What Brightens up life

Given that I've been removed from basically eveything and everyone I know, and with - to put it mildly - plenty - of alone time, I've had a superfluity of time to think about the things that I value most, couldn't do without, miss most or, alternatively, would miss most if they were taken away from my current equation.

Near the top of the list has got to be English and people who speak it....thats right up there for sure. But in the category of things

Propelled to the top of the list on the criterion of most time spent with, the winner -hands down- is probably my computer. Not only is it my point of contact with the outside world, News, Facebook, Skype and so on.....and source of music, and come to think of it DVD's as well, it is essential to my biggest hobby.....which leads me to

My Camera and photography, very very close to first place, shoved down the list only because I need my computer to actually see the photos and edit them....photography is quicky becoming my biggest passion....its my creative outlet, my way of expressing how I see the world, and keeps me from going completely insane with nothing to do.

Hiking, Exploring and Sports closely tied to taking pictures, my life would defintely suffer if I couldn't hike, experience nature, and find some peace. Given the lack of English churches, nature is sort of my connection to the spiritual side of life at the moment besides good 'ol C.S. Lewis. At least a few times a week I have to get out and shoot a basketball or kick a ball around too. I miss organized soccer though :(

Also making the list is my Guitar, which, when I didn't have it for the first 3 weeks here, felt like I had lost a limb or something. Another creative outlet and way of expressing what's inside...as well as a form of self-therapy I think.......

Just got two days ago, but it probably deserves a higher ranking given how much I've used it in the lost two days and the endorphins released in that time span. My Bike. Enables the exploring, provides some freedom.

Miss most and can't get around here? Probably Cranberry Juice.

Gotta go to work (note that that did not make the list)