Holiday Season

As we approach the month of holidays, the weather has begun to cool. I feel that this is somewhat a metaphor for my life in Jerusalem. I've said this in every entry I've written, but I finally feel like I'm settling down. I've finally allowed the city to welcome me into the complex web of insiders, outsiders, tourists, yerushalmis, Jews, Arabs...etc. My Hebrew is also improving, b"H.
Maya was here for a week, and it was wonderful having her. It was the first time we've really lived together in 8 years. She taught us many valuable things. For example:
1. you need to keep food in your house
2. having food in the fridge is necessary
3. eating during the day sustains life
To be honest, we were doing fine, but we are very grateful for the introduction of skee.
Maya also helped us discover Mamilla. Elyssa describes it as a less expensive more Jerusalem-y Rodeo drive. It has nice shops and gorgeous views of the new city and the old city walls. I've been there now three times in one week. Last night we had a "mini-bronf-reu." Roberta, Hody, Julie, Elyssa, and I went out for tea/icecafe. We then ventured into the old city and met up with Noah! I love the inherent multicultural nature of Jerusalem. We crossed from this modern outdoor mall into the ancient walls of the old city. Where else can you do that?

Anyway, as Rosh Hashana approaches (tomorrow night!), I've been thinking about the things that make up my life. I've been in Israel for almost a month, and I feel as though I've matured tremendously, but I have not changed. In my mind, I'm still 4, or 12, or really any age. I'm still frustrated by the same things, I still feel the same way about interactions, weather, food, time...I think the reason growing older is so weird is because we change very little except to become more refined: more adapted to society. How can I be living on my own? I still loving rolling in the grass, making weird noises, and eating ice cream until I feel sick. I'm stuck in this weird middle ground between teenage-hood and adulthood. It's glorious and frustrating. I can define and redefine myself, but how do I explain myself? Why am I here? Do I really have to come up with goals? Can I let them develop as I meet people and put my super dirty feet (thats what you get from wearing sandals in the city) in foot holds?
I'm looking forward to spending Rosh Hashana with family, eating good food, reflecting, starting anew.
Shana tova umetuka l'kulam.
A sweet and happy new year to everyone,
Eliana