Being Yaya

Chapter 2: The Arrival

"Are we there yet?" I ask jokingly.

"No," my mother replies. "We'll be there in an hour."

I stick my tongue out at her and scroll through my iPod looking for the new playlist I've made. I'm one of those people who makes a playlist for every occasion, including the journey to Kutz. As I scroll, my phone buzzes with a text from Lucy. God bless WhatsApp, I think as I open it. Heaven knows I couldn't survive while Lu was in Israel if we didn't talk every day.

Good luck out there in NY! Have fun! Use protection! -Lulu

I grin. She's so odd and so awesome. I quickly write back: Aww mahm! You're no fun :P

Within moments, there's another message. And I'm DEFINITELY not your mom. Thank god :P -Lulu

*eye roll* Whatever, you're just jealous because I get to meet awesome people while you're stuck in a bus all morning.

I take a break from my phone and find the playlist I'm looking for. Nothing like a little Pitch Perfect to pump me up. Thinking about all the new experiences I'm going to have - from Shabbat Shira (song session on Friday nights) to songleading in front of people over the age of 10 to working with well-known songleaders and songwriters - I grab my journal, suddenly inspired to make a list of things to accomplish this summer.

1. Make at least five new friends before the first meal.

2. Make friends with at least one boy on the first day.

3. Have at least one conversation where I say whatever comes to mind without worrying about being judged.

4. Flirt with at least three guys in one hour.

5. Dance every Israeli dance at Shira.

6. Learn to play at least one song on your guitar, without help.

7. Learn all Shira songs.

8. Talk to every member of visiting faculty.

9. Explore camp.

10. Climb the Tower.

11. Play Cards Against Humanity.

12. Play Never Have I Ever, and don't worry about being judged!

13. Use the Big Book of Would You Rather.

14. Read all of your books.

15. Read at least one book that you never would have read otherwise.

16. Write in your journal every day without fail.

17. Say "I love you" and mean it, at least platonically.

18. Spend at least two meals per day talking to people - NOT READING OR WRITING.

19. At least once a week besides Shira, do some sort of cardio - running, climbing, hiking, dancing, or even just walking.

20. Dress in a way that you wouldn't dress at home. Be brave. Be bold. Be sexy.

21. Spend at least one free period in an outfit more revealing than normal, ex. one of your brand-new super-hot bikinis.

22. Kiss a boy.

23. Hug someone every day.

24. Try something new. Or something not-new that the kitchen staff has made look absolutely terrifying.