I had started a blog about failure, but seeing as this is a joyous time of year, I decided to put it on hold until after the holiday season and write something a bit more cheerful. In truth, the holidays stress me, but there are also some beautifully amazing things that happen at this time of year and seeing as it is the end of the year, there are also many things to be grateful for. The things that I am thankful for at the close of 2011 and the beginning of 2012:

  1. All the incredible people in my life that I love. My family and friends of course, but also my neighbors, coworkers, students and the strangers on the street that smile and wish me a happy new year.

  2. Baltimore. It is home and for the first time in my life I am settled here or more so than I ever have been before. After applying to the Peace Corps and spending close to three years thinking I would be leaving it is nice to have the possibility of staying.

  3. Useful and beautiful things. I read somewhere once that one should surround oneself with things that are useful or things that are beautiful. Working in a ceramics studio this year I have found many things that are both.

  4. Sunshine. It is a beautiful day today.

  5. Good food.

  6. My dog. Walking my dog. Watching my dog do silly things. Driving with my dog.

  7. Generosity. I don't know where we would be without it.

  8. Haircuts. I got a new year's haircut yesterday and it seems like the right way to start the year.

  9. Getting older (and hopefully wiser).

  10. Potential. All of the possible ways that we will grow and change and all great things we can accomplish in 2012.


Happy new year everyone! If you would like to add the things that you are thankful for to my list feel free to comment below. Peace.