Saying Goodbye (#141)

Tonight is my last night in this apartment. It marks the end of my first year of graduate school. These past two semesters have challenged me academically in ways I wasn’t initially ready for. Transitioning from Bridgewater was hard and UMass has a much larger campus. I was accustomed to feeling more connected to my campus and the people and that was much harder here in my role. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with some truly incredible humans that make me grateful to be here. Each of them have helped make this place feel more like home. I’m looking forward to building on what I’ve started here and I have my tools to fall back on.

Adopting my cat Ned changed my life. I really needed something to love after going through a really tough summer. He got me up in the morning when I didn’t want to get up. He would greet me at the door after a long day of work and class. He listened to me rant and question the universe when nothing made sense. I will miss him dearly when I’m in England but I’m grateful for the healing he’s provided me. He needed a good home and I needed a good cat. I’m thankful my mom was so eager to watch him this summer while I’m away.

If you’re interested in adopting an animal or learning more about the process, check out what I used here!

This apartment is home to a lot of good memories and bad memories. I learned a lot about myself in the past year and I’m looking forward to what’s to come. The future is bright but I’m thankful for today.

ALSO, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! Grateful for my mom for so many reasons.

05.13.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

1. Mellow beats on Spotify ( https://open.spotify.com/track/6vPDjg4zuLlJrzgm9vqZCj?si=4s5EngiXSXaX85Nlw0O81g)
2. Mother’s Day with my family
3. Going home
4. The help I got from my mom and sister clearing my apartment
5. Healing
6. New beginnings and what’s to come
7. My cat, Ned
8. My BSU friends seeing me off before Europe
9. Time in Ashland
10. A chance to say goodbye
11. Double sided tape
12. A VERY clean apartment
13. Old friends
14. UMass Moving
15. All the good books and podcasts recommended to me for my trip
16. Warm socks
17. Taco Tuesdays
18. My walks to and from the gym
19. The feeling of clean teeth
20. Help planning my trip to Iceland
21. Comfy pants
22. Sunny days and warm weather
23. FaceTimes with friends
24. Tattoo stories
25. The precious present

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

This was me in front of Emerson during the summer! That feels like a lifetime ago now. I still wear those shoes all the time too in case you were wondering.

Featured image of my favorite sunset I chased looking out from my apartment. This was early on in the summer when I was still nervous about the move. Something about the colors put me at ease. I’m grateful for this past year for so many reasons, even the little ones. 

Author: Jake Ames

Grad student, feline father, twin brother, buffalo chicken enthusiast, and gratitude writer. Using this blog to hopefully inspire others on their journey. Love your process, whatever that looks like. View all posts by Jake Ames