From Zen to Zero Patience

Normally, I’m the kind of person who’s all about peace, patience, and passing the good vibes. But today? Today almost turned me into a public scolder. Like, full-on stand-up-and-wag-finger mode. And the star of this chaotic episode? Let’s call him BCH—because even typing his full name might summon a migraine.

This guy is my colleague, and he sits right in front of me. Which means I get a front-row seat to the circus. Even my manager—who's basically a human chill pill—can’t stand him. BCH has this magical ability to zone out exactly when we’re talking about something important, and instead, he locks onto whatever irrelevant nonsense is floating around in his head. Meanwhile, I’m sitting there whispering affirmations to myself like I’m in a yoga class: “Stay calm… you are the ocean… don’t scream…”

But here’s the real kicker: he smokes. And not only that, he has the audacity—the sheer boldness—to lean in super close when he talks. So now, not only am I inhaling his secondhand opinions, but also his secondhand smoke. I literally have to tilt my head like I’m trying to dodge a bad smell on a bus. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t help.

Honestly, I wish I had the guts to just look someone dead in the eye and say, “Hey pal, you stink.” But I still need to work on that level of savage diplomacy.

Anyway, on to happier things! Recently, I’ve been exploring universities around the world like I’m planning a global escape mission. The plan? Apply to as many as possible once admissions open and see who’s lucky enough to have me. Right now, my top pick is Aalto University in Finland. I mean, have you heard? Finland is officially the happiest country in the world. If that’s not a sign from the universe to go study there, I don’t know what is. Honestly, I could use a little Finnish happiness after surviving BCH’s daily nonsense.