write on me

Liat Shoval You could read a pretty detailed biography about me anywhere on the internet, since I happen to be one of the better known lobbyists Washington has ever had, but since I'm feeling generous: Twenty-eight, of Israeli origin, gladiator.

[liatshoval]

allie-baker:

Must be one of the reasons why I like you.

I’ll take it.

[liatshoval]

allie-baker:

Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t think before I said that. 

Don’t be. I’m not easily offended.

[liatshoval]

allie-baker:

Absolutely. I loved spending time with my grandparents when I was young. And I think you’d agree in your case, too, since family seems to be really important to you.

I would, but unfortunately I didn’t know any of mine that well.

[liatshoval]

allie-baker:

Yeah, I am, too. I love that Katie got to know her grandparents and spends time with them. 

A very important thing for every kid, I’d say.

[liatshoval]

allie-baker:

Nowadays we’re okay, but we had a period of five years when we didn’t talk at all, so there are still some marks from then.

That’s understandable. I’m glad to hear you’ve reconciled, though.

[liatshoval]

allie-baker:

I’ve been pretty great, actually. No relatives have come to visit me, which is a good thing in my case. 

Are you not very close with your family?

[liatshoval]

allie-baker:

I’m sure whatever you end up doing you’ll have a great time. 

Thank you, Allie. How have you been?

[liatshoval]

claire-collins:

Not yet but trust me, they’ll be giving me one soon if I have my way.

That’s what I like to see. A woman in charge who goes after what she wants. We really are the superior gender.

[liatshoval]

allie-baker:

As long as she’s here, no matter how long, right? Do you have any plans what you’re going to do while she’s in the country?

I can’t say we have plans, no, but I will be taking off some workdays to spend as much time with her as possible, even if it’s just sitting around my apartment catching up.

[liatshoval]

allie-baker:

Ah, okay. Well, the important thing is that you get to spend some time together now. How long is she staying?

Only for a few days. She doesn’t have much time off, so a few days is the best she could get, which is more than okay with me.

[liatshoval]

claire-collins:

Not as much as I’d like to. Work keeps me pretty busy.

I imagine so, especially with the state of our nation today. Tell me you’ve received a raise recently.

[liatshoval]

allie-baker:

Ooooh, okay. I thought it was someone close to you, probably. How come she doesn’t live in the US with you? 

She wanted to stay in Israel, though I really can’t fault her for that. She’s also in the IDF, so I assume she’ll be remaining there for a very long time.

[liatshoval]

claire-collins:

Yeah, I guess you’re right. Although, at least Nashville is just a short plane ride away.

Do you get to visit often?

[liatshoval]

allie-baker:

I don’t know what an ‘achoti’ is, but I’m glad to hear you’ve had a great day!

That would be my Hebrew slipping through. Aliza is my sister.

[liatshoval]

claire-collins:

So awesome! Oh, absolutely. Well, my best friend lives in Nashville if that counts?

I think that counts. It’s always difficult being apart from family or close friends, no matter how big or little the distance is.

[liatshoval]

claire-collins:

There’s nothing better than being reunited with long-distance loved ones. So happy for you!

Toda, Claire! It’s a shame that my sister isn’t in the States along with me and my parents, but I do think it’s very brave of her to devote herself to the IDF. Do you have a long-distance loved one yourself?

[liatshoval]

Today, of all days, is easily my favorite of the month (and not because it’s the end). My achoti, Aliza, surprised me at work and I just about lost it. I haven’t seen her in months, so you can imagine my surprise when she showed up in the United States without so much as a warning.