Despite many valiant attempts, we STILL do not have Internet access at home. Our attempt with a THIRD provider failed on Friday and after approximately 30 calls over the weekend, I finally rescheduled the install for today. But, I have little faith that someone will actually show up and finish the install job that was begun on Friday. And let's not even think about when/if we might get someone from the cable company to come out and dig up our yard to bury the newly layed cable.
All very disconcerting. The owner of our rental house had a HOME OFFICE that was operational until a few days before we moved in. So, I am completely baffled why no one has been able to get any form of communication activated in our home. No phone lines working. No cable working.
So, we are feeling very isolated (Sweetie much more so than me, since he remains many thousand miles away from his home country and family and friends).
Showing posts with label new life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new life. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Living in the Boonies
A quick post to stay that I WILL revive my blog asap. I was unaware when we moved that we would be living in a "rural" area for internet purposes, and my first attempt at home internet access failed. So, now I am trying another provider. One that is rumored to be going out of business. Yes, it's that bad. There just aren't any good options. Earthlink offered to hook me up to satellite(!) internet for $99.99/month. HEL-LO. No, thank you. I am tempted to return to a life of dial-up....
Friday, August 22, 2008
Transitions
A photo from Africa -- I believe it needs a little Photoshopping magic but that will have to wait!I apologize of the lack of posts recently. I have been rather unrooted lately, and general busy-ness aside, I find it hard to muster any inspired, coherent thoughts.
On the good news side, my job search has come to a conclusion and I was able to snag a fabulous position at a small, private, liberal arts school. My position involves coordinating exchange programs with Japan, so I really could not imagine anything better for me. I start soon and fortunately do not have much free time to become apprehensive about my return to the working world after 1 1/2 years.
As many of you know, the US economy is not in great shape these days and I was concerned about the prospect of job hunting in these conditions. In the end, it will have been exactly two months from my arrival in the US to my start in a new position. I think that is excellent and am quite proud of myself!
I did encounter enormous amounts of competition for all the positions I applied for. In the end, connections (recommendations from people who know the hiring manager) really made a difference for me. I think utilizing good connections is virtually the only way to get a position these days, and even with them, you do not always get the job (this wasn't the first time I had used my connections -- it was just the first successful time).
Well, I cannot possibly explain in words how excited I am to be able to work on Japan-related activities again. It involves a move to a very small town with very limited dining and cultural options, but I think being part of a diverse and vibrant college campus will make all the difference. As I told Sweetie, we must befriend the international students and invite them over for potlucks to keep our tastebuds amused!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
A Tipsy Morning
Today's photo -- a rose from the garden of Pilgerhaus in the Galilee.
Lots o' Wine
Yesterday, Sweetie's sister (who is visiting) and I went to the opening of the Israwinexpo in Tel Aviv. I didn't really know what to expect -- Sweetie received an invitation to the "opening event" and so we aimed to go to that. We registered and then went into the hall where the opening event (with various high-ranking government officials scheduled to speak) was to take place. There was a jazz band playing, an open bar with champagne on offer, and canapes of all types being offered by a bevy of servers who were fluttering around the room like butterflies. We procured some champagne (what else at 10:30AM?) and found an open table and stools that were conveniently located right where the servers were entering the room with their trays full of goodies. We feasted on avocado cream puffs, ceviche, roasted vegetables in crispy filo bowls, mini-quiches, passionfruit tarts, etc. It was difficult, but somehow we endured it.
We kept waiting for the opening event to start, but there was no end in sight, so after consuming what we thought was a respectable quantity of appetizers, we headed into the large hall where virtually every Israeli wine producer had an area set up with wines on offer. I have never seen so much wine available in one place for tasting in my life.
We kept waiting for the opening event to start, but there was no end in sight, so after consuming what we thought was a respectable quantity of appetizers, we headed into the large hall where virtually every Israeli wine producer had an area set up with wines on offer. I have never seen so much wine available in one place for tasting in my life.
Yesterday was open only to "wine professionals," journalists, etc. so as "diplomats" we were complete and total posers. BUT, that said, I think we did VERY well holding our own. People were very interested in serving us, and it was only when the mayor of Tel Aviv walked up that we were pushed aside at one of the producers stands while the paparazzi (who were already there taking photos of US) snapped a flurry of photos.
Each vineyard's representative would say, "Why don't you try our entire range of wines?" and they'd have like 20 bottles lined up. Uhhhhh---did we look like complete boozers or something? I was driving, so I really had to try to limit myself. Not easy! I think by about the 20th tasting (which happened to be at the Dalton vineyard's stand - they have a SUPERB 2003 Merlot in their Reserve line), I could no longer distinguish tastes and actually begged a cracker out of the hostess's secret snack stash for herself (only one exhibitor had any sort of cracker on offer).
A difficult life, let me tell you! :-) We really had a great time -- I'm so happy Sweetie thought to pass his invite along to me and his sister!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Free Food
I had to make the dreaded grocery store trip today. I often enjoy grocery shopping, but buying all the items on my list here, like everywhere else I have lived, requires trips to about three different stores. I'm tired. I already made a pilgrimage to the largest natural foods supermarket in Israel late last week. Anyway, I am on the hook for some homecooked meals since last night Sweetie took me out to dinner (to the scene of our first ever dinner out together - needless to say, the same level of suspense and tension was not in evidence between us last night).
All I wanted today was a red onion. Was that too much to ask. Apparently so. My usual general purpose supermarket only had one soft and squishy red onion at the bottom of a crate. No thank you. So, I ran across to the health food store. All I found there was a decorative string of red onions made of paper (though it was useful in showing the non-English speaking produce guy what I was looking for). No dice. So, I made a bargain with myself. If the little strip of shops on the way home had a parking spot, I would try there for my onion AND get Sweetie's suit from the cleaners. What a coup that would be.
There was a spot. And I went into my favorite neighborhood veggie shop and they had a whole bunch of red onions. I picked one out. Told the shopkeeper I didn't need a bag and tossed it into my $200 purse (those were the days, when I could afford purses like that) and asked him how much it cost. "It's on the house," was the kind reply. I really do like doing business with small shops in Israel. The staff are friendly. They'll spot you $10 and trust you to pay it back. They'll toss little veggies in for free. It's all good.
All I wanted today was a red onion. Was that too much to ask. Apparently so. My usual general purpose supermarket only had one soft and squishy red onion at the bottom of a crate. No thank you. So, I ran across to the health food store. All I found there was a decorative string of red onions made of paper (though it was useful in showing the non-English speaking produce guy what I was looking for). No dice. So, I made a bargain with myself. If the little strip of shops on the way home had a parking spot, I would try there for my onion AND get Sweetie's suit from the cleaners. What a coup that would be.
There was a spot. And I went into my favorite neighborhood veggie shop and they had a whole bunch of red onions. I picked one out. Told the shopkeeper I didn't need a bag and tossed it into my $200 purse (those were the days, when I could afford purses like that) and asked him how much it cost. "It's on the house," was the kind reply. I really do like doing business with small shops in Israel. The staff are friendly. They'll spot you $10 and trust you to pay it back. They'll toss little veggies in for free. It's all good.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The Cleanest House
Today the repairman who was here said our house is very clean. He said he sees lots of houses (he's been in every single house of our embassy) and he said ours is the cleanest.
Yippee. Anyone who knows me well will be very surprised. I am not known for being tidy. I always WANT to be tidy, but never have before accomplished it. But, it was a condition of Sweetie and I moving in together. He said I had to keep all common areas clean. And I do.
I have to admit, I find this all MUCH easier when 1) I don't have a job 2) I have a humongous house so there's a place for everything and 3) We have someone cleaning the house twice a week (but I do most of the tidy-ing).
Yippee. Anyone who knows me well will be very surprised. I am not known for being tidy. I always WANT to be tidy, but never have before accomplished it. But, it was a condition of Sweetie and I moving in together. He said I had to keep all common areas clean. And I do.
I have to admit, I find this all MUCH easier when 1) I don't have a job 2) I have a humongous house so there's a place for everything and 3) We have someone cleaning the house twice a week (but I do most of the tidy-ing).
Somebody Restrain Me
Please stop me before I run outside and go postal on the construction crew building a house adjacent to ours.
LOUD, NOISY, MESSY JERKS who don't know how to work their car alarms.
And due to an acoustic (and evil) act of nature, all their noise is funneled directly down into the room where my computer resides. It sounds like they've broken down the wall and are working on our house instead of the one under construction.
And not a one of them seems capable of opening his car door without setting off the car alarm (this is true for Israelis in general, but that's a completely separate diatribe I will indulge in some other day).
Looking at the glass half-full, I am very glad it's cool and cloudy outside because otherwise they'd be spoiling my pool time.
The latest house repair
I was playing host this morning to yet more fix-it guys -- this time to try to keep our guest shower from allowing GALLONS of water to leak out the door every time its used. The handymen told me there's nothing that can be done. It's a fundamental design flaw. Big surprise.
How is it that builders here can't figure out how to make a shower that doesn't leak? In my US experience, the only way your shower can leak is if you forget to put the curtain in the tub. Pretty simple. And the Japanese just turn the whole bathroom into a shower, so there's really no problem there.
Time to relax
At least yesterday I indulged in a massage at the gym. I only have one left now of a batch of 10 that I purchased before I quit my job. Boohoo! (I must say, I REALLY miss having huge amounts of disposable income from the days when I was working, but I wouldn't trade Sweetie for the world!).
I had a male masseuse, which was both good and bad. The male masseuses at the gym are far superior to the women. HOWEVER, I still am not comfortable with the whole overexposure issue with massages in Israel. They are really just not that careful about not exposing your butt completely. In the US or Japan, they are OH-SO-CAREFUL about tucking the sheet (not towel, like they use here) into your underwear so that you're not exposed. But here, it's all very loosey goosey and I am just not a big fan of that aspect.
To anyone in the Tel Aviv area
I cannot say enough great things about the chef who catered our party last week. He's fab. His name is Etai and he works at a restaurant in Tel Aviv called Brasserie.
We're going next week to check it out.
LOUD, NOISY, MESSY JERKS who don't know how to work their car alarms.
And due to an acoustic (and evil) act of nature, all their noise is funneled directly down into the room where my computer resides. It sounds like they've broken down the wall and are working on our house instead of the one under construction.
And not a one of them seems capable of opening his car door without setting off the car alarm (this is true for Israelis in general, but that's a completely separate diatribe I will indulge in some other day).
Looking at the glass half-full, I am very glad it's cool and cloudy outside because otherwise they'd be spoiling my pool time.
The latest house repair
I was playing host this morning to yet more fix-it guys -- this time to try to keep our guest shower from allowing GALLONS of water to leak out the door every time its used. The handymen told me there's nothing that can be done. It's a fundamental design flaw. Big surprise.
How is it that builders here can't figure out how to make a shower that doesn't leak? In my US experience, the only way your shower can leak is if you forget to put the curtain in the tub. Pretty simple. And the Japanese just turn the whole bathroom into a shower, so there's really no problem there.
Time to relax
At least yesterday I indulged in a massage at the gym. I only have one left now of a batch of 10 that I purchased before I quit my job. Boohoo! (I must say, I REALLY miss having huge amounts of disposable income from the days when I was working, but I wouldn't trade Sweetie for the world!).
I had a male masseuse, which was both good and bad. The male masseuses at the gym are far superior to the women. HOWEVER, I still am not comfortable with the whole overexposure issue with massages in Israel. They are really just not that careful about not exposing your butt completely. In the US or Japan, they are OH-SO-CAREFUL about tucking the sheet (not towel, like they use here) into your underwear so that you're not exposed. But here, it's all very loosey goosey and I am just not a big fan of that aspect.
To anyone in the Tel Aviv area
I cannot say enough great things about the chef who catered our party last week. He's fab. His name is Etai and he works at a restaurant in Tel Aviv called Brasserie.
We're going next week to check it out.
Friday, November 30, 2007
The Party
Sweetie and I hosted our first dinner party last night. It was fabulous (if I do say so myself). People loved our house (yes -- it *looks* fabulous, but looks are deceiving). And they really loved the food. Our chef really knows his stuff, paid attention to the little things, and made it possible for Sweetie and me to drink copious amounts of alcohol and converse with our our guests.
For some reason, Sweetie and I were steaming hot last night while sleeping. Maybe it was the effect of the considerable amount of alcohol we had consumed during the party. I was snuggled up against him and thought I was going to spontaneously combust at any moment. Then shortly after that, Sweetie said, "I'm REALLY hot!" No joke! Maybe it was just due to residual heat from having so many bodies in the house and all the cooking that went on (I've never used both our ovens at the same time, for example, but the chef did).
Speaking of cooking, I was really grossed out by the lingering meat smell after the party. I didn't think I'd have an issue with someone preparing meat in the house -- I'm a pretty relaxed vegetarian about that sort of thing because I do like to peacefully coexist with the non-vegetarian world. But, the smell was overwhelming and there was no breeze the next day, so opening the windows didn't seem to help. I could barely sleep because of it. But, thankfully it subsided after about 24 hours.
At the party, inevitably part of the conversation turned to how much Israel/Israelis drive us crazy. Then someone mentioned that certain behaviors also drive Israelis crazy and they are not shy to admit it. It's all very perplexing to me. I never think to myself, "It really drives me crazy how Americans...." But many (non-irritating) Israelis will freely admit that flying on an airplane with a bunch of Israelis is a complete nightmare, for example. Or that Israeli drivers are impossible, to give another example.
Anyway, it was a great party, the guests seemed to have a great time, and Sweetie and I never thought entertaining could be so easy. Hats off to the chef and his staff!
By the way, I received some blog feedback and apparently, my mom did not entirely appreciate my previous comment about her and my dad's entertaining skills when I was young....
Speaking of driving
I had to go to the DMV the other day to register my car and get new plates. That place is a complete third-world nightmare. It could have been Venezuela. Just TEEMING with people (of all sorts) and it seems to be complete chaos. No drawing numbers (that I could see). Just masses of people inside and outside and no one it seemed was getting much service or would be getting served in the near future.
Fortunately, diplomatic types seem to have their own line. And even though the lady at the counter has a strange way of getting things done, she does get things done. For example, while I was waiting, she was shouting into her cell phone, rolling her eyes, hitting lots of keys on the keyboard (how can you have to hit that many keys to register a car?), etc. Then, she took off with her tea cup and said she was taking a break. Just like that. She returned and while she was helping us, she started helping the guy in line behind us at the same time. It all seemed very strange, but she did get us out of there in about one hour, and by the end of it, I thought she was pretty effective and efficient.
For some reason, Sweetie and I were steaming hot last night while sleeping. Maybe it was the effect of the considerable amount of alcohol we had consumed during the party. I was snuggled up against him and thought I was going to spontaneously combust at any moment. Then shortly after that, Sweetie said, "I'm REALLY hot!" No joke! Maybe it was just due to residual heat from having so many bodies in the house and all the cooking that went on (I've never used both our ovens at the same time, for example, but the chef did).
Speaking of cooking, I was really grossed out by the lingering meat smell after the party. I didn't think I'd have an issue with someone preparing meat in the house -- I'm a pretty relaxed vegetarian about that sort of thing because I do like to peacefully coexist with the non-vegetarian world. But, the smell was overwhelming and there was no breeze the next day, so opening the windows didn't seem to help. I could barely sleep because of it. But, thankfully it subsided after about 24 hours.
At the party, inevitably part of the conversation turned to how much Israel/Israelis drive us crazy. Then someone mentioned that certain behaviors also drive Israelis crazy and they are not shy to admit it. It's all very perplexing to me. I never think to myself, "It really drives me crazy how Americans...." But many (non-irritating) Israelis will freely admit that flying on an airplane with a bunch of Israelis is a complete nightmare, for example. Or that Israeli drivers are impossible, to give another example.
Anyway, it was a great party, the guests seemed to have a great time, and Sweetie and I never thought entertaining could be so easy. Hats off to the chef and his staff!
By the way, I received some blog feedback and apparently, my mom did not entirely appreciate my previous comment about her and my dad's entertaining skills when I was young....
Speaking of driving
I had to go to the DMV the other day to register my car and get new plates. That place is a complete third-world nightmare. It could have been Venezuela. Just TEEMING with people (of all sorts) and it seems to be complete chaos. No drawing numbers (that I could see). Just masses of people inside and outside and no one it seemed was getting much service or would be getting served in the near future.
Fortunately, diplomatic types seem to have their own line. And even though the lady at the counter has a strange way of getting things done, she does get things done. For example, while I was waiting, she was shouting into her cell phone, rolling her eyes, hitting lots of keys on the keyboard (how can you have to hit that many keys to register a car?), etc. Then, she took off with her tea cup and said she was taking a break. Just like that. She returned and while she was helping us, she started helping the guy in line behind us at the same time. It all seemed very strange, but she did get us out of there in about one hour, and by the end of it, I thought she was pretty effective and efficient.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Awful GMAC Bank
Per my previous post on GMAC Bank, they have continued to display their gross incompetence even AFTER I closed my account. I've been waiting since 5 November to receive a check containing the reminder of my account which I closed with them. The bank said it was mailed on 5 November and that it would take 7-10 business days to receive it. Yeah right. Only after several emails to them asking if they were certain they used correct international postage, did they say, "Oh, well, if it's international then we don't know how long it will take to get there." GREAT. The whole point of this whole saga is the fact that I am living overseas. Quite why they didn't figure that out over the course of a phone call and several emails, I'm not sure.
Basically, whatever problem you have, GMAC Bank will only let you talk to one of these useless general customer service reps who only have a rote list of responses. So, there is NO personal attention whatsoever. You might as well just forget calling them to resolve any sort of problem or question, because their reps know less than you will!
Anyway, the check FINALLY arrived and guess what, they didn't send it until 21 November! They closed my account on the 5th!!! They sat on all my money for over two weeks! Complete jerks.
I hope lots of people pull up this post (and my other one on this issue) doing searches on GMAC Bank!
Basically, whatever problem you have, GMAC Bank will only let you talk to one of these useless general customer service reps who only have a rote list of responses. So, there is NO personal attention whatsoever. You might as well just forget calling them to resolve any sort of problem or question, because their reps know less than you will!
Anyway, the check FINALLY arrived and guess what, they didn't send it until 21 November! They closed my account on the 5th!!! They sat on all my money for over two weeks! Complete jerks.
I hope lots of people pull up this post (and my other one on this issue) doing searches on GMAC Bank!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Crappy House Part II
I forgot to add in my last post that a few days ago (when, unbelievably, it was still warm enough to swim) I was outside by the pool and was peeking over our the cement wall surrounding our house and yard. And then I heard something crashing to the ground and breaking. I looked down and saw a bunch of cement on the ground. By merely brushing up against the wall, I had caused one of the cement pillar tops to crumble!!! I had my mom there as a witness to attest to the fact that I had barely touched the wall. Ridiculous.
Nice Israeli
The other day a friend and I stopped off at a little fruit and vegetable shop after having lunch. We got our things and then left in the car. A block away, we were waiting at a stop light. We heard a knocking at the back door of the car, saw a man, who then opened the door and dropped something into the car. It was my friend's leftovers from lunch. The veggie shopkeeper noticed she had inadvertently left them at the counter and he chased after us to return them! Totally sweet!
Nice Israeli
The other day a friend and I stopped off at a little fruit and vegetable shop after having lunch. We got our things and then left in the car. A block away, we were waiting at a stop light. We heard a knocking at the back door of the car, saw a man, who then opened the door and dropped something into the car. It was my friend's leftovers from lunch. The veggie shopkeeper noticed she had inadvertently left them at the counter and he chased after us to return them! Totally sweet!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Our crappy house
Today I've played host to not one, not two, not three, but FOUR repairmen. Just an average day at our house.
First, the "handyman" (if only he were really handy) came to deal with our leaking (more like gushing) windows. We've had three days of massive thunderstorms with torrential rains and I noticed substantial puddles in three rooms of the house. Thank goodness Mom already left, otherwise she would've been washed off her bed!
This house is only two years old, so I really can't explain why the windows are leaking from the frames........
After the handyman, I had the washing machine "repairman." I swear, this guy has been here more times to NOT fix something than I could shake a stick at. I told the embassy I did not want the same guy to come because on 4 or 5 visits he has yet to ONCE successfully repair the machine! But, guess who came, the same guy. UG!!!
Then, the electrician came at a moment's notice because every time it rains, the circuitbreaker flips the power out in the basement. Delightful! He did a bit of caulking on the patio lights, but couldn't be sure what was causing the problem, so who knows.....
And, I noticed some sort of mystery button outside on the patio with a hole for a key in the middle. I have NO idea what it might be for. Anyone want to send their guesses?
And THEN, the carpenter came to look at our dining room chairs,
as 9 out of 12 are in a state of imminent collapse. The estimate
for repair: almost $2,000!!!!
But, we can't keep the chairs as is, so the carpenter took
them for repair.
First, the "handyman" (if only he were really handy) came to deal with our leaking (more like gushing) windows. We've had three days of massive thunderstorms with torrential rains and I noticed substantial puddles in three rooms of the house. Thank goodness Mom already left, otherwise she would've been washed off her bed!
This house is only two years old, so I really can't explain why the windows are leaking from the frames........
After the handyman, I had the washing machine "repairman." I swear, this guy has been here more times to NOT fix something than I could shake a stick at. I told the embassy I did not want the same guy to come because on 4 or 5 visits he has yet to ONCE successfully repair the machine! But, guess who came, the same guy. UG!!!
Then, the electrician came at a moment's notice because every time it rains, the circuitbreaker flips the power out in the basement. Delightful! He did a bit of caulking on the patio lights, but couldn't be sure what was causing the problem, so who knows.....
And, I noticed some sort of mystery button outside on the patio with a hole for a key in the middle. I have NO idea what it might be for. Anyone want to send their guesses?
And THEN, the carpenter came to look at our dining room chairs,
as 9 out of 12 are in a state of imminent collapse. The estimate
for repair: almost $2,000!!!!
But, we can't keep the chairs as is, so the carpenter took
them for repair.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Houseguests
Yesterday some official houseguests arrived from England. Last night was easy (except for the part where I locked them out and was already in my pajamas when they came home and I had to keep them waiting outside while I threw clothes on and ran down the stairs to open the door) because Sweetie and the guests had a business dinner , but this morning, Sweetie and I got up early to set up breakfast out on our patio. I was afraid we'd have to do bacon and eggs and the whole lot, but Sweetie said we could keep it simple, so we put out cereals, fruit, toast, etc. Anyway, that was plenty stressful enough for me, seeing as how I come from a family where "entertaining" means sending one of the kids down to the basement to get a pitcher of beer from the tap.
Monday, November 5, 2007
The maiden voyage
Today I took my new wheels out for the first time. VERY EXCITING. Sweetie suggested I go for a test drive before driving to the airport later this week to pick up my mother. I drove to the gigantic health food store about 15 minutes north of here. It was like a religious experience for me. A car and a giant health food store.
Quick! Close the shutters!
This morning, Sweetie reported to me that there was a giant dust cloud headed down the road toward us. "You might want to close the shutters," he said. Seeing as how I could actually SEE the dust cloud on our relatively low-resolution security monitor, I took his advice.
We were trying to figure out what caused it and then saw that "street cleaners" had a leaf blower to consolidate trash and this was actually instead creating a HUGE dust cloud. Again, a typical example of good Israeli intentions gone awry...
One thing I love about Israel
Israel has a fabulous variety of fruit. You can get starfruit, dragon fruit, persimmons, Noni fruit, tiny little pears, clementines, figs, mangoes, guava, passionfruit, pomagranate, quince, and a million other things when they're in their respective season. It's really amazing. Sometimes I have a hard time limiting myself because I want to eat them all every day!
Quick! Close the shutters!
This morning, Sweetie reported to me that there was a giant dust cloud headed down the road toward us. "You might want to close the shutters," he said. Seeing as how I could actually SEE the dust cloud on our relatively low-resolution security monitor, I took his advice.
We were trying to figure out what caused it and then saw that "street cleaners" had a leaf blower to consolidate trash and this was actually instead creating a HUGE dust cloud. Again, a typical example of good Israeli intentions gone awry...
One thing I love about Israel
Israel has a fabulous variety of fruit. You can get starfruit, dragon fruit, persimmons, Noni fruit, tiny little pears, clementines, figs, mangoes, guava, passionfruit, pomagranate, quince, and a million other things when they're in their respective season. It's really amazing. Sometimes I have a hard time limiting myself because I want to eat them all every day!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Winning the Small Battles
Sweetie and I discovered last night that we were missing one of the bills for our drinking water delivery service. So, my task today was to call the delivery company and ask for a copy of the bill to be mailed to us. I was not looking forward to this as their phone menu is only in Hebrew and I have NEVER been able to get through to a human being.
But, I had to try again. I had a task. It had to be completed. So, I called and hurray, on my second attempt, I actually understood enough Hebrew to get to a human being. She was really helpful and I was really happy!
But, I had to try again. I had a task. It had to be completed. So, I called and hurray, on my second attempt, I actually understood enough Hebrew to get to a human being. She was really helpful and I was really happy!
Expanding my carbon footprint
This morning marks my return to the world of mobility. Independence. Sightseeing. Reasonably priced groceries (ie: not overpriced groceries from the nearby corner stores). And other assorted fun things. I got a car. It took much effort, but eventually finally the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that I am actually allowed to purchase a car.
The last straw for me was last week. Sweetie and I tend to drive to the gym on Sundays so that we can go to the grocery store right after. It sucks, mostly for Sweetie because he works hard everyday and the last thing he wants to do on his day off is to deal with Israelis in the grocery store, parking lot, and on the streets. So, last Sunday's grocery trip was just the last straw.
We ended up getting something much larger and much nicer than I intended. I wanted a little beater like I used to have, but instead I have an immaculately maintained luxury sedan. Oh well. Our two car garage doesn't have enough space for two big cars, so Sweetie will be parking his big beater SUV outside (his choice!). Anyway, lots of adventures in store for me now, I am sure. I will try to maintain my habit of walking most of the time, though. Especially to nearby places. But I certainly am looking forward to seeing more of Israel again!
The last straw for me was last week. Sweetie and I tend to drive to the gym on Sundays so that we can go to the grocery store right after. It sucks, mostly for Sweetie because he works hard everyday and the last thing he wants to do on his day off is to deal with Israelis in the grocery store, parking lot, and on the streets. So, last Sunday's grocery trip was just the last straw.
We ended up getting something much larger and much nicer than I intended. I wanted a little beater like I used to have, but instead I have an immaculately maintained luxury sedan. Oh well. Our two car garage doesn't have enough space for two big cars, so Sweetie will be parking his big beater SUV outside (his choice!). Anyway, lots of adventures in store for me now, I am sure. I will try to maintain my habit of walking most of the time, though. Especially to nearby places. But I certainly am looking forward to seeing more of Israel again!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Yummy tea
I made some Roiboos tea the other tea. It's African Red Bush tea. Lovely stuff. I decided to ice it because it's summer and I'm in Israel and it is darn hot here. So, I put it in a kettle in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
Likewise, Sweetie and I mixed up some Pimms. For you Americans out there, Pimms is a British alcoholic mixer that is drunk in the summer. It's basically the alcoholic base for a sangria-like beverage. You chuck in all sorts of fruit, mint, etc. and add Sprite and 7-Up.
Cut to: my housekeeper. I told her I had some really nice herbal tea in the fridge that she could help herself to.
Later, she says to me, "Oh, that tea is really yummy!" Good -- I'm happy she likes it.
Then, I walk into the kitchen and see her glass. There are bits of apple and orange and mint in it.....
"Jocelyn...ummmm......that's not the tea!:
Oops. No wonder she really liked it:-)
Likewise, Sweetie and I mixed up some Pimms. For you Americans out there, Pimms is a British alcoholic mixer that is drunk in the summer. It's basically the alcoholic base for a sangria-like beverage. You chuck in all sorts of fruit, mint, etc. and add Sprite and 7-Up.
Cut to: my housekeeper. I told her I had some really nice herbal tea in the fridge that she could help herself to.
Later, she says to me, "Oh, that tea is really yummy!" Good -- I'm happy she likes it.
Then, I walk into the kitchen and see her glass. There are bits of apple and orange and mint in it.....
"Jocelyn...ummmm......that's not the tea!:
Oops. No wonder she really liked it:-)
Sunday, August 12, 2007
An exciting Saturday night
Sweetie and I had such an exciting night last night. We had a little swim in the pool ("little" being the operative word because you can reach the opposite end of the pool with one good push and one stroke). Then, we watched an episode of Season 2 of 24 (we're slowly working our way through the first five seasons, most of which we've already seen, but nevertheless, we think we're really clever when we know what Jack is going to do next). Then, we played a game of Scrabble. Yes, that's a hot night for us.
I guess we have resigned ourselves to the fact that it is more irritating than anything to go out in this country and so we just stay in most of the time. Despite the fact that our 2-year-old house only half-functions, it is a rather pleasant place to be. It has lots of light and a nice interior and I quite enjoy being inside it.
Anyway, we really embarrassed ourselves with our Scrabble performance, as our scores totaled well under what is considered an acceptable total score for the game according to the instructions. Last few times we played, alcohol was involved, so maybe we need to go back to that....
I guess we have resigned ourselves to the fact that it is more irritating than anything to go out in this country and so we just stay in most of the time. Despite the fact that our 2-year-old house only half-functions, it is a rather pleasant place to be. It has lots of light and a nice interior and I quite enjoy being inside it.
Anyway, we really embarrassed ourselves with our Scrabble performance, as our scores totaled well under what is considered an acceptable total score for the game according to the instructions. Last few times we played, alcohol was involved, so maybe we need to go back to that....
"Partner" and all its implications, Part II
Okay, this post will be a wee bit embarrassing because it involves me admitting that I was watching a clip of Kathy Griffith's show "Life on the D List."
Now that my confession is out of the way, I was indeed watching a clip from that show. Kathy was speaking to Ricky Gervais (I don't know who he is exactly, but I've heard of him, and apparently he's a British comedian with his own TV show). Ricky referred to his significant other of the feminine persuasion as his "partner," and Kathy called him out saying that sounds "totally gay."
So, this just reconfirmed for me that Brits freely use that term to refer to opposite sex long-term, serious boyfriend/girlfriends, while Americans do, in fact, get thrown off by the use of this term in such a fashion.
Well, personally, having given up my 6-figure income, health benefits, promising (though woefully unfulfilling) career, apartment with ocean views, etc. for Sweetie, I would really like to be called something more than "girlfriend." So, maybe I'll just have to train Americans to understand that "partner" can be used in straight couples, too....
Now that my confession is out of the way, I was indeed watching a clip from that show. Kathy was speaking to Ricky Gervais (I don't know who he is exactly, but I've heard of him, and apparently he's a British comedian with his own TV show). Ricky referred to his significant other of the feminine persuasion as his "partner," and Kathy called him out saying that sounds "totally gay."
So, this just reconfirmed for me that Brits freely use that term to refer to opposite sex long-term, serious boyfriend/girlfriends, while Americans do, in fact, get thrown off by the use of this term in such a fashion.
Well, personally, having given up my 6-figure income, health benefits, promising (though woefully unfulfilling) career, apartment with ocean views, etc. for Sweetie, I would really like to be called something more than "girlfriend." So, maybe I'll just have to train Americans to understand that "partner" can be used in straight couples, too....
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Killer bugs, killer croquet
Distant Cousin of Creature From the Blue Lagoon
Last night I went out to lock up the gate and decided to take a brief stroll through the garden to admire my handiwork (I had trimmed back some of our flowers because they were starting to eclipse the lights -- welcome to summer in Israel). As I approached the elegantly lit pool, I noticed a large area of disturbance on the surface of the water. Hmmmm....I thought....that is interesting because the jets are off and the pool should be still. So, I moved in for a closer look. And that is when I saw the largest thing I have ever seen in our pool, humans excepted. I could not even fool myself that it might be a "water bug" or a "beatle," or even something as offensive and hideous as a cockroach. No....it was none of these things. It was a life form I had never seen before.
So, being the fearless type that I am, I got the pool net (conveniently located on the end of a 12 foot pole) and scooped it up. I tried in vain to dump it out of the net and into the neighbor's driveway. In the end, I just left it in the net and prayed I wouldn't need to use the net again for a good long while.
Killer croquet
Sweetie and I were invited to play croquet at the Ambassador's residence last weekend. I told Sweetie I was up for it, but that I hadn't played since the time my younger brother got mad at me for winning and hit me on the back with a croquet mallet about 25 years ago. I certainly didn't expect bodily harm would be involved among diplomats.
The first game was quite relaxed. The Ambassador acted as coach, while the rest of us fumbled along, until I came from behind and won the game with a string of brilliant croqueting. Nobody knew what hit them and Sweetie was virtually speechless.
The second game got a bit more strategic. I don't even remember who won, because the third game of the day sort of blotted out all memories of the second game. By the time we all reached the third game, participants were fully fixated on hitting and then whacking other participants balls into oblivion and it became a never-ending cycle. This situation was not helped by less-skilled players like myself, who, on the rare chances we had to actually make progress and hit a ball through a wicket, messed it up. Those who sat out the game were watching in shock and horror from the patio as the game dragged on and on and on....with no end in sight. It finally ended over two hours later with the Ambassador declaring that it was the longest game he had ever played.
Last night I went out to lock up the gate and decided to take a brief stroll through the garden to admire my handiwork (I had trimmed back some of our flowers because they were starting to eclipse the lights -- welcome to summer in Israel). As I approached the elegantly lit pool, I noticed a large area of disturbance on the surface of the water. Hmmmm....I thought....that is interesting because the jets are off and the pool should be still. So, I moved in for a closer look. And that is when I saw the largest thing I have ever seen in our pool, humans excepted. I could not even fool myself that it might be a "water bug" or a "beatle," or even something as offensive and hideous as a cockroach. No....it was none of these things. It was a life form I had never seen before.
So, being the fearless type that I am, I got the pool net (conveniently located on the end of a 12 foot pole) and scooped it up. I tried in vain to dump it out of the net and into the neighbor's driveway. In the end, I just left it in the net and prayed I wouldn't need to use the net again for a good long while.
Killer croquet
Sweetie and I were invited to play croquet at the Ambassador's residence last weekend. I told Sweetie I was up for it, but that I hadn't played since the time my younger brother got mad at me for winning and hit me on the back with a croquet mallet about 25 years ago. I certainly didn't expect bodily harm would be involved among diplomats.
The first game was quite relaxed. The Ambassador acted as coach, while the rest of us fumbled along, until I came from behind and won the game with a string of brilliant croqueting. Nobody knew what hit them and Sweetie was virtually speechless.
The second game got a bit more strategic. I don't even remember who won, because the third game of the day sort of blotted out all memories of the second game. By the time we all reached the third game, participants were fully fixated on hitting and then whacking other participants balls into oblivion and it became a never-ending cycle. This situation was not helped by less-skilled players like myself, who, on the rare chances we had to actually make progress and hit a ball through a wicket, messed it up. Those who sat out the game were watching in shock and horror from the patio as the game dragged on and on and on....with no end in sight. It finally ended over two hours later with the Ambassador declaring that it was the longest game he had ever played.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
What's a "partner"?
Recently, Sweetie introduced me as his "partner" to an American couple. The wife said, "So....you're business partners?" :-) Ummmm....not exactly. And I could not remember what Americans call people who live together but aren't married. Sinners? :-) "Partner" in the US tends to mean either 1) Business partners or 2) One member of a homosexual couple. Well, yesterday someone reminded me of the "significant other" term. One American lady told me she can't stand that because although she is significant, she's definitely not "other." :-) I think we'll stick with "partner" and explain when needed.
How not to build a house
I've been watching the progress of a house being built behind us. And, so much is clear to me now. I now see why our 1-year-old house is essentially falling apart. These builders seem to have virtually no building expertise whatsoever. I actually saw one guy trying to show another how to HAMMER something the other day.
In our house, we have lovely marble stairs, but there are huge numbers written into them on the landings (presumably marking the price or the weight or size of the raw material) that are not removable! Who would ever allow this to happen in a house in the States?
That's just one example.
How not to build a house
I've been watching the progress of a house being built behind us. And, so much is clear to me now. I now see why our 1-year-old house is essentially falling apart. These builders seem to have virtually no building expertise whatsoever. I actually saw one guy trying to show another how to HAMMER something the other day.
In our house, we have lovely marble stairs, but there are huge numbers written into them on the landings (presumably marking the price or the weight or size of the raw material) that are not removable! Who would ever allow this to happen in a house in the States?
That's just one example.
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