Top Ramen

Today, I got to sleep in! Unbelievably invigorating! I simply can't describe the sense of inner calm I awoke with. Then, I got on facebook. If I'm ever on Facebook for an extended period of time, I get depressed. Don't ask me why, because I haven't the slightest idea myself. Maybe it's because I can feel my life passing by as I sit on the computer, virally communicating with people I rarely share face to face contact with, with people who only superficially care about me. Or perhaps it's the fact I can see everybody else's exciting and social lives as I sit around doing nothing but take a quiz to see what Bill Cosby Show character I'm most like.I absolutely abhor such Facebook games such as Farmville or Cafe World. These are the quintessential tools to ruining your own life. Though now that I'm down here, I have an oppertunity to have a more exhilerating life...but we all know how that's going.

So I spent the first half of the day sitting on the computer facebooking (I love that we live in an age where verbs are continuously being invented each and every day) it up. I participate in "What Celebrity Do I Look Like Week" in which one puts there own picture through a face recognition test to see what celebrity they most resemble and present it as their profile picture. I know that's a mouthfull for some of my older readers but I'm guessing those who do not get it aren't actually on Facebook so they're opinion about it is moot. Anyways, but I sit here typing away into the giant void of this social networking site, and the strong stench of Ramen noodles fills the air. That's because every single one of my roomates was making a batch. It is literally all they eat. I did pick up a few packets at Wal-Mart when I went, but I hadn't even cracked open a bag yet. I guess it's a nice change from the sweet aroma of savory sweets prevading the air. I guess that scent will be home to me here soon enough.

I head off to a bus to get to Hollywood Studios to retrieve my long forsaken key. I go and, as Liam, sweet talk a strong black woman and get my key. Relief overcomes me. I decided to go around the park and watch all the shows which are absolutely amazing! Then some girls sit next to me at Fantasmic and we get to talking, as they are also cast members; as Liam, of course. They totally beieve me and they start interogating me about my origins and my country and I fill them in with my mad improv skills (Except not...I kinda suck at improv. But now when it comes to facts about European countries!).

I leave the park and head back home excited for the meal I'm about to have, for I haven't eaten all day. I make Ramen noodles, to see what all the hubbub is about, and grab the chips and sour creme and some diet Dr. Pepper. Is there a meal any better than that? I dare anyone in the world to create a meal plan that can be as satisfying. They'll fail. As I was eating, it was as if my insides were covered with an electric blanket and the exterior of my body was being massaged by a professional masseuse.

Now I understand. Top ramen is a magical thing. I know comprehend why it's such a huge thing. It's not just that it's a cheap source of nourishment, but it instills a sense of hope and comfort. As the slippery noodles slide down your throat, you get the sense that all of your strife, your poverty, your hardships and sliding away as well; and, for that breif moment in time, your okay...your eating. Your eating the joy of comfort. And that is the most reassuring feeling ever.

PS. Bleaders (Julie Powell's term for Blog-Readers), I've been on this journey for one week. To think of where I started, and where I am now makes me feel...lonely, but accomplished. I started life over. I've been disovering myself, and more importantly God. This journey, after one week, has proven to be one of, if not the most, life definging moves in my life.