and she's off

Me: How ya feelin’?

Alex: Good!

Me: Your apartment looks great.

Alex: Yeah, I really like it.

Me: And your roommates seem lovely!

Alex: Yeah, they’re really good!

Me: Also …. Boulder, man. There are worse places to go to university, that’s for sure.

Alex: No doubt.

Me: Okay. Stay organized, okay? Like, really — start at the beginning of the semester, and stay on top of it.

Alex: I know, Mom.

Me: And what’s the secret to life?

Alex (sighing): Work hard and be kind.

Me: Those two things’ll get you everywhere, kid.