Sweet notes

I used to keep notes from my sweetheart in my work desk drawer, and take them out to read whenever I was having a particularly trying day or otherwise in need of some positive vibes. I still keep screenshots of sweet, uplifting emails I’ve received from colleagues to read when I’m feeling unsure of myself. A senior business development manager at my old job came by my desk during my last week with the company to say, in passing but in earnest, that sometimes people don’t know how much they are appreciated until they hand in their notice, after which the appreciative notes start pouring in. By then it’s too late – their desks are packed.

Appreciation should not merely be inferred; that’s how people and companies lose stellar employees, partners, and friends, and, I think, why so many long-distance relationships dissolve. The absence of criticism is hardly the inference of appreciation. There are few people (at least in my life) who can deliver criticism constructively because it takes some effort and thought to do so; the kind of criticism that flows easily probably is not received too well. In any case, I think everyone harbors enough internal self-doubt at times without the aid of anyone else’s unsolicited sharp words.

Charley Harper Homecoming

Quotes

"You can love someone so much...But you can never love people as much as you can miss them."
- John Green

"When we are in love, we are convinced nobody else will do. But as time goes on, others do do, and often do do, much much better."
- Coco J. Ginger

“If you have to speculate if someone loves you and wants to be with you, chances are they don't. It's not that complicated. Love, in most cases, betrays the one feeling it. Don't waste moments waiting and wondering. Don't throw away your time dreaming of someone that doesn't want you. No one is that amazing, certainly not the one who would pass you up.”
- Donna Lynn Hope

Gym observations

1. While pedaling away at the elliptical today, I spotted a frazzle-haired woman mount her machine a row ahead of me. I took a double take when I saw her attempt to balance a chunky electronic on the machine’s magazine holder. It was indeed what I thought it was: a cassette Walkman.

2. To those on the stairmaster machines beside the floor-to-ceiling mirrors: I can see you shamelessly checking yourself out in the mirror, and so can the rest of us. After all, there are floor-to-ceiling mirrors all over the cardio area.

3. There’s a lanky, middle-aged woman who makes swimming motions with her arms while walking on the treadmill. Does that do anything?

Airport encounters: NYC

Sitting in La Guardia Airport terminal, waiting for my flight:

My sneeze interrupted the 8 a.m. silence, only to be followed with more (this time offensive) silence. Not one ‘bless you’!

Later:

Accidentally drop driver’s license between the two rows of connected seats. Literally have to climb and dangle my body through the gap to retrieve driver’s license because nearby occupants tried to ignore (during the silence) the unmistakable sound of a driver’s license-type card fall onto the ground, and were too rude to kick my driver’s license back over to me.

Standing on NYC's High Line in December 2013 for my NYE trip

Solo sushi picnic

On Friday I left work early for some “me” time. I ordered some sushi from one of my favorite sushi restaurants, and leapt over to the grassy area across the parking lot overlooking the man-made pond and two splashing fountains, unrolled my yoga mat, and plopped myself down. After contemplating whether or not I could finish my second roll, I decided to pack my things up and head back to the car. I turned around to find an SUV parked facing me. Young female driver in the driver’s seat, shades on. Probably Instagramming a selfie. Had she been parked there the entire time?

Drawing by Tony Ma

Happy Valentine's Day

You have to watch this! Brooklyn couple Danny and Annie tell the true story of their 27-year romance, from their first date to Danny's last days with terminal cancer. It's heartbreakingly romantic.



(Via A Cup of Jo)

Q&A: Understanding your children

"Joshua Littman, a 12-year-old boy with Asperger’s syndrome, interviews his mother, Sarah. Joshua’s unique questions and Sarah’s loving, unguarded answers reveal a beautiful relationship that reminds us of the best—and the most challenging—parts of being a parent."


Q&A from StoryCorps on Vimeo.