decisions, decisions. the past few days have been overshadowed by my thoughts on whether or not to go on my israel trip. below is the post i wrote a few days ago, when i was still planning to go on the trip. i still feel that the feelings i expressed were honest but i couldn't escape some of the more overwhelming feelings of danger. i'm not going to get into all the reasons why i chose not to go. but the more i think about it, the more i know i made the right decision.

so now, i have 2 weeks with a totally blank calendar (minus work). AWESOME. i am actually so excited to be in austin because i have been enjoying it so much here lately. i get to spend time with rebecca before she moves to galveston for PA school, robin and i can work on our new apartment together, and i will be so much more prepared for the start of the school year. speaking of my new apartment--i am loving it. i think it's going to be a great year here. and, i am writing this post from my apartment, which means we got our wireless set up!


Israel Post:
yes, i will be out of the office for a couple of weeks--out of the country actually.. i am going to israel--leaving very (very) early on sunday morning.

in the wake of all the "scary" stuff that's been going on there, almost everyone has asked me if im nervous, worried, scared, etc about going. my natural reaction is to be a bit worried. but my mind tells me that (1) they (the trip organizers, international hillel organization, israeli government) wouldn't send us if there was ANY chance we would be in danger (2) trip organizers of this nature work with the israeli government and are able to keep abreast of the latest and make sure that our group is safe at all times (3) we have the ability to change our trip itinerary...so if we don't feel 100% comfortable going into town, or anywhere else for that matter, we won't. and, we won't be taking public transportation (4) living my life worrying isnt worthwile--as long as i have made the decision to go, i have just go with it, and obviously be smart. what i am truly most "worried" about is the people here in the US that love me, and will be worrying for me. i want to ask you to do me a HUGE favor--don't worry. i will be safe.

in the midst of all this, i am excited for the trip. but i am also sad to be leaving austin for these 2 weeks. i have been having a really good time...work isn't as overwhelming as during the year, so i have had more time and energy to meet new people (not just UT students). last night i decided, for certain, that, upon my return in august, i will start a book club. everyone i have mentioned this to has been excited; my sister started one in san diego and it is her "favorite thing EVER!" i am really looking forward to it.

while i am in israel i will have a cell phone (dont you just love the 21st century?) and will be making regular calls home. if you want to call me (hint hint), dial (from the US) 011972526042789.

i love you all very much and can't wait to tell you all about my israel adventure.