Finding the dream apt...

There was a break through in the apt hunt today. We saw a place that is currently be renovated- it will be ready next week, when we have to move out of the hostel (perfect timing!). It is fully furnished (stove/oven, fridge, closets, etc) except for 2 beds and a couch. We'd each have to only by 1 piece of furniture. Rent is a little on the high end of our range at $1500 a month, without the city tax or utilities, but the tax is only $50 a month (split 3 ways) and there are so many windows - one HUGE one in the living room- so we wouldn't have to use much electricity during the day. It's beautiful!!! (Or definitely will be, once it's done.) They wanted a family and for it to be a long term lease, but we let them know we'd be there for 2 years and they seemed to like that. We also tried to impress upon them that we're responsible people, going to school for education and would really take care of the place, not trash it. We were apparently the first people to look at it. They'll be calling us tomorrow, so hopefully they think we're a perfect match for the apt, too. Keep your fingers crossed for us!
In orientation today, we talked about the Israeli school system. A lot of parts are very different than the American system, but there are some similarities, like standardized tests in HS. Again, like the banking, it's complicated, but let me know if you'd like to know more & I'll tell you. I took ample notes! :) The academic director, Marion, also told me today what my teaching assignment will be. It's a little unfair to other people that they are already placing some, before they finished all the interviews, but it works out for me. They haven't told anyone else about their specific placements, just gave some people a general idea of age group or location. I will be working in the same school as the guy, Mark, that had graduated the program and came to talk to us the other day. It's a very wealthy school and has a English room. So, I'll have my own classroom, with my own key, that I can decorate. I will be essentially be left alone to do my own thing and the only people checking up on me will be Marion and Zvi from TASP. I pretty much start teaching right away! I wish now that I had brought more than just a few books & Texas posters and maps. :) I am meeting with Mark tomorrow to ask him a thousand questions about how to get started and get an idea of what my classroom should look like. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday are designated for school visits- that's when everyone else finds out their placements. I get to go to my school & meet the principal on Sunday!
I was totally cool w/ working in the school system before, when I knew we'd have some time to sit and observe. I'm really nervous, now that I have start immediately! Hopefully, meeting with Mark tomorrow will calm me down.
I miss everyone & will hopefully post pictures soon. I am using free internet at a cafe now, which means my laptop is not plugged in and it's losing juice quickly. SO, once it's charged & I can come back to get free internet, pictures will go up! :)