13. Handmade gifts

For Christmas 2006 I decided I was an adult and didn't need any gifts from my mother. I asked her to make me a blanket. Tonight, I was finally able to wrap it around myself. For this, I am thankful.

12. Little Trees

On the cold cold day mentioned previously I was up at Walden Pond observing nature and sharing good company. While walking we noticed these baby trees, which reminded me of the little place we all start from, to become things of great stature. Also, that we all have adversity to face (the very stiff wind from the water was blowing), but these things help us to be stronger in the future.

11. Creature Comforts

Over all, I try to live a very basic life without a lot of frivolous spending or waste. When I was out in the cold weather yesterday I surely was thankful for this seat warmer in the car. As was my frozen tush.

10. Marvels of Modern Medicine

After a series of misadventures and life experiences I found a lump in my left breast. Sad day. But, happy day - I had my fibroadenoma removed this morning. While they are generally sure this is benign, it was fairly large and its just safer to have it done as I am fairly young. So, today, I am thankful for the marvels of modern medicine, the excellent care I received at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and my operative team (including the nurses).

Off to rest some more. :]


Photo from BIDMC Website

9. Boston

While walking around between classes at Umass Boston I realized its actually very close to what most people conventionally consider Boston. This photo was taken between the Quinn Administration building and the Clark Athletic Center. The true reason I am thankful for Boston is all the opportunities it offers, culturally, gastronomically, historically, spiritually, and for social observation. Its just big enough for me, where I can feel lost in the crowd but never lost or entirely alone (or unsafe). And good bargains can be had without sacrificing my safety(if you know where to look) ... so many adventures to be had!

8. Surprise Robots!

In the Stata Center at MIT (its where I do homework, okay?) I noticed a wall that looked like a robot - surprise!

A closer look at his "face":




Who doesn't love a surprise robot figure?

7. Tokens from a Friend

After a particularly tough day I came into English class the following morning and found Chuck sitting on my chair, waiting to make me feel better. Five years later, he still makes me feel better.

6. Purple Tulips, Given with Love

Happy Easter.

5. Happy Accidents

We had dinner last night at the Smile Thai Cafe, our favorite Thai restaurant in Cambridge. We usually order the same meals each time, but last night I ordered something different (mango fried rice) and he attempted to order Basil Pad Thai (light on the spice) with chicken and shrimp. Out came chicken and shrimp spicy basil - which was a wonderful surprise! It was yummy and not something we would have ordered otherwise.

In celebration of a recent event, we also got a fried banana, which we had been discussing for some time as I had never had one. These were not what my dining companion expected either, so it was happy accidents everywhere. :]

3. Random Art

I stumbled upon this as part of an installation piece by James Ossi at MIT.

The full piece looks like this (which almost makes the above picture all the more beautiful):

2: Snow Shapes

Driving to work this morning the snow created this strange shape on my windsheild, which was absolutely lovely. (Taken with my camera phone.)

1: My bicycle

I am thankful for my bicycle, which takes me to work on most days. It makes me healthier and helps me reduce my carbon foot print. It is often the highlight of my day and allows me to actually enjoy my commute.

(future gratitudes and observations will be actual pictures, this is just to get things started)

Hello

Hello, friends.

I'm setting up this new journal to document the beauty I see in the world around me every day. Something like a visual gratitude list. My camera should be coming soon, so I will be posting more, soon.