I usually have my “pity-me parties” about every 6 weeks and deal with it by putting in a sad movie and bawling my eyes out. All the crying feels a little like closure to me and afterwards I am usually feel relatively normal again. One movie, one night, one box of tissues and I will end up with swollen eyes but with a much lighter mood. Being away from home, family and friends, and in a brand new environment has delayed the inevitable “down in the dumps’ cycle. But it hit this week at the 2 month mark with a vengeance.
I have come to the conclusion that if you deal with the meltdowns in a similar fashion and also leave the security of family and friends, make sure you bring more of your ‘tear letting’ movies than you would normally require. Reruns are just not as effective. I have already gone thru 3 nights and 3 of my “pity–me party” movies (Life as a House, City of Angels and Untamed Heart), and I am still not quite done - but I am getting close. Now don’t try mailing me some sort of miracle mood enhancer. My blues usually don’t last that long and they always remind me how good the good days are.
Experience has told me that my emotional cycles happen wherever I am - China, Timbuktu or St Simons Island. But being away from people you love just makes it harder and last longer. Thanks for being there for all my previous blue days. I miss you all.
Side note: By the time you read this blog installment I will be ok and back to the semi-normal Katie that you all know. Photo above is a picture of the campus last night (April 13th)- There must have been someone important visiting ZUFE because the fountains, music, spotlights, and library were all flowing, blaring and lit up to impress.
