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.

Also, last night I dreamed that I'd found a really funky cool little house with three bedrooms and a pool for $80K.

Sometimes my subconscious is just mean.