Ponderous Simplicity

It is interesting how much of a difference the "small things" make.

Just a few short months ago, I felt it was time to make a change and so I moved from the place I had been living for 2 1/2 years. I was ready for somewhere a little quieter, with less roommates, which meant (hopefully) it would be and stay a little cleaner without me feeling like a maid. Unlike what usually happens for me, things happened really quick where I found a place that seemed ideal - one roommate who was quiet and clean. It all started well - the roommate really was clean and quiet and I never had to worry about having to clean up after her or loud get togethers or movies going until 1 or 2 in the morning. And while she wasn't the friendliest person in the world we chatted a couple of times and exchanged pleasantries in passing - so not exactly balmy California or Florida but not like the Arctic or anything.

Sadly, it only took a few weeks for things to go south - or north because things got ALOT cooler and even ended up being downright frigid. I'm still not sure if something specific happened or she just really didn't want to have a roommate, though from things I've learned since it does appear to be the latter and not due to the fact that I didn't rinse the bathtub out well enough or use only exactly half of the fridge. Needless to say I quickly learned in greater depth than I would have like that people really do send of vibes - and when they are negative vibes it isn't very pleasant. So even when she wasn't at home, there seemed to be a pall surrounding the place. And it was a small enough place that you couldn't go anywhere in the apartment and not feel it. It has made me much more aware of the vibes or aura or whatever you want to call it that I project at different times.

This has led me to be extremely grateful for the small things. Thankfully, I've been able to move to another place that has already helped to lift the dark cloud I've felt surrounded by the last couple of months.

So I am grateful for small things like -

* Sitting next to your roommates in church feeling uplifted and edified as they share a spiritual experience, but also at another point being able to all laugh at something funny you just observed during Sacrament Meeting.

* Chatting with your roommate for a few hours while your doing something or she is cooking in the kitchen.

* Having both of your roommates say have a good day as they leave for work.

* Knowing when you come home your roommates will be happy to see you and you are happy to see them.

* Knowing if you needed something you could ask them. It really brought things home as far as how  things had declined or how bad it was when I had a blowout early one morning while out ride my bike and I was about 7 miles from home and I didn't even consider calling my roommate for help because I knew she wouldn't come.

* You are made to feel a part of living there rather than an intruder.

It stinks living somewhere that is difficult but I can see how living there has helped me to see and understand the things that are important to me and that I really am grateful for. I don't think my current roommates read my blog but if either one of you ever does read this post, I hope you know how grateful I am for you! It makes me want to be a better roommate and not fall into some of the not so great habits I did at the last place I lived as far as being much more aware of those around me and always striving to be welcoming and friendly.

In other news  - I'm leaving to go on vacation tomorrow and I'm super excited. It seems like it has been FOREVER since I went on vacation since last year I had to use my PTO on having surgery, which let me tell you is no vacation :) So here's to the small things - paying attention to them and being grateful for them because they really do make a difference!