These past couple weeks did nothing but remind me that time is running out fast. It was really weird for me too because I realized that this month would be filled with "This is the last time I'll _____ for two years."
I went up to LA to celebrate Passover with my Aunt and her family. I had such a wonderful time, her family cracked me up. I was blindsided when I was saying goodbye to them all and one of her sister's said "I hope you'll be able to come over next year". That's when it hit me, I won't be able to make it next year. I mean, I might if I work out my vacation time, but I realized that this actually was my last Seder state side for a while. I'm really sad that I didn't start going to my Aunt's family's Seders earlier because they are so awesome,welcoming, and hilarious.
I was also able to make it to Sunday morning services (for the first day of Passover) at this Persian Sephardic temple in Beverly Hills that I LOVE. The website said that services would begin at 8:30 am...but there was no way I was waking up that early to go to services. I figured if I showed up at 9:30 or 10 I would be ok. I ended up getting there at 10:30 and had plenty of seats to chose from, and the youth service (i.e. the one in English) had just barely started. Actually it was pretty funny because I got to the Temple early enough to get a place to sit, but half an hour into services there was standing room only. I had the opportunity to perform a mitzvah when I switched seats with a lady in the row in front of mine so she could sit with her family. Then my row was made to scoot down to make room for more people to sit, each congregant half assing a seat. Like they say, "no good deed goes unpunished". It was, in all honesty, a wonderful experience.
The Rabbi gave an awesome sermon that made me look like a nutcase cuz I was the only person on the verge of tears listening to it. His topic was freedom, which he emphasized by reading the Gettysburg Address. He underscored the freedoms we have in America by emphasizing the fact that the grandparents of the congregants would not believe the freedoms the Jewish community has in America. He implored us to take this opportunity that freedom has given us and use it to better the world. Then he started talking as if only to me. He started talking about this Jewish spark in all of us that compels us to do good for humanity. Under all our flaws as humans (greed, lust, countless insecurities, etc) there is a spark that can never be put out. His message made me feel like I was born with that spark all along, and converting to Judaism really stoked it. The Rabbi wanted the entire congregation to stoke that spark, because the community is strengthened by the intensity of it's members' passion to do right . I am so grateful to the Rabbi for helping me appreciate the passion I have within myself to help others, and I'm definitely going to carry his message with me to Romania.
Hearing that sermon really made me regret that I will be leaving so soon, because I wanted so bad to get really active with all that the temple is doing, even though they're up in Beverly Hills and I'm in San Diego. As I left the room I realized that that was the last time I would go to services at that temple for two years. I have only gone there three times in the past five months, but each time has been an enlightening experience about the Sephardic tradition, Persian culture, or just myself and my goals. Even though I will really miss all the opportunities to connect with the Jewish community up in LA, I look forward to finding opportunities to experience the Jewish faith in Romania and on the trips I plan to take while I'm in service.
Later that afternoon I went to hang out with my friend Penina who lives up in LA. I was so worried that I would only be able to hang out with her for an hour or so, but was delighted when she came over to have second night Seder with me and my Aunt's family. We had such a good time cracking jokes and catching up on each other's lives. I was really saddened when we hugged goodbye because I new that would be the last time I would see her for two years. I got a little relief when I reminded myself that I can drunk dial her any time :)
Well, that was my Passover. Way too much fun for words. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to finishing off all this leftover matzah.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Monica:1 Brain Aneurysm:0
I'm going to try and downplay the stress factor (with the exception of the title of this blog) that has been plaguing me this week because stress is something I will have to expect and accept while serving. So, hypothetically, if I'm getting overwhelmed by the stress that accompanies the preparation process, there's no way I can handle the stresses awaiting me at my service site. It's not that I'm overwhelmed by the stress though, I'm just so happy to be over it and I want to share with you all how effectively I dealt with it.
That aside, I've finally gotten hit with the ton of bricks that is the realization that I have a month left here. A reality that was made all too clear when I was budgeting how I would spend my last few paychecks and I realized how few there are left! But this weekend is about relaxation and enjoying time with family. I'm going to be up in LA to be with my Aunt's family and enjoy both Passover seders. I also get to spend one last weekend with my friend who lives up in the Valley.
This week has reeked havoc on me. This weekend I didn't get half the stuff I wanted to. I couldn't get my duffels because I forgot the handbook with the luggage size requirements in it at my place. When I walked into REI they had gotten rid of all their winter stuff...even their snow boots :( A quick trip to zappos.com settled that prob. I plan on spending this week trying to piece together a decent wardrobe because worrying about that is taking up WAY too much of my brain space. Oh and the people at Chacos are AWESOME! They speed processed my discount since I'm leaving so soon. Extra huggles to them.
I have FINALLY taken care of my meds! (Start the parade!) I had to jump through all these hoops to get blue cross to approve my pharmacy sending me more than a three months supply. Today I almost threw a conniption fit. I finally got a call from the agent who has been helping me letting me know that she received the faxed RX I sent last Thursday...but she told me that I'll have to fill it by the 20th because that's how long the approval lasts for, meaning I'll have to fill it at Rite Aid because my mail order pharmacy would not be able to fill it in time. I called Rite Aid and filling the RX there would cost WAY! more than my mail order pharmacy. So after a blood pressure raising two hours of trying to contact Blue Cross I got a hold of my agent and got the approval extended. I'm so relieved that I don't have to fork over any more dough than I already have(in case you've been living in a cave or never met me, I'm a pretty cheap bastard).
Monday night and Tuesday morning were a roller coaster of emotions for me (too cliche? Whatev!). Anywho, I got my staging kit in the mail Monday night and had so much fun looking over all the new goodies I have (I'm not being facetious, nothing is more fulfilling than the sense of accomplishment I get when I fill out a form).
On Tuesday morning I contacted the agency that arranges Peace Corps Volunteers-to-be flight plans. Now, I was under the assumption that I would be taking a red eye flight on Monday into Philadelphia, my staging city. When I was making the reservation the guy on the phone started listing of times for Sunday, and I said, "Whoa Whoa Whoa, can't I have a red eye flight on Monday morning or even really late Sunday night?" and he said "Well no, because we don't want you to fall asleep during orientation." After a couple more minutes of futile pleading I accepted my fate and settled for the latest flight that flew out of San Diego.
Now herein lies the tragedy of leaving on Sunday afternoon...there is no possible way I can make it to the HUGE Israeli Independence Day festival up in the Valley that I want to go to. I had the logistics all figured out too, just go up to LA for the day, and then come back down to get right on the plane. And just in case you haven't heard of this thing, people who live miles away from the park in which this festival takes place complain about the lack of parking due to all the people who go to the festival parking in their neighborhood. 40,000 people went to last year's festival! It's going to be HUGER this year because Israel turns 60.
I understand that the Peace Corps is about patience and flexibility. I just wanted to convey the magnitude of this sacrifice I'm making...to be in Phoenix, Arizona (where my direct flight stops off) waiting for my plane to take off for Philadelphia, when I should be in Van Nuys, California eating falafel and getting lessons on how to dance to some of my favorite Mizrahi songs...and maybe meeting an IDF soldier or two ;)
Lost partying opportunities aside, I am VERY excited about all that is coming up, and being the first person in my hotel room :D I already found a bunch of vegetarian places around the hotel and got a tip on where to get the best Philly "Cheese" "Steak" (it's vegan) in town.
Well, off I go to continue my quest for water resistant gloves, beanies, and scarves (do they have water resistant scarves?), long thermal underwear, and all the other winter career appropriate apparel I'll need.
That aside, I've finally gotten hit with the ton of bricks that is the realization that I have a month left here. A reality that was made all too clear when I was budgeting how I would spend my last few paychecks and I realized how few there are left! But this weekend is about relaxation and enjoying time with family. I'm going to be up in LA to be with my Aunt's family and enjoy both Passover seders. I also get to spend one last weekend with my friend who lives up in the Valley.
This week has reeked havoc on me. This weekend I didn't get half the stuff I wanted to. I couldn't get my duffels because I forgot the handbook with the luggage size requirements in it at my place. When I walked into REI they had gotten rid of all their winter stuff...even their snow boots :( A quick trip to zappos.com settled that prob. I plan on spending this week trying to piece together a decent wardrobe because worrying about that is taking up WAY too much of my brain space. Oh and the people at Chacos are AWESOME! They speed processed my discount since I'm leaving so soon. Extra huggles to them.
I have FINALLY taken care of my meds! (Start the parade!) I had to jump through all these hoops to get blue cross to approve my pharmacy sending me more than a three months supply. Today I almost threw a conniption fit. I finally got a call from the agent who has been helping me letting me know that she received the faxed RX I sent last Thursday...but she told me that I'll have to fill it by the 20th because that's how long the approval lasts for, meaning I'll have to fill it at Rite Aid because my mail order pharmacy would not be able to fill it in time. I called Rite Aid and filling the RX there would cost WAY! more than my mail order pharmacy. So after a blood pressure raising two hours of trying to contact Blue Cross I got a hold of my agent and got the approval extended. I'm so relieved that I don't have to fork over any more dough than I already have(in case you've been living in a cave or never met me, I'm a pretty cheap bastard).
Monday night and Tuesday morning were a roller coaster of emotions for me (too cliche? Whatev!). Anywho, I got my staging kit in the mail Monday night and had so much fun looking over all the new goodies I have (I'm not being facetious, nothing is more fulfilling than the sense of accomplishment I get when I fill out a form).
On Tuesday morning I contacted the agency that arranges Peace Corps Volunteers-to-be flight plans. Now, I was under the assumption that I would be taking a red eye flight on Monday into Philadelphia, my staging city. When I was making the reservation the guy on the phone started listing of times for Sunday, and I said, "Whoa Whoa Whoa, can't I have a red eye flight on Monday morning or even really late Sunday night?" and he said "Well no, because we don't want you to fall asleep during orientation." After a couple more minutes of futile pleading I accepted my fate and settled for the latest flight that flew out of San Diego.
Now herein lies the tragedy of leaving on Sunday afternoon...there is no possible way I can make it to the HUGE Israeli Independence Day festival up in the Valley that I want to go to. I had the logistics all figured out too, just go up to LA for the day, and then come back down to get right on the plane. And just in case you haven't heard of this thing, people who live miles away from the park in which this festival takes place complain about the lack of parking due to all the people who go to the festival parking in their neighborhood. 40,000 people went to last year's festival! It's going to be HUGER this year because Israel turns 60.
I understand that the Peace Corps is about patience and flexibility. I just wanted to convey the magnitude of this sacrifice I'm making...to be in Phoenix, Arizona (where my direct flight stops off) waiting for my plane to take off for Philadelphia, when I should be in Van Nuys, California eating falafel and getting lessons on how to dance to some of my favorite Mizrahi songs...and maybe meeting an IDF soldier or two ;)
Lost partying opportunities aside, I am VERY excited about all that is coming up, and being the first person in my hotel room :D I already found a bunch of vegetarian places around the hotel and got a tip on where to get the best Philly "Cheese" "Steak" (it's vegan) in town.
Well, off I go to continue my quest for water resistant gloves, beanies, and scarves (do they have water resistant scarves?), long thermal underwear, and all the other winter career appropriate apparel I'll need.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Who's got Romania mania!?
It's official, I'm going to Romania. I've accepted my invitation, my passport docs have been received, and my Peace Corps toolkit even has Romania splayed all over the front page. I even sent out my Aspiration Statement and updated resume. I totally forgot how draining writing is!!!
I've never had to make such a deep plunge so quickly. I know that it won't hit me that I'm going to be gone for two years until I'm actually on the plane heading for staging...maybe not even until my flight to Romania! I've seen so many people make a big deal about me leaving, but my reaction has always been the same:
"It's not like we aren't going to talk for two years. I'll be coming back! Jeez."
Well this weekend is my big shopping spree to get everything I need (or most of it anyway). My biggest conern is getting the right attire for cold weather. I have never lived in a place where it snows. I've seen snow, played in snow, but never had to deal with it on a daily basis for the whole of winter. I do have my spiffy (yeah, I said it) winter coat that the Air Force issues to its troops in Alaska. Hopefully after this weekend I'll have some sweet lookin snow boots, all the thermals I can pack into the Army duffel bags I'll be using for luggage, warm professional clothes, and whatever else I'll need for my trip. After I go on this shopping excursion I'll post my packing list for your consideration.
Other than that there's not much to report. I was hoping to get a Romania specific invitation kit, but nothing to that effect has come in the mail. I ran through the Romanian language lessons the Peace Corps web site offers and I gotta say it is a beautiful language. It seriously is like Italian and Spanish had a love child and that kid got a lot of influence from his Hebrew aunt. I'm so excited to start formal lessons and see how hot I sound speaking it ;)
I really want to see what the country is like too. I watched this movie called "Four months, three weeks, and two days" that was filmed in Romania by a Romanian director to get a very superficial idea of what Romania looked like, and I loved it! (Both what the country looked like and the film). It's been so long since I've been exposed to any kind of new environment that I might get overloaded when I get off the plane. I don't know how to describe how I feel when I get into another country except that I get so excited for all the new opportunities in front of me.
Well, until the next time I get the urge to post...over and out!
I've never had to make such a deep plunge so quickly. I know that it won't hit me that I'm going to be gone for two years until I'm actually on the plane heading for staging...maybe not even until my flight to Romania! I've seen so many people make a big deal about me leaving, but my reaction has always been the same:
"It's not like we aren't going to talk for two years. I'll be coming back! Jeez."
Well this weekend is my big shopping spree to get everything I need (or most of it anyway). My biggest conern is getting the right attire for cold weather. I have never lived in a place where it snows. I've seen snow, played in snow, but never had to deal with it on a daily basis for the whole of winter. I do have my spiffy (yeah, I said it) winter coat that the Air Force issues to its troops in Alaska. Hopefully after this weekend I'll have some sweet lookin snow boots, all the thermals I can pack into the Army duffel bags I'll be using for luggage, warm professional clothes, and whatever else I'll need for my trip. After I go on this shopping excursion I'll post my packing list for your consideration.
Other than that there's not much to report. I was hoping to get a Romania specific invitation kit, but nothing to that effect has come in the mail. I ran through the Romanian language lessons the Peace Corps web site offers and I gotta say it is a beautiful language. It seriously is like Italian and Spanish had a love child and that kid got a lot of influence from his Hebrew aunt. I'm so excited to start formal lessons and see how hot I sound speaking it ;)
I really want to see what the country is like too. I watched this movie called "Four months, three weeks, and two days" that was filmed in Romania by a Romanian director to get a very superficial idea of what Romania looked like, and I loved it! (Both what the country looked like and the film). It's been so long since I've been exposed to any kind of new environment that I might get overloaded when I get off the plane. I don't know how to describe how I feel when I get into another country except that I get so excited for all the new opportunities in front of me.
Well, until the next time I get the urge to post...over and out!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
T minus a month and a half and counting
I just wanted to put up the obligatory introductory first post.
It's been quite an experience getting through the application process. Nothing is more gratifying, though, than opening my Peace Corps online toolkit and looking at "Invitee Toolkit" spread across the page in huge letters. The next 6 weeks are going to be insane. I can't believe all the loose ends I have to tie by then (selling my car, legal matters (I have to write a WILL guys!), packing!, the list goes on)
Well when I get more info I'll be able to provide you with a more substantial post.
Have a great hump day!
It's been quite an experience getting through the application process. Nothing is more gratifying, though, than opening my Peace Corps online toolkit and looking at "Invitee Toolkit" spread across the page in huge letters. The next 6 weeks are going to be insane. I can't believe all the loose ends I have to tie by then (selling my car, legal matters (I have to write a WILL guys!), packing!, the list goes on)
Well when I get more info I'll be able to provide you with a more substantial post.
Have a great hump day!
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