two sides

This morning, somebody phoned me. She is generally concerned about me, firstly she thinks I do not have warm clothes to wear (because England has snow now and I guess this makes news in foreign newspapers too). I said I have very warm hiking clothes, really, but she did not believe. Secondly, every time she sees me (a few times a year), she thinks I have the same clothes. Yes, I know some people who, before going home for Christmas have to have a hair cut, nails grown longer, new clothes. I have bought new clothes, although I don't like shopping, but it happens, living in a rainy country, that I have more weather-proof things than clothes for going to tea party.

Another concern, after talking about J who moved to a flat alone and has a TV in the middle of the room: when will I move to a place on my own, because "I am this age already". "How long can you live like in student dorms, in a small room, like living in a handkerchief". Firstly, I really like living with these people. Secondly, I would be afraid to live alone in Birmingham. Secondly, my family would be worried, because nobody would know if I got home safely (I often walk quite late). Thirdly, who could I talk to? OK, if I work in the lab, it's OK, I can talk, but in the office it's quiet and I often feel like I am too loud anyway. I remember during my placement, when we did not really have a conversation with my flatmate (just basics; language barrier maybe), I talked toooooo much at work, just random. And how much I argued, so that when I returned to Brum, I promised myself not to argue because or argument, only when I think I am right and the other person is wrong.

And this evening I met some Jesuit volunteers who live as a small community. And other house, who live in a community but are working. So, why it is wrong in some people's opinion to live with others? I know, somebody else thought, when I was commenting on housemates, that "at that age, nobody lives with other random people, people of that age should live alone". Oh I think I should start avoiding people who think that all unmarried people over the age of [I don't know what is correct] should live alone in a flat, have a TV in the middle of the room and put it on for some background noise.

By the way, we had snow yesterday. I took E to Waseley Hills. She was scared at first and when i told her I am not taking GPS, she waid I must not get lost. I know this hill and forest. Even when entering the snow fields and turning to forest, she said "are you sure you can come back?". Yes, even without paths, I know the way, I took her the way I walked almost every day.  We did not get lost, instead, after taking pictures and eating pancakes (from food thermos) and hot tea, we met a family sledging, I had a few runs down the hill and then back home. Bus 63 was OK, 11 did not come, so walk home from Selly Oak.

Today it is melting.