Happy Now?

Okay, here's my metallic smile for those who requested a picture. Hmm, my hair looks a little lopsided. Oh, well. You get the idea! I'm thinking of attaching little rhinestones to the front brackets so people see a sparkle everytime I smile. Or maybe not.

Hey, if you look really close (I just noticed this), you can see that my eyeballs are half green and half blue. Cool, huh? I had nothing to do with it.

Zombie

Well, I'm not really a zombie right now, but I'm close. What a weird week! I've been dealing with jetlag, so that means waking up earlier than usual and going to bed earlier. Then there's the whole braces thing. My mouth has been pretty unhappy, which means I've been eating nothing very solid. You know -- shakes, oatmeal, ice cream, etc. What complicates dietary matters is that I'm trying to avoid dairy and sugar and I'm allergic to eggs. You know how many soft foods that cuts out?? Aaargh! So basically, I haven't been eating very much, and I'm feeling and looking more and more wan. I'm hypoglycemic. Everytime my mom looks at me, she has this terrible worried expression on her face, like she's expecting me to pass out any moment.

Today at school I only had one half hour class fortunately. I was lead the kids in singing by singing or mouthing the words myself so they can watch and follow. I had only sung a few words before I was feeling serious pain in my mouth. Hmm...what to do? So I suggested that I play on the piano while a couple volunteers came up to lead the singing. That worked fortunately, but I sure hope I'm able to sing by next week!

We're having an 35th anniversary party for my parents tomorrow night. Should be fun. Hopefully I can talk normally, smile unselfconsciously, and not look like I'm on drugs.

You know what happens when you're really tired, on pain pills, and have a lot on your mind? Wild ideas pop in there! Like one morning I was getting ready for the day, and the idea popped into my mind that maybe after my braces are off and I have a dazzling smile, and when I've lost 10 pounds, I could go into modelling! That would be cool, right? Okay, I'm not the most beautiful woman around, but I'm tall, and have an okay figure. My mind started spinning. I could quit teaching, get some modelling jobs in Seattle, make thousands...blink. Whoa there! What am I thinking?? What would I have to model? "Sorry, but I can't model lingerie or evening wear because I have old-fashioned ideas about modesty. Oh, and there's probably a bunch of other stuff I couldn't wear..." Yeah right. Hmmm...add to that the burden of obsessing about my weight and appearance all the time. Ah, vanity of vanities. Being a normal girl looks highly attractive again. :-) Not that I'm really normal, but you know, more normal.

Funny Pot

What's interesting about this picture is not the smiling girl in green, but the potted plant behind her! This hearty palm obviously needed to be repotted quite awhile ago because the roots have actually broken through the stone pot! You can see the crack on the side and the dirt on the bottom. That's one strong plant.

Anybody remember this restaurant? I'm sorry to say that the service was pretty bad, but the view was wonderful!

Interesting Places

Tel Aviv at dusk, the American Colony Hotel courtyard, and David's Citadel

Great views

Here we are on top of David's Citadel. The view of the city was spectacular! It was just a wee bit hot up there, too.

Kay Arthur

When Lisa and I went to St. Peter's in Gallicantu church, we happened to run into Kay Arthur, who was setting up for a TV broadcast. For those who haven't heard of her, she's Christian author and speaker, and founder of Precept Ministries International. She was so sweet! Full of southern charm.

Jerusalem - I'm Lovin' It!

I love the sunshine and background of this picture! What a beautiful spot.

Wired

Yes, I am now wired and I'm surviving! Yesterday actually went way better than I expected, which I suspect has something to do with people praying. Thank you very much. It took a couple hours to put on the braces, but there wasn't really any pain involved beyond the occasional pinching of a gum or cheek. The rest of the day was spent trying to get used to the feeling of these huge metal things on my teeth.

My mom said almost immediately that they make me look cute! Hmm, that wasn't my thought, but bless her heart. Just add some acne and glasses and I'll pass for 15. :-)

I was on Motrin all day yesterday, which probably contributed to the general pleasant feelings. This morning I definitely felt more sore and tender. I have to stick to totally soft or liquid foods; the slightest pressure hurts. But the orthodontist assured me that I should feel normal within a week.

Besides getting used to the way longer teeth cleaning routine, I'm relearning how to smile! Honestly, it's just not the same. Also, singing during music classes this morning was interesting. Of course, having a dozen or so kids facing me and watching my mouth while we're singing doesn't really help my current self-consciousness any!

Ah, well, I'm just glad they're finally on and the two-year countdown has started! I'm comforted to know that many before me (including my mom and two sisters) have endured and survived the process.

Flowers

The flowers were absolutely beautiful in Israel right now. Here are a few I captured.

Food!

< A portion of the seder dinner

I had to wait a week for this scrumptious bagel!


The middle left shows a tasty Jerusalem Dish that Lisa and I shared at Papa Andrea's restaurant.

Above is our Easter luncheon at an Armenian Tavern. We loved the ambience of our little room!

And how could I leave without eating some falafel (left)?

So there you have the first installment of picture reports. I thought food was a good start. :-)

Home Again

I made it home safe and sound yesterday! I had a great time in Israel, but I sure love coming back to my beloved country. "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free..." That song ran through my head as I went through customs in Atlanta.

I didn't get much sleep at all on the plane, so yesterday after a shower and a delicious barbecue, I konked out on the couch for about five hours. Then I had to get up early this morning for a dentist appt., so I've got a bunch of catching up to do on sleep and everything else!

I'm going to share some pictures and reports over several days and blog entries, so hopefully that will be an interesting way for you to share in my adventurous trip.

God was very good in His protection and provision and little blessings along the way. Thanks for your prayers! Now I'd appreciate your prayers as I face a mountain: getting braces tomorrow! Frankly, I'm scared to tears because I know my teeth are super sensitive (the dentist numbed me twice this morning and I still felt the "painless" water laser drill), and they're going to move a lot, so I'm probably going to be in constant pain. Yeah, I guess I'm being a sissy about it all, but I don't feel bad about asking for prayer for my physical and emotional well-being during this ordeal.

A Rare Jewel

I'm going to write this quickly because we need to leave soon. I've known Lisa since we were about 4 or 5 years old in California. She moved back East soon after, but we saw each other here and there through the years, and kind of reconnected several years ago. I've always known she has an extra measure of sweetness in her, but this week with her has proven what an exceptional jewel she is. Amazing no one has snatched her up yet!

For example, on a bus yesterday, she offered her seat to an elderly Ethiopian woman who had several bags of groceries. No one else on the bus seemed to think of doing such a simple kind deed, but the lady gave a grateful, gap-toothed smile to Lisa and gladly accepted the seat. Then Lisa watched a baby while its mother went to pay the fare. She gave some money to a begging woman in the Jewish quarter and then all the coins she had to a woman who claimed she'd had her credit card stolen and needed taxi fare to Haifa.

Lisa not only spreads sunshine and goodness around the city with her serving spirit and sweet smile, but she also serves those in her apartment. After a long day she cheerfully gives me a back rub or helps someone else with something or other. I'm so blessed to know this virtuous woman. Do I hear three or more cheers for Lisa? :-D

Shalom

So I wasn't going to post anything while I was in Jerusalem, but I'm having a quiet morning perusing blogs, and felt I ought to say something. This morning I'm feeling the most jetlaggish I have felt since I've been here. I've actually felt remarkably good and done a lot the past few days, so it's okay to have some sleepy moments, I guess.

Yesterday the weather was very Seattleish -- rainy and cold, which was totally not cool for sitting in an outdoor service at the garden tomb. Fortunately I brought a sweater and umbrella, but I sat there shivering and yawning and wishing I felt more euphorically spiritual. However, it was a good service and it was a memorable experience. Afterwards we walked all over the Old City and observed the various holiday festivities. There was so much going on and so many different cultures and religions represented! Very interesting. We had lunch at a quaint and atmospheric Armenian restaurant.

I am now camel-worthy. An Arab guy selling post cards declared himself very charming and offered 20 camels for me. Hmm...probably just a ruse to get me to look at his wares, but it was pretty amusing. Oh, and I unintentionally mastered the art of haggling. My sunglasses broke on Friday, so I had to get some more. I found some decent ones yesterday, which the eager salesman said were expensive -- $30. I said I wouldn't pay more than $20 for them. (I get cheap sunglasses on grocery stores and Ross.) He came down to $25. I said I wanted to look around some more and might come back (which was true). He came down to $22. "No, no," I said, preparing to leave with Lisa and Rachel. In desparation he handed them to me and said, "Okay, $15." Now you're talking. I wasn't that crazy about the glasses, but neither did I want to keep looking around, so I bought them, feeling just a little smug about my "bargain."

It's been neat to see where Lisa and Rachel live and meet the people they live with. From my little room I can see Bethlehem, and several times a day I hear the muezzins (sp?) wailing from there. I've also heard church bells,which are much more welcome at 5:00 in the morning.

Today is kind of cold and overcast, but better than yesterday. The rest of the week is forecasted to be clear and in the 80s -- yea!! Friday was very warm, and I got a little sunburn on my nose as Lisa and I walked around the Old City.

People think we're Jewish, which is surprising, because I don't think I look Jewish. Lisa and Rachel look more the part with their long dark hair and classic noses. But a woman who visited here over the weekend said I looked Jewish, so there you have it. Throw in a few Hebrew words, wear a long skirt, and you can fool a lot of people! We walked into the Christ's Church visitor center/cafeteria yesterday. Two ultra orthodox Jewish boys caught Lisa's attention, so she stepped out. Looking very distressed, they told her that it's forbidden for us to go in there! She kindly explained to them that we're Christian and from the U.S. They didn't look totally convinced, though, and continued to stare at us through the window for a little while.

I've taken a ton of pictures already. It's so fun to use my digital camera. I'll probably post a few pictures when I get home, along with a more thorough report. Today, I think Lisa and I are going to visit the Yad Vashem museum (Holocaust) and the Israel Museum, neither of which I saw when I was here before.

Adios, Amigos!

On Wednesday, this Wild West girl is heading for the Wild East! Tomorrow is going to be super busy, so I thought I'd take the opportunity tonight to say farewell to my blogging friends. I'd appreciate your prayers for safety and a wonderful time in Israel!

(So should I take this hat with me? Ha ha!)

Photo experiments

Have I ever mentioned that I love red roses? Well, I happened to take a picture of this rose today while I was messing around with my camera. I've had the camera eight months and I'm still figuring out all its little quirks and modes. I'm not perfectly satisfied with this picture, but it is a beautiful rose!

Interesting Tidbit

Ever wonder why teens act like they're missing part of their brain or something? Well, I just learned that they are! Sort of. So I was listening to Focus on the Family the other day. A couple of women had written a book about teens and were discussing stuff with the host (not Dobson). They said that people put an age on adulthood, like 16, or 18, or 21, or 25 (car rental). They researched the subject to find an answer. Interestingly enough, the teen brain doesn't completely mature until age 25! It's the frontal lobe of the brain, responsible for decision making and that sort of important stuff. So, though an 18 year-old may have an adult body, they really don't have the brain yet, which is why they still need wise guidance. (Insert "If I only had a brain..." here.)

I've also heard that among adults who married at 25 years old or older, there is a much lower divorce rate. Hmmm...could it have something to do with making better decisions with a more complete brain??

What a Dream!

This morning I had a dream that I was driving or walking a road nearby (though maybe it was in NH), when I saw first of all my Aunt Ellie tear by on a motorcycle, dress hiked up and hair flying! And as if that wasn't enough of a shocker, I then saw my Grandma Sweet on another motorcycle, going a little slower, falling off now and then, but her white hair was blowing in the wind and she had a look of pure glee on her face! Pretty funny. For those of you who don't know her, she's 96 and moves around mostly by wheelchair. The idea of her on a motorcycle is most fantastical! Ha ha!

Randomness

I should be doing something useful, but I just ate lunch and feel lazy. What a week this has been. I had symphony rehearsals Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. Getting ready for a concert tomorrow night. They called me last Thursday about playing second harp in this piece by Ralph Vaughan Williams called Symphony of the Sea. I said sure. Then I got this 40 page book of music. Gulp. Hard music. So I've been spending extra time practicing for that and the other stuff I'm working on. My school's spring program is tonight, so we've had a couple rehearsals for that this week. I'm so ready for a vacation from teaching. I love the little darlings, but my patience seems to be getting stretched more than usual lately.

I'm sure Craig will be green with envy to learn that we have a Krispy Kreme 10 minutes from our house. I've only been there a few times, though. My conscience smites me every time I think about going. BUT, I've stopped there a couple times to pick up a dozen fresh doughnuts on Thursday mornings, then passing them out to students throughout the day. Amazing the gratifying response I behold when people see that red and white box! I confess I had three doughnuts yesterday. Marvelous. :-)

I'm trying to pick up a little Hebrew before I go to Israel. What an impossible language!! My respect for you Hebrew speakers has jumped several stories. Okay, it's not impossible, but it's a whole different ball game than French, which I consider fairly easy. I guess it's because we have the same alphabet and many similar roots. But Hebrew is not only read right to left, but uses weird symbols and totally foreign sounds to my American ear. So I figure if I at least know thank you, please, hello, good-bye, and a few other simple words, I'll be okay. But beyond that, I'm not feeling much motivation to twist my brain into learning the language more completely. Maybe Lisa can inspire me when I'm there!

Foot in Mouth Disease

Never ask your mother (or any woman) if her dress has shrunk unless you want to be in the dog house for awhile! I merely asked my mother if her dress today was a little shorter than it was (apparently it wasn't), but I made the grave error if asking if it shrunk, implying, it would seem, that she had actually grown. She drew herself up and gave me The Look while I back-pedalled as rapidly as possible and laughed hysterically at the same time (my dad backing me up on that one). She proceeded to milk the incident for all it was worth for the rest of the day, despite my effuse apologies. I assured her I was very sorry. I think she forgave me (or will). At least we all have a sense of humor. :-D

And this came just after a serious discussion in the car about being careful of our words, that we build up and not tear down.

[Tee hee hee!]