notquiteisraeli | Entries tagged with randomness

Tonight we went to a poetry reading and discussion as guests of our friend Robbie, who was reading poetry and participating in the discussion. I was prepared not to understand much. We were there, after all, strictly as moral support for Robbie. It can be tough going, getting people to support your literary ambitions.

To my utter astonishment, I understood nearly the whole thing. And even better, I found it extremely interesting.

Generation 1.5 is a literary movement in Israel that's been emerging over the past decade. Its members were born in the former Soviet Union but came to Israel as young children. Because the Russian immigrant community in Israel formed very strong ties and is very close knit, most of them grew up in that bubble, with a foot in both worlds - speaking Hebrew at school but Russian with family. Some still write in Russian (though not exclusively). As an immigrant myself, I found the discussion very relevant.

More to the point, I am incredibly surprised that I followed so well.

When the reading was over we retired to Beersheva's fringe theater for an afterparty that started out intellectual in tone and devolved into gushing over British TV shows. It was heaven.

Now we're home. Plans for the weekend include a trip to Tel Aviv to visit my father-in-law. Next week is game night with Eyal's coworkers Peter and Regev. Regev is bringing his girlfriend, so thankfully it won't be a total sausagefest.

Chanukah starts a week from tomorrow night. During Chanukah we'll celebrate one night with family in the Central District, probably coinciding with Eyal's birthday.

And that's all for now.

Current Mood: tired

1. My interview with CELTA Athens went well, and they offered me a place in the course starting January 7. I have made a down payment on tuition to guarantee my spot. Yay!

2. Saw the cardiologist. Dr. Slutsky (stop giggling) treats a lot of young women, which is a plus. He ordered a stress echo so he can see the extent of the damage - if any - and decide how to prevent future damage. He specifically said that he avoids invasive testing unless absolutely necessary - a good thing. Blood tests have also been ordered. (If you think his name is funny, imagine the fun Israelis have with the name "Zona"...which is Hebrew for "whore".)

3. My brother-in-law Alon had his 50th birthday party, which was a romp. Good food, cake, sufganiyot, and lots of laughter. He's usually a pretty serious guy, so it was nice to see him loosen up and smile. The last time I saw him loosen up like this was at our wedding. He went out of his way to tell me that our present was the best present he could think of (we gave Alon and Sarah enough money to pay for a date night and volunteered to babysit the boys). Also he imitated a parrot that he knew when he was a kid that had interesting vocabulary. (The boys were out of earshot by then.) Hearing Alon croaking "Maniak! Maniak!" had everyone cracking up. (Maniak means "fucker".) All in all, a great night, well worth the drive to and from Tel Aviv.

4. Today I received a pre-order copy of Az Nashir: We Will Sing Again. It's an anthology of Israeli women's prayers written since October 7, in Hebrew and English. My friend Rachel Sharansky Danziger was one of the editors and contributors. It's really wonderful - a worthy addition to the Jewish tradition of women's private devotions.

5. On order: the Twin Peaks Tarot.

6. Eyal and I have already made our anniversary plans: we're seeing the Toscanini String Quartet in Tel Aviv. Strangely, my therapist was surprised when I told him, saying he didn't realize we were so much into classical music. Well, we are. Very, very, much. Particularly chamber music. A favorite of ours? Beethoven's cello trios, as performed by Daniel Barenboim (pig!), Pinchas Zukerman (cute smile!), and Jacqueline du Pre (team Jackie!).

7. On Wednesday, Eyal asked me if I'd ever heard of a card game called Munchkin. Long story short, a game night involving one of his co-workers and a couple other friends is in the works.

Current Mood: calm
Current Music: Jerusalem Quartet, Beethoven, String Quartet No. 18 in C Minor Op. 18 No. 4

How much does your personality change when you’re around different people?

Not nearly as much as it used to change. This is a good thing.

When and where was your first kiss?

Summer, 1995. Raccoon Lake State Park in Rockville, IN.

What’s your guilty pleasure movie?

Probably The Money Pit. It's not great, but neither is it gloriously bad. But it's my cinematic comfort food.

How do you like to be comforted when you’re sad or upset?

Hugs. Phone calls. Cuddling with kitties and doggos.

Have you ever been bullied?

Yes, but here's the catch. What was painful was that when it was teachers doing the bullying (this is a Thing) no one believed me; when it was peers doing the bullying, my brother not only refused to defend me but joined in. When I was bullied at summer camp, it was completely ignored and dismissed as "girls will be girls." So I've always felt isolated, and that was always the worst part.

What are the top three things that stress you out?

Uh, I think living in a war zone is up there at number one. Below that? Getting my schoolwork done, and making it to appointments.

Who was your first friend, and are they still in your life?

Sarah, and yes! We are still in touch. She is a freaking rock star awesome attorney, wife, mom, and friend. We have literally known each other since infancy.

How did your parents meet?

Through my dad's sister, who was my mom's roommate. My aunt noticed that my mom listened to the same music and read the same books as my dad. And the rest is history.

What’s the biggest lesson your last relationship taught you?

My first marriage? Well, along with don't ignore the red flags it taught me that you cannot make someone love you.

What’s the biggest leap of faith you’ve taken?

Moving to Israel, aged 38, with one carryon suitcase.

Who was the last person to make you cry and why?

My brother. He told me to shut up when I was trying to talk and everyone was talking over me.

What did you dream about last night?

My paternal grandfather, who told me that the many pro-Hamas demonstrators were nothing but "ignorant crotch goblins." Now, Granddaddy didn't know that term - I mean I don't think he did - but I appreciated the sentiment.

Do you believe in aliens?

I think they fulfill many of the same needs in folklore as the Fair Folk stories did in the past. The tropes are remarkably similar. I'm not going to say it's impossible that they exist, but it's very improbable.

What does your name mean, and why was it given to you?

Anna is the Latin form of the Hebrew name Hannah, which means "grace." I was named after my great-great-grandmother.

Current Mood: drained
Current Music: The Secret Sisters, "He's Fine"

1. Family call today. My cousin Ruth begged me to come back to the States. I love Ruth, but it ain't happening.

2. Besides, about the only unsafe thing that has happened to me this week? I fell out of bed this morning. My head hit the sliding glass door, cracking it; the rest of me hit the tile floor. No concussion, fortunately. However, my entire left side is achy as fuck. Especially my shoulder and hip, which took the most impact. Paracetamol has helped get it down to a dull roar. Resting and snuggling with Cheddar has also brought some relief.

3. While Beersheva has not been hit with rockets, our other friends further north have not been so lucky. Mutzi's town, Kiryat Bialik, was hit. Currently he's taking refuge with his brother.

4. The memes. Oh, the memes. They just did not stop. If you're a terrorist group, it's just not a good idea to buy a fuckload of pagers from totallynotthemossad.co.il. Same goes for walkie-talkies.

5. Mind you, we do get blamed for shit we don't do. I mean, Nasrallah probably blames us every time he gets jock itch.

6. I have ordered a CD burner and blank CDs. So...bearing in mind I have three mixes in varying stages of construction, let me know if you want one! I can't promise timely delivery, between not knowing when I'll get my stuff, not to mention the absolutely crap service with Israel Post, but you will get them.

Current Mood: sore
Current Music: Elephant Revival, "Sing To The Moutain"

1. Started my Hebrew course today. It's fun, actually. I'm also looking into taking some professional courses (online marketing, web design). I may as well do my best to keep busy whilst waiting on the CELTA course. At least that way I'll be ready to start my business as soon as I have my diploma. Since the Israeli state has organizations that help people with disabilities start small businesses, including hooking them up with accountants and lawyers, I'm very keen to get things up and running as soon as I can.

2. I don't know that I specified what, precisely, my business would be. Quite simply, it would be teaching English to individuals or groups up to four. My client base would be adults studying for the university entrance exam (most people in Israel delay university until after they finish their military service), older teenagers studying for the diploma exam (yes, it requires English proficiency), and adults looking to improve business English. I have no plans to teach kids (although my seven year old nephew Yosef loves learning English from me and so far can count to 100 and knows his colors and shapes).

3. Laundry continues from day to day and week to week. Laundry is the one a few tasks I don't delegate to our cleaning lady, Tiferet. It's not that I'm a control freak, it's just that laundry is something I can do. Ditto the dishes and cooking. I also de-clutter the dining and living room every Friday before Shabbat comes in. I hate lacking the spoons to do deeper cleaning, but in all fairness Tiferet does a much better job than I would even if I did have the spoons. Anyway, as I was folding Eyal's clothes today, I found myself happy that the quality of his clothing has drastically improved in the four years we've been together. No, I don't pick out his clothes...though I did suggest he switch to boxer shorts (he loved them). I also suggested he upgrade his ill-fitting and raggedy clothes, which he did on our trips to the States. Thanks to the Jockey outlet, he now has supremely comfy underwear and undershirts; Old Navy and Marshalls provided fun t-shirts; Target supplied new jeans. All at better prices than can be found here in Israel.

4. In a couple of weeks the holidays start. We'll probably do Rosh Hashanah with my sister-in-law Orit. That's always nice; I get along extremely well with everyone - all seven of her kids, her husband, her husband's family even. It's lovely to do the Rosh Hashanah seder with them. The singing is lovely, with haunting Iraqi melodies. Then the day after Yom Kippur, we drive to Petach Tikva to Eyal's mother's grave for her memorial. Sometimes it's hard for us to get a minyan (if women counted it'd be easier, but we don't, so ten men older than 13 it must be) to say Kaddish, but it's been easier since last year when Alon (Eyal's brother) started coming. (There's a long story there but I can't get into it here.) After that? I think forever after Simchat Torah will be tainted with mourning...it's the anniversary of the October 7 attack on the Hebrew calendar. Just like we still recite prayers composed to mourn the victims of the Rhineland Crusades and the pogroms and the Holocaust, new prayers will be composed.

Current Mood: thoughtful
Current Music: Rogue Wave, "Eyes"

Where do the cats sleep?

In our bed. Usually on top of Eyal, which makes sense, because he sleeps on his stomach and doesn't toss and turn much. I sleep on my side and am notorious for tossing and turning. However, both cats have been known to visit me for pets and cuddles, which are always welcome. And yes, I know the difference. Nacho is floofier, and he has a very distinctive, very loud purr.

What jewelry do you wear on a daily basis?

My wedding set. I wear my engagement ring on my right hand and my wedding band on my left. Occasionally I wear a pendant that my mom gifted me when I turned 35 (it's my favorite necklace) and occasionally I'll wear small earrings, but I'm not much for flashy jewelry (my wedding set is pretty understated). I am in the market for a wristwatch, though. (Fun fact: I gave Eyal a wristwatch as an engagement present.)

How is your house decorated?

Um...eclectic? My office is not the same as the living room. If I had to pin it down I'd say nerd flag flying. Just yesterday we finally got a print we ordered awhile ago, of a vintage Israeli postage stamp (Eyal had a stamp collection as a kid). We also have sun and moon figurines that Eyal picked up in Mexico City about eight years ago. And books and cat hair everywhere.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Books and quality skin care.

What is a super-specific museum you want to visit?

At the moment, the Israeli Museum of Cartoons in Holon.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Franz Kafka.

What is the most beautiful place you've ever seen in person?

Jerusalem, and I was fortunate enough to live there. The Mishna says in tractate Kiddushin 49a: "Ten measures of beauty were given to the world. Jerusalem received nine." Second place would be Tzfat.

Would you survive a zombie apocalypse?

No. I would very quickly be zombie chow.

Are you good at solving puzzles?

Depends on the puzzle. I like crosswords and Jumble.

What's your biggest fear?

It's still heights, believe it or not. I have survived multiple rocket attacks and missile attacks and they don't scare me anywhere near as much as a bridge or precipice.

How do you express your love for someone?

Hugs and snuggles. Homemade muffins and cookies. Long conversations. Sending cute memes and photos.

What's the most annoying musical instrument?

Do vuvuzelas count?

Do you think fart and dick jokes are played out?

Fart and dick jokes are immortal.

Do you talk to yourself?

All the time.

Current Mood: calm
Current Music: Tom Petty, "Zombie Zoo"

Where is your favorite place to write?

My office! It's cozy, full of books, and smells of incense. What's not to love? Barring that, I like writing in cafes, as long as I have my headphones with me to turn on some music.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Teaching! Also, I hope, published.

Where have you traveled other than the United States and Israel?

The United Kingdom. I've been to both Leeds and Manchester. I did love Manchester, and was astonished at the large, thriving Jewish community there. (Hey, TV shows set in Manchester? Where are your Jews?) Manchester's city center was a bit of a surprise - it's incredibly new, since it was completely destroyed by an IRA bomb in the '90s and had to be rebuilt from the ground up. Leeds University is gorgeous and its student pub has excellent chips.

What inspires you in life?

A lot. Eyal is top of the list. My family, which includes my in-laws. The cats. A lot of stuff that I will simply put under the banner of spirituality, because I believe that such things are incredibly personal and private.

What is an important life lesson you have learned?

You can't outrun yourself.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

On most days, ice cream. But a well-made cupcake can make my week.

What's one piece of clothing you couldn't live without?

Breathable, comfortable socks. (Sorry to be so boring.)

If you could travel back in time, where would you go?

The late '70s or early '80s and get to know my dad as a person.

What's a piece of advice you'd give your younger self?

It's not cool to be snarky all the time. Sincerity is underrated.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Reading, writing, journaling, embroidery, talking to friends, going to the gym.

Describe where you live.

In a four bedroom townhouse with a small garden, in a nice neighborhood, in Beersheva, Israel.

What's an ideal date with Eyal?

Something out of the ordinary. The monkey sanctuary in Kfar Daniel was one of our happiest times. Also our couples massage after hiking at Ein Gedi near the Dead Sea. Walking around Salem, MA was great. And stand up comedy is always great.

What's your favorite lipstick?

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Peony Pink. Cool-toned your-lips-but-better pink. Perfect for a cool-toned fair-skinned girl.

Do you wear makeup on Zoom calls?

Depends. Not with family or therapist, but definitely if it's professional. Indoor lighting does me no favors and I prefer not to look sickly.

So, what are you wearing?

Loudly printed pajama bottoms, a gray t-shirt printed with "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot", gray socks, and Crocs. So sexy.

Current Mood: awake
Current Music: Bill Withers, "Use Me"

Here be 25 random bits about me. Proceed with caution.

1. I have been hospitalized numerous times, but my first hospitalization was shortly before my fourth birthday. I had some sort of nasty infection. I remember: my mom's prominent Walter Mondale campaign pin, a big IV, terrible food, and being sad that my dad couldn't visit (he was still on anti-rejection medicine for his kidney transplant).

2. When I entered university, I planned on becoming a linguist or translator. In the middle I switched to becoming a historian. When I left - without a degree - I was pretty much exhausted for plans and stayed that way for a good twenty years.

3. Best movie date ever? Surprisingly, over twenty years later, I maintain that Shrek is a perfect date movie. Fight me. Anyway, it's perfect for cinema dates. Introduce your sweetie to the Criterion Collection stuff once you've moved in together and are sure that they won't freak out over your passionate attachment to Lynch and Cronenberg (to say nothing of Catherine Breillat).

4. When I finally joined a band, aged 37, I was brought on as a vocalist. Since the band also played instrumentals, I was kindly handed a tambourine. (Eventually I bought my own.) To my surprise, I took to it.

5. I have a facial scar along my cheekbone. If it isn't concealed by my hair, it's concealed by concealer.

6. I took the civil service exam to apply for a job at the Crandall Library in Glens Falls. Wish I'd gotten it.

7. I taught religious school as a teenager. Mind, I was an assistant teacher, but I really enjoyed it. My kids were great kids. They all called me Miss Annie.

8. I lost my father when I was five. I lost my maternal grandfather at 13. It was a long time before I realized that neither time was it my fault.

9. I've always wanted to teach in some capacity, but it's taken a long time to take direct steps to that end.

10. I've been writing since...um, since I could write. Banishing my inner critic is a lot harder, though.

11. I started reading aged three. Writing took a couple more years. They're separate skills, and I wasn't so great at the physical aspect of writing (my spelling was fine - I just had trouble getting the physical part down).

12. My IQ is 138, two points shy of gifted. That's sufficient for Mensa, but I wouldn't join that group of pricks if you paid me.

13. From age 18 to about age 38, I kept my hair red (except for that disastrous time I dyed it black). I'm much happier now that my hair is back to its natural dark ash blonde.

14. It took me a long time to get the stick out of my ass and be okay with being a girl, with crying sometimes, and to quit trying to be snarky 100% of the time. I'm much happier this way.

15. I still have a thing for nice stationery and nice pens.

16. My bookshelf probably looks very weird to most people. There's a lot of Jewish texts: the Tanakh in an English-Hebrew edition, commentary, numerous devotional books, a few generalist books. Then there are the numerous books about practical magic: herbalism, spells, folk magic, dream interpretation, astrology. I do not see any conflict in these things.

17. I try to write in a paper-and-pen journal every day.

18. Yes, I wore hair extensions for my wedding, to anyone curious as to how I had such lustrous, full, perfect waves.

19. When it's time for holiday gatherings, my husband's family expects women to seriously glow up: best outfits, makeup, perfume, the works. My first test came at Pesach this year; according to my sister-in-law, I passed with flying colors.

20. I am not fluent in Hebrew. However, I can carry on basic conversations. I don't need an English menu at a restaurant. I can shop without problems. I can understand Hebrew fairly well, provided people don't speak too fast or mumble (looking at my brother-in-law Alon on that one).

21. I have a total of ten nieces and nephews, ranging in age from 27 to four.

22. My 25th high school reunion is this weekend. I am not sad to be missing it.

23. I have received the song "Punk Rock Girl" by the Dead Milkmen on no fewer than three mix CD's from three people who do not know each other.

24. As I recall, the first concert I saw was Willie Nelson at the Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, TN in 1987. I don't remember much about it. The first concert I saw without my mom was Bob Dylan in 1994. It sucked.

25. Most recent song that made me cry: Nina Simone, "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free." I started thinking of the hostages and lost it.

Current Mood: calm
Current Music: Norah Jones, "Sunrise"