The Good, The Bad, and the Grateful

There’s an unspoken facebook pressure to make one’s life seem awesome.  No one likes boring life stati like “Today was just meh.”  “I’m tired.”  Or “I did lots of homework today and felt kind of lonely.”  Instead, we post pictures of travel, good times with friends, or our babies…if you’re a mom…I’m not, but it seems like most people on facebook are now a days, so.  But there’s a lot of life that doesn’t go on facebook, because it’s less-than-awesome, and who wants that?

I really am happy in China.  But there are definitely times (usually when the internet sucks) when home feels a million miles away.  When I feel so (permanatly?) disconnected from people I love.  When I don’t want to skype my mom because I know it will just make me miss her more.  So, I thought I’d take this blog opportunity to openly admit that sometimes life is feels lonely, confusing, empty and anti-climactic.  Sometimes I really miss things.  Things like... 
   1. My family and friends

         2. The CU theatre family

         3. Singing to Father loudly in a big group

         4. Cheesecake

         5. Youtube

         6. Walmart shopping

         7. Ohiolink

         8. Singing while Driving (and general independence)

         9. Guy hugs

        10. Texting and calling people I love whenever I feel like it.   

But, you know, when I look at a list like that, I realize how blessed I am.   Because, while I had to work at coming up with 10 things I miss that aren’t all people or food, I’m overwhelmed with all the things that Father has done for me.  Call it a cheesy pre-Thanksgiving ritual, but I’ve been covering my closet with sticky notes of thankfulness, and it’s been really cool exercise and fun reminder.  Here are just a few things I’m currently grateful for, in no particular order. J

         1. A good Father who I never have to say goodbye to.

         2. Family that finds ways to love me from thousands of miles away.

         3. A crazy, fun, giving roommate.   I couldn’t be luckier.

         4. Technology.  Bless the generation of skype, email and apps. 

         5. The peace and joy I get from knowing I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

         6. The Free Store (The School Store where we get credit)

         7. People on the team who are incredible cooks. 

         8. The girls I tutor—Amy, Kathy and Annie.

         9. Music.  And the freedom to belt it in my apartment.

1       10. Free time to write, run, read and hang out more than I have in years.

Life ain’t all fun profile pics, but I have many a reason to smile.  :)