Knowing what you’ve got.

The scene: Parker & Otis, Durham NC.  A sunny morning, 65 degrees outside, on the front deck with my new computer.  There’s a blue plate full of eggs, bacon, cheese biscuits, and fruit, all for a good price. The mocha beside it is desperately needed to keep me awake, and it couldn’t be better–a smooth blend of chocolate, milk, and coffee shots. The wooden table and chairs I’m sitting at is against a brick wall of the remodeled cotton warehouse, and the refurbished wooden deck, made of recovered wooden planks from the factory and galvanized steel rails shaped into artistic designs, reflects the sunlight without glare.  Plants decorate one platform of the multi-tiered patio, with classical music playing in the background.  My fellow customers are businesspeople in their business casual, older wives meeting to chat, or Duke students eating and studying at the same time.

I’m not terribly worried about money, but worried enough to be on my toes.  I have a gracious roommate that is working hard at her three jobs-grad student, mom, and psychologist, and I’m working hard to cover the little details while she’s dedicating herself to improving her life.  I’ve just had an evening with good friends, watching anime, drinking beer, and chatting. My family is well, my car is running well, and the house is clean.

This is the good life.