It’s drizzling and I can hear the sound of cars on wet asphalt outside. That sticky sound of masking tape being pulled from a roll only it’s water on rubber. It’s my favorite noise in the world.

Money’s scarce (or at least I have to treat it as such). I just made food for an army. Lentils and Goya yellow rice cooked with garlic, onions and spices. I’m exceptionally proud of myself because I love cooking but I rarely do it and this turned out so well. There’s nothing less dignifying than spending good money on ingredients and then having the food turn out badly.

I just realized that I’ll be here for Halloween and it tickles me pink to know that I’ll get to see some amazing costumes. And then Thanksgiving. I’m excited for brisk weather and the chance to wear a hat. For someone from the desert, this is a dream. Like catching snowflakes on your tongue or seeing white on Christmas.

For the first time in my life, I am really away. I don’t miss Tucson. I don’t feel called to go home. I just want to be in the moment. To be present. Life is fleeting. I know a little something about that. So how can I waste time worrying about anything when there is so much to keep me content. Like the gray sky out of my kitchen window and the feeling of air as it slowly enters my lungs, humid and sticky. For this small miracle, I give thanks. There were too many times where all I could think of was stopping the process altogether.

But not today.