Spring Fever (posted 3/13/07)

I have a tendency to be downtrodden and morose in the winter, diving under covers and scarfing down the warm, comfort foods of the season. In some circles, it is known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)....yeah, such a fitting acronym, huh?! Now, maybe it really is just a coincidence, but I beg to differ. If I take a look at the past three days, not much has changed in my daily living. I didn't win the lotto, nor have I had any adventurous experiences to speak of. This is why I link my playful, energetic, and confident mood on the influx of sunshine, relaxing/enjoyable 50-60's temps, and people watching all around.

I thought it was just me, but I have noticed other people around me are more forthcoming as well. Friday I was doing my laundry in my apt building. Usually whenever there is another person in the laundry room, it's not unusual for me and that other person to go about our laundry duties without a peep or even much of an acknowledgement that there's another person a few feet away. The other day, however, this young twentysomething girl struck up a short conversation with me about the weather and seemed just as cheerful as I was feeling. When I returned later to take some clothes out of the dryer, another chick was excited that the dryer was free for her clothes.

Suddenly people become more talkative and flirtacious when the temperatures rise! Spring brings with it the temptation of being hit with a love connection...well, lust might be more accurate. When it's 30 below outside in Chicago, your coat and scarf hiding your face and body, thermals underneath give the illusion you've turned into a repulsive looking thing! You struggle against the ferocity of the wind and are lucky if you're able to see a few feet in front of wherever you're walking, let alone check anyone out! Hiding under clothes and hibernating isn't exactly sexy. Spring, however, encourages the return of shades, hats, form fitting shirts, sweaty bodies working out on the lakefront for all to see, and motivation to MOVE it.

I think Spring is my long lost sexy friend I never truly appreciated until now.