Looking Forward to the Sunrise

I realize that there are a few things in this world that make me really happy. I love seeing someone smile, and not just one of those weak I-am-so-exhausted-and-this-is-the-best-I-can-do smiles. There is something that is like a sunrise in the eyes that just causes someone's face to light up and every part of them beams with happiness. Grins aren't bad either. The mischievous ones almost seem to say "I see you looking at me. And ya, I know what you are thinking." But my favorite smiles are the ones that you catch in a glimpse or watch as they slowly bloom into existence on the face of a friend or even a complete stranger. Smiles are simply contagious. Laughing is contagious. Hugs are contagious. Everything that is absolutely wonderful in my biased and limited perspective on life takes two. I think this is why relationships with people are so important to me because I am happy when the people I surround myself are happy.

Still, this last week was a super long week for me. I swear that teachers honestly have the best of intentions for us but their uncanny ability to test us not just extensively on material but all at the same time... very frustrating. I swear it is like they all get together during their department meetings and discuss everything but the schedules of their syllabi. They love to discuss the content since that is always similar but the timing seems to follow that they get to the point where they are like, "Since we have gone over 8 chapters in the book, it is about time to check their understanding with this test. I figure that it is good timing because Jeff, over in the math department, he is doing that too." It just so happens that Jeff who is friends with Dan, also got his idea from Bob, who is collaborating with Robert, and you get the idea... regular course load that already is time consuming with the addition of a half dozen tests makes already busy weeks feel like you are taking a short vacation through Dante's Inferno.

When finally all of this was over, I decided it would be good to come up for air, relax a bit, and take time to recollect my thoughts. I do what I typically do and went for a walk. I feel like there is something that happens when the world sleeps that the night has this ability to soothe the emotions, relax the mind, and just open you up and allow you to see things from a better perspective. But I know it isn't good for us to be alone so I decided that I would stop by and visit a few friends I hadn't seen in a while on my way home. All I have to say is that it was a good decision. Laughter, smiles, hugs, and just honestly feelings of belonging and appreciation. These are people who love me and I love them because we really know each other and still love one another, faults and all. I hope that in the end, I will find someone who likes long walks, because life is one long roller coaster ride and I know it is just not as fun without someone else to enjoy it with. And in the words of a wise friend, "I have to go to bed, not just because I am tired, but because I know tomorrow is going to be better because it is going to be the start of a new day."