There's nothing quite as fulfilling as those days when I arise early from my slumbers and make my way through the fresh, barren city blocks. Days like today when the sun is shining, I don't have to wear a heavy coat in November and the whole day is ahead of me.

I'll admit these days aren't very frequent, since most nights I stay up later that I'd like to - causing me to feel grumpy in the morning when that alarm starts to go off.

But when I do manage to get my ass out of bed before the roomates have awoken, and I take to the streets, beginning the day's productivity, it is quite a wonderful thing. The morning air is so clean and soothing. It is filled with the scent of leaves falling and the sound of birds chirping. The absence of all the people and cars and other obstacles that seem to get on my nerves is beautiful. Ah yes - serenity at it's finest in the big ol' D.C.

Sometimes moments like these are enough to charge me for the rest of my week and prepare me for all the stress that I'll encounter. Thank god for that. :-)