Keychain

Three years ago:

After college, I developed a rather interesting habit that was half good-luck charm and half obsessive compulsive behavior. Often, when walking into work or leaving my house, I took to tossing my keychain into the air, once, twice – three times, with each toss successively higher.

When I missed one of the tosses, I'd start over. If I managed to catch all three without error, I was quite pleased with myself.

This habit disappeared with the purchase of my current house and my generally settled state of affairs.

—

Last week: 

…was spent at the beach with NE and Bear. Days consisted of drinking, playing, swimming, flirting, eating well, sleeping late, reading good books, reading bad books, buying sandals, and generally enjoying life.

Is there anything better than good friends, good drink, and good food?

I mean, other than good sex. But then, that is also a possibility – depending on just how *good* your friends are…

—

Last night:

After dinner and movie with NE and Bear, I realized I was going through a bit of vacation withdrawal. I didn't want to return to work just yet. I wasn't ready to let go of the good life.

As I approached my car to leave, I found myself tossing my keys back and forth between hands.

I gave my keys an experimental toss in the air.

A second toss, and I found myself smiling.

For the third, I closed my eyes as the keys left my hand. A moment later, I felt the sting of metal biting into my palm as the keys came back down.

It felt good.