I like today. Today can happen again tomorrow if it likes...

Today has started out and continued as it usually does.

I woke up ten minutes before I had to leave the house and ran around trying to find clothes that fit and deodorant that would last all day before sprinting out the door with a passing wave at Mr-Host as I went.

Once I was at work, I sat and I typed and I joked with Line-Manager-Monica. She bragged about going on holiday next week and I starting bragging about going away for 6 whole months. She then stopped bragging and said that if she had to listen to me brag about that for the next 5 months then she would have to put me under disciplinary proceedings. I, of course, laughed at this until I realised she seemed pretty silent and stern faced and my laughter began to take on a nervous twang before stopping and I started up typing again, muttering my apologies as I did. It was a pretty normal day.

I did have one really sucky moment today however when I quickly checked the clock, realised that I had in fact stayed overtime as per usual, shut everything down and grabbed my bag to leave. I said goodbye to Line-Manager-Monica when she looked at me quizzically.

"Um Lisa," she said. "What time is it?"

I nodded guiltily and held up my hands.

"I know, I stayed late again today. I'm sorry, I'll try and leave on time tomorrow."

Line-Manager-Monica looked at me expectantly, her eyebrows raised. Her eyes then drifted to the clock behind me, hinting for me to do the same. I followed her gaze and that beautiful elated and freeing feeling I usually feel when I know that my day is almost over, sank to the bottom of my stomach. I'd read the time wrong. It was a whole hour earlier than I had thought it was.

"Oh." I said, and turned back to look at Line-Manager-Monica, a deep pout firm on my face. "But I have my coat on and everything!"

She simply tilted her head and went back to her computer. "Looks like you're going to have to take it off again then, aren't you?"

Needless to say, I kept my pout for the remainder of that hour, although I did manage to get a lot done, so I gave myself a little pat on the back for that.

When I did eventually leave, the journey home was also the same as it had been the day before. I sat on trains and buses and listened to my Ben Folds playlist whilst congratulating myself on getting to that point with a new playlist where I was beginning to be able to sing along with the lyrics... the other people on said trains and buses didn't seem in the same congratulating mood however... I guess they had just had tough days, poor things.

Getting home however was when my day got lovely.

First off, I had a thought walking up to the McDonalds I walk past on my way to and from work each day. This thought was; "ooh, I'm hungry, if I got just a double cheeseburger and chicken snack wrap then that would be cheap enough to constitute the spending of money, right?" Now, usually when I have thoughts such as these, especially when there is a fast food restaurant within my vicinity, I pretty much am powerless to stop these thoughts from turning into actions. As such, the closer I reached the McDonalds entrance, the stronger I felt my resolve get. However, by some strike of what I can only assume is a modern day miracle, my feet magically kept on walking past the entrance door, directing me home and away from the fast food temple of doom.

I know a lot of you might be thinking that this doesn't really seem like a big thing, and it probably shouldn't be deemed as a big thing in the grand scheme of things, but unfortunately, for a person like me who has never quite understood the concept of will power in her entire life, this felt as I had just discovered a new element, named it after me and won the nobel prize... much like Daniela Davids (who's Daniela Davids? I hear you cry? Well find out here).

Anywho, I was very happy with myself by the time that I got home this evening which led to even more happiness as I entered my new little home, currently owned by a scrumptious family that I am staying with consisting of Mr-Host, Mrs-Host, The-Thirteen-Year-Old, The-Eleven-Year-Old and The-Five-Year-Old, or collectively known as The-Family.

I opened the door to a wave of laughter and joking about and found The-Family eating in the dining room. Mr-Host immediately offered me a cup of tea, Mrs-Host offered me food and before I knew it I was joining in with this family fun. I sat and watched as the kids joked about the proper way of pronouncing Haagen Dazs and helped The-Thirteen-Year-Old load the dishwasher.

I then sat with The-Five-Year-Old and read her stories, one of which being my favourite story when I was her age. Mrs-Host was doing a crossword puzzle and I attempted (and failed miserably) to help her answer any of the questions. When The-Five-Year-Old was sent to bed, she gave me the biggest hug that has ever been and ran off with Mrs-Host.

I then showered and realised something... I had missed this. I had missed the enjoyment of being part of a family. Don't get me wrong, I have an amazing family of my own, two amazing parents and two pretty awesome brothers, but we're all grown up now and living far from each other. This though, nights like this... wow. They are so much fun and allow you to feel so loved and warm and fuzzy inside.

I've loved the freedom of my own place. I've loved the way it has helped me grow, I've loved the independence it has given me and the confidence that I've gained in knowing what I want in life rather than what is expected of me... however, sometimes I think I've taken it too far. I've enjoyed being alone a little too much. I spend every evening alone in my house, I barely go out or socialise anymore... and yes it's got a lot to do with the fact that large groups of people make me want to shake uncontrollably and search for the nearest toilet, hoping and praying that The Bloggess isn't already hiding in there. But today I realised that not all social interaction is bad... actually I'm pretty sure that most social interaction isn't bad but you know what I mean.

Anywho, I'm content this evening... this evening I've realised that I get to spend the next five months not only living with The-Family but part of The-Family, and for that I am extremely grateful for them...

... sometimes, people are just awesome.

Peace out my lovelies