11/14/2025: A Coffee To Go and a Backpack Full of Breakfast Burritos

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a completely full and super productive day, but yesterday was a reminder of what that felt like. Am I exhausted even after a full night’s sleep after going to bed at 9PM last night? Yes. But am I grateful and fulfilled? Absolutely yes. 

There’s something about cancelled plans turning into a complete and successful pivot, to a day filled with more than you originally anticipated. I went from having one set plan to having that event get scrapped, which led to a morning run, a trip to a new coffee shop, and back to back sessions at the place I love to write. 

It ended up being one of those go, go, go kind of days where I couldn’t stop to put much thought into anything but being at the next place at the right time. It’s hectic but it’s also exciting, knowing that the reason I have to get my coffee and breakfast to go—and that the to-go breakfast may just be saved for my lunch later—is because I know I’ll be busy doing the things I love and I might not have a chance to think about much else. 

And so I ordered that coffee to go, I threw a breakfast burrito in my backpack, and I hoofed it to my next destination. Needless to say, I’m glad that my original plans fell through. I got so much done and I felt more accomplished than I’ve felt in a long time. I suppose it’s a silly metaphor about chasing productivity and creativity while the trail is hot, but it was the first thing I thought of as I ran around yesterday with that burrito in my bag. 

I don’t get that wave of drive often, but when I do it’s glorious. All that matters on these special days is doing the things I’m excited about and that make me feel whole. The best versions of these special days are when those things include exercise and getting out of the house, having some good coffee or tea, and also accomplishing another feat in my burgeoning creative process. And I’m so happy that yesterday actually included all of these things. 

Since my last entry, I have read through my novel draft again and I have finally embarked on another short story project that will hopefully be a successful follow-up novella to the novella draft I currently have. This week has been a much needed boost to my well-being as I work hard before going home for Thanksgiving. I hope that I’m able to get some fresh perspective during my time there, like I often do when I take a break from my regular day-to-day life and reflect on all I’ve accomplished so far. 

As things start to come together in my personal life in regard to my future home and a future job, I’ll enjoy this freedom I’ve had the last four years to create while I still have all the time in the world. I hope, with the time that I have left in this fortunate position, that I’ll have an abundance of unexpected days like yesterday, all the to-go coffees I desire, and a backpack that’s always full of breakfast burritos wherever I go.