Why is that weird?

The first time that I went to Efrem and Lauren's apartment, Efrem was giving me the grand tour. In their apartment, the landlord made it clear that there were some things that should not be touched or moved. The same stipulation was made by my landlords but for some reason, it seemed a lot stranger in E&L's apt. In my apartment, in almost every cabinet, is a "do not use" shelf with dishes and kitchen glasses that they are afraid that we may break. In E&L's apartment this reaches a whole new level. Efrem showed me a rolled up rug on the floor of the mirpeset (porch) and explained- that's where we keep the body. It looked like the Golem might be buried in it. Also on the porch were a few plants- more like sticks in dirt. There were other absurd things such as the jars/urns lining the tops of the cabinets in the kitchen, the grand piano covered with a rug, the double closets right next to the front door filled with books (including the how to microwave a turkey book) and the antique, museum-quality washer and dryer. Then came the ultimate oddity. On the wall was a large poster of a dragon going after a tin-tin. Then Efrem said- what could be better than a large picture of a dragon? How about a smaller version of the same picture right below it? Sure enough I looked and right below it was the same picture on the cover of a book. Efrem laughed and said- Like everything else, why is the weird? Why would that seem odd to you?



Q-what could be even better than 1 large poster with small under it?
A- 2 large posters with the small versions under them!



Today after class, I went with Efrem and Josh Foster to the Malcha Mall. I am on a hunt this year to find full-sized sheets with Hebrew writing on them so that I can take them back to the states and feel more "Israeli." I know that is ridiculous because Israelis probably think that American sheets are far better but I still think that it would be cool. The only sheets that I have been able to find with Hebrew are twin sized- not full! Having set this as a goal for myself this year, I found myself heading to the Beitar Yerushalayim store in Kenyon Malcha. What place is more likely to have sheets in a larger size than the fan store for the local soccer team? Unfortunately, when I got to the mall, I found out that the store had closed. No more Beitar Yerushalayim store. It was not the end of the world. Bought a new pair of crocs on major sale (made them comparable in cost to buying a pair in the states) and some school supplies. Then, maybe because I was with Efrem, I happened upon the absurd.

Who, when bored in class/ or just sitting and writing, does not feel the urge to clip their fingernails? Well now some genius has come up with a way that you can do both. What about a nail clipper built into the pen? I wish I could have become a millionaire from this idea. What a better idea than picking or biting your nails during a test in class, now you can just clip your nails onto your exam. You think I am joking? See for yourself! Efrem held one up and asked: Now why is that weird? Very true Efrem, why would that seem like an absolutely ridiculous idea?!?!



I feel that every day, there is some level of absurd where that question could be asked.

Why would you think that it was weird that the prices change every day for the sandwitch in the cafeteria when the prices are supposedly posted on the wall?

Why would you think that it is weird that Israeli women think they look good in spandex?

Why would you think that it is weird that renters have to pay the property tax for a piece of land that they don't own?

Why would you think that it is weird that milk is sold in a bag? Or better yet that chocolate milk comes in little bags and that children are encouraged to put the plastic in their mouths and suck on it? Or even better- Why would you think that it was weird that there are little bottles filled with chocolate milk where the tops resemble the nipples of bottles?

Why would you think that it is weird to be looking over the shoulder of the person in front of you at the ATM while they take out money?

Why would you think that it is weird that at the register in the grocery store, they try to get you to buy produce that has been sitting out all day- because it is on sale?

The list seems endless...