Fringe benefits.

I've discovered one of the best things about this place - which is probably one of the best things about any place where I've got some environmental autonomy - is being able to listen to music while I cook and eat. Movies and TV shows don't work too well, since I need to watch those, but for albums and mixes, it feels like the height of luxury.

No, headphones wouldn't do it; I like to hear myself chop the garlic and crack the eggs. So I just turn the volume up a little bit and let it play while I go about my business. Bliss.