My Favorite Things

As you are no doubt aware, 2019 is history. 2020 is all the rage these days.

I thought I would take a moment and share my favorite things about 2019. I do this as a reminder that there was good in 2019. I tend towards pessimism, and I need to look back and see positivity to keep me going. Without further ado…

1. My wife, Abby Ann(e). I met her in the summer of 2018, but it wasn’t until 2019 that we really got to know each other, got engaged, and in the summer of 2019, got married. It was a wonderful, unexpected, and continually rewarding thing that I did. I still cannot believe that I got married, but I am happy every morning I see her.

2. Every Tool Is a Hammer by Adam Savage. As anyone who knows me knows, I am a huge fan of Adam Savage, former Mythbuster and maker extraordinaire. He inspires me on a daily basis and I aspire to his qualities. In May 2019, Savage released his first book. I bought a digital copy and the audiobook copy, and listened to Adam read his own book while I followed along. Every Tool is a Hammer is part instruction manual part memoir, and I loved every word.

3. My dogs, Duncan and Cassie. I married into them when I married Abby, and I am so happy to have dogs in my life again. Duncan is a derp, who only knows love. Cassie is a punk, who loves to cuddle on my lap while I am watching TV or reading. They are both good dogs.

4. Disney+. The streaming service just launched November 2019, but already I have received the monthly cost value and more. From watching Darkwing Duck at Thanksgiving with my wife and brother in law to catching the incredible series The Mandalorian, it gives and gives. Currently I am catching up with the Star Wars: Rebels show and have watched a few nostalgic movies from my childhood, all for only $6.99 per month!

5. A Mobelmaster thermos. At some point, my wife noticed that I was running back and forth to the kitchen to refill my pint glass with water. Rightfully guessing that this was a bit of hassle, she bought me a Mobelmaster thermos. 30oz and fully insulated, it allows me to take (almost) spillproof water anywhere I go and it keeps cold even overnight! I love it and it is so convenient.

6. A home. Abby had bought a house prior to meeting me, and I moved in when we married. It feels so good to have a home again. Ever since 2014, I moved 6 times in 6 years. I really hope, and believe, that I will not have to move again until we decide to move out of Dallas, but really we have no plans to move any time soon. That feeling of permanence and security goes a long way for my peace of heart.

I received or found a few other fun things in 2019, but really, those are the highlights and the ones closest to my heart. There are things about the past year that I don’t like, and whole bunch of things happened that weighed heavy on me, but these are a few of my favorite things that uplifted my spirits. In that spirit, I look forward to what 2020 will bring my way.