When I was sitting in the library, thinking about anything other than studying, I thought about all the expectations I had for when I got home for break: My family waiting at the door for me awaiting my arrival, a house full of the best food ever, wonderful meals, my bed, privacy, not doing anything on my own for a little while. Let's just say my expectations were far from reality. I had to Uber home from the airport, no food in the house, my sister in my room with me, and my mom had broken her foot, so I was now her chauffeur and errand runner. This did not seem like a break to me at all. Now that I shared a room with my sister, she had to get up for school every morning at 6:30... That means lights on until 7 when she leaves. 30 MINUTES I have to sleep with the lights on at 6:30 a.m. All of my clothes seem to be also hers, "since we share a room." It's the worst. The car is not mine anymore and I barely ever get to drive in it.

Since my mom broke her foot, days before I got home, I am now called the Uber driver. I drive her around just about everywhere from the grocery store to the mall, to the bank, etc. If there is an errand she needs to run, I am there. This would be totally fine if the DMV traffic wasn't as bad as it is during this time of the year. Also, the mall is the worst place ever. My expectations of the break were far from reality.

While it's easy to complain about all these things, mostly because they are inconvenient and not what I expected, in reality, these things are great. I get to spend 24/7 with my sister and pretty much have a sleepover every night. It's been great. And while she takes all my clothes, I get to take all of hers. Two closets, a dream come true. Although I am pretty much an uber driver, I get to spend amazing quality time with my mom, which might not have happened if she didn't break her foot and rely on me. It has also forced me to get up and do things rather than just wasting my day.

This is what the holidays are really about; Being thankful for EVERYTHING in your life, whether it was what you expected, or it wasn't. Looking at the bigger picture and realizing that everything has it's ups and downs and it's the way you look at them that will affect your everyday. So thanks, mom, for breaking your foot and Caitlin for sharing a room with me.