Very Good Things

I had been talking to my friend Ish over the past week because he told me he sent a package to Seattle and wanted to make sure we got it. Yesterday he texts me saying the package should arrive that day. I checked the mail around noon and nothing was in yet. Later in the afternoon he calls me and says "I just got a call confirming that your package has been delivered!" On my way downstairs, assuming he really wants me to grab the package and call him back to tell him what I think, I notice a group of people standing outside the main entrance. After the realization clicked, I stopped dead in my tracks when I recognized that hair, that voice, that stance: SURPRISE! Ish was on my doorstep! He road tripped out here with two of his friends, all the way from Minnesota. 


As silly as I felt I couldn't help but cry when we greeted. He's the first person who has visited us out here in Seattle, and the first person to remind me that we aren't so alone. It feels so incredibly comforting to have someone from home out here with us because something in this giant, scary city is finally familiar to me.

Ish's surprise wasn't the only great thing that has happened to me lately. I had a phone interview and an in-person interview with one of the centers on campus regarding a graduate assistantship. The phone interview could have gone a lot better, but I believe the in-person interview went very well and I'm really hoping I get this position! It encompasses a lot of my passions for programming and international education. Cross your fingers for me! I have another interview next week for a position in a nearby community college, also.

In other news, I had my last day of summer class today: I'm officially done with my first graduate level course! I cannot wait to dive into my fall classes so I can learn about student development theory and foundations of student affairs. According to my classmates my fall schedule will be quite a full one, but I think I'm prepared for the challenge.

Establishing a new life in Seattle has been much harder for me than I expected. I say I like change, but it has never been an easy thing for me to deal with. Turns out being a shy extrovert in a city with a reputation called The Seattle Freeze puts me at a disadvantage for making friends as well. I know I just have to give it some more time. I know that when school and/or work start up it can only get easier.

Zach and I decided to start volunteering in order to spend our time more meaningfully while we're unemployed. Two weeks from now we're volunteering for a conference about social media and non profit organizations. I'm looking forward to it!

OH AND BEFORE I GO
I have to say how gosh darned happy I am that my friends Lars and Addi are getting married. I have so much respect for that gregarious, unforgettable man and I have no doubt he picked the affable goddess of gorgeousness for a wife. Those two apparently started some wedding planning today because this undeserving-flattered-grateful girl is going to be in Addi Always-Beautiful's wedding party. You two are peanut butter and jelly; everyone who looks at you must know you're perfect for each other. Lars, I'm so glad I met you a few years ago. I'm so happy to be taking part in this part of your life! 

A trick to stay happy

As a young woman who frequently struggles with depression, I am constantly searching for ways to combat it. It's especially hard when I'm home alone; somehow my thought process becomes so dark and complex that I just don't know how to get out.

I've recently come up with a good trick to cheer me up, at least for a little while.
Have you ever thought about how fortunate you are?

I'm not talking about fiscal wealth; though, you'd be surprised that in comparison to other parts of the world, you are fiscally wealthy.
I'm talking about when all of your basic necessities are met and then some.

• I have a roof over my head
• I am not hungry
• I have clean, running water
• I have a husband and we are deeply in love
• I'm in school, furthering my education and development
• I have a job (actually, several of them)
• I have some quality friends
• I am able bodied
• I own a computer
• I have an awesome cat 

After I think about these things, and the various other things I am fortunate for, it's hard to be sad. I'm generally most successful in this trick when I share my fortune or thank someone who aids it.

Try it out sometime.
On Tumblr I follow a blog called delacroix; her real name is Kimber and she also curates the blog FYeahTattoos. I don't know her personally, but she has been very inspiring to me in many ways. Kimber sometimes posts lists she calls Very Good Things where she lists some of the very good things that have happend to her or things that make her happy. I have started doing this as well, but what I have to work on is making these lists not only when I'm happy. It's easy to make these lists when everything seems to be going right for you; we have to try them out when we're in all sorts of moods.

I challenge myself, and you, to more often think about the ways you are fortunate. I can almost guarantee it will make a difference. Here is an example of a Very Good Things list I made today:

• I have a phone interview on Tuesday morning
• I have a real shot at still getting in to grad school
• I'm currently listening to Meat Loaf (heck yes!)
• Graduation is coming up fast
• I was told I'm getting a raise at Cenex soon
• Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy is officially available for the season
• I'm in love with my new piercing
• Those moments when Odin cuddles between Zach and I in bed
• The record high temperatures for my last spring in Minnesota
• Being able to bike around town again
• Having a lovely balcony to chill on

You get the idea :)