Hi everyone, it is finals week here at the University of Virginia, and considering I have probably eaten my body weight in Goldfish and Popcorners today, and feel quite sick (homesick and physically sick), I have decided to reflect instead of studying more tonight.

My parents met in Russia in the 1990s. My mother, a journalist, and my father, a businessman, both have their fair share of stories, but when they found each other, all they wanted to do was see the world together. When my brother and I were born, they made it their mission to show us all the beauty they had seen and more. So, at twenty years old, I can proudly say I have lived in three countries and have been to over 30.

I once wrote here that I was a product of my parents and their love. My mother, perhaps the smartest woman I know with the ability to speak five languages, and my father, whose curiosity never ceases to persist regardless of how busy he is.

Most of their relationship before marriage was long-distance, and even when I was growing up, my mother stayed home with my brother and me while my dad was away for work. Their love is something I look up to, because if you find the right person, no matter how far the distance is, no matter how long they are gone, no matter how hard it is, the love will be strong enough to sustain the relationship.

My parents cherish each other in a way I long to be cherished. Always giving each other little gifts. My dad wakes up before my mother each morning when he is home, and brings her coffee in bed. They met over 30 years ago and still look at each other as if their eyes are meeting for the first time across a crowded room.

I guess, in this state of sleep deprivation, all I can think about is how badly I want someone to look at me like that. I want someone to learn all my little joys and surprise me with them. I want someone to have these little rituals with.

I know I will find it. Everyone finds it one day.

Now, I am not quite sure why I chose to write this. My brain is swimming in fears of academic failure and other personal issues.

I expect there to be another post or two tonight, for I need somewhere to rant.