the ironies of life

It hit 60s F on Friday!

This is the first time since 5 months that I felt warm. I can't explain the joy I felt walking out on the streets with just one layer ! The air didn't sting anymore. The sun brought happiness. The birds are back and the voices of children fill the air again. I see people hanging out the building, jogging in shorts and clothing in bright colors. Winter was pretty outside, but for most of the time I experienced life as a cocoon.

Since being in State College, I find myself changing to balance up the lack of something... here's how it goes...

1. Back home, I cherished my weekends home alone, where I can shy away from the crowds for a moment of peace. I felt recharged painting a picture or reading a book. Now, I'm mostly home alone and I have become such an extrovert. I hate weekends alone because the quietness is so loud. To avoid home alone, I've stayed-over at a friend's place or even brought homework to socials, just so I can be with people. I used to love the privacy of my room. Now, being alone in my tiny apartment feels like being in a prison. I'd rather be out, taking pictures in the open or with people... just out.

2. Don't we all hate being in the sun and heat in Malaysia? Right now I'm celebrating warmth ! Remember how we used to laugh at the ang mos for getting a tan? Now I can relate to them. After months of greys and cold, the sun is a big welcome. It's not a fun feeling having chilly bones. I've become phototropic here. I'd purposely walk in the sun or stay near light source or ask my friends to switch on more lights in the room because it makes me happier.

3. I used to jog away from my playground, towards the bungalows where there's less people so that I can empty my mind a bit. Now, I would purposely jog near children, families or where people are tossing Frisbee or football. It's very refreshing to hear the sounds of laughter and squeals in the open compared to being quietly enclosed in a room.

4. I used to turn my phone to silent mode when it was getting too busy and that i needed to concentrate on work. Now, a beep or vibration is a welcome. I guess that's cause I don't get as many calls or activites going on :(

I'm in Jo's house now. I'm having one week of Spring break. I miss home alot and have been having Malaysia (people,places and food) in my dreams.