something I wanted to share

More Israeli Genius

Ok, so maybe you don't like tolls.

But popsicles? you like those? Here in Israel they have these popsicles, called "shlookeem" and I am obsessed with the packaging.

You have a colored plastic tube and a pinched center. when you take it out of the freezer you break it in half and you have two! AND....AND, little kids can eat it without a mess.

Brilliant. Also, it comes sans color, so the kids choose the tube color and there is none to wear, only to eat.

Genius

Ok, so I love Israel. Ain't no surprise.

But I am constantly thrilled by discoveries when I am here. For example, the other day we were driving on highway 6.

For those of you who know, keep quiet.

Instead of "easy pass" and congestion from ill-equipped toll booths, guess what they do here?!

There is only one toll road in all of Israel. To take it, you have to have and "easy pass" like type of device. Because instead of a toll booth, they have the above bridge-like contraption. It scans your pass at whatever speed you are traveling and charges your account. Don't have a pass? They send you a bill.

I LOVE THIS PLACE.

It is so efficient, seriously. No lines, no fumbling for cash. Please save the Big Brother crap for someone who cares. *NEWSFLASH* they are already watching you. Why not skip the line at the toll booth, skip that jerk that will inevitably cut you off at the last minute cause he's in the wrong lane? Come on people....make your life a little easier.

Next post...I'll introduce you to the wonders of "Sponga".

Floating

(a photo from 3 years ago, but you get the general idea...yes?)

After what has been a rather tumultuous few months, I am completely at peace. Things tend to get a little out of your control once in a while, blogs go unwritten, friends' emails unanswered, and for that I apologize.

I am missing a lot, I know. Trader Joe's opened in Brooklyn Heights (sorry Sahadi's), Sarah Palin was interviewed by Katie Couric (some might say horrifically), my least favorite Iranian was at the UN, people in cubicles (no telling where) obsessed over minutia.

I will post more when I can upload all of my photos. Roy and I got back from a road trip to Maine and Nova Scotia not too long ago, so I will start with those.

For today, you'll have to make due with this slightly (read VERY) old photo. Doin' the same stuff, just with slightly shorter hair.

The Javier Bardem of the feline world

This cat makes it so hard to hate him, even though he makes me SNEEZE ALL THE FUCKING TIME.

Wherever I go, he follows me. Mews when I look his way, snuggles up next to me at every opportunity.

This morning, I got back from the gym and he jumped into his new spot behind the couch in the window sill.

I like it when he sits there. It's like he's my bodyguard.

Tour of the Subway?!

They had this really cool thing today in Brooklyn. I should have made a reservation.

They were giving a tour of the Atlantic Avenue Subway tunnel today, and I missed it. How could I have known?

Will have to make a reservation for September, cause I am totally going. LOOK at these pictures!

(image via BHRA site)

(image via BHRA site)
(image via BHRA site)
(image via BHRA site)

top shelf

Spent the day with my lovely friend Cordelia. We were on a mission, ok, I was on a mission.

I rented a ZipCar, and we headed to the new IKEA in Brooklyn. After that, we headed to Fairway Market in Red Hook.

We got a little lost on the way to pick up the car (a BRAND new Subaru Outback --300 miles on it), but it didn't damper our spirit.

At IKEA I needed to pick up a few things (had a list), and we dined on my favorite meatballs with gravy.

Did I mention you can see the STATUE OF LIBERTY from the cafeteria?
At Fairway we got a little lost, but Cordelia was my rock, she helped me stay on task and sane. I am lucky to have her.

When we got back to my apartment to "assemble" some of the pieces I purchased, and we realized that IKEA doesn't include a few of the major parts I needed.

We drove back to IKEA stood in line, negotiated our way through and got what we needed.
Still haven't fully put it all together, perhaps Cordelia will help me this week before Roy returns from Central America.

I could always do it myself.

sure.