I usually ask people what they prefer, a warm sunny day or an overcast sky that is not so warm. Most would prefer the latter, which I never understood really; I have always preferred the former. Without any doubt, I am a warm-blooded, beach loving, sun-burning tropical girl.
But like what my bestfriend said, she sure hopes she doesn't fall in love with a man from Antarctica because for sure she will follow him there. And that is what has happened to me (though not from Antarctica! Whew! ;). I don't regret it ofcourse, I accept whatever challenges come our way because I am old enough to know that you can't have it all...and that following your heart is NEVER not worth it (cheesy! ;).
There are things in life that don't go the way you had planned it, hence: The future is no longer what it used to be. It's the thought that family and friends are just there, no matter what timezone or distance they may be in ,who make you feel loved and supported that gets you through the tough times in life. For that, I will always be grateful.
Despite all the grayness, today gave me some joy. For the first time I dressed up in a tropical outfit not because I was in denial this time but because it was really warmer today! In class, I had even regretted not having worn a sleeveless shirt because the 3/4 see thru blouse seemed warmer what with the heater on in our room. What amazed me even more was that on the way home I didn't even have to wear my jacket, just a shawl over my neck and my sleeves still rolled up.
What excited me was the sight of people everywhere. It's amazing how a simple increase in temperature can bring the people out of their caves or wherever it is they're from. That sight gave me a momentary bout of happiness: hip-hoppers and rockers skateboarding in the skatepark, weirdos juggling on some side of the grassy park, students clustered and just studying, kiddies playing soccer or throwing disks, another group of what looked like college students playing some hi-tech game of "Siatong", friends bringing cases of beer (Yes, you read it right: CASES) to consume while sitting on the grass, and many more.
I say I am amazed by this because I just got so used to walking in the park alone towards our flat and meeting only one of two joggers or dog-walkers walking along the almost deserted park which is one of the biggest I've seen in Gent.
Today was an exception. Today was 14 degrees and today I actually SAW a lot of people in our park. The South Park or what they call the "Zuid Park". When I got home I immediately called A, who was in his room, and asked if he wanted to go to the park. It was the first acceptably "warm" day since I got here. I'd like to say he was as excited as I was. We immediately "packed" our stuff: he with his guitar and portable speakers and I with my frisbee disc, laptop (for music since I wasn't able to charge my ipod) and my multi-colored sarong. Yes, we were just going to the park but I was too excited and felt as if we were going to the beach. I was seriously tempted to bring my soccer ball and wear shorts too but thought it was too much ;P All that was lacking was "song hits", but then again, you can't have it all. We did have cans of beer though. What is a great Belgian climate without authentic Belgian beer after all?
Today was a good day. It was most certainly better than yesterday and the days before. The exceptional things a slight change in temperature can do.
To my family and friends, thank you for being there. To the sun, thank you for shining today and for keeping us warm. You might be busy heating up the rest of the world but it is now that I need you the most...and you delivered.
You are undoubtedly a natural high. You make my day...ofcourse, K too. ;P
Dikke knuffel (Big hugs),
Jacki
