Month: July 2024

This week I am grateful for…

151. Family

152. Ice Cream

153. Garden

154. Delicious Mangoes

155. House of Dragons

 

#151: Family

Every summer, my family gathers for a reunion that’s become one of my favorite traditions. It’s a week filled with fun, nostalgia, games, and activities—creating memories that last a lifetime. I don’t remember exactly who started this tradition, but it’s been the perfect way for us to reconnect and catch up. With five siblings, my mom, in-laws, and nine nephews and nieces, our gatherings are anything but small! This year was particularly special. We brought back childhood games from our days in Kenya, shared old songs and stories, and created new memories with the next generation. I’m incredibly grateful for a loving, caring family that keeps this tradition alive.

#152: Ice Cream

One of the highlights of this year’s reunion was visiting a charming petting zoo and ice cream shop tucked away in rural Connecticut. The scenery was breathtaking—the lush green trees climbing up the mountain, the fresh air tinged with the scent of hay and farm animals. My nephews and nieces were thrilled to meet the llamas, alpacas, chickens, goats, pigs, peacocks, mini-horse, donkey, and rabbit. After spending time with the animals, we indulged in some delicious ice cream from the cozy shop nearby. This outing was a perfect blend of nature, fun, and sweet treats—an unforgettable experience!

#153: House of Dragons

I was a latecomer to the Game of Thrones hype, but after finally watching all seven seasons a few years ago (yes, I will skip talking about season 8, for obvious reasons!), I was hooked. Last night, I watched 2nd to last episode of season 2 of House of Dragons, the epic prequel to Game of Thrones, and wow—I’m so grateful for the incredible storytelling that keeps me on the edge of my seat.

#154: Gardening

Returning to my apartment and to the garden, I was greeted by a garden bursting with ripe, red tomatoes ready for harvest. Gardening has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m so grateful to my girlfriend for having the vision to create this little oasis. It’s been a joy to watch it grow and thrive.

#155: Delicious Mangoes

If there’s one fruit that holds a special place in my heart, it’s mangoes! Back in Kenya, I was spoiled with the juiciest, most flavorful mangoes you could imagine. Finding good mangoes in the States has been a challenge, but this week I hit the jackpot at an Indian grocery market. These mangoes were absolutely mouthwatering, and I’m beyond grateful for the taste of home they brought me.

What are you grateful for this week?

This week I am Grateful for…

146. Childhood Stories

147. Sisters

148. Birds at Dawn

149. Psychology Reunion

150. Niece

 

#146: Childhood Stories

Growing up, my partner and I experienced vastly different worlds. She was raised in Massachusetts, and I never tire of hearing her childhood tales. One of a recent story involves her and two neighborhood friends using walkie-talkies to communicate. She says it was the coolest experience ever and she recalling how they’d track the mailman, whispering updates like, “He just left my house, heading to yours next!” They felt like secret agents, complete with code phrases like, “Meet at HQ!”—a designated spot where they’d gather to debrief about their adventures and the mailman’s whereabouts. These stories always make me smile, and I’m grateful she shares them with me.

#147: Sisters

I’m grateful for my three lovely sisters this week. Their love and support were invaluable during my childhood.

#148: Birds at Dawn

There was a magical moment just before sunset after a rainy day. The birds were singing their hearts out, either celebrating the end of the rain or the day. The crisp air and the sound of car tires splashing through puddles added to the serene atmosphere. I’m grateful for such peaceful moments.

#149: Psychology Reunion

A couple of weeks ago, my undergrad college held a psychology department reunion. I didn’t see anyone from my time there, but it was wonderful to reconnect with some of my former professors. I’m very grateful for my undergraduate experience, even though it felt too short. I guess it is true that time flies when you are having fun.

#150: Niece

My nephews and nieces are adorable, but this week, I’m particularly grateful for my niece. I went to pick her and my sister up to visit my brother, and just as we were about to leave, she casually said, “Sina Kiatu,” which means “I don’t have shoes.” While her mom was annoyed that she waited until the last minute to mention this, I couldn’t stop laughing at her casual delivery.

 

What are you grateful for this week?

This week I am grateful for…

141. Perfect Timing

142. Grand Ole Opry

143. Delicious Brunch

144. Ice Cold Water

145. Sunset On The Walk Home

 

#141: Perfect Timing

Last week, my girlfriend and I embarked on a five-day adventure to Nashville, TN. At least, that was our initial plan. Instead, we found ourselves renting a car and exploring four states: Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Indiana. Due to our hectic schedules at work, we didn’t plan a detailed itinerary which ended up being a great thing as we allowed for room to be spontaneous. About two days into the trip, we realized that you can experience the essence of Nashville in just two full days. Despite our lack of preparation, everything fell into place perfectly.

For instance, our cab driver from the airport dropped us right in front of the African American Music Museum, one of the spots on our list. It was the first Wednesday of the month, and we discovered they offered free admission on that day! It couldn’t have been more perfect. We had just enough time to explore the museum before our Airbnb was ready for check-in.

A couple more moments happened during brunch in Louisville, Kentucky. I forgot to ask our waitress to bring my tea with the meal. She brought the tea first, and as I realized my mistake, my meal arrived just a minute later. It was a small moment of gratitude for me.

In Birmingham, AL, we visited the Civil Rights Square. My girlfriend needed to use the restroom, and we couldn’t find one nearby. We decided to head towards the 16th Street Baptist Church, a significant civil rights site. To our surprise, we arrived just in time for the last tour of the day, which started two minutes later. This tour was the highlight of our trip, a poignant and memorable experience that I’m incredibly grateful for.

#142: The Grand Ole Opry

On Sunday night, we attended a country music show at the Grand Ole Opry. I was blown away by the rich history of country music and the incredible performances. My favorite act was the final one by Don Schlitz, the songwriter behind classics like “The Gambler” and “When You Say Nothing at All.” It was a night filled with history and unforgettable memories.

#143: Delicious Brunch

One of the best parts of traveling is indulging in delicious brunches at local spots. I savored veggie omelets, pancakes, biscuits, and home fries. Each meal was a delightful experience, and I’m grateful for the wonderful brunches we enjoyed throughout our trip.

#144: Ice Cold Water

The weather was scorching hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 96 degrees. I was immensely grateful for ice-cold water during those sweltering days. Each sip felt like a moment of pure tranquility.

#145: Sunset on the Walk Home

On July 4th, we were treated to a breathtaking sunset on our walk home. The sky was illuminated with a soft, bright orange and yellow glow, with fireworks sparkling behind tall buildings. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie. Here is a photo I took which does not do it justice at all…

I’m deeply grateful for that awe-inspiring moment of bliss.

 

What are you grateful for this week?

See you soon…

 

 

This week, I am grateful for…

136. Safety

137. Avocados

138. Family

139. Wooden Radio

140. Family of Deer

#136: Safety

I was recently reminded that safety is a precious gift. Being able to go anywhere without constantly looking over my shoulder is a blessing. I’m incredibly thankful for the sense of safety I have this week.

#137: Avocados

Avocados are always a delight, enhancing almost everything I eat. Thank you, you vegetable-looking fruit!

#138: Family

This week, my family faced a challenge, and I was proud of how we handled it. I’m immensely grateful for their support and strength.

#139: Wooden Radio

A few weeks ago, I saw an old wooden radio at a store. The store manager explained that this was what radios looked like back in the day. I was fascinated by its size and design, a stark reminder of how far technology has come.

#140: Family of Deer

While in the garden this week, I heard something in the woods. To my delight, it was a family of deer. I quietly observed them and even managed to take a picture before they moved deeper into the woods. I’m thankful for such encounters with nature.

Final Thoughts

I’ve had such a busy couple of weeks, from traveling to wrapping up my current job and preparing for the next one. I will share my gratitude for my travel adventure in the next post

In the meantime… What are you grateful for this week?

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