"This is a joke"

So, it's officially the 6th day of this God-awful mess.

Ireland is still getting beat down by the ash. Which is a figurative statement because the skies have been clear and blue all day. Which is not good news because the rain would help a lot. It would dissipate it and move it out of the flying-level of the atmosphere. Or so I understand. I've been doing my best to stay positive, not to worry too much and to just do my best. Unfortunately, it isn't holding up real well. Alison and her parents are all upset and in-general kind of down. It's so hard to see them upset and I truly feel their pain. And, of course, as I might have already mentioned, the worst part is just not knowing.

Then I saw a new map of the ash and by tomorrow morning, or maybe tonight at midnight? it has Italy completely covered and a corner of it is very very close to Greece.

The other thing thats really hard for me is missing Joey. It's been so long since we've seen each other, and been together, and I've been looking forward to the 24th of April since I left January 1st. I'm still hopeful that everything will be clear Friday morning, if not sooner, but who knows? The 100 some days already have seemed unbearable at times. None of you, save Alison, know this, but I looked up flights to India at least 10 times. And I was ready to book one. I would have rather gone to India than any of the other places I could have gone for spring break. I didn't go because Joey didn't think it would be feasible. And besides, we had Greece. I'm to the point that I don't care about Greece, I don't care about London anymore. Will I be disappointed? Absolutely. But more than anything, more than any place or any trip, I just want to be with Joey. Not knowing when that will happen, how much longer, that's the worst.

I'm trying to hold out hope, but it's getting more difficult. But, at the end of the day I have to put it in perspective. I lead a very privileged life and have been blessed in countless ways (not the least of which being Joey). I've never seen war, death, famine, or any horrors that still commonly plague millions around our world. I'm healthy--save the cough and sniffles. I've always been fed, always had a home, and always, a loving and supportive family. I will get home, and I will get home safe. It may take some time, but this is not (even near!) the greatest issue that could befall a person. So, I'm hanging on to my gratitude for that.