Jumping and Skipping and Sparkles

Last evening I saw Jesse skipping down the corridor in the basement of Clark where all the labs are located. When I commented that it was probably a lab hazard, he asked me: "when's the last time you skipped?" I laughed: "I think I skip quite often."

I'm not sure if that is accurate. I just feel like in my heart I am skipping and jumping around like a little girl these days. Even though the leaves on the trees are turning yellow, and the weather is getting nippy, I think about life and I feel all sparkly. I think it is because of all the positive energy I get from friends.

For example yesterday at Pixel. Nora and Stephen dancing like crazy. Shayna dancing with such happiness. Colwyn and Shankar dancing like themselves. And Turan trying his best to join in their excitement. I love that picture in my head. I think I will keep it there "till I'm 80".

I love them all. These people. Shayna with her ability to fill the air around her with happiness and energy. Colwyn the way he always manages to make people laugh. Turan and his terrible jokes and his considerate, thoughtful, intellectual personality. Nora who is so empathetic and noble and sweet and has the best way of hugging people. Stephen, the way he knows his mind and opinions and how much he hates musicals. Shankar who puts passion into everything he does. Kendra who can talk and talk and do research and do outreach and organize events and make great food and who I can be a girl with. And H, the dear Baloo, who is so pure-hearted and true that it just makes me want to hug him every time I see him.

There are also those friends who seem like family, that I quietly draw energy from, who see me through my troubles and trials: Yvonne who is strong, determined, and who I can call up whenever I want to rant and go out for dessert. I-Chun, who I like laughing at because she always seems to live in her own universe during conversations, but who can stay rational even when I call her and start crying and wailing. Yao who is my confidant and role model, I deeply admire the way she stubbornly and quietly works towards her goals.

And even my friend Praj who thinks she is "morbid". She actually gives me energy in her own calm (and talkative) fashion. She has a piercingly funny way of describing life and our predicament of being "27!!!". And she makes the most amazing desserts! I don't know what I would do if she ever were to move to a dream job in Boston and leave me in Ithaca.

With a life so full and rich of wonderful people how can I not jump and skip and sparkle.