06 July 2011

“Dear Diary, Today I tried not to think about Mr. Knightly. I tried not to think about him when I discussed the menu with Cook... I tried not to think about him in the garden where I thrice plucked the petals off a daisy to ascertain his feelings for Harriet. I don't think we should keep daisies in the garden; they really are drab little flowers.”

I couldn’t fall asleep last night so I watched Emma on my iPod. The previous quote has been playing and replaying in my mind all day long. But I don’t mind. It could be worse; I could have Hannah Montana songs stuck in my head.

Today is one of those days that I simply cannot complain about. I woke up this morning feeling amazing. Granted, I didn’t want to get out of bed but isn’t that morning protocol? I bounced up to breakfast and enjoyed a pleasant conversation with Joan and Erika; they really are quite pleasant girls. Then, I skipped to the laundry room to do laundry so that I won’t be naked in Galilee. While my laundry was running its course, I happily played the piano and sang along when appropriate. It wasn’t until Jenny and Kymberly came to find me that my morning really took off, however. I had been worried that with the change in time for our final that no one would want to leave the Jerusalem Center, but I was wrong. Jenny convinced Kymberly that a couple hours in the Old City wouldn’t be a problem – it would probably even help. By nine o’clock, we were striding down the Kidron Valley on our way to the Old City of Jerusalem.

I would like to say that Jenny, Kymberly, and I did something amazing, something out of the ordinary; but really, we did whatever met our fancy, whatever went with the flow of things. We started out at the post office so that I could purchase stamps and Kym could check on a package arrival. We moved on to Aladdin’s, the J.C.’s recommended money exchange, so Kymberly and Jenny could take out money for Galilee. (I used an ATM close by.) With money in hand, we went to Omar’s to scout out different nativities. All in all, it was quite eventful. When we finally passed through Damascus Gate and into the Old City, our course took us to Shabon’s so that Jenny could look for some sandals. I hate to admit that I purchased my fifth or sixth pair of earrings from Shabon’s; lucky for me, they are only four shekels (about $1.30). I would say that is a bargain! By 11:20, or so, we started our trek back to the Jerusalem Center. Rather than eating lunch in the J.C. Oasis, I chose to purchase a falafel on my way out of the Old City, and boy was it worth it! Fresh falafel has easily become one of my favorite foods.

Between lunch and the time for our Judaism final, I hung out in my favorite study room with Kymberly, Lizzie, and Deidre. (Shelby made an appearance every once and awhile…haha.) I can’t say that I got much studying done, but I did watch Finding Nemo; I did write a letter; I did play Spider Solitaire on my iPod. I have to say it was a well-spent afternoon. At three o’clock, we all shuffled into the Forum to await our final. As the exams were handed out, students all around began to panic. I admit that when I first received my exam, my stomach did a summersault or two; but as I filled it out, my nerves began to calm and my inefficient study habits began to pay off. There were only two questions that I simply did not know and only two questions that I wasn’t sure about.

When it came time to grade our exams, students were in an uproar. What should have taken us five minutes to grade, ended up taking closer to forty minutes; it was ridiculous. I admit that not all the questions were clear or well covered in class, but if you did the readings, if you read the questions and answers, then you could understand them. There were arguments from students spouting up all over the room in desperate need to get a few extra points back. My patience quickly flew out the window, and I chose to listen to music rather than fight the questions that I got wrong. By the time we were finished with the exam, my score calculated out to be an A-. I happily accepted it and skipped out of the room to play Scrabble. (I have a newfound love for Scrabble. I don’t know why, but I try to get Kym – and whoever else with join us – to play it with me whenever we have spare time between classes or studying.)

The evening ended off with two hours of class, a cardio-conditioning class, and FaceTime with my mom and dad. The two hours of class went by rather slowly. There is a reason why I try to avoid night classes at all costs; I have a very difficult time focusing. However, I did pull a 5/5 on the quiz we took so that was wonderful! The cardio-conditioning class kicked my butt; let’s be honest. It is very apparent that I haven’t run or hardcore exercised since being here. I could keep up, but I couldn’t breathe normally. It is going to be a pain getting back into shape when I get home; that’s for sure. As always, speaking with my parents was a delight. There are no two people in this world who make me happier than them. With my mom’s sparkling personality and my dad’s dry humor, you can’t help but laugh and smile; they make quite the pair. Talking to them was the best way I could have ended the day.