A brief exchange can totally make or break someone's day. The shuttle driver is awesome about the former of the two, he's hilarious. He's about my age. He breeds chihuahuas ("the proper, cute kind, the REAL kind, not the bug eyed mutants," he tells me defensively), went to culinary school in Texas, and has MS but you would NEVER know it. I only know because once every three months he has an all day appointment to deal with it, and I asked him where he went. It's strange that I don't even know his name. I think it's Brandon. I keep resolving to find out, but I'm too shy.

Among all other things, he is a terrible flirt.

So this morning, I'm wrapped up tight because it is THIRTEEN DEGREES OUTSIDE (highs of 20 today, I can't wait!). with my big army jacket and a tan and brown striped "Dr. Who scarf" that used to be Puce's, but he gave to me. I love this thing, it nearly touches the ground when wrapped around my neck - hence the Dr. Who description.

"Be careful out there, don't fall," he tells me when I am leaving the shuttle. "But then, I guess you're okay with your big combat boots."

"Even better, these are logger boots," I tell him. "Built for traction."

"And your big warm scarf. I like that scarf!"

"Thanks! It used to belong to my boyfriend, but I commandeered it."

"Your what?"

"My boyfriend."

"Your ..what?" and he sticks his tongue out at me.

I stick my tongue out back at him, grinning, and go inside.