Today's lesson is on the 5 senses.

I'm very sensory oriented. I think my sensory-overload directly corresponds with the total exhaustion I feel at the end of the day. I'm constantly aware of smells and textures around me, but not so aware of tastes, sights and sounds. Taste is understandable because I'd look like a crazy person licking everything, plus I'm not a germaphobe, but licking public objects just isn't safe. And I take my sight for granted, so I don't pay too much attention to it. Sounds are tough because I like noises, but there is a lot of background noise so it must just fade into my subconscious.

But I find myself constantly asking others "Do you smell that?" or demanding that they "Smell this." I love smelling. I even love bad smells just because they're smells and I get to use my nose. People who have known me for years, know my love/hate relationship with my schnoz. It's been the butt of many jokes, which I have egged on and enjoyed. As of now I love everything about my nose. I even forgive it for bringing harmful allergens into my body, even if they make me miserable. I'd rather smell and sneeze, than not be able to smell.

I also like to touch everything, especially bumpy, scaly, or very textured ojects. Smooth, soft objects like skin, kittens, microfiber fleece, and ivory piano keys are enjoyable, but I much prefer the sharp corners of countertops or the tip of a freshly broken twig. I first realized my obsession with touch while riding around in my mom's civic. I would prop my arm on the passenger side door and I touch the window button. It looked like this ////// and I would drag my fingertips across it one by one feeling the grooves. I did this everytime I sat there.

Over the years, it's funny the habits one notices about oneself, when the habits have probably always existed. I like that self-discovery, when I think "wow I've never noticed how often I do ________." And it's even funnier when you tell your friends and they say something simpy like "yeah I know," which goes to prove that you really have been doing 'it' for years. It's like finally getting a punch line to a popular joke.