Even though synonyms generally share the same meaning, they might not apply in the same context. So, if you want to use one specific word you should do that instead of trying to find a synonym that doesn't quite fit into the context you've established. An example is if you want to use the sentence "I was mad", meaning "I was angry", you could look for a synonym. One synonym is "absurd". However, this is a different type of mad, meaning crazy instead of meaning angry. "I was absurd" has an entirely different meaning than originally intended. This is why you should always double check the contextual meaning of the synonym you want to use.
First person
It takes a bit of reading into the passage to see what point of view it is, because there is little indication in the first paragraph. The first indication that it is written in first person is the use of "us" at the end of that first paragraph. Then, in the subsequent paragraphs the reader sees that the author uses "I" several times, indicating first person perspective.
Highly valued pearls of wisdom noun phase
Has Andrea forgotten her umbrella?
I feel drowsy and lazy. I will probably not be able to go to bed tonight!!!!!