Summer, Summer, Summertime

The weather has been so random lately, which I suppose is typical for Melbourne, sometimes cool enough to have to remember to bring a jacket with me every time I leave my apartment, other times warm enough to be able to go outside with only a tank top. Luckily, today was a prime example of one of those latter days, which was surprising since it was quite cool in my apartment. Fortunately, that does leave me optimistic for even hotter temperatures later this year because perhaps it won't matter that our place isn't equipped with air conditioning after all.

Two weeks ago, I paced up and down the sidewalk, huddled in my jacket as I willed the tram to come sooner after my Urban Life group; however, this evening, it was easy and even a pleasure to sit outside and wait for the public transportation as it was the perfect summer night. Speaking of that time of year, prior to coming down here, I had thought that Australia's seasons were the exact opposite of America's, starting during the third week or so of the month, so I thought we had another couple weeks of spring, but I've learned that that's not the case. Australia's seasons start on the first of the month so summer has been here for a week already!

It's still taking some adjusting to the fact that Christmas and New Year's Eve will be celebrated in the summertime, but I'm excited about the new experience. It's just routine, but when I was thinking about going to Sydney for New Year's Eve, my mind automatically started wondering how cold I would be outside as I waited for the fireworks and whether or not my leggings would keep me warm enough. It took me a few seconds to remember where I was and that no, I wouldn't have to worry about the temperature. Tonight we had our last Urban Life group of the year and we spent it with a nice Christmas party [my first official Australian barbecue :o)], which, funny as it may sound, on some level made the holiday season more of a reality for me.

This weekend, St. Jude's is hosting a caroling event near the Carlton Gardens, which should be a lot of fun and will further get me into the Christmas spirit. I don't know that I've necessarily been lacking it in any way, but despite the decorated window displays and holiday music, my mindset is stuck on one thing:: totally in awe that summertime is here.