The Weekly Wrap-Up: December

I'm just going to make this a blanket December post because we appear to have missed most of it. Last week, I was rushing around trying to get things done before the retreat started Friday night. This week has been more of the rushing, but I finished most of my stuff yesterday, so today is pretty chill. I don't know how I always forget how crazy it can get in December. Lori says it's like forgetting the pain after having a baby. I don't have experience with that. I do have experience with kidney stones, which I'm told is like being in labor, and I have vivid memories of writhing on the floor in pain. So I guess December can't be that bad in comparison. Plus, the only consolation of getting rid of the kidney stones is that they are gone, while you have a squirming vomit factory after giving birth and rad gifts at the end of December. I will take the holiday season every time.

So yes, lots to do. Most of it involved supporter gifts and my end-of-year letter. I had a few meetings here and there in the last couple of weeks, mostly about the future of ECC and publishing in general. I will have some announcements on that score sometime in the future.

I do enjoy going back through my calendars and photos for the year. I did a lot more than I remember, and it was actually a pretty good year all around. I've been working on my anxiety, spending more time with friends and family, and generally just trying to find more joy in life. It's amazing how much attitude can make a difference. My dad's favorite line was "Attitude determines your altitude." He's not wrong. And I know it's not as easy as just flipping a switch and changing your attitude. Sometimes you need to be sad or angry. But don't linger in it. Feel your feelings, and then move on. Nothing good comes from dwelling on the bad stuff. 

I got to sing some Christmas carols in chapel this week. I haven't done much of that yet this year. This extra week between Thanksgiving and Christmas threw me off. I was very appreciative of it, because I was able to finish everything in a timely fashion. But it also draws out the suspense. 

Not sure what I'm doing for Christmas this year, but I do hope that you have a fantastic day, week, and a safe New Year celebration. 

See you in 2022! 

The Weekly Wrap-Up: November 29 - December 3, 2021

Well, we're officially in the season of madness. Doesn't matter what year it is, the month of December is a madhouse. I don't know why it surprises me - I get caught off guard every year. Part of me is annoyed by the concept of Thanksgiving, because it's like this arbitrary wall between talking about Christmas and actually doing things for Christmas. Personally, I like decorating as early as I can because I enjoy the lights and everything, and also, if I don't do it early, IT WON'T GET DONE. Ain't nobody got time for putting up a tree after Thanksgiving. I'm barely keeping everything together even with my lists. I've got the ECC retreat coming up, ECC planning meetings, the OMS Christmas party (which I'm helping plan), my wife to murder, and Guilder to frame for it. I'm swamped.

Seriously, though, I can't remember the last time I was just able to sit back and enjoy the season. It's like saying "Next year in Jerusalem" at the end of Passover when you know full well that next year you will not be in Jerusalem. Probably. But there's that little smidge of hope that keeps you going. Humans are remarkable beings. 

Anyway. 

I had a lovely week off and a very nice Thanksgiving with my parents. I indulged in a little holiday shopping, but I didn't go overboard. Now we're back in the trenches, in our perpetual quest to catch up to some unknown point at which we will miraculously have completed everything we've ever put off. 

This week, I've been working on Tamil booklets. They come with their usual issues, but I've grown quite used to those, so it hasn't been too difficult. I'm also working on the ECC retreat and the OMS Christmas party, as mentioned above. I like being creative, but I must admit, I will be relieved when these things are come and gone. 

I went to see the Christmas episode of The Chosen on Wednesday. I don't think I talk about it much on here, but I love that show. I watch all the livestreams and invest where I can because I think it does a phenomenal job of introducing people to a very realistic portrayal of Jesus and the disciples. I enjoyed the Christmas episode, and I would encourage you to download the app and start watching if you haven't already. 

That's what I have for you this week. I hope your holiday plans include a chance to relax and enjoy the season. 

Bye!