How Life Has Changed

This is the fifty-first post of You Got Schooled! and I have been for a total of two months next week. Thinking of this as a kind of anniversary, here's a list of how my life has changed by attending (GASP!) public school, in no particular order.

1. I'm happier. I can honestly say that. Excusing a bad hair day or a bunch of C quizzes, I am happy every day.
2. I have structure for five days a week, and then none whatsoever for the weekend. Works out fine for me.
3. I no longer have a long commute to my place of education. I LOVE this. I LOVE walking home from school on a beautiful day.
4. I have less free time but, refuting an original worry, I still have time to read blogs, write articles, get published and do music. This might change if I get a second job.
5. I've made friends for the first time in Sayers. It's ridiculous how fast people were friendly, which is a testament to prayer and to the coolness of Maud Lovelace kids.
6. I've realized how I hate overachieverism. Especially now as I hang out with all the math/science geniuses, I see how they all stress about grades (okay, not ALL that much.)
7. I'm SO much more chill! To translate for the geriatrics: I'm much calmer and less likely to pounce on people or burst into tears. I have cried so much less, it's unbelievable. My tear ducts don't know me.
8. And as a carryover, I'm at peace with myself. Most of the time. The inner Gabrielles have an occasional battle.

My friends have even noticed the change in my voice on the phone. "Gabby, I hate you! Your life is too cool!" Yes, yes it is. I have been given so much: in happiness, in clothing (which is happiness), in circumstance. If it were less, it would be payback, but it's not. It's a gift and I thank God for it.