Stolen Time... In A Way

22 AUGUST 2011

Because of my Aunt's death, my commander and the Israeli Consulate granted me an extra tw weeks to be with family.

The Consulate was a story within itself. I had to get into the city and at the Consulate at around 8:40 am. I had to be there on Wednesday the 18th- the DAY of my flight back to Israel. My flight was 2:45 in the afternoon so I needed to finish quickly in case they say that I must go back to Israel. 

I get to the Consulate around 8:40 and the guard tells me I can't enter. I was pissed. I just walked from Penn to 42nd and 2nd street and I can't come in? I had to bring my bags with me from KP to the Consulate. It was hot and with all that walking and all those people, it wasn't what I wanted to hear. They refused to let me in because of my bags. It didn't matter that Im a soldier. Under no circumstance can I enter with anything but a purse.

The guard who was dressed in street clothes just hanging next to a wall, told me to go to the hotel across the street. I get to the hotel and they tell me I can't leave my bags there for even an hour. Granted I didn't have a lot, it was just three small light weight duffel bags, one with wheels, it was still forbidden. The three duffel bags are easier then the giant suit case with wheels- go figure the irony in that.

The hotel clerk sends to a luggage place on 36th street. I was soooooo not happy. PLUS I had to pay for the WHOLE day when it was only 3 hours. I had to go there via taxi because I couldn't walk that far and get to the Consulate on time. I get back and it was about 9:20am and after about an hour and a half maximum they tell me I can stay until August 31st. I needed proof, my ID's, and to write a letter explaining the situation. I got my confirmation and left to get my things. I decided to walk. It was so much easier to walk without the baggage. Literally and metaphorically. A weight had been in every way lifted off my shoulders.I got more time at home and possible time to be home for my aunts ceremony. She wanted a party not a funeral.

While walking to the place that held my luggage I called Transaero airlines and Ophir Tours to change my flight. The night before the airline told me to call the travel agency. When walking to get my luggage, I called Ophir tours endlessly. The branch I needed wouldn't answer so I got transfered to another branch who told me they can't help me because the branch I need is closed and my flight was in a few hours. They tell me to call the airline because they CAN help me. They are just too lazy to do so. So I call Transaero Airlines and explain the situation and after 10 minutes of arguing I finally got my flight switched. I had to pay $150 for switching the flight. I also got lost on the way to getting my luggage so that would explain why I had so much time on the phone.

I learned that I should pay attention when walking. I finally got to the storage place and the lady working there started talking to me. She was an absolutely amazing woman. I am so thankful and grateful that I met her. I really feel as though I was meant to meet her. I talked with her until 1:30 when I started getting phone calls from my mom asking me where I was. I believe she was an angel. She gave me so much excellent advice and new insight. I feel truly blessed to have met her. I gave my my facebook link, blog link, and I think email so we could stay in touch. I really hope she writes a blog. She has so many amazing stories and such great advice. I will never ever forget her. Moments such as those could only be cherished and remembered. So if you read this, you know who you are- don't be shy!!

 It's Sunday night as I write this. I just finished playing a game of Apples to Apples with Denise's (Bonnie's step-mom) family. We are in a Lake House in Pennsylvania. It is such a gorgeous place in the Pocono Mountains.

When I come back, it is back to reality and hopefully finding out more details on my aunt's ceremony. I wouldn't be here having fun if it weren't for my aunt. But she could have been here. Alive. She's not. In a way it's stolen time because it could have been extra time for her with those she loved most. My trip upstate(first weekend back home) and in Pennsylvania have been most needed. I have had so much fun. There is still so much that I want to do. So much food I want to eat and places I want to go. Im not going to waste this time. I'm also hopefully going to be spending some time with Alina. My aunt loved her so much and it was easy to see. Even a blind person could see such pureness.

Within this first weekend of extra time I have met the nicest bunch of people ever. They were constantly asking about the Israeli Army and thanking me for my service. I didn't know what to say because I don't feel like I am doing anything. I can only hope that I can have a family like this one day. It was so heart warming to see a father play with his son and hear their laughs. I'm not used to seeing things like that so I enjoyed it. It was so fun to watch the little boys play with each other using just their imaginations. As we get older, we forget that we have an imagination. We feel too silly using them. I think we should.

This has been a vacation that I have needed so much. Something that I have needed for years. This is a weekend I will not forget and I hope that I never do. Every meal was home cooked. It was how a family should be. It was also really nice to not have to cook and clean for myself or order out food. Now Im not saying I just became a lazy bean and just let them do everything. No. They had to tell me not to clean or not to pay. But don't worry. I helped clean tonight's dinner.

This weekend, I got to watch the guys fish while watching the sun set on the lake. I got to speak with the women while cleaning and preparing dinner. Stereotypical I know, but so much fun. We all went to the pool which was just a blast. Bonnie and I laid out and tanned for a little bit. I only managed to get a shade maybe two darker. Maybe shade and a half. If I'm not wearing a bikini you cant tell. I still look so pale. I am very lucky though. I haven't burnt yet. Im grateful for that because I always always always burn.

We have had two very entertaining thunderstorms and I saw a chipmunk on the front deck. It was cute. :P Unfortunately tomorrow morning/afternoon I leave. I am really going to miss everyone. I'm gonna miss you guys! Thank you for being so welcoming!!! :) I will then have a little less then a week and a half for more adventures. I have a lot of book editing to do and lots and lots of thinking. I'll try and update soon once things get more settled. Its 11:15pm. It's time for bed I believe. I am the only one in the house not in my room or in bed. I wanted to update.