The ABC's of Me: The Africa Edition

I have been in South Africa just under a month. The last for days we were all participating in stays in a local African community. While I've been in the community, aka away from technology and the internet, I had some time to reflect and here is what I came up with. The ABC's of Me: The Africa Edition [Looking back, I'm not sure how it is the ABC's since everything is numbered...but moot point I suppose]

First, let's all take a moment to rock out to some Kanye. I must confess I'm not typically a huge Kanye fan, but it's been stuck in my head the last 24 hours. And quite frankly, after the month I've had, it seems appropriate. [Yes, even after staying up past midnight, I still woke up before 5am. And the first song I listened to was Kanye. If I had twitter, the would be a #AfricaProblems momemt, ha!] If you are feeling so inclined, feel free to enjoy some Jason (what a classic!), some Miley (because this was recommended on my sidebar after watching Jason... Youtube, I question your methods, but still approve.) It's so bad, it's good. Leyton says it's okay, because after all, I'm from the USA. Win.

Anyway... Let's start with the lighter revelations, shall we?
1. It is really bright here, and one way or another, I need significantly less sleep here. If I was home right now, I'd practically be hibernating. I'd honestly need at least 8 hours; here, I can get by on 3 or 4 hours, piece of cake.

2. Thanks to my dad and his awesome genetics, I also eat less here. My tiny Pennsylvanian stomach just can't adjust to this African heat! I also burn like it's my job, but anyone who knows me will also know that is a given.

3. I'm okay with long periods of silence. Maybe more so than the average person. It's interesting because I can sit in a car for two hours and not talk and be completely content, but lately, I can also break out into spontaneous song and/or fits of laughter.

And now it's time for some Taylor, because it would be mildly un-American to leave her off the list entirely.

4. Despite my spontaneous singing and/or fits of laughter, I'm not really that outgoing. Or maybe I am outgoing in a quiet way. [side note: I've been told I don't fit the American stereotype, but I feel like there are a lot, and I didn't ask for specifics, but I'm going to take that as a compliment.] At any rate, I guess I'm just not as talkative as other people here. When I first reflected on this, my immediate response was to chastise myself, there is something in my brain that assumes, that other people assume, that if I'm not talkative I come off as cold. If that makes any sense at all. But then I realized I'm 27 and should just embrace it and move on with my life. [Insert Carly here. She's not American, but she is on the continent, so it will do.]

And now it's time for some Katy. But seriously, how did I get from Kanye West to Katy Perry?

5. I've got mettle. I can throw caution into the wind and just deal with it. I'm hard to rattle. Which I have noticed before, but everyone wants to think they can handle trial by fire, right? But coming here has confirmed that I am braver than I thought. I can handle the big things and be steadfast in unexpected or uncomfortable situations...

6. ...this bravery might be a ruse when you consider the fact that I am also impulsive. Perhaps more so than I originally thought. Potentially to the point of being naive but as I'm not dead yet, and haven't even caused that much damage, let's be honest: I'm just going to roll with it.

One more from Katy.

7. I can deal with the big things, yet somehow I am more annoyed by the little things.

8. I was definitely naive about how this trip would impact my life. Obviously I knew it would, and I was told essentially on a daily basis prior to my flight that it would. I just underestimated the changes it would bring. Maybe I underestimate how whole-heartedly I would welcome those changes...

9. ...I don't think I realized how unhappy I was at home. I put value and energy into areas in my life it should have never been in the first place. It's been a harsh learning curve, but definitely worth it.

10. I am a hot mess. I really don't have it together at all. I haven't really figured out anything either. Except that I wasted my time, along with the time of other people, and energy. I'm pretty much a walking disaster area. [Cue Alkaline Trio because mercy is something I need a lot of!] I suppose a construction area would be more appropriate, and slightly less self-deprecating. But folks, it honestly hasn't been all that pretty. It involved lots of shenanigans, hard questions and conversations, tears, and for a period of 48 hours, I really felt like I was barely keeping my head above water. But it has been awesome, and honestly it might be the best thing I've ever gone through in my life! So I guess I'm a hot mess, but I enjoy it?

11. I really, really hate filtering myself. I have to admit that I pride myself on being an open book. I think it's an awesome quality to have, but I have to keep telling myself it isn't everything. I think the periods in my life that I have been happiest, were also the periods that I was most impulsive. No holds barred, no shame, no filter periods. Delightful as that may be, I have to remind myself to be merciful to those around me. I could easily bare my heart and soul, but that would be caustic to certain people in my life. So I just have to sit here and shut up. I will filter. I won't enjoy it, but I will do it. [After all, not everyone can have my self esteem. The Offspring said it all though didn't they? 'The more you suffer, the more it shows you really care right? yeah!" Okay, that was true, but maybe harsh. Filter back on.]

12. I've learned some hard lessons. Hindsight is 20/20. Looking back, I had a few relationships where I was head-over-heels. I always got burned, so in the future, I tried to avoid certain things. It turns out those things were part of the reason I was so happy in the first place.  I fully realize this won't make any sense at first glance to anyone who knows my relationship history, but it's been a good revelation in the best way.

Now for some Blink. And more. And some more.

13. bonus: I've picked up a Canadian-accent and I'm still alive! At least until I go back to Pennsylvania...

And lastly, here's a little love by the Plain White T's to start off your Tuesday. You're welcome.

Thanks coming on this little journey of retrospection with me, but it's time for me to go see what other shenanigans I can get myself into here in the lovely country of South Africa!