Sunshine & Neighbors

Trafton B.

April 25, 2010 - 11:54 PM

I know I have a tendency to discuss the weather, but I ‘m really quite fascinated by thinking about climatology. But there's something I've been noticing recently as the seasons change and the sun begins to shine for more than an hour at a time. Sunshine makes everyone happier and that's a scientific fact. Psychologically we feel better, plus the sun vitamin, Vitamin D, is created in your body after exposure to ultra-violet rays. Yadda-yadda-yadda. Plus, I think we're all in agreement that it's very difficult not to smile whilst walking in sunshine unless, of course, you forgot your sunglasses.

But I've also noticed that the amount of sunshine is directly related to how much time you spend with your neighbors. No scientific tests or evidence really exists to provide any scientific support of this theory, at least not to my knowledge, but there certainly is a strong point to be made for it in Eugene.
It's simple logic, really. More people will be outside if the weather is nice, and if everyone is outside then everyone sees their neighbors because they live next door, and seeing someone more often than not elicits acknowledgement. The only way to throw a wrench in the plans would be a lack of friendliness, and even the coldest of hearts can't help but smile when it's sunny in Oregon.

Last week we just sat outside on our deck and watched our neighbors race their wheelchairs they bought at Goodwill down the alleyway. Cam jammed on the guitar with neighbor James yesterday afternoon. We didn't even know he played until yesterday when he playing on his balcony. Also, I introduced myself to our side-yard neighbors that Saturday night. I couldn't help myself anymore after watching them jump on their giant trampoline all afternoon. I was so jealous!

It may just be my ecologically minded brain, because I always think in cycles and try to find connections between people and the environment. But I might be onto something here. If only I studied environmental science and not environmental policy, blast.