Finally! October 30, 2006

This update, as you will soon see, is all about quality, not quantity.

Ok… Thursday night, I called about my guitar, and basically I was told “yes, we have it, you can pick it up Sunday night.” So, on Sunday night, I went down to downtown Jerusalem, where they live, and FINALLY got my guitar.

On Sunday afternoon, I received a phone call from Avi Naor. He told me that I needed to show up at this place at 7:30 AM so I can do some stuff. Needless to say, I didn’t really feel like going. But, my conscience finally got the best of me, and I got up at 5:00 AM Monday morning, took the first bus downtown, and made it just about on time.

I was at this place where they tested me like crazy, and basically determined whether or not I’m fit for army service. I don’t know if I passed, but I have an appointment on Nov. 20th for what they’re calling an “interview”. Something tells me it’s not what I immediately think of when I hear that word.

Anyway, so now I am in the system, and I have my guitar. I am a happy boy.

Small update October 19, 2006

I don’t have a whole lot to tell you guys, but there have been a couple interesting things this week.

To begin with, it rained on Sunday. This may not sound like much, but it means the beginning of the ‘rainy season’ here in Israel. After a hot, dry summer, it’s nice to finally see rain again.

Also, on Thursday, I was told I had work, and was finally given something to do (due preferably on Monday). There’s a whole long story about why I was unable to work on Thursday, but I won’t get into it here in-depth; basically, our server broke, so I couldn’t work from overseas. Eventually, (late) Monday night, I received an IM saying that they had fixed it. On Thursday, when I found out that I wouldn’t be able to work, I told them “if you get me access, I’ll have the job done for you in a day.” I hadn’t put a lot of thought into that statement at the time; however, on Tuesday, I spent all day working, and actually pulled it off. This may not seem a lot to you, but if you knew how hard it was, you’d probably be more impressed. In some ways, I am my company’s “Scotty“, somehow managing to do what seems near to impossible, usually just in the nick of time; this is particularly ironic, as my middle name is Scott.

I still do not know about my guitar, but I’ll be calling tonight to find out.

Abandonment? October 14, 2006

No, I have not forgotten about all of you (my faithful… 3 readers), I merely have had nothing really to talk about this past month or so.

So, where to begin?

I finished my ulpan, and I have to say: I loved it! I’ve tried multiple times to learn Hebrew, but this was by far the best course I’ve ever taken.

I spoke with peoples and (after a migrain-inducing day at a government office) got my visa changed to a “Student” visa (yes, I know I’m not really a student, but that’s just what it says); this allows me to travel freely between Israel and the US for 2 years with no problems.

I sent off my special ID# to Avi Naor, and he basically just said “great! I’ll tell you when we have something for you to do.” So, now I’m here with nothing to do for the next month or 2.

The holidays have now come and gone, what with Simchat Torah just ending a few hours ago. I’ll tell you something though: it’s really awesome to be praying in the holy language of Hebrew AND KNOW WHAT YOU’RE SAYING! That made my High Holy Days way more meaningful.

I spent Simchat Torah in Jerusalem with some friends of mine, and it was really fun. I loved the dancing and the singing and the energy of it all.

So, these friends of mine also have some more friends, one of which teaches at this Yeshiva in Jerusalem, and he said that since he has some pull, I might be able to learn there for a month or so FOR FREE! That would be great for me, because I’ve been a little lacking in my Jewish studies since I came here; not by choice, but rather because I had nowhere to go that I could afford.

Also, I have some good news: my guitar should be arriving hopefully this week and if not, then for sure by next week.

So, this should basically bring you up to date on the goings-on regarding me; I’ll try to keep you guys informed as much as possible, obviously within reason. Additionally, if you don’t hear from me, it likely means my life is horribly boring, and nothing has happened… period.

Happy new year, one and all!