The Lonely Road Down South: State Highway 1

Its become a habit.

The overwhelmining feeling of loneliness when i drive down, especially at night.

The surprising sense of relief as i make my trip back up north, especially in day.
I'm in auckland again...
Home...

So pple asked me "what have you learnt so far from flatting?"

Initially i couldn't really answer. Cos i've had the luxury of flatting with my classmates who are experienced flatters. And they help a lot in taking the chores and the administrative stuff...having flat accounts already setup and past systems that worked etc.
Not to mention that having easy going flatmates that are not demanding or have difficult lifestyles helps too.

But superficially, flatting - for me, its almost the same as living at home.

almost

I never fully appreciated my piano - just being there for me to plonk on whenever i feel the need to
I never appreciated having my own space so much - being able to play piano anytime i want, lie around on the couch, move from room to room...especially the time when i spent time alone at home over Xmas
I never appreciated how little dishes i actually had to do at home - since mum is so efficient with cooking that she often does the pans and chopping boards for me before dinner even starts...and i jus have to wash the meager 2 person's utensils bowls and the other pots and plates
I never appreciated my bed, with its 100% silk duvet cover - and how much better i sleep in it.
I never appreciated my room - which has enough but not too much sunlight, and good lighting, and how i'm much more used to studying in there
I never appreciated having a garden - with its gentle breeze and lawn - and made full use of it (except when doug and johnny were over and we had dinner in the garden every evening)

I'm only starting to appreciate having one tree hill and cornwall park near my house, and being able to run thru there often.
I'm only starting to appreciate that i'm much more used to being in auckland that other places - places are familiar, i know where to go...where to expect

Having better stereo systems, faster internet access, more friends in town, more nightlife (asian wise), nice bookstore i.e. borders

The thing i appreciate the most - is that relaxing at home, is really....relaxing.

Home is like a blackhole - it sucks me in - and i never wana leave...

Its our sanctuary.

Imagine what it must be like, leaving home, knowing that you won't be going back for half a year/one year/or more...

That home is not just a drive away...

That must feel

shit....