I come across as “sweet” without being conscious of it and I have this rule against being rude to people who handle my food. This, in turn, has resulted in semi friendships with the people who work in the campus cafeteria. Well, friends is the wrong term considering I don’t know their names, but we go out of our way to say hi to one another and make conversation.

They’re a fine folk who unexpectedly shine some light on my day.  One of my favorites (because I do have a few of those) gave me some good advice once.

“You know, right now there’s a storm. There’s a storm with heavy wind and the boat is shakin’ back and forth and you’re getting a bit sea sick and all that. But you know, that storm doesn’t last and soon you’ll be on a beautiful island.”

“Just a year and a half. I only have a year and a half.”

“That’s right. Just think about that, sweetheart, and you’ll be fine.”