I Think My Headphones Have Caused Me Premature Hearing Loss

This post has absolutely nothing to do with its title. Just stating that before we begin. In fact, this is going to be a relatively serious post.

I need to pause for a moment (though how one pauses on a blog I do not know) and take a deep breath and center myself and all of that lovely stuff and just reflect upon the grandness of being where I am right now. Being so busy and so overwhelmed by newness has almost caused me to lose sight of the real blessing that my life currently is. Sure, I'm reading so much that my brain feels kinda like a canteloupe that has been in the fridge for just a little bit too long (you know what I'm talking about). And sure, I am exhausted all the time. And yes, it is true that there are moments when I want to stamp my feet, sit on the floor, cross my arms and mope. Puffy bottom lip and all.

Then I sit and think and say to mySelf, "Alright Self. First of all, you asked for this, so enough with the 'woe is me' thing. It's annoying. Secondly, this is pretty awesome. Look at how much you've already grown!" And mySelf is pretty darn smart, not to mention totally right.

Before I get too embedded in self-reflection imagery here, let me get to the point. The point is to talk a bit about all of the things I am grateful for at this exact moment. That way, next time a 5-year-old-I-don't-WANNA-juice-box-throwing tantrum threatens to spill out, or a bout of homesickness sneaks up, I can read back and remember that, in the great words of Peter Griffin, "this is why we're heeeeeere."

1. Friends: I cannot, for a moment, imagine anything more important than my friendships. Since my arrival in Virginia-land, I have met some pretty incredible people and I cannot even think about what I would do without the joy of having them in my life. In addition, my friends from home have remained constant, supportive, and as wonderful as ever. I live in constant awe of the love that surrounds me.


2. Family: The texts and calls from my parents and especially my amazing brother are more important to me than they can imagine (especially the "White Chicks" references, JP. Keep them COMING). I wish Charlie had people-communication capabilities because I miss my dog like crazy. And he is afraid of the phone.


3. Music: I am a super musical person. As it has always been, it is a haven, knowing and providing exactly what I need, exactly when I need it.


4. Comedy: This continues to be my favorite medium, my base, and my heart. If I can make a life out of this, it will all be worthwhile.


5. Waking up, immersed in what I love: Some days I really do not want to get out of bed, and sometimes what I am reading is dense and horrible. However, in general, I love what I am learning and especially what I am working toward. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be doing this.


6. Pudding: It is just really delicious.

This is a very short list of things I am thankful for right now, but writing even this abridged list of gratitude has bolstered my somewhat weary and overwhelmed spirits.

As has this. Oh, pudding.