This week I am grateful for…
131. Catching the Bus Just in Time
132. Hanging Out by the Beach
133. A Refreshing Shower After a Long, Hot Day
134. The Gentle Dings of a Wind Chime
135. Chipmunk Chase (Love or War?)
#131: Catching the Bus Just in Time
This weekend, my partner and I took a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard. It was quite the adventure—we biked to the ferry station, hopped on the ferry to the island, then rushed to catch a bus to Oak Bluffs. One highlight of the day was catching the bus back just in time to grab lunch before our return ferry.
We were power-walking toward the bus stop, about 100 feet away, when the driver closed the doors and prepared to pull off. I quickly waved, hoping to catch his attention. Thankfully, he saw us and gladly let us on. We had to jog a little to make it, but that was a small price to pay for perfect timing. Sometimes, it’s the little wins that make the day even sweeter.
#132: Hanging Out by the Beach
I never thought of myself as a beach person, but slowly, I’m starting to get it. There’s something about the calm, the sound of the waves, and the relaxed energy that’s growing on me. I still prefer sitting under some shade—I’m not a fan of intense sunlight on my skin—but the whole vibe is incredibly soothing. This week, I’m grateful for the chance to simply sit by the beach, feel the breeze, listen to the waves, and just be. It’s a beautiful reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.
#133: A Refreshing Shower After a Long, Hot Day
After spending the day biking, walking, and soaking in the summer heat on Martha’s Vineyard, few things felt as satisfying as the cool shower that awaited me at home. It was pure bliss—washing away the sweat, the dust, and the stickiness of the humid day, leaving behind only a clean slate and great memories. That simple, refreshing shower was a quiet, perfect ending to an active day.
#134: The Gentle Dings of a Wind Chime
There’s something magical about the soft, random dings of a wind chime swaying in the breeze. My partner’s grandma has one hanging in her backyard, and sitting on the porch listening to it is surprisingly peaceful. It’s one of those small pleasures I didn’t know I needed. Maybe one day I’ll have my own wind chime—of course, I’d probably need a house to go with it first!
#135: Chipmunk Chase (Love or War?)
One afternoon this week, I sat outside and watched two chipmunks in what seemed like an epic chase. They danced around with so much urgency and determination that I couldn’t tell if they were fighting or flirting. I like to think it was a playful game, maybe even a little romance. Either way, it made me smile and reminded me of the joy in observing everyday moments.
Weekly Highlight
This week’s highlight is a thought-provoking quote from Yuval Noah Harari:
“One of history’s few iron laws is that luxuries tend to become necessities and to spawn new obligations… How many young college graduates have taken demanding jobs in high-powered firms, vowing that they will work hard to earn money that will enable them to retire and pursue their real interests when they are thirty-five? But by the time they reach that age, they have large mortgages, children to school, houses in the suburbs that necessitate at least two cars per family, and a sense that life is not worth living without really good wine and expensive holidays abroad. What are they supposed to do, go back to digging up roots? No, they double their efforts and keep slaving away.”
It’s a powerful reminder to be intentional about the life we’re building and to regularly check whether what we’re chasing still aligns with what truly matters to us.