October 25, 2005

Well, once again it's been a while since I've updated the site.. But hey, I have to keep you all in anticipation, don't I? :)

Things are going splendidly for me these days, in pretty much every sphere.  My summer is finally drawing to a close, which is a bummer, but I'm looking forward to starting school next week.  I have more interesting classes than I expected to have this year, and if all goes well (i.e., if I understand the majority of what goes on in class), I should have a stimulating semester.  I have also begun my thesis interviews in earnest, and they are incredibly fascinating.  They haven't been easy, given the language issues and a variety of related challenges (i.e., clearly I know next to nothing about Israeli society), but my learning curve has been steep and I'm really enjoying watching myself grow through this process.

In other news, as you may have noticed from the frequent mentionings in my latest articles, I am officially in love.  Article 50 focuses most closely on him, but I'm sure there will be many more to come (true to form, the latest article is also fairly Mikhael-centered - what a dork I am!).  Long story short:  his name is Mikhael (pronounced Mee-kha-el, for those of you, like my mother, who seem to be having so much trouble with his name), and he was born in Morocco but lived in France from the age of 14 until he made aliyah 2 years ago.  He is currently in an elite unit in the Israeli Defense Forces.  And yes, many of you have asked pointedly about this.. he is a tad young for me.  OK, OK, don't go crazy -- but he is 20 years old.  And I know this sounds ridiculous, but I swear, he is really mature! :)  No, really, I know you all know me well enough to know that if I chose him, he must be able to keep up with me -- in every way! :)  Honestly, I have begun to realize that age doesn't always mean everything -- let's face it, as far as maturity and lifestyle and what one has been through in his or her life, 20 years old in Europe is comparable to, like, 35 in America (and 20 in America is comparable to 8 in Israel!).  Seriously, he's amazing.  He's incredibly cute, incredibly sweet, and treats me like gold.  It's actually kind of hard to get used to, given that that isn't the treatment I generally have received from the men in my life.. but I'm working on getting used to it. :)  You can read the rest in the article.

So, yeah, overall, life is good.  I just celebrated the 2-year anniversary of my aliyah, and I still can't believe I've been here that long already.  I continue to be certain that I could not have possibly made a better decision in my life, and I continue to be terribly happy and proud and excited and glad that I am here.  It's the best place in the world,  hands down.  And you're all welcome to visit! :)

I love you all.. and I will continue to try to keep in better touch.. I swear! :)