A Year of Thankfulness

So this year, 2019, I made the goal of writing down one thing every day for which I was thankful. I wasn't sure I would keep up with it, but to my great surprise and pleasure, I exceeded my own low expectations. Below, you will find the list of things I was thankful for every day. Some of them I remember context for, while others are now lost to the sands of time. I tried to be very genuine about each thing, and while there are some duplicates, they were always things that pertained to that particular day. I also discovered that my handwriting is quite lacking, as there were a few entries I had to ask others to attempt to translate. There may be a few placeholders when I failed to decipher the scribbles. If you have questions about any, leave the date in a comment; I'll try to fill in my thought process for that given date.

And now, without further ado, my thankfulness diary of 2019.


January 1 - I am thankful for family that puts up with most of my idiosyncracies.
January 2 - I am thankful for people who encourage me to simplify life.
January 3 - I am thankful for Marie Kondo. She is an inspiration.
January 4 - I am thankful for my Assassin's Creed sweater.
January 5 - I am thankful for side jobs that provide additional income.
January 6 - I am thankful for a super productive weekend and somewhat questionable archery.
January 7 - I am thankful for double checking and my OCD.
January 8 - I am thankful for all the single ladies! (All the single ladies!)
January 9 - I am thankful for a good chat with Steve today.
January 10 - I am thankful I got to know Sophie better today.
January 11 - I am thankful for people who update the project progress file correctly.
January 12 - I am thankful for snow I don't have to be out in.
January 13 - I am thankful for Sarah and Ashleigh who are awkward and delightful.
January 14 - I am thankful for a free Chick-fil-a cookie for my birthday.
January 15 - I am thankful for purple pants power!
January 16 - I am thankful for bountiful birthday blessings.
January 17 - I am thankful for hot pink on a dreary day.
January 18 - I am thankful for crafts that require little brain power.
January 19 - I am thankful for meteorologists even when they are horribly wrong.
January 20 - I am thankful for quiet days.
January 21 - I am thankful for technology.
January 22 - I am thankful for dinner invites with friends.
January 23 - I am thankful for the basics (this is as hard as I thought it would be).
January 24 - I am thankful for bad days that end.
January 25 - I am thankful for a job well done.
January 26 - I am thankful for the opportunity to support Esther as she witnessed to Franklin.
January 27 - I am thankful for sample sizes of unhealthy stuff so I can sate the temptation to buy.
January 28 - I am thankful for friendly Indian restaurants and trying new things.
January 29 - I am thankful I got my notes done before opening my email.
January 30 - I am thankful for a reminder of the history of OMS.
January 31 - I am thankful that this month is over.

February 1 - I am thankful for how God works even before we know what is needed.
February 2 - I am thankful for the first day of windows down/heat blasting driving.
February 3 - I am thankful for friends who make boring things like the Super Bowl fun.
February 4 - I am thankful for normal days.
February 5 - I am thankful for Sarah and her trust in me.
February 6 - I am thankful for lunch with friends and National Froyo Day.
February 7 - I am thankful for godly missionaries who don't take advantage of those in their care.
February 8 - I am thankful for Sarah, who listens to me rant.
February 9 - I am thankful for new stores and a challenge to myself.
February 10 - I am thankful for pretty snow and good brakes.
February 11 - I am thankful for well-made tamales.
February 12 - I am thankful for fresh garlic.
February 13 - I am thankful for Steve even when I don't want to talk.
February 14 - I am thankful that being single is not a hardship.
February 15 - I am thankful for the companionship pets provide.
February 16 - I am thankful for dog kennels.
February 17 - I am thankful for service workers who like their jobs and are friendly.
February 18 - I am thankful for measured discussion and a desire to make things better.
February 19 - I am thankful for a warm bed.
February 20 - I am thankful for my new autobiography title: I got reprimanded, but I did it anyway.
February 21 - I am thankful for millennials.
February 22 - I am thankful for new lunch buddies and board games with Ashleigh.
February 23 - I am thankful for not being in a cult.
February 24 - I am thankful for interesting podcasts.
February 25 - I am thankful for wacky high dreams that are just weird.
February 26 - I am thankful for the new millennial lunch.
February 27 - I am thankful for the excellent chapel message from the president of CONIM.
February 28 - I am thankful for life.

March 1 - I am thankful for well-trained dogs.
March 2 - I am thankful for friends who also kind of drive me crazy.
March 3 - I am thankful for flexible schedules.
March 4 - I am thankful for random song interludes from Sarah.
March 5 - I am thankful for godly men who live lives in service.
March 6 - I am thankful for the B.U.S.
March 7 - I am thankful for for people who love Marvel as much as I do and for Addie's friendship.
March 8 - I am thankful for drugs.
March 9 - I am thankful for the first spring rain.
March 10 - I am thankful for a relatively easy transition to a ridiculous construct of idiocy.
March 11 - I am thankful for the zig-a-zig-ah.
March 12 - I am thankful for people who navigate awkward situations better than I.
March 13 - I am thankful for freedom.
March 14 - I am thankful for pie!
March 15 - I am thankful for quiet days.
March 16 - I am thankful for fresh samosas.
March 17 - I am thankful I live close enough to Lexi to go home at night.
March 18 - I am thankful for life.
March 19 - I am thankful I get to go home.
March 20 - I am thankful for pulled pork.
March 21 - I am thankful for lemon poppyseed muffins.
March 22 - I am thankful Spanish is done!
March 23 - I am thankful for visits from my parents.
March 24 - I am thankful for little deviations from routine that don't freak me out.
March 25 - I am thankful for fajitas.
March 26 - I am thankful for the opportunity to get to know coworkers better at lunch and for a new kukri!
March 27 - I am thankful for the history of OMS.
March 28 - I am thankful for warm days and a successful name change at Chick-fil-a.
March 29 - I am thankful for payday.
March 30 - I am thankful I keep boots in my car.
March 31 - I am thankful for productive days.

April 1 - I am thankful I'm nobody's fool.
April 2 - I am thankful for "Endgame" tickets.
April 3 - I am thankful for people who curb my petty nature.
April 4 - I am thankful for days when I can walk outside.
April 5 - I am thankful for the onset of Spring!
April 6 - I am thankful for good friends and a wonderful family.
April 7 - I am thankful Sarah joined me in speaking at the church.
April 8 - I am thankful for the occasional cheeseburger.
April 9 - I am thankful for new dance moves!
April 10 - I am thankful that Steve asks random questions.
April 11 - I am thankful the roof hasn't caved in yet.
April 12 - I am thankful for Ashleigh and Susan.
April 13 - I am thankful for medical professionals.
April 14 - I am thankful for relaxing yet productive days.
April 15 - I am thankful I don't speak Japanese.
April 16 - I am thankful for a soft, warm bed.
April 17 - I am thankful for Easter eggs.
April 18 - I am thankful for "they have tortillas now?!"
April 19 - I am thankful for Jesus.
April 20 - I am thankful for Mama.
April 21 - I am thankful for the gift of salvation.
April 22 - I am thankful for new people.
April 23 - I am thankful for heartburn medicine.
April 24 - I am thankful for my minions and good friends.
April 25 - I am thankful for Marvel and the Avengers!
April 26 - I am thankful for craft night with Lori.
April 27 - I am thankful I had the foresight to buy another ticket.
April 28 - I am thankful for alternate laundry options.
April 29 - I am thankful for peace and quiet.
April 30 - I am thankful I can finally start training Trista.

May 1 - I am thankful there is a God of the universe.
May 2 - I am thankful for my DSLR.
May 3 - I am thankful for technology, even when it is crazy slow.
May 4 - I am thankful for birthday surprises.
May 5 - I am thankful for easy articles.
May 6 - I am thankful for artichokes even if I don't know how to eat them.
May 7 - I am thankful for rude people who make decisions easier for me.
May 8 - I am thankful my computer didn't shut down again.
May 9 - I am thankful for cute clothes.
May 10 - I am thankful for opportunities to unload.
May 11 - I am thankful for Nathan and Stephanie.
May 12 - I am thankful for my superhero Mom.
May 13 - I am thankful for sleep.
May 14 - I am thankful for good friends and hard work.
May 15 - I am thankful for a God who cares about people who are complete tools.
May 16 - I am thankful for thunderstorms.
May 17 - I am thankful for garage sales.
May 18 - I am thankful for my status as Supreme Overlord.
May 19 - I am thankful for sleep.
May 20 - I am thankful for Marvel Mondays.
May 21 - I am thankful for soft, warm wraps.
May 22 - I am thankful for people who express vulnerability better than I.
May 23 - I am thankful for sweet dogs.
May 24 - I am thankful for my story.
May 25 - I am thankful for air conditioning.
May 26 - I am thankful for no rain.
May 27 - I am thankful for all who made the choice to serve.
May 28 - I am thankful for time to be introverted.
May 29 - I am thankful for clean desks.
May 30 - I am thankful for new water heaters.
May 31 - I am thankful for the end to long short weeks.

June 1 - I am thankful for beautiful and productive days.
June 2 - I am thankful for warm cookies.
June 3 - I am thankful for Jeremy Renner.
June 4 - I am thankful for walking buddies.
June 5 - I am thankful Steve lets me swear.
June 6 - I am thankful for busy, thought-free days.
June 7 - I am thankful for free Target stuff.
June 8 - I am thankful for gorgeous days.
June 9 - I am thankful for lists when packing.
June 10 - I am thankful for Chris Evans' acting skills.
June 11 - I am thankful for smooth flights and first class seating.
June 12 - I am thankful for lessons of the past.
June 13 - I am thankful for mountains and valleys.
June 14 - I am thankful for sunshine.
June 15 - I am thankful for beautiful homes and good garage sales.
June 16 - I am thankful for my dad and time with family.
June 17 - I am thankful for clear skies and beautiful scenery.
June 18 - I am thankful for safe travels and my own bed.
June 19 - I am thankful for new cats!
June 20 - I am thankful for prayer letters that flow.
June 21 - I am thankful for decent diet food.
June 22 - I am thankful for people with common interests.
June 23 - I am thankful for time management.
June 24 - I am thankful for the Marvel Monday crew.
June 25 - I am thankful for road trips with Sarah.
June 26 - I am thankful for surprise baseball games.
June 27 - I am thankful for sturdy chairs.
June 28 - I am thankful for extra cash and Lilly.
June 29 - I am thankful for not dying of heat stroke at the 5K or the wedding.
June 30 - I am thankful for furniture that is easy to put together.

July 1 - I am thankful for excellent friends who tell poop stories to make others laugh.
July 2 - I am thankful for new computers.
July 3 - I am thankful for a free (with opinion) lunch.
July 4 - I am thankful I live in a free country.
July 5 - I am thankful for opportunities to get to know Gloria more.
July 6 - I am thankful for the time I had with Noor.
July 7 - I am thankful for pool days.
July 8 - I am thankful for the Marvel crew.
July 9 - I am thankful for a cheap-ish utility bill.
July 10 - I am thankful for air conditioning.
July 11 - I am thankful for dual screens.
July 12 - I am thankful for beautiful weather.
July 13 - I am thankful for beautiful animals.
July 14 - I am thankful for relaxing days.
July 15 - I am thankful that Sarah is back.
July 16 - I am thankful for rain even when it keeps me from baseball games.
July 17 - I am thankful for Marvel nights at the Christners.
July 18 - I am thankful for French transfiles.
July 19 - I am thankful for nights on my own.
July 20 - I am thankful for cat harnesses.
July 21 - I am thankful for time management.
July 22 - I am thankful for sharp objects.
July 23 - I am thankful for fresh veggies in abundance.
July 24 - I am thankful for long walks outside.
July 25 - I am thankful for pet owners returning home.
July 26 - I am thankful for Google sync, even if they do become Skynet.
July 27 - I am thankful for new antique stores providing new knives.
July 28 - I am thankful for pools and sunscreen.
July 29 - I am thankful for rain and umbrellas.
July 30 - I am thankful for crunchy leaves.
July 31 - I am thankful for spurts of productivity in the morning.

August 1 - I am thankful for opportunities to voice my opinion.
August 2 - I am thankful for adequate women's healthcare.
August 3 - I am thankful for lazy days.
August 4 - I am thankful for sleep when I get it.
August 5 - I am thankful for understanding friends.
August 6 - I am thankful for health care. No, really. Grr.
August 7 - I am thankful for beautiful soundtracks.
August 8 - I am thankful for a wonderful mother.
August 9 - I am thankful for people willing to buy other people's junk.
August 10 - I am thankful for Goodwill taking the rest of my junk.
August 11 - I am thankful for fair food.
August 12 - I am thankful for an overly thorough filing system.
August 13 - I am thankful for speed shutters on cameras.
August 14 - I am thankful for random questions about zombies.
August 15 - I am thankful for thoughtful friends.
August 16 - I am thankful for a new office arrangement.
August 17 - I am thankful for pouring rain.
August 18 - I am thankful for my side hustle.
August 19 - I am thankful for guacamole and chips.
August 20 - I am thankful for new songs to sing.
August 21 - I am thankful for final say before publishing.
August 22 - I am thankful for a low impact job.
August 23 - I am thankful for Ashleigh's friendship.
August 24 - I am thankful for fun board games and overpriced snacks.
August 25 - I am thankful for overcoming the tyranny of the alarm.
August 26 - I am thankful for other people's pets.
August 27 - I am thankful for breezy, blustery days.
August 28 - I am thankful for Marvel taking over 1/3 of my life.
August 29 - I am thankful for a good night's sleep.
August 30 - I am thankful for convenient fast food joints.
August 31 - I am thankful for clear, concise instructions.

September 1 - I am thankful for good food and fellowship.
September 2 - I am thankful for my parents.
September 3 - I am thankful for fun and thoughtful cards.
September 4 - I am thankful for people who respect privacy.
September 5 - I am thankful for chickpeas and feta cheese.
September 6 - I am thankful for modern medicine.
September 7 - I am thankful for modern plumbing.
September 8 - I am thankful for Trista's safe travels.
September 9 - I am thankful for hot nights and cool apartments.
September 10 - I am thankful for adorable rescue dogs who let me pet them.
September 11 - I am thankful for those who do not forget.
September 12 - I am thankful for safe nighttime travels.
September 13 - I am thankful for a flexible schedule.
September 14 - I am thankful for old homes that have been beautifully restored.
September 15 - I am thankful for people who serve their community.
September 16 - I am thankful for the variety of available food.
September 17 - I am thankful for days to work in the dark.
September 18 - I am thankful for beautiful Fall weather.
September 19 - I am thankful for Sarah's safe return.
September 20 - I am thankful for craft nights with the girls.
September 21 - I am thankful for productive days.
September 22 - I am thankful for cute dresses and honey sesame chicken.
September 23 - I am thankful for friendlier kitties.
September 24 - I am thankful for the honesty that comes with long service.
September 25 - I am thankful for yummy kale recipes.
September 26 - I am thankful for safety on evening walks.
September 27 - I am thankful for cheaper Panera for lunch.
September 28 - I am thankful for slow days with no obligations.
September 29 - I am thankful for modern (free) medicine.
September 30 - I am thankful for safety to go walking in the dark.

October 1 - I am thankful for normal, average days.
October 2 - I am thankful for fun discussions about dessert.
October 3 - I am thankful for Oreo ice cream cake from Esther.
October 4 - I am thankful for new flags in front of the building.
October 5 - I am thankful for a good turnout at the festival.
October 6 - I am thankful for soft, rainy days.
October 7 - I am thankful for inexpensive pizza.
October 8 - I am thankful I can usually work at my own pace.
October 9 - I am thankful for cuddly kitties.
October 10 - I am thankful for fun online videos.
October 11 - I am thankful for no broken bones.
October 12 - I am thankful for antibiotics.
October 13 - I am thankful that I get sick on days when nothing is planned.
October 14 - I am thankful for new glasses. Again.
October 15 - I am thankful for unexpectedly nice days.
October 16 - I am thankful for new holiday decorations.
October 17 - I am thankful for Olive Garden soup, salad, and breadsticks.
October 18 - I am thankful for the new hyperfixation in "Downton Abbey."
October 19 - I am thankful to live in the time of food delivery.
October 20 - I am thankful I can control my claustrophobia.
October 21 - I am thankful for crisp, cold nights for walking.
October 22 - I am thankful for campfires.
October 23 - I am thankful for pajama-themed wedding discussions.
October 24 - I am thankful I occasionally make wise financial decisions.
October 25 - I am thankful for completed projects.
October 26 - I am thankful for minimal injury in helping the Christners move.
October 27 - I am thankful for good fanfiction.
October 28 - I am thankful for my Mama.
October 29 - I am thankful for abundant food.
October 30 - I am thankful for guilt-free potatoes.
October 31 - I am thankful to meet new kitties.

November 1 - I am thankful for yummy popcorn.
November 2 - I am thankful for craft fairs and dad gifts.
November 3 - I am thankful for an extra hour of sleep.
November 4 - I am thankful for mall food.
November 5 - I am thankful for minimal soreness after physical labor.
November 6 - I am thankful for Steve's calming influence.
November 7 - I am thankful for good bbq.
November 8 - I am thankful for progress on lists.
November 9 - I am thankful for packing lists.
November 10 - I am thankful for unexpected visits from family.
November 11 - I am thankful for our veterans.
November 12 - I am thankful for team lunches at Red Sun.
November 13 - I am thankful for amazingly supportive parents.
November 14 - I am thankful for safe travels and breathing exercises.
November 15 - I am thankful for adorable tour guides, couscous tabbouleh, and za'atar fries.
November 16 - I am thankful for hot(!) fire dancers and Elvis Presley.
November 17 - I am thankful for men and women willing to sacrifice for their country.
November 18 - I am thankful for sea breezes and afternoon rain.
November 19 - I am thankful for paved roads and black sand.
November 20 - I am thankful for sunset cruises and blue ocean.
November 21 - I am thankful for not dying in the ocean.
November 22 - I am thankful for the incredible diversity of marine life.
November 23 - I am thankful for people on planes who do not throw up or open smelly cheese.
November 24 - I am thankful for never being a waitress.
November 25 - I am thankful for nice days for a walk.
November 26 - I am thankful for family traditions and fewer stink bugs.
November 27 - I am thankful for unexpected finds at discount prices.
November 28 - I am thankful for shrimp dip and family shenanigans.
November 29 - I am thankful for good doggos and hot tubs.
November 30 - I am thankful for Casa salad and Chinese buffets.

December 1 - I am thankful for people who have good discretion.
December 2 - I am thankful for warm clothes on cold nights.
December 3 - I am thankful for productive days.
December 4 - I am thankful for staff lunches.
December 5 - I am thankful for wardrobe loopholes.
December 6 - I am thankful for free time at retreats.
December 7 - I am thankful for a successful retreat.
December 8 - I am thankful for warm December days.
December 9 - I am thankful that office Christmas parties end.
December 10 - I am thankful for completed Christmas letters.
December 11 - I am thankful for Esther's girls' night in.
December 12 - I am thankful for flexible schedules and flashlights.
December 13 - I am thankful for dumb old movies.
December 14 - I am thankful for the people who supported me in my time of illness.
December 15 - I am thankful for the freedom to do very little and just rest and recuperate.
December 16 - I am thankful for understanding coworkers.
December 17 - I am thankful for a flexible work environment.
December 18 - I am thankful for new drugs.
December 19 - I am thankful for the lovely and talented McFalls.
December 20 - I am thankful for blueberry donut holes.
December 21 - I am thankful for short cuts around last-minute Christmas shoppers.
December 22 - I am thankful all of my wrapping is done!
December 23 - I am thankful for sunshine.
December 24 - I am thankful for pretty lights.
December 25 - I am thankful for the gift of Jesus and for family.
December 26 - I am thankful for post-Christmas sales.
December 27 - I am thankful for the good kind of naps.
December 28 - I am thankful for all the food my parents left from Christmas.
December 29 - I am thankful for different takes on old stories.
December 30 - I am thankful for warm clothing.
December 31 - I am thankful for all the possibility that a new year represents.

The Weekly Wrap-Up: December 16-20, 2019

It's been interesting to walk around the office each day. All week, there are fewer and fewer people in the building. One of the biggest adjustments after 22 years of living on a school schedule is that there is no summer break, no extended Winter break, no Spring break - none of that. If you want time off, you have to plan for it, and you have a limited amount. Due to my trip to Wyoming in June and then my trip to Hawaii in November, I am a bit low on vacation time. Thus, I have been in the office all week, and I will be in next week, at least on Monday. Not sure about Friday, yet.

First, though, remember when I said I was looking forward to a weekend without people? Well, I got it, but not in a way I really wanted. I woke up at 5:30 on Saturday morning and proceeded to be sick for the next 16 hours. Really sick. The disgusting kind of sick.

Sorry. I'll refrain from describing any more.

Suffice to say, it was an unpleasant weekend. And it took a while to recover, though because I am a masochist, I was actually in the office every day. Mostly away from other people, thank you very much. I try not to share my germs. (Also, the new medication I was on gave me some incredibly horrible side effects. That did not help my recovery. But now I have new ones, so that's good.)

Anyway, sob story aside, I was able to get some stuff done this week. I finally got all of my Christmas letters and supporter gifts out, which took a huge weight off my mind. I hope I do a good job of keeping people involved and informed in this ministry. It's important to me that people know that their contributions are appreciated and stewarded well.

I finally got Castilian off the ground this week! It feels like we've been doing Spanish booklets for as long as we've been working on Train & Multiply itself, and we kinda have. You may recall that we have two versions of Spanish already, but we needed one that catered more to a European audience than a Latin American one. It's important that people feel a familiarity with materials and don't get distracted by language or images that don't fit into their context. We want as few obstacles to sharing the Gospel as possible. So it's nice to be able to start work on Castilian.

We're also moving forward with publishing more English sets. We did African and Universal art first since those are being used in the Village Church Planting volumes, but now we can get started on the European (Art F) version. For many years, this was our standard English set, so it'll be nice to get that back into circulation.

In the meantime, though, it IS actually Christmas next week, and my team is taking some well-deserved time off. I figure I can tie up the rest of the loose ends on Monday and then enjoy the season.

Adeste the heck out of those fideles, ya hear?

Merry Christmas!

The Weekly Wrap-Up: December 2-13, 2019

Is anyone else tired of December, yet? Christmas is supposed to be this magical time of year full of peace and joy and love and togetherness.

I could do with a bit less togetherness.

It's possible I'm slightly bitter that I'm back in Indiana and not still in Hawaii.

Maybe.

But still, a lot has already happened this month, and there's a whole week yet before Christmas.

(Speaking of Hawaii, you probably saw most of the pics I posted if we're friends on Facebook. If not, I do plan to do something on here about the trip, but knowing me, it'll happen next July, so don't sit around waiting for that. But it was an excellent trip. Just what I needed.)

Okay, so upon arriving back in Greenwood on December 1, I jumped back into things with both feet. I was in the office a few days, mostly sloughing through email and figuring out what had been done in my absence. My team was great, though. They did a superb job of completing projects.

Sarah and I also had to do some last minute retreat planning. We'd fortunately done most of it before I left, but there are always those small details that need looking after. We headed out for that on Thursday, and we were at McCormick's Creek State Park until Saturday. Sarah and I did four sessions on the languages of workplace appreciation. I'm pleased to say that we had some excellent dialogue, and everyone seemed to have a good time. (Side note: I got bit by something or a lot of somethings last weekend. Possibly when I was out walking in the woods. I hope not when I was in bed. But its itchy and annoying. Sorry for the TMI.)

On Monday, we had our office Christmas party. We do a lunch now, and then most people get to take the rest of the day off. I say most people because ECC always has a week of planning/budgeting meetings after the retreat. I don't have anything to do with those meetings, but I did stay for a while to work on my Christmas letter and cards (some are in the mail, some will be soon). I also managed to publish a group of French this week and process a proof of three booklets needed for the VCP project, which has its second iteration due next Monday.

On Tuesday, I had a doctor's appointment, at which I got some new meds. They are not going well so far, so you can be praying for that, please.

On Wednesday night, a group of OMS girls hung out with Esther Fetherlin, the president's wife. Some of us also stayed the night. We watched a truly horrendous film on Netflix that had talking cats. It was great.

Then today, we had an ECC ladies get-together at the Dragon's house. We had a nice brunch and then made some crafty things.

So yes, I enjoyed the togetherness. But I will also enjoy this weekend during which I will see as few people as possible.

No offense.