#290: Weather Reports

With the impending storm approaching, I am reminded how thankful we should all be to live in an age of advanced technology and mass communication. I cannot comprehend living in a world where a storm like Hurricane Sandy could bear down unannounced, cannot comprehend the extent of damage or loss of life that would result. I am thankful there have been people tracking this storm and keeping the public informed about it, so that we can all take the necessary precautions.

#273: Water

Today an activity in my class involved coloring. One student was being particularly whiny and was complaining about how 'stressful' it is to color. I couldn't help but respond with a typical adult response. "You know there are kids in the world your age, somewhere in the world right now, who are spending their day simply trying to find water. I'm pretty sure that's stressful. Coloring? Not so much." Like the typical 13 year old he shrugged his shoulders, and went on to justify that sure, it didn't compare, but it's so hard to hold crayons. You know?

While the sentiment was lost on him, it wasn't on me. I realized I needed to take a dose of my own medicine. It is so easy for me to get caught up in the everyday annoyances of modern, privileged life that I forget that these are privileges...things that, in the long run, don't matter. That honestly, at the end of the day. the reality that I have consistent and reliable access to clean water matters...but I don't give it much (if ever any) credence, and that the 'stresses' in my life pale in comparison to the reality that much of the world does not have that luxury.

It also made me think of the roles water has played in my life: the calming effect the ocean has on me, particularly when I can run besides it, days and nights of summer spent in my community and friends' pools, the relief of water stations during a race, the reassurance of waking an older sibling or a parent in the middle of the night for a glass of water...it's fundamental role in our lives makes it easy to ignore, or to become part of the background, but it's the fact that it does, in fact,  play a fundamental role in our lives that makes it something we should be thankful for.

"The cure for anything is salt water...sweat, tears, or the sea." - Isak Dinesen

#260: Fall

It's officially my favorite time of year, the season that brings cooler temperatures, Uggs, sweaters, pumpkin spiced drinks, Halloween, changing leaves, the scent of bonfires in the wind, melancholy afternoon sun, the best running weather, fresh air, comforters back on the bed...I could go on and on, and through future posts, I'm fairly certain I will.

#248: Wonderful Weather Forecasted

After a stormy Saturday, it was so lovely to wake up to a beautiful Sunday morning, and even lovelier to follow that ambiance with a 7 day forecast that looks like a dream. Clear skies, sunshine, cooler temperatures than we've seen in months. Sure, it could rain any (or every!) day this week, but there's something so wonderful about seeing that long block of wonderful weather forecasted, you can't help but start your week feeling good about the days to come.

#205: Moon Gazing

When I was little I reportedly requested, often, to be taken outside to see the moon. This is a sight I am still regularly awed by-- when I catch it outside a car window, or when a harvest moon overtakes the sky.

Last night I noticed the moon from my bedroom window. In a nod to my childhood, I made Kegan come out in the backyard to see it outside. He was not as into the moment as I was, but it was peaceful to stand out amongst the fireflies and crickets, and just take it in.

I rarely these days make it a point to go look at the moon like I did when I was little, but it's something that brings me such calm that I want to make an effort to do it more. When I have kids I want to bring them outside-- pajamas and all-- to look at the moon and the stars. It reminds me how big our world is, how connected we all are, how the trivial worries that are so overwhelming should just be dismissed, and how accessible a quick escape can be. Just look up.

#181: Sleeping With The Window Open

I believe that everyone is either a "pillow" person or a "blanket" person; one of those two you'd prefer to not do without. I am a person of the blanket variety, and so as the summer months begin and the humidity engulfs, I find myself wrestling with my sheets. It's just sometimes so hot, but I can't sleep without at least a light blanket (I know, I know...first world problem).

 And so it's nights like the past few-- when it's cooler than normal-- that sleeping with the window open brings me the great joy of getting to pull on my comforter again. Throw in the purification of cool, fresh night air and the comforting rumble of a train passing and you have the makings of a perfect night's sleep.

#164: Silence

"Life is so loud."

I said this to Kegan earlier today. I really wanted to go for a "hike", and since this was my "Cat Mother's Day" I was able to call the shots this afternoon.

Any serious hiker would likely call my my version of a "hike" a "walk in the woods", which is why I put it in quotations. Kegan and I spent some time walking down the towpath of the D & R canal, and our turn around point was a spillway, right before which there was a bench. Before we headed back we sat for a short time on the bench, not speaking, just taking in the peace of the silence around us. We both made moves to head back, but persisted on sitting for just a bit longer. It was when Kegan made the definitive decision that it was time to head back that I turned to him and said, "Life is so loud." He, in his ever understanding ways, knew exactly what I meant, simply nodded, and we turned to head back down to the canal to the car to continue on with our day.

Whether it's because of the environmental noise that always surrounds us, the constant hum of always being connected, or the resounding of one's own thoughts, true quiet is rare. I'm thankful for moments like today when I am able, even briefly, to be lost in silence. It's profoundly loud.

#144: Earth Day

There was nothing particularly eco-friendly about my day today, and I'm regretting it. Next year I plan to observe Earth Day, because the idea of Earth Day is admirable. I am an environmentalist at heart; although after watching No Impact Man this past summer I realize I will never be extreme, I do believe in lessening our individual footprints and going green to the best of our ability. Earth Day reminds us all that we should celebrate and make efforts to conserve the natural world, and as someone who wants to leave as good of a planet, if not better, for future generations, for that I am thankful.

#143: Rainy Day

I realized midday that I was complaining a lot about the rain. In my mind I was imagining all that I could be doing with a sunny Sunday, and was very Debbie Downer when I ran the only errand I had to do-- a quick in and out of Target-- and was uncomfortable getting even the least bit rained upon. But when my negative attitude started to wear on me, I realized I needed to garner the power of this project and look to what I could be thankful for about this rainy day. So here it is: since we've been in a drought, this rain is desperately needed. In honor of Earth Day, I'm glad plant life is getting much needed precipitation. While I would've loved all of my imagined outdoor hours, I enjoyed being able to lay around in sweatpants and catch up on my DVR (without the guilt of wasting sunshine). My car is getting a much-needed washing, free of charge. And, as cliche as it may be, I'm thankful that rainy days make me more appreciative of the sunny ones.

#3: Unseasonably Warm Weather

The holiday season might be in full swing, but today truly felt like a day in early spring. Unfortunately I realized too late that I easily could have gotten away with wearing flip flops! Knowing the winter is bearing down upon us, I made it a point to soak up how good it feels somedays just to be outside, content with sunshine.