Little Things

It's crazy how the little things in life can cause joy and anger. Little things and simple things can take their toll and lighten the load. It's all mad and it's magic. This morning it took a bit of effort for me to really focus on the wonder than the worry. It took a couple deep breaths, but I'm always amazed at the results when you defend the silver lining.

In light of my get-up-and-dance mood, I thought I'd share some of my little things in life — of the happy variety.

1. Listening to the right song. The kind of song that causes you dance in your chair (or get up and dance), smile and take a deep breath, because life is good and everything is going to be okay. 
2. A kind word. The smallest compliment at the right time during a rough day can do wonders for the mind, body, soul and spirit. Keep those kind words handy, because sometimes, you'll have to be your own messager and the receiver. 
3. A photo of something funny, of something heartwarming or simply, someone that makes you smile. It's always great to have a photo of some sort in your back pocket, but today, stumbling upon a photo definitely brought a smile to my face. 
4. Someone who'll ask you what's wrong and listen, really listen. These people are few and far between, but when you find them, hold onto them, because they are the good people. 
5. Laughing, at anything and everything. Pretending to laugh just to get yourself to start laughing works as well. Granted, you might come off a little crazy, but when you need to bounce back, you do what you have to do to bounce back. 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! 

Sincerely, 

Cybill 

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Difference Maker

"You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." 

— Jane Goodall

{Photo Credit: Jane Goodall. National Geographic, 1974}

Semi-Unexpected Conversations

Today, I feel like it's common to reply to a voicemail and missed call with a text message. Typically those responses read, "Hey, what's up?" or "Sorry I missed you're call. What's up?" No one believes in talking on the phone. So, this afternoon, when I received a call from my London GC, (graduate counselor, the London equivalent to an RA) Justin, I was pleasantly surprised.

Aside from a few text messages during holidays, a "Happy Birthday" post on Facebook and an occasional "Hey, where are my pictures?" message, Justin and I don't talk. Whatever we had resembling a friendship while I was in college dwindled to an idle "relationship" (of the non-romantic, essentially non-existent type) where small talk and labels of "acquaintance" clung to our chest before gliding to the ground.

This afternoon, during our chat, I wouldn't say it was necessarily so idle. Don't get your hopes up or anything. Feelings of love or secret admiration and heartfelt devotion didn't flow out of either of us the Niagara Falls. Rather, it was more of an older distant cousin sharing some advice to a girl starting off on her own. During our chat, I learned a few things...

1. When he was a kid, Justin wanted to be a banker of some sort. Kid was dreaming big. I guess not everyone aspires to being a Philanthropist, but the world needs its bankers. 
2. The intensity of the travel bug dies down...for some. I guess it's the old adage, "Different strokes for different folks," and it applies to travel. Justin, who's been a good number of places, is calling it Pause on his escapades abroad. Is there really such a thing as calling it Pause? Won't you be in a forever state of wanderlust?!
3. Some people aspire to retire with $1 million dollars, other people just aspire. I totally understand the desire to retire with the padding of a loaded bank account. However, I never wanted to work because of the money. I never wanted to do anything because of the money. Granted, there are some things I do because of the money (Hey, I need to pay my bills), but I also don't dream of retiring with that much padding. Perhaps, it's because part of me hopes to have a career that doesn't feel like work. It's the part of me that hopes to love what I do so much, I can't imagine ever taking a step back or taking it a notch down. Again, it's that old adage. 

Ultimately, that chat with Justin, though unexpected and perhaps a bit odd, was a nice treat to my Monday. I was reminded that I don't have to have things figured out right now and my quarter-life crisis really has yet to happen. I guess that means I've got a good bit to look forward to and perhaps a few more unexpected conversations, semi or otherwise. 

Sincerely, 

Cybill

Tribulations Never Told

At one point or another I'm sure we've all been there. We've reached a point during the day when the only thing to make anything and everything better would be for the day to end...or a nap. I'm sure during a solo drive or two, we've all been moved to emotional exhaustion that tears or screaming obscurities at the top of our lungs is a rational reaction. We've all been there. We've all been in the gutter, but we smile like we're among the stars.

These past to weeks have been rough, but not in the typical sense. Work hasn't been stressful. If anything, it's been oddly calm and I've been scratching and digging for things to do. However, it's been a blessing, because I haven't been feeling all too great. I don't know what it is exactly. My Mom and I think my body is still fighting my sickness from August and after some blood work, my doctor (not Mr. MD from the ER) doesn't know what's wrong with me. One thing for sure, I'm not 100%. Last week, I had a low grade fever and would end the day in bundled up buried under my blanket. Most of my evenings after work this week were spent the same way. I'd be so tired, when I'll come back to my apartment, I'd nap, skip dinner (because I'm so tired) and just sleep until I have to get up the next morning for work.

However, despite not feeling like I'm on my A-game, I dared not tell anyone at work. I'm not one who likes feelings of pity, nor am I someone who wants that kind of attention. I know a few people who like so, and while we're not riding that same wave length, I won't judge...at least, I won't judge out loud and on this blog. Ultimately, it's just not my thing and I don't want to feel like my co-workers think I can't hang. I also don't want them to feel guilty and tell me to go home, when clearly I can work through things. Hopefully, I'll be feeling loads better soon so I can get into a regular blogging schedule. Today was a good start, let's hope there is more to come!

Sincerely,

Cybill

{Photo Credit}

Back to Blogging & Back to Basics

Hello all! I'm back to blogging. I apologize for not posting since March 10th, but in my defense I've been all over the place and never really anywhere at all. I've been up in the air so much so that I think I'll just take this post to catch everyone up on my life and all of its "struggles." 

Last time I posted, I was currently in the state of homelessness, though I wasn't exactly homeless. I had already started working at the agency in Orlando (which I'm really feeling, by the way) but nailing down an apartment proved to be the hassle of all hassles. I experienced a new level of stress, working, looking at places, contacting my realtor and applying to rent. This was the struggle until I visited the apartment complex a new friend from work called home. 

Stacey and I started working in the agency on the same day with the same role, though on different teams. Unlike myself, Stacey was settled in an apartment and well versed in the lay of the Or-LAND-o (see what I did there?). With some fair warning ("It's an older building..."), I visited her apartment and scheduled a meeting and tour with the property manager Friday morning. Arriving about an hour late to work (all pre-approved by my boss) I finally had a place to live, and a rather large place at that!

Unfortunately, I was unable to move into my apartment that weekend. Due to some delays in paperwork (not all offices like to work during the weekends, forcing people who work during normal business hours to run around with their heads cut off) I didn't move into my apartment until Wednesday afternoon the following week. With the help of my friend, Justin (who moved the one large box I brought with me and couldn't move on my own) I moved into "La Casa de Cybill" (unofficial name). That weekend, my parents drove up from home bringing up a few things, but it got even better. 

It may be an overlooked kitchen appliance, but it's a rude awakening when you realize your new apartment doesn't come with a microwave. Thus, while my parents were in town, a microwave was a high priority on the list. I am proud to say, I am an owner of a microwave! I also have a kitchen table and a chair and a half built — I no longer picnic on the floor.

While my apartment is very empty, I am in no rush to furnish it (though I'd love to have a grey couch to lounge after long days at work). Part of the reason is the simple fact that I can't afford it (it's a hard knock life, yo) and at the same time, part of me fears really setting down roots. If I ain't got nothing, I got nothing holding me back. It's my fear of commitment, fear of missing out and ever present wanderlust. Maybe, as time goes by, I'll settle down with a couch and perhaps paint a wall. It'll limit the room I have to dance around, but this is a good thing, right...? 

If I ain't got nothing, I'm footloose and fancy free.

Sincerely, 

Cybill 

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