Ignore the groundhog

status check - Groovy
background ambiance - Ryan Montbleau, "Stretch"

Wednesday afternoon. On the homestretch of the workweek, you tell yourself. You push open the heavy glass door and step into the sunshine, instinctively pulling your wool jacket closer to block the cold breezes.

No need. Sunlight glints off the melting scene outside. Puddles glisten, walls sparkle was rivulets of water trickle from roof to sidewalk. Seeing the wet brick walkways, visble as the exception rather to the winter rule for the past several weeks, brings a smile to your face. Hearing your shoes sharply click against them only makes the smile wider.

It's warm. Amazing how 30 degree weather feels balmy in February. You feel yourself stretching out, seemingly growing taller as you reach closer to the sun. The breeze refrehses you - for one day, at least, it has given up on forcing you to retreat indoors.

The first street buskers are performing a block away. You hear the inviting sound of an acoustic guitar and bongos, voices collaborating to form a seemingly carefree harmony. You form mental images of the performers as you approach - dreadlocks pop into your mind immediately - but they're shattered when you see the mohawks and the "Hippie Killer" leather jacket. You chuckle and walk on.

You meet up with a friend for coffee and revel in the delight of whipped cream and mint. You laugh and smile after you decide to pause in the sunshine. "I just feel so GOOD today!" is the catchphrase of the day for you both. You laugh as you converse, realizing that your friend knows you too well to try to hide the giddiness of the day.

After an exchange of "thank you"s and hugs, you turn to head back to the climate-controlled confines of your business day. You're trying to cling to these moments - to record in your mind the feeling of nothing but pleased with life.

As you walk away, you hear "I hope you keep having a good day!"

You wave without looking back, realzing that the odds are probably good that you will keep on having that kind of a day. You can't NOT today.