Watching a few TED (Technology Entertainment Development) presentations over the weekend, I was intrigued by Neil Pasricha's "The 3 A's of Awesome" "Neil Pasricha’s blog 1000 Awesome Things savors life’s simple pleasures, from free refills to clean sheets. In this heartfelt talk from TEDxToronto, he reveals the 3 secrets (all starting with A) to leading a life that’s truly awesome." So, after the inspiring presentation, I checked out his webpage 1000 Awesome Things. In truth, I find quite a few of the listings shallow, but that is a personal opinion, as I gather were the submissions to the site. However, it did get me thinking about what I find not just awesome, but amazing. Things that make you go, "jeezus, how the hell did they figure that out?!" or things that literally are so beautiful they just inspire awe. I have found that things associated with food amaze me the most, like yeast (bread, beer, jeez, how did they figure this out?), eggs (ditto), bananas, cheese, wine. Technology like mobile phones, the Internet, and public transport, books and bicycles also make the list. Nature - the ocean, eyesight, a campfire, snow, sunshine, autumn in New England, babbling brooks and belly buttons. And then there are sensations, like the sensation in the air before it rains or snows, waking up, stretching, the smell of fresh cut grass or baking bread, spooning, and dancing with someone and your hand somehow just "fits" right there in the small of her back and you know it's right.