Hi Nilly! I've got to tell you--it's surreal how many Israelis I'm surrounded by on a daily basis now that I'm working at Milken. I've gotten used to hearing Hebrew spoken as often as English. It's rather nice. I wish you could come visit again so I could show you around.

I've gotten used to hearing Hebrew spoken as often as English.

Oh, did you start picking up any words?

Also, you're so sweet to wish for me to visit again. I have such a huge list of "next time", and getting to hang out more with you is definitely in it.

Last week my key-chain was broken. It happened in front of my friend T (who followed the USA trip by not only e-mails but also lurking on b.org). Most of the USA-souvenirs I got were bookmarks and key-chains, including to her. So her immediate response was: "OK, now you have to go again and get yourself a key-chain, as well".

I've picked up a ton of words and use them regularly. Even time periods during the day have Hebrew names (lishma, kehillah, etc.). Mostly I'm amused at how often I find myself about to tell someone not from school "Shabbat Shalom!" on Fridays

Hey Nilly - I have an extra Serenity keychain that I got from a Serenity preview - do you want it?

I've picked up a ton of words and use them regularly.

Oh, that's neat.

Mostly I'm amused at how often I find myself about to tell someone not from school "Shabbat Shalom!" on Fridays

Hee. I have to keep reminding myself this on b.org, for example, because it's my default "goodbye" on Fridays.

I always have to remind myself that I can't use Hebrew-words-in-English-letters here, unlike any other communication I have in English (for computer technical reasons) with Hebrew-speaking people.

[Edit: tommy! What a wonderful offer! Thank you! I would love it, only I'm afraid the postage fees will be ridiculously high for something so small. But it's so sweet of you to offer!]

My students think it's great to teach me Hebrew and to make fun of me when I can't say the "ch" sound quite right ("Mincha Minyan" for example).

I would love it, only I'm afraid the postage fees will be ridiculously high for something so small.

I really don't know how much the postage would be. Maybe if someone else is mailing you something, I could send the keychain to them to include.

My students think it's great to teach me Hebrew and to make fun of me when I can't say the "ch" sound quite right ("Mincha Minyan" for example).

Maybe you need more phlegm?

I've gotten a lot better. Still, it's odd to be such a minority. I'm finding it an invaluable learning experience.

make fun of me when I can't say the "ch" sound quite right

It should come from the bottom of your throat. ita managed it very quickly when I told her how to say "brown belt" in Hebrew ("khagora khooma").

tommy, I have no idea regarding the price, at all (as I've obviously never mailed anything to myself from the USA), and I don't think there's anything going over to Israel from any Buffista in the near future. But regardless, it's lovely of you to offer.