This year

This is the least I've written on here all year in 10 years. Not because a lot hasn't been going on. So here are some of my random, end of the year thoughts.

Next week I'll have been at my *new* job for a year! For the first few months I just wasn't sure about it... I couldn't say it was bad but I couldn't say I liked it. I don't know when it switched but I like it. I am deeply grateful for it. Even at the end of a long and busy week, I am thankful for the people I work with, the flexible schedule, the ability to still do planning meetings with my church each week, decorating my office, and more. I have this whole week off for Christmas - yet another blessing!

A close friend of mine, Alice, and her husband of almost 5 months, are moving to Slovakia in a few weeks. It's the last bible study, last church service, last Christmas with her here. And it's not quite sunk in yet. And so I thought, at least she knows when it's the last for her. I mean, we don't get that chance a lot. I don't know if this will be my last Christmas being single. (Lord I hope so.) I don't know if this will be the last Christmas in my parents house. I don't know if this will be my last New Year's Eve without plans. I don't know who else will be moving. I don't know who else will leave the church. We only get a few chances to know if it's the last of things.

I didn't get to travel any this year. Which hurts my traveling heart. BUT I hope in 2020 to go visit friends other places since I can't get my friends here to travel with me. I have temporary plans and places in mind.

I have read 40 books this year, and am currently reading 3. (One fiction, one Christian non-fiction about prayer by Spurgeon, and one is a big devotional book.) I don't watch many movies because when I don't like them I feel like I wasted so much time. I have taken a lot of pictures this year! Which has been so different than before, because I used to have more time to edit pictures. Now it takes me about a week to get it done since I can't edit most week nights. I am thankful for the opportunities to take pictures. I have been careful with my time this year, and tried my best not to burn out. I haven't been very careful with my love though, and have been hurt and frustrated more than I wanted to be.

Overall 2019 has been a great year.