It's All About Perspective

Over the past week or so I have spent time individually with three different people (with whom I am extremely close) who have moved out of Albany over the past couple years (two to western New York--Ithaca and Syracuse--and one to Baton Rouge). Each one of these three precious people says that he misses Albany, a lot. This is the regret I do not want to have. I am staying (for now). I will take a sabatical from my life at some point and scoot off to Barcelona for a year or two, but I'm almost positive I'll end up back here. Jan (Baton Rouge) asked if I've become bored (bored here, bored with my job, bored with my life). After a minute of contemplation, I answered no. The thing is, I told him, I have a great appreciation for the little things in my life (cliche or not, it's the truth). I love being by myself in my tiny apartment that I share with my cats. I love that I have no one to answer to, and I have all the freedom in the world to do whatever I want, whenever I want. I treasure that I get to be close to my brother and that I can be there for him whenever he needs me. I appreciate that I enjoy my job, because a lot of people aren't that lucky. I love that I have good food in my fridge, a car that's fun to drive and still in good shape (and almost paid off!), three parks within walking distance from my house, and an excellent theater in the Spectrum. I love that the Egg's super close, the river is close by too, and I can walk down the street and know at least half of my neighbors. I love that I came here with no family, no connections, and I have made a very comfortable place for myself to live. I love that I have found girlfriends that have become like sisters to me, and I love that I still feel optimistic about my job and my future (at my paper and elsewhere). I don't take these things lightly. I make sure every day to remind myself how lucky I am to have the life I have, the friends and family I love, and to live in the environment in which I feel the most fulfilled. So Jan--that was the long answer. :-)