Home is Where the Heart is

The first apartment I had when I moved to Florida in 2008 was amazing. i remember waiting in line at registration and I was chatting up the person behind me. I had no idea that there were four apartment complexes to chose from.

Vista Way is the main, and original complex. It is older than the others. I remember that it had the reputation of being the "party" complex, and it sure was loud when I hung out there.  They were simply furnished, as are all of the apartments, which is so helpful for the coming from those far off places.

I was told to ask to move into Chatham Square, and it was the best place I've ever lived.It is so quite, and beautiful, I remember walking around at night and just being so happy that I had the opportunity to live in a place so beautiful

About once a month or so, someone would pull a prank and pour soap into the fountain, and suds would completely cover the Chatham Square sign.

I had my leadership and management class in those buildings, Wednesday mornings if I remember correctly.

This was the building I lived in. My window is on the second floor, there in the light colored section of the building.

This was the view out of my widow. There were many events and parties that happened on this grass area. Just past the trees are the tennis and volleyball and basketball courts. To the left there is the pool and the classrooms. I literally could be in class in about a minute.

 I'll admit I never spent much time at the Commons, It is the apartment complex for international students, so I only went there for my orientation in the classroom they have there.

This is the building where orientation took place.

Patterson Court had been open for about three weeks when I went to Disney. I had a few friends who ended up there during my second program. I remember how plain the landscaping was, bring so new and all. these pictures show how much it has grown in the recent years.

I had my first Thanksgiving in Florida here at Patterson. The CP had Thanksgiving for all of us, buffet style. I got to have my dinner with my Chinese roommate, Sophie. It was a fun experience for both of us. An international Thanksgiving


These places were wonderful to go and visit, and live in for 2 years. I sure miss it!

Complaining and Thanking

It is so easy to fall into the habit of complaining. There is a lot to complain about in life, politics, religion, money, the behavior of others, and I'm sure there are things you could add to that short list. When I complain about something, I usually try to do it in my head and then get over it. I don't really see it as wrong because it makes me feel better, doesn't involve or hurt anyone else and gives me ideas on how I want to or not want to do that thing or think or be like the thing complained about (...if that made sense).

Now the reverse side of complaining is trying to appreciate what we have and giving thanks (in my case, I think God). I have much to be thankful for.

(I hope this does not turn into my acceptance speech. You know, the one that almost every actor/actress  says 'wow I was totally unprepared' then pulls out a list of who to thank).

1) I am thankful for my job. I enjoy going into my store and everyone knows me, and greets me. It reminds me of the show Cheers. I enjoy working nights, I enjoy my regular customers, I enjoy coffee, I enjoy the company of the people I work with, I am thankful for flexibility so I can go to school and participate in my other functions.

2) I am thankful that I am doing well in school. I have worked so hard this semester for the grades I am earning. It has been so hard with no computer until now, and unreliable internet use at home. I have spent numerous hours in the computer lab at school studying, working on labs and homework.
I am excited for next semester, and the challenges it presents. I have not been a full time student in several years. I am thankful that I was granted financial aid to assist my needs.

3) I am thankful for the opportunities that Trinity United Presbyterian Church have offered to me. I love helping out and sometimes teaching the junior higher kids in Elevate. I have seen some huge leaps in maturity and faith in the two years I have been volunteering.
For over a year and a half, I have been praying to become more involved in the church. I wasn't sure how, but I felt like God was going to be opening a door for me in the future. This past week I was nominated for deacon at my church and I am thankful for that consideration. 

There are many other things I am thankful for, and I tried to keep this list to three for now. It is important to not only be thankful on Thanksgiving, but thankful all the time. It is so easy to complain about the mundane life, and it is difficult to appreciate the mundane life from time to time. You are safe, healthy, and alive!