divine 2009.

Greetings from 2009, everyone! A new year, at last!

Well, I'm starting a blog...mainly because I am terrible at journaling. I think it will be fun, though, writing little tidbits about my ever-so-exciting life.  I'm studying abroad in beautiful Nantes, France this school year but am home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the holidays before heading back on January 16th. It's been awesome being home with my crazy family (four brothers and me = always a good time). Surreal, but awesome. Just two weeks ago I was 4,200 long miles away from home, establishing a new, entirely French life, away from all familiarity and the comforts of home. And here I am, sitting in my old bed yet again, contemplating possible new year resolutions for 2009.  It sure feels good to decompress though.

Since I find that new year resolutions are almost always forgotten come February, I'm going to be realistic this year. None of that "I'm going to exercise five times a week and eliminate white flour from my diet" garbage. So here goes:

I find that everyone, myself included, tends to really complain about a lot in our lives. I'm finally starting to realize that it is not worth it. I actually have so many things to be grateful for! So, I think it's about time I look on the bright side of things; be more positive, and recognize how lucky I am just to be young and alive. Find joy in the simplest things, like a beautiful song, a letter from a friend, a good breakfast, late nights with good company, a kick-ass glass of wine, meeting new people,...there are so many things to be grateful for! So let us stand back, get some perspective on our life, and start each day with a "THANK YOU." 

What am I grateful for today? My family, the sunshine, Simon & Garfunkel, and coming across this:

"How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank.

Here will we sit, and let the sounds of music

Creep in our ears; soft stillness, and the night

Become the touches of sweet harmony."

--William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Can you imagine a more enchanting, divine scene than this? J'adore...

Makes me think... "2009, it'll be divine."