Some mornings, i don't notice that i live in a major urban center, a big city. Walking to find my car doesn't do it for me anymore, nor does the griminess of the city buildings. It's just my 'hood, these days. But some mornings, i'm struck by the fact that i live in a big city, and am in a decidedly urban neighborhood.

This morning, i walked to my car (parked on Valencia) to feed the meter some dimes and give myself a little more time before going to work. Meandered on to the mail box, and dropped in my rent check for next month. Smiled at my Italian deli folks, opening up shop. Returned home to continue getting ready for work. All with my morning cuppa in hand. (Not a travel mug, mind you, a regular ol' coffee cup.)

I'm not sure what it was this morning, but i felt strangely like a young, urban, professional. When did that happen?