Words of Wisdom

Sometimes you have a hard day.

Sometimes things don't turn out like you expect them to.

And sometimes you need a kick in the ass from your best friend.

Today was a hard day. Maybe it was the weather or the moon or the fact that it was Friday the 13th. Maybe it was a series of circumstances having very little to do with me that somehow affected me greatly. I don't really know why. But whatever the cause, whatever the reason, today was hard. Not necessarily bad, mind you, just difficult.

So, I did what I always do: called someone. Well several someones seeing as phone calls aren't nearly as easy to take or receive as they used to be.
Normally, I talk to my grandmother when I'm feeling down, she truly has a lot of wisdom to offer. But today, fate decided that my bestie Emily would be my best bet. She took my call and did what she always does: let me cry for a total of ten seconds before she cut me off and told me to explain why I was upset.

When I couldn't arrive at a single valid reason, I realized that there was no need for my tears. That I in fact, have a lot to be thankful for recently. Plus she told me to stop complaining and just move forward recognizing all the good I have in my life right now. And damnit, she was right. Which is why I love her.

I just filled out the paperwork for my new GA position today and sent an email to get special permission to work at the TA position that I was also awarded. I found out that I get healthcare now that I am officially a UMD employee. And I was explained exactly what tuition remission is and how that all works. My cousins are finally done with school for the summer and this weekend will be beautiful. I have air in my lungs, a roof over my head, and loving family members who are supporting me in this transitional period. Plus I have some great opportunities to meet new people, once I have an excuse to get out of the house that is, and I need to shake off the bad feelings.

So I took a deep breath, hung up the phone, and had a drink.

Then I did what always helps: I wrote.
Hopefully I will have something to show for it soon rather than just a stream of consciousness filling up the page. After all, why mope about a tough day? I muddled through the other side of it and tomorrow is another chance.

  

What I'm reading: Lady of Ashes by Christine Trent

Progress: According to my kindle, I am 11% into the book

Thoughts so far: A deceptively complex tale told with lilting prose that is part murder mystery and part love story gone awry with historical context, issues, and locations thrown in. Overall, delightful and slightly morbid so far.