So much has changed

Having just finished up a few emails to friends today, I realized that so much has changed in my life in the past year. If we haven't spoken in a few months, chances are I am tremendously different. I took my first sick day today, so I had plenty of time to catch up on grading and prep (woohoo!), but I also had time to rest, cook, and contemplate. Here's the short of it, simply to contrast how different things are. In this case, different is good.

Work is better! I felt like the first semester knocked me down and constantly kicked me where it hurt. I couldn't shake the feeling of being a failure, and I was constantly stressed and anxious, and very unhappy. This quarter is great! I've found a groove, but of course, still have much to learn. I'm content with the pace at which things are unfolding. If anything, third quarter is dragging on, and I feel like I have too much time! hah.

Just put down money to hold an incoming 2013 Nissan Leaf! I seriously did not think I'd be getting a car this year, but one incident in particular, combined with the realization that having my own reliable transportation is a mature investment, led me to explore my options. I really wanted to stay at home and sock away mondo bucks, but a car, and a sensible one at that, is worth less in the bank. Used cars down here aren't cheap, and are potentially unreliable. New cars are way beyond what I can afford. It just so happens that Nissan is pushing the Leaf due not selling nearly as much as they need to in order to justify how much they spent in production. I'm getting the very basic, no-frills model. What's the damage? 2K down and about $250 a month after taxes and fees. I can do that, even on a Catholic school teacher's salary! Insurance might be a little steep since I'm young, but even then, it won't be too bad. Also, no gas bill and several free charging stations around town, combined with free parking make it a great choice for Hawaii. The one-hundred mile range won't be a problem, at least not here. Should I move in the next three years, I can either take it with me, since it's leased through Nissan, or transfer the lease to my parents. Can't wait to get it in my hands and get to learn the car better!

The most enjoyable change has been getting to know a wonderful man. I feel so fortunate, and for lack of a better word, content. I'm usually over-thinking/over-analyzing/worrying about things, but I haven't done any of that in recent memory. We've been having so much fun exploring town and getting to know each other, and I feel very comfortable with it all. That's simply all that needs to be said - life is good, and I look forward to taking it as it comes.

It's also dawned on me that I haven't been anxious/self-deprecating/insecure in a long time. I wonder if my college friends or others from the past ran into me, if they would pick up on that. Ain't nobody got time fo' dat shit! Bahahahahahahahaha.

Until next time, peace out! It's almost spring break - woot! :)