dave2zero

Even on a day like today when I am sick, I need some coffee.  This morning I headed to Nomad Cafe at 65th and Shattuck for a cup of the Nomad Blend, my favorite house coffee for the last few years.  It tastes so smooth to me, even though I downgraded to milk from half-and-half recently in order to cut a few calories. 

The Nomad has been a big part of my life the last 4+ years.  My friends John Ware and Paul Endres designed the building and I started heading there soon after it opened in summer 2003.  My three laptops and I have been regulars there ever since; it’s kind of my remote office. At one point, the Nomad was where my company had its staff meetings.  When we filled two tables I knew it was time to get our own office space. 

This morning I walked into the cafe and noticed my friend Jason, his wife Susi, and their daughter sitting at a table.  It was great to see their family as they have been out of the country for the last year and they just arrived back.  Fitting that we crossed paths at Nomad first.  I have known Jason since 1989 when I was living in the Unit 2 dorms in Berkeley.  We commented today on just how long of a time that has been–and how time flies.  Even though we don’t see each other that often, there is always something sweet when I see Jason.  We have both planted roots in Berkeley and we live our lives in the same neighborhoods, knowing some of the same people, and crossing paths regularly. 

Then I got to thinking about all of the friends I have run into at the Nomad over the years.  And also about the many new friends I have made right there in the cafe with the staff and other patrons.  Lots of banter, laughing, talking, planning, emailing, research, business and life has transpired between myself and these friends.  My friend Mark once saw me in the cafe window when he was driving by and decided to stop in–and became a regular.  The Nomad has been the anchor tenant of a revitalized neighborhood in  North Oakland/South Berkeley.