Post-Finals

I am so very happy to say that Finals are finally over.  In the past two weeks I took sixteen finals, and I can proudly say that I'm pretty sure I rocked them all.  I kind of forgot how freeing the feeling of walking out of the last final is, but I was warmly reminded today :).  I'm now on break until I have school next Wednesday February 6th.  On the agenda are a couple of hikes, a visit to a winery, definitely some Jerusalem time, a very necessary haircut, possibly the Israel Museum, and, if all goes according to plan, a whole lot of working out.

I've been working out and playing basketball lately, and it's been so great.  I'm infinitely upset at the fact that the gym isn't open on Sundays because - hello - Sunday is the best way to work out!!  I made it happen anyways, though, which was good.  I think I'm going to take the night off and just hang around, because I'm feelin the need for a break from activity haha.  

Okay, people.  So I have been thinking about how much I like challenging myself, and how I haven't had enough challenge in my life lately and I have come up with a new plan.  And I must mention that it is inspired by my mother's best friend Jane Claxton Drichta, who posted a status about her "Whole30."  Here it goes... For the duration of the month of February I am planning to avoid sugar, grains aside from a slice of Challah at each meal on Shabbat, and I will continue to not eat dairy.  In other words, I'm gonna stick to fruits, veggies, and meat.  Haha.  If anyone has any ideas for recipes or food, you can feel free to share... Thinking about this new challenge, I guess it's a little crazy.  Especially considering the fact that I eat granola for breakfast every morning and spaghetti for a meal most days.  But, it will help me think outside of the box in terms of my food here and I'm excited to get back to my ways of the summer. 

Other news... For those of you who don't yet know, I have decided that I will attend Stern College for Women starting next year.  Originally, I had been planning to go to Rutgers University.  I loved the school, and still do, but I have found different things which attract me to Stern.  To sum it all up:  NYC, superb academics, wonderful friends, and continuing my Jewish education.  I definitely value my education, and I really think that Stern is the best school for me.  As a side note, I will have the opportunity to play basketball which will for sure be a good time.  

By the way, the weather has been beautiful here lately.  Aside from a totally random drizzle last night on the way home for Yerushaliam, it's been sunny and warm for the past while.  It is absolutely crazy how Seattle has two months of summer, and Israel has two months of winter... What a different world!  I'm not sure how I'm going to feel about it when my life has been absent of rain for months on end, but for now I'm enjoying the sunshine.  

I wish you all a wonderful week, and I will definitely be checking in as this break progresses!