so happy I was finally crying! I hadn't cried once since being on year course. For some reason, whenever I'm in Israel I am never upset. On TM08, I remember everyone crying at least once for different reasons-but I didn't! Anyway, after crying I had class, nothing too special. Then I had garin tzedek and it was funny because we were talking about rubber band (גומי) balls and then in one of the english books, it showed in English how to make one! We started to make one! After that I came home and just hung out and didn't go to bed too late because I had to get up at 6 the next morning.

SATURDAY:

On Saturday, a lot of people woke up to Charlie making inappropriate noises...except he wasn't doing anything bad...just puking his guts out. He stomach was killing him and whenever someone or something (i.e. a fly) touched him, he would flinch and be in so much pain because it would burn him. This was at 7ish and they called an ambulance. Usually, when the ambulance comes, then you feel better beacuse you feel like the person is in good hands. Not in Israel. When they came in they woke everyone up by yelling "BOKER TOV!!" Then the guy kept on talking to Charlie in hebrew, and we all were yelling at the guy telling him that he doesnt know hebrew! They didn't seem to care that whenever something touched him he would be in pain, so the guy was grabbing him and touching him. Charlie would whimper in pain. After realizing that he couldn't move and get into the wheelchair, they got the stretcher for him and took him to the hospital. Tamar (his girlfriend) along with Yoni went with Charlie. Tamar later told us when she came back how the rest of the day at the hospital was awful for Charlie-nurses not caring that he can't physically move his body, getting tubes stuck down his throat from his nose and when he is gagging telling him not to throw up, etc. Although Israel is really good with medicine, they are not too good about being empathetic.

After this, Katie and I went for a walk* and then after going to the bathroom (oy.) we took her sleeping bag outside and rested while listening to Leah's iPod. Then we helped some of the tzofiem prepare breakfast by cutting up cucs and tomatoes. Ilana taught me a good way to cut up an onion- it kind of worked for the tomato. When we finally got breakfast, a group of us sat in a circle and then we all shared different pooping/puking stories. Some people got grossed out by this conversation while we were eating breakfast...I have no clue why?! We hinted what happened with Leah. Hahahaha. Katie and I imitated Lori. hahahaha. Then Shir came and she brought her boyfriend. Then we went to where the cows were. It smelled so bad and we were stepping in so much shit. Ew! Whenever I breathed in through my nose I would gag. Some of the cows were pregnant. Some people fed them and the cows tongues felt really rough...that is what they told me...i was too grossed out to have them lick me. Since I am so behind on my blog, I can't remember if I said this, but we were staying at kibbutz tzora and it has the biggest dairy farm in all of Israel. On Kibbutz starting I believe in 4th grade the kids have to work on the kibbutz one day a week. Yotam worked in the refet--dairy. Shir had returned that morning with her boyfriend--first time we got to meet Noam. Noam was a scout on YC 2 yrs ago and he worked at TY so a lot of the young judaeans know him. Some of the scouts prepared a few different exercises (color wars) for us where we had to build the chedar ochel (dining room) out of biscuits and chocolate spread, making a line of our clothing that we are wearing from one side of the room to the other and then making different shapes with said clothing, and trying to have the least amount of shoes in our corner. We also started off by playing love triangle...it wasn't successful.

When we got back to the school we all cleaned up for a bit and then Katie and I watched some boys play basketball and some other guys play soccer. After it raining a little, the boys playing basketball finally were done, so Katie and I shot around. It was so fun to shoot! Then the alarm went off, so we had to go inside and then we had dinner. It was pasta with meat sauce. Katie and I ate outside and had a nice conversation about camp, etc. Then after cleaning up some more we left and ah I was so tired. When we got home I stayed up for a bit, even though I was exhausted and goofed around with people. We kept on joking about the puking noises we heard and told funny family stories. It was Rach, Katie, Leah, and me.