If Silence is Golden, Then What is Noise?

Living with 4-5 roommates (it depends on how many are home, and whether or not they bring someone home to spend the night) is far from quiet. There's always someone coming and going- at all hours of the day or night sometimes- and people coming to visit and play games, and, well, you get the picture. Then there's my complex, which is really like a college dorm, with the parties, shouting, and people getting drunk and screaming and boomboxes playing way past midnight. (Just as though nobody has to go to bed.) And working at a major resort I am constantly surrounded by noise and commotion. There's always someone talking, people asking questions, children screaming or crying because they've been up too late too many night, an occational little persom running through the food court and screaming just because they can, and music constanly playing in the background. (As if the people ambiance isn't enough, we get to listen to the same four jazz songs over and over again. That or two or three much over-done Disney songs.) I am continuously surrounded by people talking to me, needing my full attention, and, after awhile, I start to feel overwhelmed.

So naturally, when I finally get a moment alone, I take full advantage of it. I will either listen to music (of my choice and volume), read a book, watch TV or a movie (well, at least I would until one of my roommates sent her TV home with some friends, and the only other one that had a TV sold it), or catch up on my sleep. (I discovered that when I'm really tired, I can sleep really heavy, and, even if I'm sleeping in the living on the sofa, nothing interupts my sleep and wakes me- at least, not for more than a minute or two.) More importantly, when I'm alone, I can finally read my Bible and pray without interruption.

As y'all know, I am naturally quiet, and am not a person who enjoys loud noise, particularly not for extended periods. I much prefer going home after work and propping my legs up, fixing myself a cup of tea, and surfing the internet, reading, watching TV (at a normal volume), etc. If I'm going to hang out with someone, I would rather not do something loud. We can play games and shout because we're winning or losing, but I don't want to listen to rock music past a certain hour, or have a loud party. Don't get me wrong, I love hanging out with my friends, I just don't like LOUD.

I can't wait to get home and have, at the most one roommate, who, hopefully, is not loud, doesn't party, and doesn't bring friends home to spend the night without asking. (It's not so much that part that gets to me; it's when that friend spends the night in my room- especially when that friend is a boyfriend.) Plus, I'll be able to have at least one cat (cats are quiet!). And, most of all, to be able have a little more me time.

Time Sure Does Fly When You're Having Fun!

I can't believe it's already been almost four months since I left! People told me that it was going to pass quickly, and it really has.

So, what have I learned? Well, I've learned alot about dealing with people- all kinds of people, from all over the world. I've learned how to talk to people, how not to deal with people, and how to work past lanquage barriers. I've learned that I can push myself alot further than I ever thought; physically, mentally, and emotionally. I've also learned that getting up early in the morning five days a week and going to work is not such a bad deal as I thought. In fact, it's a good thing. (The human body can only stand a mixed up schedule so long before crashing. And then you sleep for two days- and then start all over again.) I've also become alot more independent, so look out world! I am extremely used to doing my own thing now, and I love living on my own!

I have no place to live when I get home, but I know that God has a plan. He provided the money for my ticket home, and has provided extra hours at work so that I can actually save money for when I get back. He's brought me this far, and I know that He's not going to let me hang. He's given me the strength to get this far, and He'll continue to do so!