Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in okazu_kangaroo's LiveJournal:

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Sunday, August 13th, 2006
8:11 pm	and since I've been writing thank you notes... here's the one I really want to write: Dear _______, (<-- fill in with one of your favorite relatives or dear friends) Thank you so much for your generous gift and well wishes. I plan to use the money you so generously gave me to support massive corporations that will then pay illegal immigrants and children in sweat-shops pennies for that pair of shoes I’ve always wanted. I hope your summer is going well and hope to see you soon. Thank you again! Much love, _____________ Current Mood: writing / amused (Comment on this)
Wednesday, July 19th, 2006
9:10 pm	mini gan izzy coming through completely ignoring the fact that i haven't updated in forever - it's about time for a post...basically i ended up at cgi again this summer and am having a good time (as always)...my bunk is adorable, but requires about 20 hands when i only have two (and there are only three kids in my bunk)...half the words that come out of my mouth sound something like "no alisha, we keep our hands in our own space", "sara, that's too far, please come back...one, two, three", and "thank you for being such a good listener sammi"...their attention span is even shorter than mine (hard to imagine, i'm sure) and play dough, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and finger paints have become my best friends. as far as the other counselors go, we get along pretty well B"H...there are little things that bother me at times, but that's to be expected i suppose (especially with 5 girls living together in an apartment). One girl [mushky] is from crown heights, another [chana] is from scranton (but went to beis rivkah this year and so knew mushky before they came), the third [leah] is from morristown, and the head counselor [gishy] is from worcestor mass....there's far too much that has happened over the course of the last 3 weeks to really write about and be able to do justice...yesterday we went to lake compounce, which was a lot of fun (despite the fact that it was about 97 degrees out), the kids went on the carousel and all the kiddie rides that i was "too big" to go on, and then I made them walk all the way to the rapids ride so I could go on with them and we could all cool off...thank goodness there were free drinks...it was also a surprise that 2 other gan yisroels and a beis yaakov camp were there as well...after we came back the counselors got to go swimming in one of the camper's pool...not only was it refreshing, but the pool (and house and property) was absolutely gorgeous. the family lives right on the long island sound, next door to a lighthouse and the pool area literally juts out over the sound...today was a pretty typical camp day (if that isn't an oxymoron). The kids davened, had snack and read a story, did leaf stamping, played musical chairs, went in the sprinkler, had a bbq and went home; then I had a half hour break before I had to do fun shops. Somehow my services got volunteered and now I am officially the art director, which is hillarious because the last word I'd use to describe myself is artistic...but I figure if you can learn, you can teach, and you learn while you teach, so why not...anyway, I should probably go work on the newsletter (it's the final one *tear* so I have to make a full page)...I'll be home next week...hope everyone's having a relaxing, enjoyable summer and staying cool =) (Comment on this)
Sunday, May 7th, 2006
7:11 pm	'twas a sunny day it feels like ages since i've updated, so here goes ap chem test this wednesday...if i don't get a 5 it doesn't really count for anything...bad realization to come to, especially when i wasn't uberly motivated to begin with...maybe i won't study and will just get a 1...usually i strive for the highest, just out of policy...but it is tempting...would definitely make me laugh lets see, as far as last week went: school itself was pretty pointless, so not worth mentioning. (kind of sad how that is...but Penn soon!!) monday: tutored colin...then went for dinner at edge of the woods to celebrate dad's birthday (which was really tuesday, but monday worked better homework-wise) tuesday: met and tutored jordan (we're working towards the A, though i wish we had gotten an earlier start, considering we're in the home-stretch [i believe about 20 actual class-days left for me...yay yay yay]) wednesday: jen's b-day!! though she had the ap world history exam, so wasn't in school (IY"H we'll celebrate soon)...tj-maxx, goodwill, stop & shop, marshalls, and starbucks with mom - read more of atlas shrugged thursday: high hopes and parsha class (sheri is in from israel for her daughter's graduation, so she joined...always nice to have more people/insight) friday: ate lunch outside with jen...just sat, talking and soaking up the sun, it was the most wonderful feeling...one of those perfect moments, when you want time to stand still and can really appreciate how beautiful the world is shabbos and today were pretty laid back, looked at my mom's yearbook which was a kick, walked the dogs around the block (needed to air myself out) hopefully will get together with more people once wednesday's over...i love the spontaneity of being able to decide during the day to get together with a friend after school, rather than planning forever in advance and then having something come up last minute still no plans for summer...need to deal with that asap enjoy the sunshine!! Current Mood: craving chocolate Current Music: Elvis - Hound Dog (Comment on this)
Wednesday, April 12th, 2006
6:31 pm	everything's changing, its pesach wishing everyone a chag kasher v'sameach!! Current Mood: cleaning (Comment on this)
Saturday, March 25th, 2006
8:04 pm	i need to live in a bubble...i woke up this morning and couldn't talk without hacking up a storm...not pretty...i hate being sick, and of course school is germ breeding ground extreme...ended up spending the day in my pjs sipping hot lemonade ...not a whole lot new, school's been decent i suppose, though my motivational level is nonexistant at this point and i haven't learned anything of interest in a while (some enjoyable conversations though, if those count)...highlights of last week included a really pretty trail walk at high hopes, scrabble and starwars with dave, colleen, and joe...no longer failing english (went from a 17.49 to a 95)...tons of homework and scholarships on the agenda for tomorrow...would also like to go to a women's rights speech in madison...that's about it... more later =) Current Mood: yucky (Comment on this)
Tuesday, March 14th, 2006
12:37 am	a few of my favorite things Name ten of life's simple pleasures that you like most. Be original and creative 1. a fresh cup of coffee and a good book 2. footprints on the beach 3. meaningful discussions 4. massages 5. late nights 6. playing on a swing-set 7. a long, hot shower 8. shabbos 9. picnics in the shade of a tree on a sunny summer day 10. deep breaths Current Mood: cheerful Current Music: matisyahu - youth (Comment on this)
Sunday, March 12th, 2006
1:52 am	went to the jewish film festival at conn college tonight and saw ushpizin, a really inspirational, well-filmed movie that portrays the observant lifestyle (in jerusalem) and the importance of having complete faith in Hashem...it just puts everything in a positive light, without making it overly-sweet and unrealistic...one of the few movies i've seen in a long time that i'd say is worthwhile for everyone to go and see... Current Mood: tired (Comment on this)
Thursday, March 9th, 2006
7:17 pm	B is for Boredom apparently this is me in a nutshell: Jung Test Results Extroverted (E) 77.42% Introverted (I) 22.58% Sensing (S) 62.86% Intuitive (N) 37.14% Thinking (T) 64.71% Feeling (F) 35.29% Judging (J) 65.52% Perceiving (P) 34.48% Your type is: ESTJ ESTJ - "Administrator". Much in touch with the external environment. Very responsible. Pillar of strength. 8.7% of total population. seems fairly accurate if you can sum a person up through 150 questions online and some letters (though my dad is convinced i'm an ENTJ and he's certified in myers-briggs testing or something like that) ...also, of note from the other day, my bus driver asked me my name...might sound strange, but i just realized that after two years of interaction on a near daily basis (probably more than i have with most people), we'd never had a formal introduction...how strange is that?! considering i've had conversations with certain people that i'll likely never see again, and introduced myself, yet the woman who knows where i live, picks me up every morning (and waits in front of my house for a few minutes if i'm late), and drops me off by my driveway every afternoon, didn't know my name...'twas very interesting ...my day today was sleeping in, physics, high hopes, parsha class...not too bad [although slightly on the boring side]...last night was unexpectedly better than i would have guessed, thanks to last minute planning and friends Current Mood: bored / too tired to think (Comment on this)
Wednesday, March 1st, 2006
6:11 pm	nudge nudge know what i mean? say no more i wish i would stop talking when i don't have anything [of value] to say also, school has become beyond pointless - i learn so much more just sitting around and reading on my own i would however like to get together with a) rakhee b) jen c) colleen and d) dave sometime in the next couple weeks...that would give me something to look forward to oh and BE HAPPY, ITS ADAR!! YAY!! Current Mood: restless Current Music: ticket to ride (Comment on this)
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2006
7:02 pm	life through a lens I love people watching...i sat in starbucks for 2 hours this morning just watching the people who came in for their morning coffee (as well as reading more of the selfish gene and drinking my own soy caramel machiatto)...there were the college students with cell phones and ipods, mothers with infants, older men in business attire, women in jogging suits...i also got up the nerve to take out my camera (the one with film that i can actually develop and make my own prints - i'm sick of the digital, much as it has some advantages, i'm sure) and asked people if i could take their pictures...unfortunately forgot to read my light meter for the first couple shots...then visited my grandpa and worked on getting him to eat something, since every bite counts...he has the will to live, he really does; if anyone can pull through this it'll be him...its hard to watch, but inspiring at the same time...then went bowling with the bro to clear our minds and just have a good time...we've been spending a lot more time together lately, and much as we get on each others nerves at times, i really enjoy his company ...the rest of my vacation has been pretty low key...hung around the house yesterday, slept for the majority of the day (i can't seem to get enough of it)...health food store hopped in west hartford on monday (trader joes and wild oats) also stopped at marshalls, walbaums, and borders...spent shabbos and sunday with wendy who was home from israel on vacation (her mom made thanksgiving dinner friday night and invited a number of couples from the community, including my hebrew teacher from kindergarten/first grade who i hadn't really talked to since i was in her class - who would have guessed that 11 years down the line we would sit at shabbos dinner together and discuss how her children and grandchildren are doing, how much she misses her husband, and other such subjects...read the parsha and lounged and talked all shabbos, then got slurpies, went to target, and watched sound of music) ...haven't done any of the scholarship stuff that needs to get done, have to get on that soon [procrastination strikes again]...also need to get up to penn at some point...the closer the time gets, the more exciting it seems... ------------------------------------------------------- "A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire (1694-1778) Current Mood: thoughtful (Comment on this)
Tuesday, February 14th, 2006
5:00 pm	daydream believer i started to write a really down in the dumps post yesterday...but then deleted it all because it wasn't depression so much as apathy and tiredness and who knows, anyways, nothing worth recording let alone reading...however, amazingly enough, today was the exact opposite and so counteracts the blahs of yesterday...i've realized the more i sleep the more tired i get, strange how that works, maybe my body's trying to tell me something, i just can't quite figure out what... ...in other news today is the consumer holiday, the day where people express their love in material objects such as chocolate, flowers, cards, jewelry, and hearts; go hallmark...i wore pink just for kicks, and handed out carnations for nhs...woohoo ...still haven't played in the snow, which is pretty but cold (looks better from inside i think)...hmm, so my day: delivered flowers, was told i'm idealistic, don't live in reality or do anything for pleasure (very interesting...while i beg to differ with some of it, tis quite a compliment if you ask me =p ), got a history lesson from mr. campbell (i really do enjoy history when i can just learn it for fun...speaking of which, mr. sandford came up to me in the hall today and told me he was offended i didn't take AP government with him, ha)...watched augustus, decided to go to a gsa meeting during lunch to take pictures (fascinating i'd never gone to even see what they did in all my years of high school)...took a physics quiz and let my mind wander while we went over the exact same thing we had to take notes on for homework...talked my way through study hall...came home and watched legally blonde (i love that movie)...and there you have it i really need something to wrap my mind around...i've always loved school for that, but lately the challenge seems to be missing... oh and please daven for my grandfather, avrohom ben faiga...thanks!! Current Mood: cold (Comment on this)
Sunday, January 1st, 2006
11:50 pm	light up the night i was doing laundry and somehow i got to thinking... ...about this big sign i wrote when i was 5 or 6...its now taped on the wall over the stairs going down to the basement...it has the words "THIS IS THE BEST TIME EVER!" written in crayon on a massive piece of butcher paper in my huge, just-learning-to-write handwriting...its funny how i can't remember what i had for breakfast this morning, but i distinctly remember sitting in the entry way, while everyone else was asleep, writing that...my grandma was visiting from SF...also interesting are the words - the fact that i meant them in all sincerity and that now, 11 years down the line, they're still true - this is the best time ever ...so its officially 2006...a brand new year, filled to the brim with potential...there's always something exciting about that...of course when i look back at this past year, the time spent with family and friends, there's so much to be grateful for... ...on a slightly sadder note, vacation is on its way out, and its back to the old grind...somehow, there are three sections of chemistry notes and an analysis paper that need to get done tomorrow *sighs*...however, i did manage to ignore the pile and enjoy the bulk of vacation, which was low key but lovely...highlights of the week include: sitting in starbucks in west hartford reading the fountainhead with mom; pulling up adhesive with jiji (slightly painful, but fun in its own way); dinner, scattegories, and a fascinating discussion on religion with the westhavers; bowling with colleen and dave (along with walking in niantic in the rain, having a boot thrown at us, driving around new london, and breaking the bowling alley); beading with tess (i don't really wear jewelry, but the earrings are quite prettyful); fountainhead all shabbos; lounging around with the family on new years eve; kosher express chinese food with the family hmmm, i suppose that's about it for now...should probably head to bed...'night Current Mood: calm Current Music: scarborough fair (Comment on this)
Saturday, November 26th, 2005
10:32 pm	forget regret or life is yours to miss i admit i posted this same entry on myspace...ha, and i don't even like myspace...oh well, here are the highlights ...Thanksgiving '05's come and gone... ~ mystic village ~ Barefoot concert and Rent (would definitely recommend the movie - amazing music, controversial issues, and a thoughtful storyline...so well done, i was impressed) ~ Alice's Restaurant...its tradition...or maybe a movement =p ~ Turkey and such at grandpa's (followed by calculus and physics, but, shhh, we won't mention that) ~ Food gathering for Shabbos (stop and shop, bjs, shoprite) ~ Atlas Shrugged till 2 a.m ~ Turkey Soup ~ Harry Potter ....and lots of sleep to boot so that's the story... ...seeing that thanksgiving is over i also need to start buying people holiday presents...i guess the idea of showing you care is nice, but seriously, if you walk into any store now they're playing every christmas song imaginable, it makes me want to lock myself in my room until its all over...but i guess i'll join the mad dash at least one day, so please let me know what you want...these commercial holidays are such fun, and the funny thing is i'm broke...yay...and chanukah has nothing to do with presents...oy =) Current Mood: relaxed Current Music: rent (Comment on this)
Sunday, November 13th, 2005
11:32 pm	O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! So this past week has been exciting, to say the least: ~ Saturday night: Mary’s wonderful party ~ Sunday: 5 hours of calc with Tess and jiji ~ Monday: awkward picnic (if anyone ever feels the need to defend his manhood...don’t!!...or at least not near me) ~ Tuesday: no school!! extremely successful photo shoot at rocky neck/mccooks [senior pictures] and legally blonde (my fave) with jacob and renee (and heidi, jill, and colleen for some time as well) ~ Wednesday: haircut ~ Thursday: dad to Colorado; Parsha discussion group ~ Friday: school on veteran’s day...how disrespectful ~Saturday: slept all Shabbos (also amusing refrigerator/pantry incident)...mall and borders with mom and bro after Shabbos ~Sunday: mother-daughter book club w/ breakfast and a lovely discussion; boardwalk and book barn with mom and jacob; did my hair …also hopefully getting together a boston trip with erin and julia, which would be an absolute blast if we can pull it together...hmm, I suppose I should get cracking on my physics...more later =) Current Mood: cheerful (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Tuesday, November 1st, 2005
2:44 pm	a false sense of chi the leaves are painted...its that stage right before they turn brown, wither and die, where I want to take my camera and color film and go take a picture of every single tree out there...CT is beautiful in the fall, i never really noticed it as much as i have this year...i'd highly recommend stopping and admiring...on the downside its means its starting to get cold (though yesterday was surprisingly warm)...i'm not liking the idea of having to bring out my winter jacket...but what can you do ...today was eventful in an uneventful sort of way...ha, i don't even know what to report...calc, latin, physics (in which i have an insane amount of work to make up by the end of the week), yearbook were all pretty much same old, so no complaints...i need to come up with what my best memory of school is to put in my senior profile...funny thing is i can't think of any...its not that i haven't enjoyed highschool, i really have...its just nothing is popping out at me...freshman year just sort of was, i enjoyed it while it lasted but nothing memorable, sophomore year was by far the best - i really had a chance to meet/spend time with people, junior year had its ups and downs, and senior year is in the making...it's amazing how time flies (like no one's said that before, but i've been feeling it more and more lately) and how much just sort of mushes together...we'll see what i come up with ...now time to go find candy (because there's too much in this house, i feel obligated to help the situation =p ) and try to get some work done ...more updates at some other time "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society" ~Mark Twain Current Mood: contemplative Current Music: carole king - jazzman (Comment on this)
Saturday, October 29th, 2005
7:28 pm	pay no attention to the man behind the curtain i don't understand people, i really don't...here's my rant for the day...i was reading the saga (which was very nice as usual) and I read a certain editorial where somebody wrote about how some people think it is really horrible to have to drive their mom's minivan instead of having their own brand-new beautiful car but that really it isn't all that bad...all i can say is WHAT ABOUT THE BUS?!! what in the world is wrong with that lovely invention that picks you up at your door (or pretty darn close to it) in the morning, gets you to school on time, if not early enough to spend some quality time talking to friends, and then conveniently drops you off at your house after school...what's with the whole "I wouldn't be caught dead riding the bus" or "I'd rather be shot then ride that thing" (and yes, those are quotes i've actually heard)...is it not obvious with rising gas prices that maybe we shouldn't be using as much gas?!...it blows my mind that the seniors nearly fill two whole parking lots with their cars that they get as presents (maybe a few have to pay for gas or insurance, but for the most part they get a free ride - no pun intended)...there's no way this teaches responsibility...and calling the bus a 'loser cruiser', come on...if riding the bus makes me a loser, then I'm quite sorry ha, ok, now that that's out of my system...i'd love to actually write a letter/article about it, but i happen to have a whole chem syllabus, physics lab and 3 calc assignments to do...so for now this will have to do also, inspired by mrs. poole's article where she mentions how she made a shirt with her favorite word on it, i think i'm going to make a shirt with 'serendipity' on it...just because i love the idea in other news i decided not to go to homecoming tonight, even if i would have gotten in for free and should be there taking pictures...i've gone three years in a row and disliked it immensely every time...i don't dance, don't like the music, and its too loud to have a real conversation... ...lets see what else...last week was really wonderful...1. I SENT IN MY EARLY DECISION APPLICATION!! - incredibly exciting, even if i don't get in 2. simchas torah was a blast (and no, i don't drink) 3. spirit week was fun (I was only there for pj, holiday, and color day..but still, it was a nice change from wearing the first shirt i grab from my drawer) 4. took pictures at the pep rally (my ears were ringing for an hour or so after)..and go figure, the seniors won...reminds me of an election i once knew =p 5. made a hachlata (resolution) to start a weekly half-hour class over the phone with my rabbi's wife relating to the parsha (torah portion read that week) and had our first class thursday night 6. volunteered at high hopes 7. watched finding nemo in latin class 8. slept for 13 hours last night...and probably other stuff that i can't think of off the top of my head "it takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things different" ~ Warren Buffet Current Mood: awake Current Music: Matisyahu (4 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, October 16th, 2005
10:16 pm	its so easy to come undone so overwhelmed...so confused...so much to do... i feel so selfish, focusing so much time on myself when there are so many people i could be helping, who need my thoughts, my time, my energy, need me things will fall into place...they always do Current Mood: selfish (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, October 8th, 2005
8:47 pm	well, at least its the useful answer SATs tomorrow, i'm so going to fail miserably and not get into college and end up working at mcdonalds...aaaa...had a long conversation about whether or not someone can love too much or whether you simply love or you don't, leading to a conversation on the idea that you are what you hate, and that your actions define you...all very interesting (and if you have any views, definitely feel free to let me know =D )...also lots of thought on apologies, forgiveness, and returning...hmmm college essay still isn't written, and there's much work to do in the school department...the three day weekend is quite nice...need to find time to get together with people i really like because somehow i always put on the air of being too busy, which isn't true at all...meh, i should go do some last minute practice, hope everyone is doing well!! Current Mood: working Current Music: jack johnson - crying shame (Comment on this)
Wednesday, October 5th, 2005
9:29 pm	a cry from the depth of your soul yom tov is over...it was so unstressful its unbelievable...it has something to do with the environment, the innocent smiles and adoration from the children, the spirit and enthusiasm that radiates from that house...it gives you a feeling of being real, being whole...anyways, i want to wish everyone a good, healthy and happy sweet new year...i missed school and probably have a ton to make up, but i've decided i'm not going to worry about it tonight, i'm going to get a good night's sleep and be happy and awake tomorrow (even with the fast)...so there, i'll figure everything else out later (including the fact that i'm taking the SATs again on sunday and haven't cracked the book open once...that can't be good)...got to drive home which was nice, hopefully i'm improving...also, the rabbi gave me a massive compliment about how fluent my yiddish is and how good my accent is...i'm sure there's so much else to say, but i can't come up with the words to express it all right now "I don't suffer from insanity, i enjoy every second of it" Current Mood: wonderful Current Music: dip the apple in the honey *hums* (Comment on this)
Wednesday, September 28th, 2005
12:22 am	procrastination strikes again the application process has begun...submitted all the basic info (form 1a) today...now just 2 essays to write and the SATs (and maybe ACTs) to take...*screams* yeah, just a tinsy bit stressful ( a survey....because procrastination is what i do best )   Current Mood: stressed (Comment on this)