Friends, Grilled Cheese, and Italian Lessons

Today was an interesting day. I finished some more grading. A task I admit I hate more then most other jobs. I continued to research for MORE readings as I prepare to begin the first chapter of my dissertation. And I had dinner with my friend JiHyun. It always amazes me how much fun our talks can be and just how important a little laughter can be. I have been in a major funk and not really feeling like I have a whole lot of support. I know that writing a dissertation is lonely. I knew that going in but watching others hang out and seem to not have the same stress (even though I know they do) it is frustrating. I am frustrated that I have no money, I am frustrated that I have no time for my husband, I am frustrated that I have no time to just goof off with friends, I am frustrated that I have not YET had a honeymoon with my husband of almost 5 years. I am frustrated that I have no babies. I am frustrated that I have CLUE as to what job I might get next year. I am frustrated that I have an adviser that sometimes thinks I am "extra curricular". I am frustrated that the state i live in thinks that young adults are not at risk for HIV. I am frustrated that I am over weight. I am just frustrated. I am sure that I could go on and on and on. But where will that get me?

No. I must not dwell in the frustration. I must identify it, and decide if there is something I can do about it. IF so... then I will do my best to do it. If not... then I find the strength to DEAL with it.

I did decide to add some fun to my life. The hubby and I are planning to go to Italy when I am a PhD. As a celebration of me FINALLY being done with school as well as a VERY long awaited honeymoon. So to prepare I am learning Italian. All I have to say is THANK GOD for Rosetta Stone. That stuff is AWESOME. And Thank God I get it for free from one of the schools I teach at. In three lessons I can already say a lot. It has been fun to learn something fun for a change. I am also trying to enjoy the simple moments. Such as when "Mi Gatto e' no dormo" (MY cat is not sleeping). We play or snuggle. Both of mi "gattos" are great at snuggling.

I guess that is the lesson tonight. Take moments to snuggle, to breathe, and to do something you enjoy.

amici della buona notte (good night friends)