The Path of Nicole

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It’s currently 9:33 am Central Standard Time on July 4, 2026. It’s a federal holiday; I am not in Houston; I have no plans. Things feel glorious and unusual.

I don’t say this with tons of pride, but I am a person who always, always has something to do. And today, I kind of don’t have anything to do. This is a great feeling.

I don’t feel overwhelmed by my too small apartment, with feelings of needing to organize or declutter. The city that I am in is busy enough, but not so busy that I feel that I must either prepare to go outside and survive it or stay inside to protect myself from it.

There is no work to do, no papers to grade, no timelines to follow.

Don’t get me wrong: I can always, always find something to do. I can make a list like nobody’s business. I can buy domains and start businesses in just one weekend. But today, I don’t have any plans to do any of that.

My cat allowed me to sleep in and now I am enjoying a hot cup of black assam tea, with just the right amount of sugar and heavy cream.

Since today is a holiday, many stores may also be closed. I might find a coffee shop where I can go sit and do a little people watching. But otherwise, the day feels to be ready to gloriously stretch before me, with nothing but leisure and space ahead.

I hope that you have a nice 4th of July holiday. Stay safe and perhaps you will enjoy some downtime, too.

xoxo-Nicole