Avenue G

 Dear friend, 

       Have you ever had ramen? If not, we should go sometime soon. I went yesterday with a few of my friends after visiting this massive furniture shop near the city and it's the perfect place for a late lunch or early dinner. I was actually so full that I forgot to eat for the rest of the day! Don't tell my parents though, they might get angry. 

       Anyways I met up with one of my friends who I haven't actually had a chance to see in a long time. The last time we saw him was at a McDonald's, where we talked for two hours past midnight about work and school and how unsure we were of both. So it was nice to see him yesterday. From what he told me, he's making quite a lot of money despite not being in school at the moment which makes me happy to be completely honest. 

       The older I get, the more I've grown empathetic to those who choose to go straight for 'the bag' rather than chasing some degree in order to apply for jobs that are never guaranteed, though they're hopeful that their degree will automatically land them a high and well-paying occupation. It's all up to personal preference, I guess. All I know is that I have friends who are currently in school or going into school and I have friends who are not. But they're my friends all the same and I'll be happy as long as they're happy. 

       I know it's difficult to be unemployed especially at the age I am now so I'm grateful nonetheless for being employed. So that I have money to buy a new lamp for my room and a painting to replace the mirror on the left wall of my room. I'd spend money on people too but I just haven't been seeing anyone lately.  

       At least I'll have more money to save for my Europe trip. 

       My friend who we hadn't seen in a long time also paid for all of our food that afternoon, including both ramen and ice cream. He really is making money. I think it's important to have friends who are willing to pay for you even when you're able to pay for yourself. Not because you get to save money and place that burden of a bill in the hands of another, but because you're giving them an opportunity to do some good for their friend who they haven't seen in a year. 

       It's good to feel generous once in a while, if not all the time. That goes both ways too. Last night, I had a terrible headache. It's not because I was sick or anything, I think it's because the night before- when I had basically taken four consecutive naps rather than one continuous sleep. I'm pretty sure it's because of the fly in my room who's still here. I'll open a window or something later. 

       Anyways to get over my headache last night, I slept a few hours earlier than I usually do. It was really nice because even though I woke up again a few hours after twelve, my headache was gone! So it's important to be generous to yourself. 

       To buy yourself that painting you saw and loved at the store so that you can hang it on the wall of your room, where you'll wake up each day and see it and love it all the same. 

       After getting ice cream, I was dropped off at my friend's house. And although he had no sleep the night before, he said he'd drive me home and I think that was really generous of him. I also don't think that he regretted it because on that long, winding road leading to the street of my house was the most beautiful and clear blue September sky I had ever seen. There were wisps and vapours of light grey overlaying the sun but they weren't clouds. 

       That ride down that road felt like a wishful dream, one that fades from memory a few minutes after opening your eyes. I'm trying my best to remember it and keep it where it is. I think I'll take a walk an hour before sunset later today, in hopes of seeing that same sky again. If not, maybe I'll be met by something familiar.

        I'll let you know. 

Get home safely,

Rave

Kyutae Lee, Drawing, 2016