So in a strange and very kick a** twist of fate both of my adventures collided.
So lets recap the first adventure. It was the Kaban and the Sgan Aluf(Lieutenant Colonel). The second adventure(the not so great one) included Afsenaut and my complaint. We will start with the not so great one.
On Sunday, I got a call from the complaint unit stating they got my complaint and wanted to help me. They cant send me to where I want to be, but they can help me deal with my commander. She wanted phone numbers of people who could verify for me what I was saying was true. She never actually called the people she just wanted to see if I was telling the truth. She then sent my complaint to the Sgan Aluf.
On wednesday my commander told me that all of afsenaut had a meeting with the Sgan Aluf.
In this meeting he told us things like "This is the last time I want to see you in my office(apparently something happened when I was in NY and sh*t went down)" and "grow up" and "do your jobs!" It was a whole bunch of that and asking us how we felt in Afsenaut. Now just to serve as a reminder my commander was also in this meeting(I found out that tons of people have written complaints about him and afsenaut- that was news to me, I thought I was the only one. It felt good to know I wasn't alone). One of the kids said he liked being in afsenaut and we had a good commander. The L.C./S.A. looked at me and smiled and said "Becky what do you think about afsenaut, how do you feel about being there?" Now of course he already knew the answer, he just wanted to see if I would say how I felt in front of everyone. So, for me it was hard to speak up and say that I didn't like it. I dont know why it was hard I guess because I was the only one who really had a problem with it. I didn't want to hurt anyones feelings and step on anyones shoes. But I guess that in order to leave a crowded area you need to step on some shoes to get to the good space. I spoke up for myself which was scary,nerve wracking, but awesome, and liberating all at the same time. I said that I didn't like afsenaut. It isn't where I want to be in the army and I don't want to just have some crappy service time. I joined the army to be in the army. He then said "Okay, how would you like to come join Karin and be with me?" I was shocked so I said what. He repeated it but I said what again. Then he repeated it again and I was like "I understand you its just wow." On tuesday I literally just sent the forms for a job change to International Relations. So I told him and he said that we will say how this goes but he would love to have me with Karin. Can I just say that Karin is amazing. She is such a sweet girl. She really wants to learn english so speaks in english all the time. At first I thought she wanted to make it easier for me so then she explained that hebrew is 9-12 and english 12-5 so she can learn it. She speaks in english and I speak in hebrew.
So now I'm a secretary for the Lieutenant Colonel who just so happens to be the commander of the entire education unit(that included Michve Alon and that hebrew course I've been asking for for 7 months.) I know that with this job my hebrew will definitely improve with the amount of work I have to do when it comes to writing and speaking. All the officers that I see once a week I now see everyday and Im making so many friends. Everyone is so nice and respectable. I miss my girls from Afsenaut Nofar and Batel. Nofar finished with the army today- it was really sad and happy at the same time. Im going to miss her loads. אני אוהבת אותך נופר!!!! Batel is in the Neshkia still. Shes been sick so I haven't seen her :/ I miss her too. She is really such an amazing girl. I had so much fun singing songs all day with. Shes such a great person. אני אוהבת אותך בתאל!!!! I know they dont read this but what ever. They are my best friends in the army. Ive never met girls nicer then the 3 I've just mentioned (Batel, Nofar, and Karin)There is also Eliyah, I miss her alot. She was in afsenaut when I first started out but she finished the army. She really helped me with my hebrew alot. She was so nice and would just sit and talk with me about things outside the army so I could have conversations about life in hebrew. Before her I could only speak about the army in hebrew because I only knew hebrew terms. Im really going to miss the girls from afsenaut.
Being that this new job is still very new, some people think that Im still in afsenaut/neshkia so they are really mean to me and just want to make fun of me. I think it's rather funny that this is the only way they can find entertainment. I know for a fact that Im not a bad person. I also know that karma is a bitch so one day they will have the same issues as me right now. You can't hate someone for doing their job but unfortunately some people do.
I also finally saw the Kaban. She was super nice. She had wacky hair and was really peppy. I liked it. It made me excited to explain my story. So she was super impressed with my story and how Im here alone and I explained to her what happened in Michve Alon up till now. I told her with the Kaban in Michve Alon, I could only speak in english. She looked kind of shocked and said that for such a short amount of time Ive learned alot and my accent isn't as strong as most peoples. She liked it, she said it was pretty. That was a first. That was a great compliment. So in 3 months I go back with a recommendation from my commander and if she feels its okay she will lower it. She doesn't see a problem with lowering it she just wants to play it safe and follow the guide lines.
Another compliment I got today was my first Israeli nickname. One of the Mishakit Tash called me Revekush. Israelis usually ass "ush" to the end of names. I dont know why. But it made me feel like Im starting to fit in.
Now here is a really important message for all Lone Soldiers: THE ARMY DOES NOT PAY FOR A PLANE TICKET BACK HOME AFTER 1 YEAR!!! When joining the army we get told that after 1 year, the army will pay for a plane ticket back home and to return to Israel. I found out today that, that is not true. They do not pay for it. You have to request and that will take some time. Its a special request that they rarely say yes too.
Finding this out really put a damper on my day. I was really depending on this paid for plane ticket. I really wish people would realize that Americans weren't rich and don't have money.
I need to go to bed, I have a long day tomorrow. Talk to you guys later. :)
14 March 2011
05 March 2011
Not So Great Adventure Part 1.
Wow. Can you guys believe it? March 23rd will be my 1 year of writing this blog. I'm definitely going to try and write a blog on that day. A nice reflective blog of the past year.
So this "Not so great adventure" is definitely one that could have been seen coming from miles away. This is also one where I have to be really careful of what I say. It's a very sensitive issue and I can get into some trouble.
I started at Tel Hashomer being in the armory giving out the guns for everyone who has guard duty. I put up a big enough fuss to get a small job switch. I was still in Afsenaut just a different job title. My hours stayed the same. Unfortunately alot stayed the same. Im still in the armory a few times a month. Then add onto it the times I go there just to get away from my commander!
My job is stamping all the soldiers papers who come into my section and organize the papers they need to give me. Now I also have other things to do just because I'm in afsenaut. If someone needs something (anywhere from a unit tag to a pin to paper to forks/knives to toilet paper and soap), I give it to them. Afsenaut hold all the supplies for the base. Mine is more specific to my small section of the base. Tel Hashomer is a giant base. You need a car or bus to get around it. Technically this isn't my job at all and Im not supposed to be doing it in the first place. I am also the secretary to my commander. He has a secretary who just doesn't do his job. I'm the only one who does my job(the neshakiit does as well. She's a great girl and I love her). Im the only reason the afsenaut is running and my commander has admitted this multiple times. Now normally I wouldn't have a problem being on base all day- I actually kind of like it but its not fair. I have the most hours out of everyone. Im told I need to stay longer then everyone else. My actual hours are 8-3. Im there 8-5. Are you ready to see the hours of everyone else? 830-11, 830-1, 830-2, 830-230, 1-5, and 5-7. Thats not very fair. One because my commander tells 3 of them at once its okay to be on vacation while the other 3 take gimilim(sick days). Two the people that are still there that come in the morning come around 9. I have to be there at 8 because there are officers I need to help at 815/830(thats what my commander tells me) but they don't come at 830. They come at 9. I have to be there at a normal time because my commander calls and checks to make sure Im actually there. He doesn't call anyone else, I know because they come in and ask me if he's called and asked for them.
I also have to speak with all the officers that come and need things. My most common asked question is "Where is your commander?" My response "He's not on base today and I don't know when he will be back."
There are also loads of times where I've had to be in the armory and the afsenaut at the same time. Can I just say that I cant defy the laws of physics. It's impossible. My commander doesn't seem to care. It doesn't matter how many times I've talked to him and explained to him I can't do it and that I need a break. A break for me right now would be leaving at my normal regular hours. I have no problem with 8-5 if it wasn't only me and I wasn't the one getting stuck with ALL the work, literally.
He's been letting some of the kids go because they did "hard" work. And when I say let them go I mean let them go home at 11 am. REALLY? Now when I get stuck there all day and we have shipments come in who gets stuck doing the work bring everything in? Me. I don't get to go home. He also had the nerve to tell me that "Im a girl and I cant lift such heavy things." Funny last time I checked I could and I have. I might not be wonder woman but I can carry 20 pounds of paper. I can also carry 2 kids at once. So you know what Mr.Commander? Take that to the kitchen and make me a sandwich. I cant do anything tachat sheli!
Some of the officers have been saying how it isn't fair and trying to talk to him. Then the other day, two soldiers of the Sgan Aluf (Lieutenant Colonel) came and needed things, I told them I couldn't help because they needed to talk to my commander. They got mad and called him, he told them to come back in the afternoon. They were so mad that I apologized where they said it wasn't my fault. One of them started asking questions asking why am I always the only one here. I explained everything and the boy kept going on about how Im the only one here all the time in multiple places at once. The girl then told me how good my hebrew is and my commander cant be doing this to me and that she was going to speak to the Sgan Aluf for me. So the Sgan Aluf spoke to him but still nothing changed. I've been thankful for the days that I have guard duty because I t means I get to go home early and I don't have to be in afsenaut and even better my commander cant call me. Although he has made the other soldiers call me to ask where I am and what Im doing and why Im not on base and then deny it to the very end. He just doesn't want to speak to me directly unless he has too. This has happened more then once to the point where he will call me really late at night when he knows Im sleeping(145am anyone?) just so he its easier for him and he can say he tried. By the way its forbidden to call one of your soldiers that late at night unless we are under attack. His reason was someone was sick. That wasn't the first and last time either.
I even talked to him about that and told him to stop. So far so good. No late night phone calls. He has also tried saying I can't use my yom sidurim because no one would be in afsenaut so I had to fight it down to less then half a day and leave 2 hours earlier then I normally would. That is also illegal.
If you are a lone soldier and you need a yom sidurim your commander can NOT tell you no.
I talked to a friend about all of this because it has been really bugging me. It doesn't matter how many times I talk to my commander and other soldiers and officers talk to him nothing is changing. It's just wrong and unfair treatment.
He decided he is going to help me. I met some of his friends when he took to me to a bar to meet his friends. My friends name is Dor by the way. I love that kid. Hes a really great person. Im really thankful hes been trying to help me. Its nice to have someone care and help and be there. So at the end of the night when we were all going home we stood on the street corner getting ready to go our separate ways where Dor just says "Hey can we transfer her into our unit?" His friend then says "Yeah I don't see why not. You want to be in the Keriah(the pentagon of israel) and the air force?" I had no idea any of this was even possible. They then tell me all of their ranks. They are all high ranking officers in Kevah. Kevah is when you are done with your mandatory service and sign on more time. I had absolutely no idea. I told them I'd think about it. Joining the air force would be a complete uniform change! Although I would be with better people who enjoy the army and do their work. I would also get treated better.
I dont really know where I want to go in the army. I signed a document saying I want to change jobs. My ideas have been go to Hativa Nahal, International Relations, or the airforce. Joining Nahal and going to beit lid would be on base for a week. Everything else is coming home when I want. Id be able to work and everything which is what I'm trying to do.
So basically since things were not getting better with my commander my friend Dor helped me write a complaint. A complaint is called Kvila (קבילה). I just sent it in so I should be hearing from them this week. Most likely tomorrow morning. So basically this is another Adventurous Waiting Game again just like my last Adventure Post. So I should have another post or two up this week. :)
Ill update later. I think wrote more then enough.
So this "Not so great adventure" is definitely one that could have been seen coming from miles away. This is also one where I have to be really careful of what I say. It's a very sensitive issue and I can get into some trouble.
I started at Tel Hashomer being in the armory giving out the guns for everyone who has guard duty. I put up a big enough fuss to get a small job switch. I was still in Afsenaut just a different job title. My hours stayed the same. Unfortunately alot stayed the same. Im still in the armory a few times a month. Then add onto it the times I go there just to get away from my commander!
My job is stamping all the soldiers papers who come into my section and organize the papers they need to give me. Now I also have other things to do just because I'm in afsenaut. If someone needs something (anywhere from a unit tag to a pin to paper to forks/knives to toilet paper and soap), I give it to them. Afsenaut hold all the supplies for the base. Mine is more specific to my small section of the base. Tel Hashomer is a giant base. You need a car or bus to get around it. Technically this isn't my job at all and Im not supposed to be doing it in the first place. I am also the secretary to my commander. He has a secretary who just doesn't do his job. I'm the only one who does my job(the neshakiit does as well. She's a great girl and I love her). Im the only reason the afsenaut is running and my commander has admitted this multiple times. Now normally I wouldn't have a problem being on base all day- I actually kind of like it but its not fair. I have the most hours out of everyone. Im told I need to stay longer then everyone else. My actual hours are 8-3. Im there 8-5. Are you ready to see the hours of everyone else? 830-11, 830-1, 830-2, 830-230, 1-5, and 5-7. Thats not very fair. One because my commander tells 3 of them at once its okay to be on vacation while the other 3 take gimilim(sick days). Two the people that are still there that come in the morning come around 9. I have to be there at 8 because there are officers I need to help at 815/830(thats what my commander tells me) but they don't come at 830. They come at 9. I have to be there at a normal time because my commander calls and checks to make sure Im actually there. He doesn't call anyone else, I know because they come in and ask me if he's called and asked for them.
I also have to speak with all the officers that come and need things. My most common asked question is "Where is your commander?" My response "He's not on base today and I don't know when he will be back."
There are also loads of times where I've had to be in the armory and the afsenaut at the same time. Can I just say that I cant defy the laws of physics. It's impossible. My commander doesn't seem to care. It doesn't matter how many times I've talked to him and explained to him I can't do it and that I need a break. A break for me right now would be leaving at my normal regular hours. I have no problem with 8-5 if it wasn't only me and I wasn't the one getting stuck with ALL the work, literally.
He's been letting some of the kids go because they did "hard" work. And when I say let them go I mean let them go home at 11 am. REALLY? Now when I get stuck there all day and we have shipments come in who gets stuck doing the work bring everything in? Me. I don't get to go home. He also had the nerve to tell me that "Im a girl and I cant lift such heavy things." Funny last time I checked I could and I have. I might not be wonder woman but I can carry 20 pounds of paper. I can also carry 2 kids at once. So you know what Mr.Commander? Take that to the kitchen and make me a sandwich. I cant do anything tachat sheli!
Some of the officers have been saying how it isn't fair and trying to talk to him. Then the other day, two soldiers of the Sgan Aluf (Lieutenant Colonel) came and needed things, I told them I couldn't help because they needed to talk to my commander. They got mad and called him, he told them to come back in the afternoon. They were so mad that I apologized where they said it wasn't my fault. One of them started asking questions asking why am I always the only one here. I explained everything and the boy kept going on about how Im the only one here all the time in multiple places at once. The girl then told me how good my hebrew is and my commander cant be doing this to me and that she was going to speak to the Sgan Aluf for me. So the Sgan Aluf spoke to him but still nothing changed. I've been thankful for the days that I have guard duty because I t means I get to go home early and I don't have to be in afsenaut and even better my commander cant call me. Although he has made the other soldiers call me to ask where I am and what Im doing and why Im not on base and then deny it to the very end. He just doesn't want to speak to me directly unless he has too. This has happened more then once to the point where he will call me really late at night when he knows Im sleeping(145am anyone?) just so he its easier for him and he can say he tried. By the way its forbidden to call one of your soldiers that late at night unless we are under attack. His reason was someone was sick. That wasn't the first and last time either.
I even talked to him about that and told him to stop. So far so good. No late night phone calls. He has also tried saying I can't use my yom sidurim because no one would be in afsenaut so I had to fight it down to less then half a day and leave 2 hours earlier then I normally would. That is also illegal.
If you are a lone soldier and you need a yom sidurim your commander can NOT tell you no.
I talked to a friend about all of this because it has been really bugging me. It doesn't matter how many times I talk to my commander and other soldiers and officers talk to him nothing is changing. It's just wrong and unfair treatment.
He decided he is going to help me. I met some of his friends when he took to me to a bar to meet his friends. My friends name is Dor by the way. I love that kid. Hes a really great person. Im really thankful hes been trying to help me. Its nice to have someone care and help and be there. So at the end of the night when we were all going home we stood on the street corner getting ready to go our separate ways where Dor just says "Hey can we transfer her into our unit?" His friend then says "Yeah I don't see why not. You want to be in the Keriah(the pentagon of israel) and the air force?" I had no idea any of this was even possible. They then tell me all of their ranks. They are all high ranking officers in Kevah. Kevah is when you are done with your mandatory service and sign on more time. I had absolutely no idea. I told them I'd think about it. Joining the air force would be a complete uniform change! Although I would be with better people who enjoy the army and do their work. I would also get treated better.
I dont really know where I want to go in the army. I signed a document saying I want to change jobs. My ideas have been go to Hativa Nahal, International Relations, or the airforce. Joining Nahal and going to beit lid would be on base for a week. Everything else is coming home when I want. Id be able to work and everything which is what I'm trying to do.
So basically since things were not getting better with my commander my friend Dor helped me write a complaint. A complaint is called Kvila (קבילה). I just sent it in so I should be hearing from them this week. Most likely tomorrow morning. So basically this is another Adventurous Waiting Game again just like my last Adventure Post. So I should have another post or two up this week. :)
Ill update later. I think wrote more then enough.
My Adventure:Drastic Improvement for My Hebrew- I hope It Pays Off Pt.1
So I know a few posts ago I mentioned that Im quite a little adventure in the army right now, I figured I might as well just explain what I can now. I have time to kill. למה לא? (Why not?)
Over that past few months I've been thinking seriously about whether or not to extend my service and do the Officer's Course. It's 6-8 months and you are home about one weekend a month. Its 3 months basic training and 3 months business type training. Thats not how it is exactly but thats the 6 month course.
I've also been trying to get a hebrew course in there. To be in the Officers Course you need a level 8 in hebrew. Last time I checked about a month/ month and a half ago mine was 5. It has improved since then but Im not an 8. Maybe a 5.5 max. I told my commander I wanted to do the Officer's Course- he said and did nothing. So I went to one of the Shelishut Officers who told me there is a chance I cant get it because I have something called a Khas. In hebrew "קה'ס''. If you have a Kha's over a certain number you cant do anything in the army. No Officers Course, no Gdudim, no nothing. The officer at the shelishut told me what to do and how to get it lowered. I need to speak with a kaban (in hebrew קב''נ). I apparently got my Khas when I was in Michve Alon and spoke to the Kaban there. So it should be relatively easy to lower it. I need to tell him/her "I love Israel, I love the army, Peace, Love, and Happiness, Love Life." So this is what he told me to say to her word for word in english. Needless to say I laughed. I then asked how I see the kaban and thats the hard part(It takes about a month in order to get a meeting-sometimes more. Everyone wants to get out of the army- here's me the idiot trying to stay in. Woo go me!) One my commander needs to call the kaban and set up an appointment. So yeah he cant even do that. He didn't know where it was, let alone what to do. I went there when he told me too and they told me I needed an appointment. I told them it was urgent but that doesn't really matter because they don't care. I got an appointment(this was end of january mind you) for over a month later in March. That was horrible. I got the papers I needed for my commander to fill out who wasn't even on base(again). I went to the shelishut where the head officer called my commander multiple times and ordered him into base so he could fill out the forms for me. She then started calling the Kaban multiple times(who wasn't answering at all) to try and get my appointment moved up to that week. It didn't work we couldn't get in touch with them.
I called and I got threw (go figure.), they told me I need a recommendation from my commander as well as the Sgen Aluf. The Sgen Aluf is the Lieutenant Colonel in american terms. He is the Unit Commander for my Unit and section.
I got a meeting with him less then a week later. He was super nice. He asked me where I came from, when I joined and all the normal questions. He then asked me why I had a Khas so I explained the situation of when I was in Michve Alon. Apparently, I misunderstood the question, he ment why do I have it. What made them think I had anger issues and couldn't adapt to my environment and things like that. I told him I didn't even know I had one till now. This is the first time I'm hearing about it. I did great in Michve Alon. I went through most of it without a place to call my own or a place to put my things. I didn't act out badly in any way or hit/hurt anyone. That's alot more then I can say for most of the girls in my plugah. I had respect for all of my commanders and treated everyone with respect. There's really no reason to have one. The L.C. told me that if I have something like this I need to be informed, they can't just give it to me without telling me. It's completely wrong and creates situations like this. He wrote my recommendation to the Kaban and sent it to him/her but they didn't call or answer us even by email. We were told to check it everyday. We got nothing, we also called and got nothing. So now in 9 days I have my appointment to try and get it lowered. Im going to try and speak to the Kaban as much as possible in hebrew so he/she can see and hear the drastic improvement I've made since Michve Alon. When I saw the Kaban at Michve Alon I spoke to her in english- just english. Im going to try and hope hebrew will work for me that day. So now this can only be known as the infamous waiting game and see what happens on the day of my meeting.
I'll write Pt.2 after the meeting when I get home.
I have another adventure to post. I think I will call it Adventure Number 2 Part 1. I have no idea. I'll figure it out when I write it.
Over that past few months I've been thinking seriously about whether or not to extend my service and do the Officer's Course. It's 6-8 months and you are home about one weekend a month. Its 3 months basic training and 3 months business type training. Thats not how it is exactly but thats the 6 month course.
I've also been trying to get a hebrew course in there. To be in the Officers Course you need a level 8 in hebrew. Last time I checked about a month/ month and a half ago mine was 5. It has improved since then but Im not an 8. Maybe a 5.5 max. I told my commander I wanted to do the Officer's Course- he said and did nothing. So I went to one of the Shelishut Officers who told me there is a chance I cant get it because I have something called a Khas. In hebrew "קה'ס''. If you have a Kha's over a certain number you cant do anything in the army. No Officers Course, no Gdudim, no nothing. The officer at the shelishut told me what to do and how to get it lowered. I need to speak with a kaban (in hebrew קב''נ). I apparently got my Khas when I was in Michve Alon and spoke to the Kaban there. So it should be relatively easy to lower it. I need to tell him/her "I love Israel, I love the army, Peace, Love, and Happiness, Love Life." So this is what he told me to say to her word for word in english. Needless to say I laughed. I then asked how I see the kaban and thats the hard part(It takes about a month in order to get a meeting-sometimes more. Everyone wants to get out of the army- here's me the idiot trying to stay in. Woo go me!) One my commander needs to call the kaban and set up an appointment. So yeah he cant even do that. He didn't know where it was, let alone what to do. I went there when he told me too and they told me I needed an appointment. I told them it was urgent but that doesn't really matter because they don't care. I got an appointment(this was end of january mind you) for over a month later in March. That was horrible. I got the papers I needed for my commander to fill out who wasn't even on base(again). I went to the shelishut where the head officer called my commander multiple times and ordered him into base so he could fill out the forms for me. She then started calling the Kaban multiple times(who wasn't answering at all) to try and get my appointment moved up to that week. It didn't work we couldn't get in touch with them.
I called and I got threw (go figure.), they told me I need a recommendation from my commander as well as the Sgen Aluf. The Sgen Aluf is the Lieutenant Colonel in american terms. He is the Unit Commander for my Unit and section.
I got a meeting with him less then a week later. He was super nice. He asked me where I came from, when I joined and all the normal questions. He then asked me why I had a Khas so I explained the situation of when I was in Michve Alon. Apparently, I misunderstood the question, he ment why do I have it. What made them think I had anger issues and couldn't adapt to my environment and things like that. I told him I didn't even know I had one till now. This is the first time I'm hearing about it. I did great in Michve Alon. I went through most of it without a place to call my own or a place to put my things. I didn't act out badly in any way or hit/hurt anyone. That's alot more then I can say for most of the girls in my plugah. I had respect for all of my commanders and treated everyone with respect. There's really no reason to have one. The L.C. told me that if I have something like this I need to be informed, they can't just give it to me without telling me. It's completely wrong and creates situations like this. He wrote my recommendation to the Kaban and sent it to him/her but they didn't call or answer us even by email. We were told to check it everyday. We got nothing, we also called and got nothing. So now in 9 days I have my appointment to try and get it lowered. Im going to try and speak to the Kaban as much as possible in hebrew so he/she can see and hear the drastic improvement I've made since Michve Alon. When I saw the Kaban at Michve Alon I spoke to her in english- just english. Im going to try and hope hebrew will work for me that day. So now this can only be known as the infamous waiting game and see what happens on the day of my meeting.
I'll write Pt.2 after the meeting when I get home.
I have another adventure to post. I think I will call it Adventure Number 2 Part 1. I have no idea. I'll figure it out when I write it.
26 February 2011
Door knobs... and somethin' other
I know. Random. Very very random.
I had such a sudden random realization about door knobs.
I was thinking about how I like unkosher foods because it makes me feel like Im back home with my favorite foods. In the USA its hard to be kosher. Its not like Israel where kosher is a regular thing.
So getting to my point of the door knobs I realized that Israel has different door knobs. In the USA its those round ones that look like little stubs bulging out from the door while in Israel, they are long and you push them down.
I don't know why Im just realizing this now or why its even important. I cant think of a single place in this country that has the door knobs like they do in New York.
My somethin' other is gonna be about language.
I remember in I think it was senior year I got really sick. It was before school started and I was sitting in the parking lot waiting for my mom to come pick me and this Asian girl- either Japanese or Korean; I don't remember- came up to and asked in broken english why wasn't I inside. She was so nice. I never forgot her. I always admired her courage for coming to the states and my school to learn. It was hard for her to speak. She was so nice. She told me to feel better when I told her I was sick. For some reason she made my day a little better.
I think about it now and I realize that Im in a similar position as her. I'm in a new country where I don't speak the language fluently and I've been thrust into an environment where I need to write,speak, listen, and at times think in a brand new language. People take language for granted. Not many people realize how important a language is. We all know our mother tongue and its what we are used to. Sure, we know that people speak other languages but we don't actually realize that the verbal language is different from own. We know it but we don't ever care or really understand it. Everyone speaks body language but not verbal.
I hope that the girl had an okay time and easy time learning english. I know being in my school meant she probably did get made fun of. I have never made fun of someone learning a language. Its hard. It really takes a huge toll on you. Imagine you are surrounded by hundreds of people and something bad happens. You need to tell someone but you can't because you don't know how to speak their language.
It takes a huge mental and emotional toll. You can't tell people what you need or how you feel. They cant tell you how they feel or what they want or need as well. Its frustrating. It makes you feel small, weak, and stupid. You feel like you're trapped and it doesn't feel like it's going to get any better and it can only get worse.
In the army here, some people don't realize how difficult it really is. Some people don't care and some people find it hilarious. They love when ever you say something wrong. I know with me it pisses me off. Learning hebrew has been sort of therapeutic in a very weird unorthodox way. Yeah it pisses me off to know end that I can't speak and communicate but it has also been an anger management type thing. I can't say what I really want when I get mad so in ways thats good. Lord knows I got a mouth on me. So in ways it helps me hold my tongue.
In the army I hate when people make fun of me. Being in the Neshkiah and being around a bunch of people who hate the army(Yeah thats a whole other story in and of itself), its a big blow. People aren't nice. They don't care. They think you are stupid for coming to the country and even stupider for being in the army. "Why leave America?" "What's here that isn't America?" "Why would you leave to come to this place?" No one likes to hear such mean things about decisions you make. You know what its like to live here and I know what its like to live in America. When they tell me that they want to live in America I ask them the same questions they ask me. Some times they get the hint and others, they naively answer. They want money, the "American Dream", open up a falafel shop. I know that their ideas of America are all from movies. We don't have money. We aren't rich. Life in America is just like life in every other country.
Yesterday I was at the Beit Hahayal speaking with a russian boy. He's in Michve Alon now and it's Country week. Country week is where you tell people about your native country. He asked me what I thought of Russians. The stereotypes we learn growing up. Not all the stereotypes are wrong but some are right just like when I asked him about Americans. His first answer was Hamburger. We all eat Mc Donald's and fast food and are fat. The second was video games. World of Warcraft and those computer games. Most people think we are a fat, lazy country. And most people in America are. It's sad because you can't really deny it.
Anyway being here has really been an eye opening experience. You really learn many different points of views and so many different ways of life. You learn words from so many different languages because there are so many different languages being spoken here.
Some people get that. They understand it. They know its difficult. Others don't. They are very ignorant and just don't give a damn about anyone. But these people are EVERYWHERE in the world not just America or Israel. Look at the Islamic countries in the middle east. They don't accept change at all. Anything new is wrong.
The people thinking about doing Mahal or Olim Hadeshim who ask me for help and advice about the army usually ask about hebrew. "Did you know hebrew before the army?" "Are you fluent?" "Was it hard to become fluent?" "Does everyone really speak english, Ill be okay with english?" Before joining the army I was not fluent at all. I didn't know enough. I'm not fluent at all and it is damn hard getting there. The only way to really become fluent is to surround yourself with hebrew. Speak it all day every day. Read books and the newspaper, watch the t.v., listen to songs in hebrew. Being in the army certainly helped. I would probably still have bad hebrew if it weren't for the army. Yeah, my hebrew is still bad but I've learned a trick. When those people get you down just think about where you started from. I think about how it was for me at Tel Aviv University and then Michve Alon and all the way up until now. I think about everything I've done to get up to this point and how hard I'm working. I can only go up from here. They might want to laugh at me now because I can't pronounce a word right or I have an accent but I know that if they were in my shoes they'd quit and go home crying. Being so rude and ignorant to someone who is different only shows your weaknesses. To everyone who is learning a new language: It's hard and it's only going to get harder. Expect it to get harder and take the challenge head on. You will only feel better about your self at the end of the day and at the end of the challenge. Don't go into such a negative attitude and only think positive. Learning a new language helps open your eyes and mind. You learn more then a new language. Let the haters hate while you laugh all the way to the bank.
I had such a sudden random realization about door knobs.
I was thinking about how I like unkosher foods because it makes me feel like Im back home with my favorite foods. In the USA its hard to be kosher. Its not like Israel where kosher is a regular thing.
So getting to my point of the door knobs I realized that Israel has different door knobs. In the USA its those round ones that look like little stubs bulging out from the door while in Israel, they are long and you push them down.
I don't know why Im just realizing this now or why its even important. I cant think of a single place in this country that has the door knobs like they do in New York.
My somethin' other is gonna be about language.
I remember in I think it was senior year I got really sick. It was before school started and I was sitting in the parking lot waiting for my mom to come pick me and this Asian girl- either Japanese or Korean; I don't remember- came up to and asked in broken english why wasn't I inside. She was so nice. I never forgot her. I always admired her courage for coming to the states and my school to learn. It was hard for her to speak. She was so nice. She told me to feel better when I told her I was sick. For some reason she made my day a little better.
I think about it now and I realize that Im in a similar position as her. I'm in a new country where I don't speak the language fluently and I've been thrust into an environment where I need to write,speak, listen, and at times think in a brand new language. People take language for granted. Not many people realize how important a language is. We all know our mother tongue and its what we are used to. Sure, we know that people speak other languages but we don't actually realize that the verbal language is different from own. We know it but we don't ever care or really understand it. Everyone speaks body language but not verbal.
I hope that the girl had an okay time and easy time learning english. I know being in my school meant she probably did get made fun of. I have never made fun of someone learning a language. Its hard. It really takes a huge toll on you. Imagine you are surrounded by hundreds of people and something bad happens. You need to tell someone but you can't because you don't know how to speak their language.
It takes a huge mental and emotional toll. You can't tell people what you need or how you feel. They cant tell you how they feel or what they want or need as well. Its frustrating. It makes you feel small, weak, and stupid. You feel like you're trapped and it doesn't feel like it's going to get any better and it can only get worse.
In the army here, some people don't realize how difficult it really is. Some people don't care and some people find it hilarious. They love when ever you say something wrong. I know with me it pisses me off. Learning hebrew has been sort of therapeutic in a very weird unorthodox way. Yeah it pisses me off to know end that I can't speak and communicate but it has also been an anger management type thing. I can't say what I really want when I get mad so in ways thats good. Lord knows I got a mouth on me. So in ways it helps me hold my tongue.
In the army I hate when people make fun of me. Being in the Neshkiah and being around a bunch of people who hate the army(Yeah thats a whole other story in and of itself), its a big blow. People aren't nice. They don't care. They think you are stupid for coming to the country and even stupider for being in the army. "Why leave America?" "What's here that isn't America?" "Why would you leave to come to this place?" No one likes to hear such mean things about decisions you make. You know what its like to live here and I know what its like to live in America. When they tell me that they want to live in America I ask them the same questions they ask me. Some times they get the hint and others, they naively answer. They want money, the "American Dream", open up a falafel shop. I know that their ideas of America are all from movies. We don't have money. We aren't rich. Life in America is just like life in every other country.
Yesterday I was at the Beit Hahayal speaking with a russian boy. He's in Michve Alon now and it's Country week. Country week is where you tell people about your native country. He asked me what I thought of Russians. The stereotypes we learn growing up. Not all the stereotypes are wrong but some are right just like when I asked him about Americans. His first answer was Hamburger. We all eat Mc Donald's and fast food and are fat. The second was video games. World of Warcraft and those computer games. Most people think we are a fat, lazy country. And most people in America are. It's sad because you can't really deny it.
Anyway being here has really been an eye opening experience. You really learn many different points of views and so many different ways of life. You learn words from so many different languages because there are so many different languages being spoken here.
Some people get that. They understand it. They know its difficult. Others don't. They are very ignorant and just don't give a damn about anyone. But these people are EVERYWHERE in the world not just America or Israel. Look at the Islamic countries in the middle east. They don't accept change at all. Anything new is wrong.
The people thinking about doing Mahal or Olim Hadeshim who ask me for help and advice about the army usually ask about hebrew. "Did you know hebrew before the army?" "Are you fluent?" "Was it hard to become fluent?" "Does everyone really speak english, Ill be okay with english?" Before joining the army I was not fluent at all. I didn't know enough. I'm not fluent at all and it is damn hard getting there. The only way to really become fluent is to surround yourself with hebrew. Speak it all day every day. Read books and the newspaper, watch the t.v., listen to songs in hebrew. Being in the army certainly helped. I would probably still have bad hebrew if it weren't for the army. Yeah, my hebrew is still bad but I've learned a trick. When those people get you down just think about where you started from. I think about how it was for me at Tel Aviv University and then Michve Alon and all the way up until now. I think about everything I've done to get up to this point and how hard I'm working. I can only go up from here. They might want to laugh at me now because I can't pronounce a word right or I have an accent but I know that if they were in my shoes they'd quit and go home crying. Being so rude and ignorant to someone who is different only shows your weaknesses. To everyone who is learning a new language: It's hard and it's only going to get harder. Expect it to get harder and take the challenge head on. You will only feel better about your self at the end of the day and at the end of the challenge. Don't go into such a negative attitude and only think positive. Learning a new language helps open your eyes and mind. You learn more then a new language. Let the haters hate while you laugh all the way to the bank.
NetworkedBlogs!!! oh and new email
WOW! Thanks you guys. I have 100 followers on NetworkedBlogs.
Become a fan of my blog on facebook with NetworkedBlogs if you havent already.
Here's the link: http://apps.facebook.com/blognetworks/blog/my_life_in_israel_from_new_york_to_israel/
Also facebook did a new update(again). Anyone else getting tired of all these changes every two months?
Anyway, one of the new changes is an E-mail address. If you don't have facebook please use my Email already mentioned but if you do why not make it easier for you and me if we use my new email.
RebeccahStewart@facebook.com
This is my new contact. Like I said in a previous blog you need to message me first before adding me on MSN,Facebook,and anywhere else imaginable. Im not going to add random people I dont know without some clue of who they are or how they know me. To be honest its kind of creepy when I get a message saying "WOW! Im so glad I have you to help me. If I have questions Ill ask you. How are things being your first year?" My response to a message I received like this was "Who are you and what are you talking about? I dont even know you..."
So please please please send a message first introducing yourself and tell me how you found me.
Now here is where I need your guys advice and then number 2 would be your help.
1. Should my blog have a page on facebook. I've been noticing more and more blogs being facebook pages with the updates going to the facebook page making it very interactive.
I noticed I don't get comments on here anymore but I would like to know what you guys think and what you guys want to know.
2. WIth your help I can really reach alot more people in the same or similar situations as I am.
For those of you on Facebook and a fan- can you please send this blog to more people. I want to try and help and reach as many people as possible. I really think this blog can go somewhere. I just need a little help in having people spread the word.
Heres the link again:
http://apps.facebook.com/blognetworks/blog/my_life_in_israel_from_new_york_to_israel/
Now I know in the previous blog I said I'd tell you guys about a little adventure Im having, so Im going to make that the next blog. This is an ongoing adventure in the army that just took a new turn.
My life in the army isn't as exciting as many people would think. Its very boring and not much happens so there isn't much to blog about unless you guys want to here "We got bored today and decided to make cheerleading pom poms." And yes that really did happen.
Well for those of you who do read this blog and do find it interesting I now have something or somethingS that can be split into 1 or 2 blog posts. So I'm gonna figure out how to write it and see what goes down.
In the end I really hope you guys can help me and will decide to help me. I just want to thank everyone who became a "fan" on NetworkedBlogs even though not many people read this. So I want to extend an even bigger THANKYOU!!! to everyone that is reading this.
Thanks guys. :)
Stay tuned for a new blog coming soon. :D
Become a fan of my blog on facebook with NetworkedBlogs if you havent already.
Here's the link: http://apps.facebook.com/blognetworks/blog/my_life_in_israel_from_new_york_to_israel/
Also facebook did a new update(again). Anyone else getting tired of all these changes every two months?
Anyway, one of the new changes is an E-mail address. If you don't have facebook please use my Email already mentioned but if you do why not make it easier for you and me if we use my new email.
RebeccahStewart@facebook.com
This is my new contact. Like I said in a previous blog you need to message me first before adding me on MSN,Facebook,and anywhere else imaginable. Im not going to add random people I dont know without some clue of who they are or how they know me. To be honest its kind of creepy when I get a message saying "WOW! Im so glad I have you to help me. If I have questions Ill ask you. How are things being your first year?" My response to a message I received like this was "Who are you and what are you talking about? I dont even know you..."
So please please please send a message first introducing yourself and tell me how you found me.
Now here is where I need your guys advice and then number 2 would be your help.
1. Should my blog have a page on facebook. I've been noticing more and more blogs being facebook pages with the updates going to the facebook page making it very interactive.
I noticed I don't get comments on here anymore but I would like to know what you guys think and what you guys want to know.
2. WIth your help I can really reach alot more people in the same or similar situations as I am.
For those of you on Facebook and a fan- can you please send this blog to more people. I want to try and help and reach as many people as possible. I really think this blog can go somewhere. I just need a little help in having people spread the word.
Heres the link again:
http://apps.facebook.com/blognetworks/blog/my_life_in_israel_from_new_york_to_israel/
Now I know in the previous blog I said I'd tell you guys about a little adventure Im having, so Im going to make that the next blog. This is an ongoing adventure in the army that just took a new turn.
My life in the army isn't as exciting as many people would think. Its very boring and not much happens so there isn't much to blog about unless you guys want to here "We got bored today and decided to make cheerleading pom poms." And yes that really did happen.
Well for those of you who do read this blog and do find it interesting I now have something or somethingS that can be split into 1 or 2 blog posts. So I'm gonna figure out how to write it and see what goes down.
In the end I really hope you guys can help me and will decide to help me. I just want to thank everyone who became a "fan" on NetworkedBlogs even though not many people read this. So I want to extend an even bigger THANKYOU!!! to everyone that is reading this.
Thanks guys. :)
Stay tuned for a new blog coming soon. :D
11 February 2011
Wooooosssshhhhh!!!
So not to much has been happening. Nothing really worth blogging about except for the past two weeks. Too avoid possible jinxation I will with hold until I have a definitive answer. Alls I can tell you is Im super excited and I hope I will make an impact on the Israeli army and all Lone Soldiers.
Ive really been focusing on myself just like my new years resolution. To be honest it feels great. I like having time for myself.
I know that I said Id be more then happy to help other people in my situation or ones similar but I now feel that I should create guide lines or lines that cant be crossed after a few incidences.
I am in no way an officer who can talk to officers for you. I can give you advice and information but that doesn't mean it will work in every specific case.
A lone soldier asked me for help a few weeks ago and to be honest I wish I never said yes. Some people just shouldnt be helped if they dont want to listen or control their temper.
1. It makes me look bad for sticking up for such behavior and condoning it. Im not.
2. If you ask me for help dont go crazy on me when things dont work out. It is ILLEGAL for me to sit in on meetings for you. I cant talk for you. I cant create deals for you. The most I can do is listen to what you have to say, what your problems are and give advice and information that can possibly help you. I dont have the power to do anything heroic.
Second issue if you want help from me dont just message me saying hey im so glad that you can help me and blahty blah blah. 1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF!!!!!!
2. Send a message introducing yourself saying "Hey Im Mr/Ms. Peabrain and I will be or am a lone soldier. Can I ask you some questions?"
Now it doesnt have to be those exact words but trust me I will feel much better when it comes to answering your questions.
3. It would be nice to know that you actually took the time to at least READ one post of my blog. Alot of questions are answered in this blog. Its amazing that alls you have to do is read them.
For those that are in Mahal go to my blog about Mahal. It has most answers already there. I know its sooo much work to go to the links on the right where it says months. Click on April. Then click on the post that says "Mahal IDF: Signing Up. My Firsthand Account" (http://fromny-israel.blogspot.com/2010/04/mahal-idf-signing-up-my-firsthand.html) as well as the blog "Lishkat Gius Tel Hashomer" (http://fromny-israel.blogspot.com/2010/04/lishkat-gius-tel-hashomer.html)
Take the 10 minutes after of your time to read these two blogs which explain MY firsthand account of the processes that took place.
There are also other blog posts that I have that will help you as well.
Im not the only one who is writing a blog so if you would like more blogs to get questions answered ask me Ill give you the links.
Mostly what Im asking for is a little respect. Im not asking for help in return but I would like you to realize that I am a person as well. Dont take advantage of my kindness. I wont take that and you will no longer get my help or advice.
Please read my blog.
I do think that I will put up a blog of the most frequently asked questions. I want this blog to be something that people can relate to. I want people to know that they arent alone. This can be achieved I just need your help.
Just read the blog and if you want you can comment on the blog as an anonymous or send me an email. Please do NOT go right away in adding me on MSN and Facebook before even sending me a message introducing yourself.
Soo beh sof, Im really not a mean person and I really have no problem in helping. Id be happy too. I just want a little respect in return.
Anyway hopefully I can get some of these blogs posts up and ready. I have a rather exciting adventure that I would LOVE to post on here but the adventure isnt over yet. Maybe this week earliest. Fingers crossed. I just hope everything works out. :D
Ive really been focusing on myself just like my new years resolution. To be honest it feels great. I like having time for myself.
I know that I said Id be more then happy to help other people in my situation or ones similar but I now feel that I should create guide lines or lines that cant be crossed after a few incidences.
I am in no way an officer who can talk to officers for you. I can give you advice and information but that doesn't mean it will work in every specific case.
A lone soldier asked me for help a few weeks ago and to be honest I wish I never said yes. Some people just shouldnt be helped if they dont want to listen or control their temper.
1. It makes me look bad for sticking up for such behavior and condoning it. Im not.
2. If you ask me for help dont go crazy on me when things dont work out. It is ILLEGAL for me to sit in on meetings for you. I cant talk for you. I cant create deals for you. The most I can do is listen to what you have to say, what your problems are and give advice and information that can possibly help you. I dont have the power to do anything heroic.
Second issue if you want help from me dont just message me saying hey im so glad that you can help me and blahty blah blah. 1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF!!!!!!
2. Send a message introducing yourself saying "Hey Im Mr/Ms. Peabrain and I will be or am a lone soldier. Can I ask you some questions?"
Now it doesnt have to be those exact words but trust me I will feel much better when it comes to answering your questions.
3. It would be nice to know that you actually took the time to at least READ one post of my blog. Alot of questions are answered in this blog. Its amazing that alls you have to do is read them.
For those that are in Mahal go to my blog about Mahal. It has most answers already there. I know its sooo much work to go to the links on the right where it says months. Click on April. Then click on the post that says "Mahal IDF: Signing Up. My Firsthand Account" (http://fromny-israel.blogspot.com/2010/04/mahal-idf-signing-up-my-firsthand.html) as well as the blog "Lishkat Gius Tel Hashomer" (http://fromny-israel.blogspot.com/2010/04/lishkat-gius-tel-hashomer.html)
Take the 10 minutes after of your time to read these two blogs which explain MY firsthand account of the processes that took place.
There are also other blog posts that I have that will help you as well.
Im not the only one who is writing a blog so if you would like more blogs to get questions answered ask me Ill give you the links.
Mostly what Im asking for is a little respect. Im not asking for help in return but I would like you to realize that I am a person as well. Dont take advantage of my kindness. I wont take that and you will no longer get my help or advice.
Please read my blog.
I do think that I will put up a blog of the most frequently asked questions. I want this blog to be something that people can relate to. I want people to know that they arent alone. This can be achieved I just need your help.
Just read the blog and if you want you can comment on the blog as an anonymous or send me an email. Please do NOT go right away in adding me on MSN and Facebook before even sending me a message introducing yourself.
Soo beh sof, Im really not a mean person and I really have no problem in helping. Id be happy too. I just want a little respect in return.
Anyway hopefully I can get some of these blogs posts up and ready. I have a rather exciting adventure that I would LOVE to post on here but the adventure isnt over yet. Maybe this week earliest. Fingers crossed. I just hope everything works out. :D
15 January 2011
Sooo HAPPY 2011!!! Self Empowerment Resolution... I hope I can stick to it
I know Im pretty amazing. Happy New Year 2 weeks late.
I really hope everyone had a great new year. In Israel it's called Sylvester. I didn't understand at first. I was like "Wtf is Sylvester? You mean the cat from Looney Toons?" Then a friend told me it was new years.
Mine was alright. I stayed behind the camera but there is one photo of me from New Years.
I didn't do too much but it was nice to have something small and see some friends. My room mate yoni threw a party so some people came over.
I was having a very hard time figuring out a new years resolution. I took a nice good hard look back at everything that happened in 2010. Despite it being so life changing and full of hard ships and things that still hurt today, it was a good year. I decided that Im gonna look out for myself. Help myself more. Im not going to do things I dont want to do. I wont be afraid to say no. Im really going to try and make this year about making myself happy instead of helping others trying to make others happy. I always do that. I put myself situations that make me upset because it makes someone else happy. I need to say "enough is enough".
Sometimes by doing this it means you have to say goodbye to some people. The people who are negatively influencing your life. Those that are just using you or try to guilt you into doing things to make them happy so they dont have to do it.
You know Im a damn good friend and an even better person. I always try to help those in need. I try to them make feel better if I see they are feelin down. But you know I realized that I give and I give and I give. Maybe 2 people have actually helped me back if I was down or needed help. I treated people better then I treated myself. In turn it made me look like I can be used for anything. I realized if I want to be taken seriously I need to take care of myself first. Where is the real happiness if Im sacrificing everything I have to make others happy.
I think its time to stop that. I will start being friends with those people that I want to be friends with. Im not going to worry about hurting others because they cant get the cake mix in the store. If I want to eat cake I will make it and eat it myself. Its my turn to have my cake and eat it too. No more feeling sorry, looking at what others have and wishing I could have that. Well I stopped and I reviewed- I need to help myself. not others.
I have alot more to say but Im gonna cut it short before I go crazy on this self empowerment speech. :P
The only photo from New Years of me. :)
I really hope everyone had a great new year. In Israel it's called Sylvester. I didn't understand at first. I was like "Wtf is Sylvester? You mean the cat from Looney Toons?" Then a friend told me it was new years.
Mine was alright. I stayed behind the camera but there is one photo of me from New Years.
I didn't do too much but it was nice to have something small and see some friends. My room mate yoni threw a party so some people came over.
I was having a very hard time figuring out a new years resolution. I took a nice good hard look back at everything that happened in 2010. Despite it being so life changing and full of hard ships and things that still hurt today, it was a good year. I decided that Im gonna look out for myself. Help myself more. Im not going to do things I dont want to do. I wont be afraid to say no. Im really going to try and make this year about making myself happy instead of helping others trying to make others happy. I always do that. I put myself situations that make me upset because it makes someone else happy. I need to say "enough is enough".
Sometimes by doing this it means you have to say goodbye to some people. The people who are negatively influencing your life. Those that are just using you or try to guilt you into doing things to make them happy so they dont have to do it.
You know Im a damn good friend and an even better person. I always try to help those in need. I try to them make feel better if I see they are feelin down. But you know I realized that I give and I give and I give. Maybe 2 people have actually helped me back if I was down or needed help. I treated people better then I treated myself. In turn it made me look like I can be used for anything. I realized if I want to be taken seriously I need to take care of myself first. Where is the real happiness if Im sacrificing everything I have to make others happy.
I think its time to stop that. I will start being friends with those people that I want to be friends with. Im not going to worry about hurting others because they cant get the cake mix in the store. If I want to eat cake I will make it and eat it myself. Its my turn to have my cake and eat it too. No more feeling sorry, looking at what others have and wishing I could have that. Well I stopped and I reviewed- I need to help myself. not others.
 |
| Sam and I. 1/1/2011 |
The only photo from New Years of me. :)
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