Month: September 2025

This week I am grateful for…

181. Upcoming Trip to Ithaca, New York
182. An Adventurous Evening
183. The Relief of Finding My Wallet
184. The Kindness of a Stranger
185. A Fun Fact (or Two)

#181: An Upcoming Trip to Ithaca, New York

This Friday, my girlfriend, her best friend, and her partner are all heading with me to Ithaca for Apple Fest and I’m already counting down the days. In past years, we’ve indulged in everything apple: crisp cider, warm cider donuts, and slices of pie that taste like autumn itself. But Apple Fest is more than food—it’s the atmosphere. Ithaca in the fall is stunning, with rolling hills and trees with shades of red, orange, and gold. Some of my favorite memories are from wandering the paths around Ithaca College and Cornell, completely surrounded by that magic. I can’t wait to soak it all in again, this time with even more good company.

#182: An Adventurous Evening

Last night turned into a little adventure. We started with a trail walk in a local park, one I’d never tried before. As the sun dipped under the horizon, it painted the sky and trees with vibrant shades oranges and deep browns.

Afterward, we headed downtown Worcester for sushi, then stumbled upon a heavy metal concert at the Palladium. The energy was wild, and even though it wasn’t planned, it added an exciting twist to the night. We ended with a casual walk through the city, enjoying the buzz of it all.

#183: The Relief of Finding My Wallet

You know that moment of panic when you think you’ve lost something important? That was me this week after the gym. I drove to work, reached for my wallet, and nothing. Cue the frantic bag shuffling, pocket checking, and “oh no, what now?” thoughts. Just when my stress was peaking, I found it tucked in a side pocket of my gym bag. The relief in that moment? Priceless.

#184: The Kindness of a Stranger

There’s something small but heartwarming about someone holding the door for you, even when you’re a bit too far away. Of course, it comes with that mini stress jog to show you appreciate it, but still, it’s such a thoughtful gesture. It happened to me this week, and it reminded me how little acts of kindness can make a day brighter.

#185: A Fun Fact (or Two)

I love collecting fun facts, especially the ones that make people pause and go, “Wait, really?” We all know tomatoes are fruits, right? But did you know avocados are fruits too? And get this—cucumbers, eggplants, and peppers (yes, even bell peppers) are officially fruits as well. Makes you look at your salad a little differently, doesn’t it?

Weekly Highlight 

In the spirit of fruits and veggies, here’s a quote I came across recently:
“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”

What about you—what’s one fun fact you’ve learned recently that made you smile?

This week I am grateful for…

171. Crickets

172. Teaching FYE

173. A Great Workout

174. The Last Ice Cream of the Season

175. Running into Old Friends

176. A Gliding Red-Tail Hawk

177. Sun After Rain

178. Music While Doing Dishes

179. Morning Fog on My Commute

180. Sleepcasts

#171: Crickets

During my mindfulness practices this week, I found myself tuning into the sound of crickets again. It reminded me of an experience a year ago after my silent retreat in remote Vermont. At first, I thought the sound was unique to that place, but when I returned home, they were still there, steady and clear. That’s when I realized something: the crickets had always been there—I just hadn’t been listening. My partner confirmed this when she said she rarely noticed them unless she paused and really paid attention. That moment changed me. This week, I’m grateful for mindfulness—and for the quiet reminder of crickets.

#172: Teaching First Year Experience Seminar

Last week, I had the privilege of teaching my very first First Year Experience course at QCC. Meeting the students, hearing about their hopes, and engaging in meaningful discussions filled me with energy. There’s something inspiring about being with students at the start of their journey. Also big shoutout to my coworker that made all this possible, you know yourself!

#173: A Great Workout

You know those workouts that leave you sore for days, yet proud of yourself for showing up? I had one this week. My pectoral muscles are still reminding me of it, but I keep going back. One classmate joked, “Remember, it’s us versus the trainer—and we outnumber her!” That got the whole group laughing.

#174: The Last Ice Cream of the Season

This week, a local shop closed for the season, and I made sure to savor one last scoop of my favorite flavor, black raspberry. It felt bittersweet: a small farewell to summer, but also a sweet welcome to fall. I did, however, chuckle (and cringe a little) at their chosen end-of-season motto: “Come get your last lick.” Some things are better left unbranded. Here is a photo I took…

#175: Running into Old Friends

Sometimes life surprises you. My girlfriend and I decided to walk at a nearby park instead of our usual one, and I ended up running into not one, not two, not three—but four old friends I hadn’t seen in ages. We caught up, shared stories, and ended up walking five miles around the track together. Pure serendipity.

#176: A Gliding Red-Tail Hawk

One evening this week, I spotted a red-tail hawk high in the sky, almost motionless, gliding on the wind. The golden sunset lit up its brown-and-white feathers, and for a moment it looked like time itself had paused. Majestic.

#177: Sun After Rain

After a long, rainy day, the clouds finally broke. On my evening walk, the sun made a brief but dazzling appearance, painting the sky with shades of orange and gold. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie.

#178: Music While Doing Dishes

Doing chores isn’t always fun, but I’ll admit—I secretly enjoy when it gives me an excuse to play music. This week, I was vibing so much while doing dishes that I almost wished it had taken longer.

#179: Morning Fog on My Commute

On my way to work, I was greeted by a soft fog resting over the distant horizon. It transformed the ordinary commute into something calming and picturesque.

#180: Sleepcasts

One of my bedtime rituals is listening to Headspace sleepcasts—soothing stories set in places like cozy inns or peaceful gardens. They help me unwind, let go of the day, and drift into restful sleep. This week, I’ve been especially grateful for this gentle practice.

Weekly Spotlight

This week’s spotlight is one of my favorite Ted Talks by Tim Urban on Procrastination. It is funny, thoughtful, and highly Inspirational.

This Week I’m Grateful For…

161. Overnight Rain

162. Toastmasters

163. A New Adjunct Professor Role

164. A Friendly Cat

165. Evening Walks

166. Cooling Temperatures

167. The Approach of Fall

168. Back-to-School Energy

169. Succession

170. Kenyan Tea

#161: Overnight Rain

Yesterday afternoon, while sitting outside, the sky shifted in an instant. Dark clouds rolled in, the wind shook the trees, and the air felt charged with anticipation. Soon, lightning flashed, thunder roared, and a tornado warning buzzed across my phone. It was humbling, a little scary, but also awe-inspiring.

When the rain finally came, it poured with force, rattling the windows and creating a river on the ground. Later in the evening, the storm softened into a gentle patter, tapping on the glass like nature’s lullaby. I fell asleep to it and slept like a baby.

#162: Toastmasters

This week, I delivered my very first Toastmasters speech. The nerves were there, but so was the joy. What stood out most was the thoughtful feedback I received from the group. Over the years, public speaking has become something I no longer avoid but a skill I’m learning to shape. That shift in perspective feels empowering.

#163: A New Adjunct Professor Role

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been offered an adjunct professor position at my workplace! My first class is this Tuesday, and I’m both excited and honored for the opportunity to step into this new chapter.

#164: A Friendly Cat

On a walk with my girlfriend, we stumbled upon the sweetest little tuxedo cat; black fur, white paws, and the friendliest meow. He brushed against our legs, followed us down a narrow path, and completely stole our hearts.

Curious, we knocked on a nearby door to ask if he belonged to anyone. A kind couple told us he’s the neighborhood cat, free to roam. Relieved, we said goodbye (though my girlfriend had a hard time walking away). Hoping we cross paths with him again soon.

#165: Evening Walks

Speaking of walks, I’m grateful for the evening strolls my girlfriend and I shared this week. A simple rhythm of steps, conversation, and presence. It’s these small rituals that make life feel full.

#166: Cooling Temperatures

Lately, the weather has lingered between 64–74°F, which to me is absolute perfection. Cool enough for a sweater in the morning, warm enough to exercise comfortably, and crisp enough for restful sleep at night.

#167: The Approach of Fall

These cooler days are a gentle nudge that fall is near. I don’t want to rush it, but I can’t deny that autumn is my favorite season. Stay tuned for some fall-themed posts coming soon!

#168: Back-to-School Energy

As a student, back-to-school season was always bittersweet, happy reunions with friends mixed with the sadness of summer’s end. Now, working in higher education, that ambivalence remains. Part of me mourns the quiet of summer, but another part comes alive seeing students return and campus energy build again.

#169: Succession

After putting it down last year, I recently restarted Succession on HBO. Five episodes in, and I’m completely hooked. The writing is sharp, the characters messy, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes.

#170: Kenyan Tea

Few rituals bring me joy like a cup of Kenyan tea. The aroma, the creamy swirl of milk, the warmth in my hands—it’s a daily moment of comfort I savor deeply.

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Weekly Spotlight

This week’s spotlight is a quote from Arthur C. Brooks:

“Satisfaction comes not from chasing bigger and bigger things, but paying attention to smaller and smaller things.”
— From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life