To finish this off, a little throwback to Day 5. Meemz. Mimi. Mariam. My niece, my everything. I’m her favorite person in the universe, despite seeing her only a few times a year. It’s amazing that she likes me so much (probably because I look a lot like her dad). Well my Meemz, the feeling is mutual. Plus she already likes coffee and cupcakes, so I’d say this is the start of a great relationship. I wish I could see you more often, but if it means anything, I think you’ve shown me what I want most in life. 

I had a mid-year performance review at work today. The thought of it is scary, but it turned out totally fine.My boss said nothing negative about me, which felt almost strange and unfamiliar to me. At my previous job, my boss was awful and hyper critical of matters not even related to my performance. Things like not being back at my desk at 1pm sharp from lunch, or taking a personal phone call in the hallway. It’s easy for me to complain about my life, but things are far better now than before. Thank God. 

Fight laziness, fight comfort. I came home at 730pm tonight and pushed myself to get things done. Laundry and cooking, two of the worst things to have to do on a long weeknight. I easily could have grabbed takeout on my way home and then show up to work tomorrow in an oversized Coyote Logistics polo. But no, no more laziness, no more. My shirts are clean and I’m enjoying clean home cooking too. Might as well call me Outkast, I’m so fresh and so clean. 

Sidenote: I tossed in a couple cinnamon sticks and a few bay leaves when boiling the brown rice. It brings floral brightness to the rice, nicely juxtaposed with the hearty keema. 

I bought a couple plants to bring some livelihood to my solo one-bedroom apartment. Those plants are dope, but nothing is quite like actual roommates. Better yet, temporary roommates, because I definitely need my own time and space. I’m hosting my friend and his cousin for the night, and it’s been hilariously fun all night. I’m running on no sleep, but somehow I’m staying awake and listening to ridiculous stories. Pretty solid Monday night. 

A far too short reunion with these fellas. My God, it’s been way way way too long! So glad to see Teef and Mojo on this brief trip out west. These guys were the cornerstone of my Philly life, countless memories and stories with these goons. It makes me miss my old life in Philly so much. Life is just so different now…but I’m hella glad we can reunite after years and kick it like no time has passed. No better way to end this trip. Till next time fellas. ATL, I’m coming for you. Next trip: LA and Joshua Tree over Labor Day weekend!