Just So Damn Happy

I can't remember the last time I've ever been this consistently happy, if ever.

I believe it all starts with the duplex. It's decorated to feel just like home. Our room is so big, and the walk-in closet gives me warm fuzzies every morning. Our bathroom towels are yellow and orange, and our shower curtain is shiny orange. We have our own washer and dryer, so I can literally walk out of the bedroom and do laundry. And if I have to wake up to pee at 2:30 in the morning, I'm not forced to walk through a hall with lights that blind me, then have people stare at me awkwardly in the lounge, then find three of the four toilets clogged with some kind of bodily excrement. That in itself could just make you giddy, right?

I get to live with some of my very best friends - Sean, Nick, and Dan. A lot of people give me grief for living with three guys, but they don't really understand. I love Nick and Dan like brothers. We say we're a family, and we really are. I'm glad that they're as clean (or cleaner) than I am, that they don't want to have parties at our house, and that they like to help cook!

Speaking of cooking, I have a new hobby! Granted, we haven't really made anything that incredibly complicated yet, I just love spending time in the kitchen. It's unconquered territory for me - a new frontier. It's even more fun because Sean and I often cook together, so of course I mess around and give him a hard time :)

Oddly enough, I enjoy cleaning...most days. I like doing laundry and Swiffering, making the bed, organizing the closet. It's cathartic for me. And it satisfies a bit of my OCD.

Of course, just thinking back on my memories of Spain always brings a smile to my face...how couldn't it? I had the best summer of my life, and it just makes me so happy to reminisce!

Reason 85: I GOT THE SPORTS BEAT FOR THE MISSOURIAN!!!
When I opened the e-mail tonight, I screamed and danced around. All this time I had been dreading the impending doom that I'd be assigned the neighborhood beat or government or some shit. If that had happened, I would have been miserable. But it didn't, and I'm not. I'm just so damn excited. I can't even put it into words! I'm really hoping to cover volleyball or soccer, but whatever comes my way, it's sports, so I don't care. I will love it no matter what.

I get to have my favorite professor for the third time, and it just makes me giddy. I love that little Peruvian man! Haha...he is the cutest thing ever and SUCH a good teacher. Just incredible.

I love my job. I get to talk to people, help them if they need it, and in my down time, I can watch Gilmore Girls, read, or as a last resort, do homework. I really am so fortunate to be able to work here.

My family is awesome. Crazy...but awesome.

I got the 1985 Live Aid concert DVD for my birthday! It is absolutely fabulous. I love the 80s!

I turn 21 on Sunday...that's cause for celebration, right?! Apple martini, here I come!