The Little Things

One thing I have realized is that the little things matter most. So here are some of the little things that I am really thankful for right now.

• Letters. Not emails, not facebook messages, but actual handwritten letters. It is a shame they have gone out of style, because they mean so much- I think if people actually wrote letters, then they would realize how important they are. It shows someone has taken the time to sit down, think about what they are going to say, handwrite it, and get it to a mailbox. That is so much more dynamic than sitting at a desk illuminated by a computer screen. 
• Making time for music. Just blasting a song I love and dancing around my dorm room. Or taking the time to strum my guitar a bit, trying to work on chords and transitions. 
• Conversations. Everyone here has something to share, some ability to help put things in perspective in your own life (or to just make you laugh after a hard day).
• Family. And by this I don't mean the narrow term of the family you were born into (though, in my case, that is an amazing, loving group of people). I also mean the family we create, the people we choose to spend our time with and the people we take our masks off in front of. Being here, so far away from home, we really have created an ohana. And ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind, or forgotten. (From Lilo and Stitch. A perfect example of this new-formed family of NYUAD is when Laura and I were just hanging out in Sachi's room, and we looked up the clip of this part of Lilo and Stitch (I found out I didn't have the first movie with me, only the second :( ) and we just sat there tearing up, thinking about family, and realizing that we aren't alone here. We are forced to trust each other more and have less of a wall. It is a good thing, it can just be scary at times)
• 1 dirham naan. Not only does it force me to walk outside of Sama, it is fresh-baked naan for $0.27USD. And it is sooooo good. So good. 
• Stickie notes. Our room often leaves notes for each other about random things at random times, and it is awesome. I have taken up the habit in others rooms as well. 
• Hardcover notebooks. They are so much better than spiral bound or sewn, but in the US they are really expensive and difficult to find. Not here :) 
• Going to the beach and swimming in the Arabian Gulf for the first time (it only took me 2 months!)
• Sparkly purple nail polish
• Hearing the Imams call to prayer drifting through the air, giving the city a sacred ancient note, contrasted sharply with the modernity everywhere else
• Getting a "you've got mail" email. Because that means something physical from a loved one really far away. Like a letter. Did I mention I love letters? (And I do write back :)
• Having words which everyone cringes/laughs at when they hear, because they are so overused. For example- modernity. cosmopolitan. world honors college. diversity. global citizen. 
• Being appreciative of people. Always saying thank-you with a smile, asking 'how are you?' and meaning it
• Eccentric professors
• Being able to go to someones room and just talk, or get away from an essay, or hang out and learn from each other
• Exploring, connecting, and adventuring.

There are so many more that aren't on this list. And the list keeps growing everyday. I am so blessed to be here, and I try to live up to that every day.

<3