Post Israel

Most girls lose the Israel weight when they go home. I gained back my weight and then some, and am struggling to this day to get it off.

The stories of my step dad ruining the pesach seder, or the awkward times at my dad's house when there was nothing to do and he just did his own thing, peppered my college years for when I went home. My life was in school. I, once again, threw myself into school and, unfortunately, ignored most else. I worked really hard and got straight As. My teachers recognized my achievements and offered me positions as TAs. In addition, I worked outside of school in homes for the disabled who were unable to take care of themselves. I kept myself very busy.

I didn't pay attention too much to my weight, other than to mourn the upwards trend. Besides, I didn't have to deal with shidduch dating, and nothing I had ever done had helped, so what else could I do?

I just tried to keep it from climbing quickly, but gave up on trying for a downwards trend. I was taking 7 classes and working two part time jobs. I didn't know I had PCOS or how to eat properly for my body. I wish I had known then what I am learning now.