I work in an office. In a tiny grey cube. I do important work, but it does get monotonous. I wanted to share with you one of the secret ways I recapture a sense of wonder under the florescent light.

One of my fellow coworkers collects the Starbucks city mugs. We have a bunch of random mugs in our office, but about 20 or so of the city mugs. Each morning I look past the random camp, school, and other printed ones and choose a location. As I brew an espresso I take a vacation to whatever city is on the city mug. Sure, this might seem a little childish and ridiculous, but it works. It’s a secret I carry around with me all day while I watch people work. It restores my sense of adventure and it reminds me that I am part of a world much bigger than this tiny cube.

Today, I am going to London. I am walking the streets with Brooke, Sunny, Kristen, Gary and Stu. I am walking around in Camden and having brunch in Notting Hill. I’m remembering the feeling of awe I had when I saw the parliament building for the first time and I’m feeling all together free, because even though I am choosing to stay inside these four walls I am part of a life outside of that. And for today, that is enough to get me by. Buy a mug and take a vacation.

<3

Cambria