Being Thankful This Year

How close did the tsunami hit? Closer than I thought. Two friends of mine currently living in China spent the Christmas holiday in Phuket, Thailand. Thank God they escaped serious injury, dashing to the roof after the first wave crashed through their first-floor sliding glass door (above), floating their bed and furniture. I'm including some photos they took of the area and their hotel. If the spirit moves, check out list of relief organizations helping in the area compiled by Manhattan User's Guide. I had a wonderful holiday with family and friends, and the disaster only serves to reinforce how precious and fragile life is.