me time

It's 4:30 in the afternoon, and for the last hour I have been lying in my hammock with a glass of wine and my new book. I'm rebelling against myself, and it's so exhilarating! I am far beyond out of my element right now, but ironically enough, I don't feel uncomfortable in the slightest. Maybe, I'm actually in my element and I've been living outside of my element for the past few years. I can't remember the last time I relaxed and did exactly what I wanted to do, instead of what I think I should do. I'm (usually) constantly running around doing errands, stressing over schoolwork, working on my tan at the beach, or working my ass of at the gym, but nope! None of that today. Just me, my hammock, and a glass of wine. I really should do this more often. I know I sound like a middle aged divorcee, but hell! If this is what it's like to be divorced, then I only have one more reason to look forward to getting married! 

the people you meet

While I was at work today, facebooking during my lunch hour, one of my friends from Argentina instant messaged me. Hearing from him instantly brightened up what would have been another monotonous day at work. It's funny how someone I barely know can make me feel so much happier. He reminded me of my exciting experiences abroad and how much I love speaking Spanish. One of my favorite parts about the Spanish language is that everyone gives hundreds of besos or kisses. It reminds me how wonderful friendships can be and how fundamental relationships are to our well-being. While the places I went were breathtaking, the people I met were just as memorable because, for me, the people I meet usually shape my experiences. Peru is the country that I liked the most because there I met and lived with my wonderful host family. And the 10 hour bus trip to Lake Titticacca was anything but dreadful because I sat with my friends in the back of the bus, where we made fools of ourselves while playing asshole. Argentina was an upbeat and unpredictable adventure that included lots of food, as always when I am with my boyfriend, Mr. Chadwick. While I know my insight does not compare to the profoundness of the wise old philosophers, my thoughts are this: Even though you may think a friendship is insignificant, do not underestimate your connection. It may cross your mind to avoid the effort and ignore the petty friendships, but I advise you not to. You never know, it may make someone's day, like it did for me.

so what if you still live with your parents? im jealous

When I was a little girl I used to tell my parents that I was going to live with them until I was 35. By the time I was ready for college, I abandoned that thought and moved, what seemed like, as far away as possible. In reality, I was only a four and half hour drive away from them and a ten minute card ride to the beach.

I didn't move away because I resented my parents, but rather, I was eager to try life on my own. I was ready to create my own structure of life and schedule to my day--which meant the obvious, no curfew, and the not so obvious, no dessert. (My parents cook amazingly delicious food, which is almost always followed by a just as amazing dessert. Needless to say, it was impossible to get rid of my few extra pounds while living at home).

Now after four years of living on my own, living with my parents until the age of 35 doesn't sound like a bad idea at all. Discounting my years of oblivion, I had always judged people past the age of twenty who still lived with their parents. I thought they were all just lazy bums couch surfing and smoking marijuana in their parent's basement; however, in my more recent years, that stigma has completely vanished, and I've traded my disapproval for envy.

At the age of 22, I still cry whenever I leave my parents house. It's sad to think that life will never be the same as when I was a child. My brother, sister, and I will never again live simultaneously under the same roof as my parents. I don't get to see my family every day like I used to, nor do I have the chance to kiss them goodnight or even just the comfort of knowing they are just a hall away.

Sure I like having my own schedule, and of course, I have shed those stubborn pounds my parents blessed me with; however, in hindsight, those seem insignificant to what I was trading in: home cooked dinner, mom by my side when I am sick, dad to make cookies with, my brother to wrestle with, and my sister to share clothes with.

I just spent the weekend with my family in Lake Tahoe, and it was the most fun I have had in a long time! I don't care if that sounds boring to most people who think Tahoe is a place to get ripped and hang out with friends, I had an amazing time with my family. I love my parents, I love my brother and sister, and I love even more when we are all together.