We made it. A new year. What it brings will be interesting but let’s stay positive and be the best people we can be and it will all work out.
Evan and Emm’s short trip to see us was really nice. We had a lot of good food, time by the fire pit and we learned that our declining Otter Pup LOVES a good fire so we got more wood and will be out there tonight with her, barring wind.
Right Now:
I have a break from student ministry as the students are on winter break, but I am hosting the online service this morning from home! PJs, coffee, maybe some toast.
I am also writing a message on the topic of forgiveness. What does forgiveness mean to you? Anyone care to share?
This Week:
I am still off from work this week. The campus is back but I took an extra week, which seemed excessive but not so now. I’ve read some good books, cooked some stuff, taken walks, and still haven’t cleaned out the garage. Maybe this week?
Reading:
2025 kicked off with my first book, The Brothers Karamazov. I’ve been gently warned that it’s a heavy book to kick off the year but you know what? I am loving it! It’s surprising me like Of Human Bondage did. The characters are so interesting and the way the story is laid out, even more so. I am into Book 2 and am reading it two ways, on Hoopla via my phone, late at night, under the covers and by day, with my physical book.
I am also reading Bright Young Women for club. REALLY good so far. Immediately grabbed me.
Also listening to The God of the Woods.
One night, at the end of the year I was waiting for the new year to start my first book but was without reading material in bed so picked up Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst. It’s non-fiction, Christian and so, so good. If you’ve ever felt left out of something, or lonely, oh my goodness, this is a book for you. I have highlighted so many passages.
Watching:
Squid Game, season 2. This season is so different than the first season. More playful with a lot of young characters. I am enjoying it but on the last episode now. Season 3 will be its final season and will hit this year.
Grateful for:
- That the Otter Pup is still with us. Every day is a blessing. She is not in pain but we are taking it day by day. She loved seeing Evan and Emma. Really enjoyed them being here.
- Books in many different formats. I have never in my life utilized so many different formats but I am loving them all, ebooks on my Kindle, my phone, physical copies and audiobooks.
- That my hair is now looking more normal after I chopped it! I cut off all the long, dangly transparent pieces and now have a cute bob. But my hair is curly now post brain surgery.
- This last week of vacation.
Happy New Year, you all. Let me know what you’re up to.
Book Chatter 
Nice post 🌅🌅
Many of my friends who lost hair say it comes back curly. I wonder what that’s about?!
I got a kindle and now feel like I can have 3 books going at once: audio, print, and kindle. It’s kind of wild.
Enjoy your week off from work!
The hair thing is weird. The doc said the hair follicles died and had to be regrown. I didn’t have curly hair as a kid either so it still makes no sense but at least it’s looking ok now and not like I stuck my finger in a light socket.
Oh. A Kindle. I use Libby and add books to my kindle by USB.
Yes, we made it. I am not sure what kind of year it will be, but I hope to make it a good one where I am able to. I am glad the kids were able to visit and spend the holiday with you. I bet it was good to be able to hug them and spend time with them again. Nice that you took an extra week off! Enjoy it to its fullest! I am glad you are enjoying The Brothers Karamazov and your other reads. I’ve got some good ones going too, although haven’t been able to devote as much time to reading them as much as I would like. I have been taking advantage of all the different book formats too. I am grateful we have options too. 🙂 I hope you have a Happy New Year, Ti.
Glad that you were able to spend some time with the kids! I’ve loved Otter Pup since the first time I visited your blog and saw that cute face, I’m a HUGE dog lover! Praying she stays pain free!
Ti, so glad your kids were able to come and be with you for a bit. Sounds like you guys had a nice time. I hope you have a great 2025 and taking an extra week of vacation seems like a great thing. Take care and let’s have some good 2025 reading!!
I love the availability of books in different formats. 🙂 I am so glad you’re reading and that Otter pup is still here.
We are just taking it day by day with the pup. She will let us know when it’s time.
What is going on with Otter Pup? I’m sad to hear. I’m sorry about that, ugh. Animals break my heart. Our Stella is getting old and gimps about and I’m not sure we can do anything. But she’s happy to be with us.
It’s good you’re reading on various different formats. I’m trying that too …. got an ebook going, an audio, and a print. It keeps things fresh. Happy 2025.
The Otter Pup… on top of regular age stuff she has a chronic sinus infection that never fully goes away. She has been on antibiotics twice and it always comes back. She still eats and has some good naps in the sun but she is sneezing and wheezy most days. She can no longer walk, jump or go up stairs. She looks towards where she wants to go and we put her there. On the days we are at work sometimes we get home to find her trapped in the legs of a chair. Poor thing. But she still enjoys reading with me, her naps and watching her new raccoon friend come to the slider. She is not in pain.
I’m glad you’re taking an extra week off from work, especially given all the fires in L.A. right now. The smoke situation must be terrible. My heart breaks for those who have lost their homes, business, pets, etc. It’s hard to believe that fire season is now a year-round problem in CA.
I’m glad your pup is still with you. It’s always so difficult when the time draws near to say goodbye.
Hope you enjoy the remaining days of your vacation. Take care!