Looking up.

So things haven't exactly been smooth sailing recently, but in the past couple of days my optimism and energy have definitely begun to resurface. While, I won't say they've blossomed yet, they're definitely on their way. Somehow I've managed to turn myself into a flower. I guess the tattoo makes sense now, anyway.

It's not that anything big or special has happened to make me feel particularly peppy, but I'm finding it's the little things. For example: having an interesting conversation in French (and if it's grammatically correct you might see me jump for joy), taking the time to clean my room or straighten my hair, the fact that it's 60 degrees and sunny in February, or having a chat with my Mama or Anna le on skype. All of these things are fantastic on their own, but the past two days have been filled with these little things that add up and make one happy Tori.

I just kind of snapped out of the "snooze" I was in the past couple weeks. I realized that I only have 3 more months here in France. While that may sound like a long time, the first 4 months absolutely flew by. I can't waste time laying in bed feeling sorry for myself. I've got to make the most out of my time here and gosh darn it, I'm going to! Once again, I don't mean that I need to travel to 27 countries during each of my vacations and go skiing in the Alpes every weekend. As terrific as that would be, I once again think that I'll make the most out of my time here by doing the little things.

I'm going to go get dinner and drinks with my friends tonight. We'll laugh and play silly games and speak too much English, but that's okay. I've been much better about speaking with the other teachers in French and joining in on more conversations, even if I'm not feeling 100% confident. I'm going to babysit an adorable little French girl that reminds me so much of my niece, Kiely. I get to help her speak English, while playing and working a bit on my French too (shhh!). I get to see some of my most timid students slowly raising their hands and participating more often. I get to eat delicious cheese as often as I want! I am so honored and privileged and so damn lucky to be here. And I know that it's all of these little things that I'll remember the most.

That's not to say that I'm not looking forward to traveling though! It's actually one of my goals this weekend to look at the budget and see if I can sneak in a bit of traveling during the next vacation, even if it's just to another part of France. We'll see! Not to mention my mommy is coming back in April!! Ahhhhh, I can't wait!!! llsdkfkhgfgjgf.

The point is, no more Ms. Grumpy Gills. C'est vachement mieux d'etre heureuse, non?