Category: Me, Myself & I

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This dog learned a new trick!

So most of you who know me, know that I’m not the most coordinated of individuals. I walk into tables, trip over my own feet, slice/burn/peel myself when in the kitchen and I’ve even been known to choke on my own spit (yes, I know, gross).

One of the things I have never been known to do, is ride a bike. My balance is iffy, and I’m terrified of falling. So when I discovered my new office is not actually in the area I thought it was going to be, and that there are not yet buses that go to the area it actually is in, I needed to rethink how I was getting to work.

Currently I’m renting a car, since the current office is almost 30 km away from home with no direct bus route. The new office is only 3 km away.

I could walk, but its incredibly hot in summer and when we tested out the route, while it is doable I arrived at the office building a panting, sweaty mess, not a very professional look.

So we started thinking of alternatives. I could try get lifts to and from work (there must be people from the city going but then I would be stuck on their schedule), take taxis (expensive), teach myself to ride a bike (hahahahaha) or I could buy an electric scooter, or korkinet as they are called in Israel.

Of all the options the scooter sounded like the best idea, yes it requires balance, but for some reason learning to balance on a scooter seemed easier than the bike.

So I started researching, doing brand comparisons and price comparisons and found a Xiaomi M365 on sale from one of the big Israeli supermarkets.

After some back and forth and discussions with Paul, we bought it.

3 days later it was delivered to our door and we went to the local bike shop and bought a helmet and some knee and elbow pads.

My first try in our driveway was, well, interesting. You need to kick off and get the scooter to 5 km/hr in order for the accelerator to engage. Now that’s not very fast, but remember, you need to be upright and balanced, so when the accelerator kicks in and you start going faster, you don’t fall down. Yeah, it took me a few tries before I got that part right.

A few days later we took the scooter to a local park that has a big flat surface that kids use to ride their bikes, scooters and skates. Perfect for practicing.

And after a few false starts, I got it. Like a switch got flicked. I was suddenly balancing, and going forward for long stretches, and not tipping sideways or falling off. I have almost mastered turning left and turning right still needs work. But I’m doing it. I learned something new!

And guys? Riding a scooter is FUN. I want to ride all the time. I was totally disappointed that I had to take the car to work the next day and not ride the scooter.

That said, I still need a bit more practice before I’m comfortable going the full 3 km to work, but thankfully I have another week or so before we move to practice.

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6 months in numbers

Roughly 6 months ago, I was let go from my job of 4 and a half years. In that time I have been job searching, reading a ton and learning front end web development by teaching myself HTML and CSS.

Its been an extremely wild 6 months. It was fun. It was stressful. It was enlightening. I got to spend time with Paul, even though he was working during the week. I got to eat lunch with my entire family, every day. I played games with the kids, took them to the park after school and helped with homework. I got to spend the entire summer break and all the Jewish holidays with the kids and Paul. I fell into a funk, especially after each rejection email from a potential job opportunity. I worked through each funk. I started running (and need to get back into it). I taught myself a new skill. I read. A lot.

As of today, the job searching has come to an end since I am now employed in an amazing company and am happily working in my new job! And Im going to be utilising some of the new skills I’ve learned!

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

The process of being (f)unemployed and searching for a job was hard. It certainly wasn’t quick and it took a hell of a lot of work and constant vigilance. It was at times demoralising and at times it was quite a bit of fun. I learned a lot and met some amazing people. The entire process is a post in and of itself.

I definitely could not have done it without Paul and the kids support. They held me up when I thought I would never find a job. They encouraged me to apply for jobs outside my comfort zone. They cheered with me for every interview gotten and hugged me for every position lost. And now here we are on the other side.

And now, the numbers:

  • 6 months
  • 90+ jobs applied for
  • 30+ telephone interviews, skills tests, Skype interviews, psychometric tests and in-person interviews undertaken, from the…
  • 13 companies interviewed with
  • 3 offers made
  • 1 awesome job accepted!

In the last 6 months I have also done the following:

  • Read 194 books
  • Averaging 32 books a month (1 a day!)
  • Averaging 9000 pages read in a month

and:

  • Took various classes on Codecademy in HTML and CSS
  • Joined She Codes;
  • Have had 4 groups lessons
  • Completed 6 lessons on HTML and CSS
  • In the process of coding my own cooking site
  • Starting to learn JavaScript
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Zombies! Argghhhh!

Running. Not something I have traditionally been very good at. I recall many tears over athletics in school. Mine and the coaches.

But a little while ago, Wendi mentioned a running app that sounded right up my alley. Zombies, Run! Its a fantastic running app that puts you smack bang in the middle of the Zombie apocalypse. You need to get to one of the last remaining outposts of survivors, and complete missions on the way. As you run, and complete missions, you follow a story by award winning author Naomi Alderman.

I went to download the app and noticed a 5km training version which fits in with one of my 6 before 40 goals of running another 5km. I downloaded the app and went for my first run. Then took 5 days to go for my next one. I was easing my way in, don’t judge!

So, since the 5km training app is a spin off, the first run is an introduction to the original story. Its also a free run, meaning no training, just a run/walk/crawl as you listen to the start of the story.

Today, I did the first actual training run. It took me about 35 minutes and I landed up doing 3km. I was so impressed with myself. It definitely did not feel like a 3km run. Listening to the story while doing the run/walk sprints made it fly by.

A few things that stand out about the app:

  • You can listen to your own music while using the app. Just start your music before opening the Zombies, Run! app. I used Spotify.
  • The app and the story are British, so there are some phrases and words that may be a bit confusing but as an ex Saffa, I followed along just fine.
  • Once you start the app, lock your screen. I didnt and as I was running it paused the app and I was waiting and waiting for my next instruction that never came. Probably added on at least another 5 minutes of running when I should have been doing intervals.
  • The story is NOT scary. Yes, there are zombies, but besides a bit of groaning and moaning and being told to run cause they are near you, its really not scary at all.

I have a rest day today and then on to my second training session the next day. I cant wait!

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Time for a new adventure

Some of you may already be aware but for those that are not and as a recap, the company that I have worked for since making aliyah, recently downsized quite drastically and most of the staff, including myself, were retrenched.

I worked out the months notice that they gave us and as of today I am officially unemployed.

And that’s OK.

I started applying for new jobs straight after finding out, and I have had a number of telephone interviews, assignments and in-person interviews so far. I am confident that I will have a new, super awesome job soon.

In the meantime, I am taking the next few weeks for myself.

I have a few projects I want to work on, including my pallet herb garden, creating a back (side) splash next to my stove, creating throw pillows out of old superhero t-shirts among other things.

Also, Paul and Aaron are heading off to Oz in a week or so for our nieces Bat Mitzvah, so Faith and I are are having 10 days of girl time. I will be home to fetch her from school every day and we will be able to go swimming or to the movies or just hang out.

I also intend running more and taking my yoga mat out to the park across the road. I’m also excited to have time to read more.

For now I am at home, taking some me time and getting ready for a brand new adventure!

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Running and shoes

Not running shoes, although I probably need a new pair soon.

No, I am referring to my 6 before 40 post of a few months ago.

So far I have started running, not a lot but some and I’m intending to run more, when the temperature cools down a little. It was 31C at 8am this morning!

I also bought myself that pair of heals.

I ordered them from Next and they were delivered within 4 days. And they fit. And they are so comfortable and pretty.

Yay me. 2 down and 4 to go.

Next up will be my pallet herb garden.

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I drove a car!

Legally, on the ‘wrong’ side of the road and in the rain.

Its only taken me 4 years and 3 months to convert to an Israeli drivers license but its finally done.

When we first arrived in Israel, the law was that we could drive for 1 year on our SA license and in total we had up to 3 years to convert to an Israeli license. The catch? We needed to do a minimum of 2 driving lessons and a test in order to convert.

Due to pure laziness, lack of spare funds for lessons and a fear of doing the test, I kept putting it off. Then, just before the 3 years were up, I pulled out my SA license only to see it had expired. And in order to actually do the conversion, besides all of the above, your SA license needs to be valid. Oops…

Oh, and did I mention, if you dont convert your license within the required time period, you have to do a theory test, take a minimum of 28 lessons and do the final test.

Yeah, I resigned myself to the fact that I was never going to drive in Israel.

Then, the law changed, now, you have 5 years to convert your license, you dont need to do lessons or a test and the only requirements are a valid SA license and proof that you have been driving for more than 5 years before making aliyah.

And the, in January, I went back to SA to visit my grandfather who had a bad fall. And while I was there, my mommy organised for me to renew my SA drivers license.

She organised for it to be collected and then a friend of my brothers brought it to Israel for me last week and bam! I had a valid license, proof I had been driving for 5 years prior to coming to Israel and I still had 9 months before the 5 year grace period was over.

And as of yesterday I am officially licensed to drive in Israel.

As for driving a car… a colleague insisted that I take her car for a spin around the parking lot this morning. After 4 years of not driving, it was so much fun. Despite the rain and the fact that we drive on the right over here, I think I managed pretty well.

Now to rent a car and start properly exploring this awesome country.

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6 before 40

Yes, I know it’s usually 40 before 40. But I know me, that will never happen, even if its 40 small things.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t freaked out. I am. Totally. Freaked. Out.

I don’t know why. I still feel like I’m in my 20’s. My skin thinks it’s in my teens. My body is definitely closer to 40 than I would like it to be. But all in all, I don’t *feel* like I’m almost 40.

So in pre-celebration, I think I will attempt a 6 before 40, 1 a month for the next 6 months. In no particular order…

  • Get out and run. At least 2 or 3 times a week for 20 minutes or so. With the aim of running another 5km race at some point in the next 6 months.
  • Get a new ear piercing, either an Upper Lobe, Helix or a Tragus, or maybe a combo.
  • Get a massage. A full body, hour and a half, including reflexology, massage. I haven’t had one of those in years and I miss it.
  • Buy a pair of high heels. I’ve not worn, nor owned a pair of heels in at least 6 years. I want a pair of really pretty, delicate, fancy heels.
  • Spend a night at a hotel on my own. Just me, room service and my Kindle.
  • Start my pallet herb garden on my balcony, those pallets have been sitting there for almost 2 years, its time!

So, those are my goals. Maybe not anything too exciting, but nothing that is out of my reach either.

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I ran* 5 km and didn’t die. Yay me!

*I think I ran about 50% of the time, the rest I alternated power walking and just trying to remain upright and forward moving.

A few months ago I decided to register for the 14th Modiin Run, 5 km.

I figured I would have some time to train before the race, I would wake up early (are you laughing yet) and take myself for a half hour jog/run around the various parks in  my neighbourhood a few times a week and all would be good.

Yeah, I woke up early once, ran 600 m around our nearest park, and never trained again.

In hindsight, even running a few kilometers once or twice a week in the months leading up to the race would have helped tremendously.

But, no point lamenting the fact I didn’t train, it is what it is.

On Friday morning, I woke up, got dressed, drank my coffee and took a slow 2 km stroll to the start of the race. I figured that slow walk would be a good warm up. I got there the recommended hour before the start and walked about, checking out the vendors and other bits and bobs that had been set up in a nearby park.

I posted a pic of my race number and got a great deal of really awesome encouragement from my friends in the computer. Thanks you all by the way, it was a great motivator. I then met up with a friend and we made our way to the start of the race.

I would just like to state, for future record, what I should have done, somewhere in that hour I was wondering around, was find the port-a-potties and gone to the bathroom. I only realised I needed to pee 2 minutes before the start of the race. Running on a full bladder is not recommended. Also a great motivator to finish quickly!

Anyway. There was a great vibe at the start, music pumping, people laughing and smiling and taking selfies. And off we went. I lost my friend within the first few 100 meters, she was a tad faster than me. I figured I would take the start slowly and not use up all my energy at the beginning. Good plan, the start was on a slight uphill!

Once we got to the main road the pack thinned out a bit and I decided to find a few people in the group around me and use them to pace myself. In particular I found a mom and her two boys and decided to pretend that her encouragement for her kids was for me too. Worked a charm and I managed to keep up with them for almost the entire race.

The 2nd half of the race was where I hit a bit of a snag. As we came around the loop and turned towards home, my right butt muscle went into spasm. OUCH! For a moment I even considered stopping at one of the ambulances on the route but decided to just tough it out, I waddled for about a kilometer while rubbing my knuckles into my butt cheek. I must have looked a sight!

And then the final stretch. I walked the small uphill and as I crested it, I could see the finish line. I made an effort to actually run that last 200 meters and to finish with a smile on my face (I was not going to have a bad finish photo) and bam, 5 km done. I will admit to hobbling to the nearest place to sit my butt down and thinking that I was probably not going to stand up again.

I finished in just under 43 minutes (my official time is listed as 00:42:38) and I’m pretty happy and really impressed with that, considering I did no training.

The race organisation was excellent.  Everything started on time. Routes were well laid out. There was plenty of water at the water stations. And at the end of the race we were given water, ice lollies and fresh fruit.

I’m not sure I will do the 5 km again next year, mainly because I want to do the 1.8 km event with the kids as a family. Paul on the other hand is now keen to do the 5 km next year.  I’m also not sure I will be doing anymore official races, but never say never, I might still be persuaded.

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Blue Hair, Yes I Care.

Just over a month ago I took the plunge and dyed my entire head blue (with a little bit of purple thrown in for good measure).

It was only after I left the hairdresser that it occurred to me that people would be curious. That they would stare and ask me questions.

Silly that I didn’t think about that before I did it right?

So, my socially anxious self prepared for the stares and questions.

And…

The only people who make any kind of fuss are children.

They stare, they point, they ask why my hair is blue and if they can touch it. They get such a huge kick out of it.

Adults on the other hand spend way too much energy pretending not to look. You can practically see them holding themselves back from asking me questions.

So yeah, its been interesting.

I’m not sure I’m going to keep it blue once it really starts growing out. So far you can’t really see the regrowth. And the purple mainly washed out so I have a really funky whitish strip that I like.

I guess I will keep it as is for a few more months and then decide what to do.

 

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6 months

No I’m not pregnant. Just been absent. For 6 months.

For some reason I just stopped blogging. No great secret, no shocking reason. I just stopped. I also seem to have stopped using Twitter. Again, no idea why, no real reason. I just stopped.

So, whats happened over the last 6 months?

Paul has a new job. Its a pretty cool position in an awesome company that he gets to do from home.

We got a dog! Her name is Nessi which means miracle in Hebrew. She is the cutest floof ever, even when she bites and nibbles to get your attention. I will write another post all about her soon.

The morning after Nessi came to live with us.

The kids have finished school and are well into summer vacation. In September, Aaron will be in 5th Grade and Faith will be in 3rd Grade. Where has the time gone?

Our third Pesach in Israel. It was a good evening with my family and our friends.

We all finally got our Israeli passports. This means we can travel easily throughout Europe. So give me your suggestions. Where should we visit?

I dyed my hair. Purple and blue! I love it.

Other than that, the last 6 months have been pretty quiet. Just the way I like it.

Hopefully I will be back in the writing mood now and will post more often. Or not. No promises.