Ten.One Thousand, One Hundred & Ninety-Five

1. But wait. Can I go back to the dream where I’m sitting next to Beyoncé?

2. It is entirely too warm for this outfit but it’s the middle of October, and I want to feel like it’s October.

3. I shouldn’t have fed him the pear. Now he will follow me around all the time.

4. I quickly realize that I’ve added more hours to my day by starting at the same time, though I’m two hours ahead of everyone back home.

5. Refreshing Gmail to see if there is an update. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Trying not to care, even though you do.

6. I planned to only ride for 10 minutes but I end up listening to 8 Dua Lipa songs which means I’ve done about 4 miles. 4 miles on the bike in jeans and boots.

7. Organizing folders on the desktop.

8. Feeling the urge to write.

9. He’s too smart for his own good.

10. I take some water and my book out to the patio to enjoy while I grill the chicken. Quiet. Breeze. Lizards running up the brick.

11. But I’m trying not to open all the good stuff. He tells me to grab a bottle of Novicium and I say no to that too. But, then again, what are we saving it for? Maybe for moments like these? I find a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte brut rosé.

12. Being asked a question, answering that question, and then being questioned about the answer. Then supporting that answer with proof only to be questioned about the proof provided. Would this have happened if I were white? Or a man? Or older?