The Things I've Noticed

Since moving to this city, I have found myself exhibiting various habits that and noticing specific things about my surroundings. I don't know if I'm just more turned into these particular things because I'm still trying to adjust or these are brand new quirks I have developed as coping mechanisms. I just thought I would share some of my observations here.

I find myself drinking a lot more tea than I did in previous years. It certainly isn't to keep warm, more so that the act itself is warm and homey.

I let the TV stay on in the living room longer than it should because it fills the space with more voices than I usually get to hear.

I sleep better than I ever did back in Salem. I can also sleep with headphones on which is something I could never quite manage before.

I make a lot of eye contact. I have yet to figure out if this is a good thing or not but I like making eye contact with people- friends, classmates, strangers- it hasn't gotten me in trouble yet but it also hasn't gotten me any extra friends.

I have started to rehearse statements in my head before answering questions in class. I can't remember doing this in high school. I don't know why I get extra nervous here.

Sometimes when I'm walking to class past the subway station, I get the overwhelming urge to ditch and jump on the train. It's not really a show of potential rebellion, I just like the idea of seemingly endless freedom that the CTA has presented me with. By the way, I have yet to act on this urge.

I thought I would miss the sound of rain more than I do. I didn't know I would miss sunlight streaming through the windows so much but I also didn't realize I would be without it.

Most importantly, I have started referring to my apartment as "home" in my texts. I didn't realize that until today but I hope that somewhere in my mind, I am starting to settle in. I want that to be a sign so badly.