I can smell the ocean right here from my home office. There are breezes from the beach all day every day, but it’s only so often that they actually smell like saltwater and sand.

I’m adapting to the Venice lifestyle. Since purchasing my bike, I’ve been going to the beach almost every afternoon. I spend the mornings working on various freelance projects (Lotus, And Company, Hitachi Magic Wand Shop), and then hop on The Tank (my bike, and I didn’t make that up: it’s actually the brand name of the thing) with my hoop and pedal down to the beach. I spread out a towel, prop up my hoop, and pull out a book. Currently, I’m reading The Naked Ape, long ago recommended by Steve. I alternate between reading the book, hooping while looking out over the ocean, and watching reserved women fantastically lose all their composure, howling and laughing and screaming with glee in the waves. I saw dolphins jumping just past the breakers yesterday.

I feel like I’m on vacation. I’m applying for dream jobs (like this one), but I’m definitely enjoying the beach life, as well.