A couple of days ago, in preparation for family Thanksgiving on Saturday, I went to a neighbor’s house and purchased a pie and some harvest bread. The pie still smells amazing (just checked), and the harvest bread tasted delicious. It had this gorgeous, perfectly viscous crystalline cinnamon icing, along with toasted macadamia nuts, and more throughout. 

Today, on the sacred turkey day itself, my mom was the first to wish me Happy Thanksgiving. She called and we talked about birthday presents and vinyl record players for a bit; it was nice. After our call, I spent the next hour learning about record players, aiming to balance price with function and form. Luckily, many items were discounted ahead of Black Friday, so decision-making was easier.

I then texted my closest family and friends with well wishes, and received replies back throughout the day. I also wished two neighbors “Happy Thanksgiving” by text, to which they replied similarly not long after. A fourth neighbor invited me over to chow, and so I did. The game was on and the Packers were leading against the Lions by 3 points. 

After getting back home, I talked with my best friend (a laser technician) for about 1 1/2 hours. It was in large part talking about things we’d both talked about before, so very familiar, yet slightly evolved – endeavors, ambitions, vision. It’s great to talk with a friend about big ideas. 

I also received a message or gratitude from another best friend, a data engineer. He’s wise and aware of the dangers of A.I.; it’s a consistent talking point. It is a curious world that we live in, isn’t it? To be talking about A.I. on a first blog post on your refreshed website? Kinda sus. All I can do is promise I’m not a bot… Anyways, my bro texted me some very kind, impactful words, expressing that he sees my best qualities as being central to my character. It means a lot when someone makes the mark with such an earnest compliment. If someone told me I was a great tuba player, it would only mean so much to hear, for I’ve never played the tuba. 

I’m grateful for all of these small things. The world is pretty huge, and it’s getting bigger every day. Sometimes we lose track of the small things within it. It’s important to realize how special they are. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.