Sean Eric Watson – TechEffect

After a four hour conversation with my good friend Laur, I can honestly say that LIFE IS GOOD! As a programmer, I know that I have a gift in my ability to recognize what is not correct or not working in a given situation. Unfortunately, I find this to be a curse in my daily life. Too often I focus on what is not working and where I'm messing up, and not often enough do I look at the joys and gifts of my unique, quirky, and amazing life.

Let's start with Laur, who is one of the few people that can handle a four hour conversation with me, and actually enjoy it! We have such great shared energy and empathy. When one of us is in a place of wanting to complain, we both complain. When we are in a place of celebration, we celebrate. Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend that is so connected and empathetic.

Then let's look at my new living situation. From one point of view, I'm moving in with a 60 year old women in the middle of the ghetto in Durham. From another, I'm moving into a transitional neighborhood that offers a unique mix of people in need, and people who want to create a better neighborhood. And I'll be living with one of the most loving and compassionate human beings I've ever met. Upon reflecting on the past few years I realize how many gifts I have been blessed with. I remembered how my obsession with cycling began with simple walks around the block with Pam, which led to longer and longer walks. I remember how one day she suggested we ride our bikes on the American Tobacco trail, and how I fought up and down with her about it. Until finally one day, she just said, hey, lets just try it one day, and if we don't like it, we never have to do it again.

I fell in love with the trail instantly, and have been a serious biker ever since. Now that I'm back in the triangle, I can't wait to get back on the trail. And living with Pam has been a joy so far, and it just keeps getting better.

So here's to non-traditional living arrangements and amazing friends!!