This week I am grateful for…
26. Adventure with Mr. Cheese
27. Reconnecting with an Old Colleague
28. The Magic of a Snow Day
29. The Joy of a Properly Working Vacuum
30. The Comforting Scent of Loose Leaf Tea
#26: Adventure with Mr. Cheese
A few days ago, we spotted a bright yellow cat lingering outside our apartment. It was dark and freezing, and our concern grew as we watched him hover near the entrance, as if hoping to slip inside. My first thought was that he belonged to our next-door neighbor—after all, she has a sign on her door that reads, “Please don’t let the cat outside.”
We tried coaxing him in, but he was skittish, walking away and hiding in the shadows. We tried knocking on our neighbor’s door but there was no response. Unsure of what to do, we consulted google and friends. That’s when my partner’s best friend suggested something brilliant—setting up a makeshift shelter. We placed a bin outside, lined it with warm towels, and hoped he would find refuge there overnight.
The next morning, we saw him again, this time nibbling on something near another neighbor’s door. Moments later, a window opened, and more food dropped onto the ground. Curious, I approached the neighbor to ask if she knew anything about the cat.
That’s when I learned so much.
Turns out, he’s a stray that she—a veterinarian—has been feeding for weeks! She even gave him a name: Mr. Cheese. Her goal is to slowly earn his trust in hopes of eventually adopting him. To our delight, she had even set up a time-lapse video, which captured Mr. Cheese curling up in our box for shelter. Seeing that brought my partner and me so much joy. Here is a blurry picture of him…
Stay tuned—we’re hoping for a happy ending in the adventures of Mr. Cheese!
#27: Reconnecting with an Old Colleague
While waiting in line at the grocery store, I noticed someone familiar behind me—an old colleague from seven years ago! We hadn’t seen each other since, and it was such a pleasant surprise to catch up, swapping stories and reminiscing about old times.
At one point, I reminded him about a favor he did for me—he had found an amazing deal on an acoustic guitar and bought it for me at just $90. Laughing, I admitted that despite all these years, I still haven’t learned to play. We both cracked up, promising to stay in touch.
#28: The Magic of a Snow Day
There’s something about the sheer anticipation of a snow day that never gets old. The excitement of checking the forecast, waiting for that official announcement, and then—boom!—an unexpected day off.
I always find myself breaking into a spontaneous happy dance, just like a high school student all over again. Here’s to more snow days this season and embracing the joy they bring!
#29: The Joy of a Properly Working Vacuum
This week, we finally got my hands on a vacuum cleaner that actually works. Our previous vacuum—one of those sleek yet cheap cordless ones from Amazon—was more for show than function. It barely cleaned the carpet, leaving me perpetually disappointed.
Now, with my new vacuum (cord and all), I feel like I’ve unlocked a new level of adulthood. Who knew a properly working vacuum could spark this much joy?
#30: The Comforting Scent of Loose Leaf Tea
Lately, I’ve been savoring Kenyan loose leaf tea that my mother brought me from Kenya a few months ago. Each time I open the container, its rich aroma transports me back home—early mornings with my family, sipping tea and laughing over how “cold” 60-degree weather felt to us.
It’s amazing how certain scents hold memories within them, instantly taking us back to cherished moments.
Weekly Spotlight
This week, we shine a light on an incredible story featured on the podcast My Unsung Hero. In this moving episode, four courageous women stepped up to protect and assist a stranger in need, showcasing the true power of kindness and bravery. Tune in to hear their inspiring journey and the impact of their selfless actions.
Check out the Episode HERE
