Planetary Verbosity

As you can tell, I haven’t been in much of a blogging mood lately. I’ve been busier than usual, but I also haven’t felt much like writing in general. Due to work schedule variances, especially around the holidays, we also haven’t been traveling to the homestead as much lately.

The title refers to the fact that, as of Thursday, I’m now in a different age demographic. I turned 35 and left the world of the 18-34 demographic behind for good! As I’ve always been “old school” or “old-fashioned” or whatever you want to call it, I’m actually glad to be in with the 35-49 group.

I had to work on my birthday, but it was actually a pretty good day…until I accidentally hit myself in the head with a crowbar while trying to pry up a shelf. Yeah, really. No, it didn’t bleed, but it didn’t tickle either. Two days later, I still have a very sore spot above my right ear, and my upper jaw hurts…but I have a funny story to tell.

For those who don’t follow me on Facebook, I also have a new birthday – a spiritual one! I won’t put all of the details here for now (will save that for when I write my testimony), but on Friday, November 13, at 12:25 pm, I became a Christian. This was a decision I obviously didn’t make in haste – it took several months of talking, learning, questioning, challenging, and being mentored. It took nearly 35 years of my life, but I was finally found by the One who has all of the answers, and He brought a most wonderful person into my life who could help me find those answers.

Thank you, Phil – for everything!

Though I’ve promised I’m not going to “get all fundie,” I have been attending church. I’ve also been looking at so many things in a different way, as if through new eyes. It hasn’t all been easy, and there have been some low points as I work through some of the parts of my old life, but I’m getting there, and I have the help and support I need…including from Dave, which means more to me than he probably realizes.

I’ve also been continuing banjo lessons with Phil. I’m getting the hang of it, though admittedly slowly, as spiritual matters have become somewhat of a priority. I usually practice at home, but the homestead is also a really nice place to practice…and sometimes presents some interesting seating locations.

Speaking of interesting locations on the homestead, I’ve also found a great creekside location for doing some Bible study…

Last, but not least…since the last time I wrote, Dave has become a grandfather – twice! Mandy and Allan had a daughter named Shelby Nicole on October 31, and Josh and Dawn just welcomed their daughter, Emma Elizabeth, yesterday. We’ll be going to see Josh, Dawn, and Emma today if the snow doesn’t get any worse (yes, it’s snowing here!!). Here’s a photo of Dave with Shelby from November 15:

Ok, that’s all of the catch-up for now, I think. Hope everybody had a nice Thanksgiving and has a nice Christmas!