Last week I checked out the Renwick Gallery’s opening exhibit, WONDER. I went solo, and because it was a weekday, there were gloriously few visitors. I’ve included few photos and (Snapchat) videos that don’t do it justice.
The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed.
My parents aren’t very romantic, but I can tell my dad is getting more sentimental as the years pass. He recently reminisced about the beginning of his relationship with my mom.
Your mom was a country gal, and I was from the big city. She’s 6 years older, highly unconventional for our generation and culture. Your mom’s entire family was against our marriage and impending move to the U.S., predicting that our relationship would die within the year, leaving her stranded with nothing and alone in the states. We’ve been married nearly 40 years.
I’ve spent my last two Tuesday evenings at Grace Cathedral, participating in their (mostly) weekly Yoga on the Labyrinth.
It had been on my to-do list for years, and thanks to a yoga-craving, I made a date with a friend to finally experience it. I’m so glad I did.
It’s extraordinary, for countless reasons. The opening mediations. The ethereal, live instrumentals. How gratifyingly small you feel when you get lost gazing up at the cathedral’s ceiling as you lean into a pose. The otherworldly manner in which every sound and voice echoes. That you’re doing yoga, in the middle of this beautiful, chaotic city, with hundreds of strangers. Your inability to hear your own voice in the harmonious, reverberating, and perfectly in sync chorus of closing oms.
It’s surreal and stirring. I walk out feeling tranquil, happy, recentered — I can’t recommend it enough.
You can’t calm the storm… so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.
Facebook memories surfaced this artwork from 2007, a gift from the wonderful kiddos I used to spend every Sunday night with: Conor (9), Elise (6), and Grant (3).
Missing them pretty hard right now.
I’ve only spent an hour with her today, but my heart is already bursting at the seams. When I’m with her, nothing else matters. I’ll never forget her reaction when I surprised her this morning — it’s forever seared into my memory.
A few snippets:
“Jen Jen, would you like to play with me?” Always irresistible, always in a slight British accent.
“Hey Mochi, what’s the matter?” Said in a sweet, comforting tone to one of her dogs, who was looking mopey.
“Mochi, it’s not for doggies, for pete’s sake.” I laugh, and she smirks because she knows exactly what was so funny. “Yeah, I say ‘for pete’s sake.’”
“Turn on the music, so we can dance, ok?” A gal after my own heart. But I prefer my dance parties after 8am.
Don’t worry, she gave me a mask too.
Maybe it’s…
…but I’m feeling extra sentimental these days. In my usual fashion, I’ll share a little bit, in list form. :)
Here are a few of the countless things I’m thankful for:
Here’s a glimpse of my completely normal, but 100% delightful day:
Although the photos aren’t anything special, the moments were.
This post was great, but this portion in particular resonated with me:
As someone who sometimes fears lack of control and spends more time than I’d like in a wistful state of mind, this is a lovely perspective. Whenever emotions — fear, sadness, regret, anger — get the best of me, nothing brings me back down to earth more than the reminder that everything is temporary.
At my most zen, I’m able to channel this. I’ve noticed, however, that it can be perceived as aloof, cold, or dark. I get that, but it’s not meant to be any of those things. By embracing the impermanence of life and everything in it, I’m able to be my most appreciative.
…On the other hand, can this way of thinking manifest into self-fulfilling prophecies? If you already understand that the glass is already broken, are you less careful in handling it?
(h/t Matt Mullenweg)
Today is my first anniversary with Automattic! I’ve already posted about how I feel as an Automattician, so I’ll keep this short and sweet. I’m thankful for everyone I’ve met, everything I’ve learned, and everywhere I’ve traveled. I look forward to many more wonderful years.
A friend asked me what I’m looking forward to in the new year, and I realized that there’s plenty. In the first 6 months I’m headed to:
Portland, ME (Visiting family)
South Lake Tahoe, CA (Debauchery with friends)
Portland, OR (More friendly debauchery)
Austin, TX (Bachelorette party)
New Haven, CT + New York, NY (Reunion with childhood friends)
Myersville, MD (Wedding + reunion with my college roommates)
Zion National Park (Continued friendly debauchery)
I’m looking forward to so many local camping trips and weddings in that time as well.
I have a feeling that the upcoming year is going to be a lot of fun and a bit chaotic (in the best way possible). This made me happy, which made me think of all the other things I’m happy about, so rather than outline what I’m setting to accomplish in 2014, I want to reflect on a few things I’m grateful for from the past year:
Cheers to a fantastic year ahead!
This post is likely going to be too cheesy for most, but those who really know me recognize that I have a tendency to lean this way anyway. :) Also, I’m not the most eloquent person in the world, so bear with me as I attempt to organize my thoughts/feelings into a coherent, digestible format. Here goes!
Since I started at Automattic ~5 months ago, I’ve been bitten by some sort of wonderful bug. I’ve been reinvigorated — I want to see and experience everything. I feel motivated, intellectually stimulated, exhilarated, and unencumbered.
Chicken or the egg, right? Maybe I shrugged off some extra weight I’d been carrying around from my old company/job. Maybe I’m in a good place in my life. …Or maybe it’s just Automattic happiness. Here’s why I think much of what I’m feeling can be attributed to the latter:
This freedom and flexibility at both micro and macro levels permeates into everything. Suddenly, nothing is crazy and everything is in the realm of possibility. Yes, I know how ridiculous and new agey I sound, but you have no idea what an impact this can have until you get a taste.
Last, but certainly not least, my team is delightful and eclectic — compromised of scientists, artists, and everything in between from all around the world. I was fortunate enough to meet most of them during an all-company retreat in September. Not only are they terrific coworkers, but they’ve also done and continue to do incredible things outside of work. Their passion and curiosity is very infectious. Thanks to them and Automattic, I’ve been exposed to new books, music, places, cultures, experiences, challenges, motivations… I could go on forever.
I don’t know how someone as ordinary as I am ended up amongst this extraordinary group, but I’m grateful. Even on days where I doubt myself and my work severely, I’m happy because I know that I’m learning and growing tremendously. If any Automatticians are reading, thank you for your part in this! I wish everyone could live and work this way.
The Automattic family
A coworker snapped this photo of me because he said I looked “so Automattic.” Quite the compliment, IMO. :)
i want to go to there. 