This Vest

When I decided to go back to school for a Master's, I didn't know I would end up back in Wisconsin. But I did. If you don't know, it gets cold there. Like -40F (with windchill). Needless to say, my Florida wardrobe needed an update and eventually I ended up getting a nice, cozy down vest (along with some down slippers). Let me tell you, this thing is warm. It has actually, as of late, taken the place of my fleece, which I used to always wear without hesitation (you don't ever try to separate a Vermonter from his fleece). But alas, the vest is windproof and ends up keeping me warmer, even if I'm just inside working on the computer.

So thank you, down vest. Thank you, internet website from which you came. Thank you, delivery and packaging people. Thank you, manufacturers, for putting all the stitches in the right places. Thank you, geese, for this incredible biotechnology you've lent us. We've much to learn from you.

My Goofy Dog

I am grateful for our goofy dog, Roy. Roy is a boxer. Roy is thirteen years old. His once-jet-black muzzle is now grey, along with his eyebrows and bits of his ears. He can be incredibly frustrating sometimes, like when he blatantly ignores my calls and keeps walking away toward the road; or when he eats so fast that he throws it all back up.

Nonetheless, Roy is a great dog. He is so sweet and loves absolutely everyone. It doesn't matter if you're a stranger, old friend, baby, or another dog, he'll walk right up to you and demand to be petted (and he'll probably lean his whole body against you just to make sure you understand). He's a great companion and is surprisingly good at reading your mood. If you're sad, he'll sidle up beside you, staring at you, as if asking what's wrong (he'll even start whining and refuse to leave you alone if it's apparent enough that something's not right).

Roy's a good dog. And he's wearing a sweater. Thanks for being so darn cute, Roy, and for making our days a little brighter.

Longer Days

I am grateful for the days getting longer. By this, I don't mean longer work days, but that the sun now comes up earlier and sets later (the former is especially important). When I first started making myself get up early to translate, it would still be dark out—not very encouraging. But now that there's some light and traces of sunrise, getting up is much easier and, dare I say, enjoyable. Sun, you are beautiful and literally all life on earth depends on you. Thanks for getting up with me.

My Wife

I am grateful for my loving and caring wife. It's wonderful to know that there is always someone on my team, looking out for me; someone to be silly with; to be sad with; be happy with; share this life we have before us.

To many more years of adventure.

Black Coffee (Black Tea 2.0)

Thank you, black coffee, for stimulating my brain when it doesn't seem to be too interested in doing much. Sometimes a chemical kick is all you need. Plus, you taste great with homefries.

Learning

I love learning! My brain craves discovery and understanding. I honestly don't know if anything else gives me the same rush as understanding, especially after toiling with something more complex. It's wonderful. It's beautiful.

I have delved into many things over the years: music theory, violin, algebra, trig, physics, biology, medicine, Russian, French, Farsi, psychology, cryptology, computer programming, chess...the list goes on and it's so cool and exhilarating to pick up a new subject and be immersed in a new world.

Praise be the learning machine, my brain. Thank you to all those online communities, tutorials, and other resources dedicated to expanding our knowledge. Thank you, universe, for having so many fascinating things to discover and experiment with. Here's to a lifetime of learning and building those ever-flourishing neural connections.

Shelter

I am grateful for this shelter we have above our heads. It may be the new year, but it's cold and rainy out. This house may be old, but it keeps us warm and dry. Instead of shivering out in the elements, I can sit back and read, relax, or even take a nap. Thank you for your sanctuary.

Happy New Year.