words and such

You know how some people, when they take a drink, swish it around in their mouth before swallowing it?

I think I do that with words.

My family, including extended family, has a slightly annoying habit of repeating words over and over. And over and over. Words or phrases whose sounds they like or enjoy or can't quite conquer. My dad, when learning a language, would repeat words over and over until he got it right.

I do this also, but I do it silently. I'll latch onto a name or phrase or word that is just so interesting. I see a sign on a professor's door, or a name on facebook. I'll read a phrase in a book. There is something about the sound or the combination of sounds that is fascinating, difficult, unusual. I roll it around in my mouth or in my brain like that drink. Sometimes I roll it a couple times and swallow. Sometimes I swish it all day until it drives me crazy, then I swallow. I just really like sounds and words.

Lately some of my senses have seemed heightened. I realized that I have an acute sense of smell. A non-burning candle sitting next to me smells so strong I have to move it. Somebody opens something across the table and I smell it. It's weird.

Riding my bike to and from school every day was another sort of sensory overload. It's hard work, but I loved the feeling of being so close to nature. I mean, I'm riding down a city street, but I am outside. If it is rainy or cloudy or sunny or so windy, that affects me. I have to be aware of what it is like outside. My skin starts to tan. I sweat. I need sunglasses. When I drive it doesn't matter. I am insulated.

I leave the country in 34 days.