Though I can't put my finger on what trait or characteristic those I admire share, one common thread seems to be:

They love what they do, and they do what they love.

Whether in work, or in life, they seem to have an aura that makes everyone around them energized.

Some examples...

The artists at the Seattle fish market -- the Pike Place Market

If you haven't seen them in action, you've missed a treat.

I mean, c'mon, they work with stinky fish all day. Not too pleasant a job, and certainly not a resume builder. But it's obvious these guys make an art out of a tedious and smelly job with their entertaining antics, humor and overall fun times.

This should teach us all a lesson about making the best out of every situation.

I've been fortunate enough to visit several times, and on each visit they come up with something new and creative. If you're curious, there's a fairly well-known book about them (Fish! Tales, ISBN 0786868686) along with multiple documentaries.

John at the local Starbucks

This guy always has a positive attitude, a cheerful demeanor and though it may not be exciting it’s obvious he enjoys his job with his cheerful greetings and “have a nice day.” And he makes the best seven pump, non-fat, iced venti chai this side of Washington Street.

Colin Meloy and The Decemberists

Although his original career track was that of an author, Colin Meloy switched to writing lyrics for music and formed The Decemberists in 2001.

If you ever listen to their songs, you’ll see he made the right choice. Their songs are more of a story told through music than a typical song.

I was able to see The Decemberists last Saturday at Avalon, and it was an experience like no other. Though the venue was packed to the gill, you could actually hear a pin drop as the packed house was focused on every beat and every lyric.

Honestly, if they wanted to start a cult, tell the crowd to stand on one foot and rob a bank they probably could’ve done it. I’ve never seen ANYONE able to hold an audience’s attention like they did.

Incredible.

They reminded me of one of my favorite all-time live bands: Barenaked Ladies. Lots of story-telling, a creative use of instruments, and a rare stage presence and audience involvement. They're a perfect example of a following creating a band, as opposed to a band (or a record company) creating a following.

And it's sooooo obvious they love what they do, and they do what they love.

Car Thieves

Though I despise them, I have to respect their dedication to their work. With three stolen cars since I’ve lived in Boston, and a broken window and stolen laptop (the night of the Decemberists show), they’re obviously good at their jobs, and are passionate about what they do…

What you didn’t realize is I also missed some important holidays in the middle:

• February 15^th: National Gum Drop Day
• February 17^th: My Way Day
• February 19^th:  Spunky Old Broads Day
• February 20^th: Mmmm. Mmmm. Mmmm. International Pancake Day
• March 3^rd: What if Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day? Huh??? What???!!!
• March 12^th: National Workplace Napping Day. My favorite!

Anyway, I promise I’ll be much better about more frequent updates going forward. For you basketball fans, enjoy March Madness (clearly the best sporting event EVER created), and for those of you living in Boston I hope you enjoyed the lovely Nor’Easter last night.

With last night's snow, we just barely missed the record for the least recorded snow in a Boston winter. The old record was 9.0 inches set in 1938. Until last night, we had only 6.4 inches for the season.

Oh well, Global Warming didn't win this time...

May this day bring you sweet chocolate, fresh roses, and increased stock value on your 1-800-Flowers and Hallmark investments.

On this national day of marketing everything red, I have a strange sense of contentness that's uncommon for me on Valentine's Day (e.g., when you're single, today usually sucks and when you're in a relationship, you feel this pressure that you can pretty much only screw up if you don't do certain things).

Anyway, it's been a few weeks since I've shared what's going on in my life, in my head and in my heart so here are a few random things:

• Though I kinda like the cool weather, winter sucks. Supposedly we can't complain since this winter has been relatively gentle, but today was a doosy. On my way to a client meeting at MGH this morning, I was happily greeted by 6 inch deep by 5 foot wide puddles of mush (that's either rain piled onto melting snow or a band with a similar name to a Flock of Sea-Gulls, Jars of Clay or Fountains of Wayne).

• Unbeknownst to me, one of my shoes had a hole in it. The negative feeling of winter was exadgerated by said puddle of mush (see above). You can't walk around 5 foot wide mush puddles.

• I've been incredibly busy with work, as we have at least 15 client projects starting simultaneously. This certainly helps the growth of the company, but work is hard man!

• My social circle in Boston is growing exponentially, and for the first time in a while it seems all of my friends are on the same page in terms of networking, growing said circle and bringing new people in.
  

• I had a really bad stomach flu earlier this week. Not fun.
  

• I'm playing in two basketball leagues (and am averaging a double-double in both). A co-ed league on Monday nights with a bunch of friends. Not too competitive, but a ton of fun. Needless to say, I had to figure out how to set the timer on my VCR to record 24.
  

• The Celtics have had a very rough year. Though I'm very sick of hearing about "rebuilding year," I suppose positive thoughts about next year will have to suffice.
  

• I've recently been reminded of a a few things about myself: (1) I can't read people's minds; (2) If someone has a problem with me but they don't tell me...that's their fault, not mine; (3) I'm not perfect, but who is? Though I have some minor flaws, I've got strong character, have an abundance of love for the uniqueness of others, and have a great group of friends who respect me ...and that will be my final judgment; (4) I have a minor character flaw that I sometimes accept blame too easily, and don't encourage others to take responsibility for their actions, or lack thereof; (5) I can't dunk; (6) Traits I can't stand include cowardness, passive-aggressiveness and intolerance.
   
• When I can, I'm continuing to do volunteer work...at a local animal shelter, a non-profit Boston career counseling center where I help homeless/unemployed with their interview skills and resumes, and some work with Junior Achievement.

• I saw a few movies recently, both impressive and with strong messages. The first, Letters from Iwo Jima, is part of the duo of movies released by Clint Eastwood (the other being Flags of Our Fathers). This movie takes the Japanese perspective of the battle of Iwo Jima.