Home sweet everywhere.

As I sit here in my relatively new apartment on this pleasantly warm Monday night in July, with my kitten staring up at me from my lap, I can't help but look back on my day and think about how much of my life is spent in places other than my cozy little home. And how I have so many almost-homes scattered about the city and beyond. It seems a little silly how I try to make all these places feel familiar, but I also like the thought of a second home, a third, that gives me this same, warm safe feeling that's wrapped around me right now.

First, there's my cubicle at work. Always within eyesight is an artfully done photo of none other than Jason and Grizabella, the two people (or mammals to be precise) I'm lucky enough to spend most of my time with. Among the other home-making accessories: a decorative plant of an unknown species I stole off a table at our corporate center's grill out. A couple office supplies, including a purple stapler that doesn't work, but was given to me at my internship at Sunrise Greetings. I keep it for the memory. All my writing books. I love them all, especially my grammar bible. I could read it all day. And the heart-shaped Love Boat Princess Cruises coffee mug that holds my pens and pencils. I don't like boats, but I do like hearts and love and the word princess.

And then my locker at the gym. In what I feel is the most secluded corner of the room (I'm more on the naked-shy side). I leave the extra-strong deodorant in there, along with my travel sized hair brush. And, for whatever reason, a pair of Jason's sweat bands that I will never wear in public. They just hang there, unused, but I like them there.

While most people have a third or fourth home in their very own vehicles, I settle in the second car of the R5 train each morning. Always on the window side of a three person seat with my bag snugly slid between my hip and the car wall, coffee mug in one hand, New York Times magazine in the other. Always half awaiting the welcomed vibration of my cell phone, bringing quips and conversation with friends and family via messages quickly hammered out by fingertips. Especially Emily. When I'm really lucky, I get a picture of my little "nephew" Elijah with a big smile.

In my old neighborhood, there was almost-home potential in one of the back tables at Manny Brown's, especially Thursday nights when Lagers are only $2. We haven't been back since the move last month. Still on the hunt for that new homey bar with the good specials and perfect corner booth.

There's a lot of bad news on the TV and a lot of things about my repetitive days that are really easy to complain about. But most of the time, I try to just sit back, and find those little things that make me feel like I'm right at home, where ever I am.