Good stuff:

I won a ticket to the first game of the season of my alma mater. Not much of a football fan but I marched in the Sound and love to watch bands and D&B corps. And the local credit union is having a drawing for cash prizes...

Said same credit union gave me a free hot dog, a bag of goodies (sunglasses, a tire pressure gauge, sanitizer, etc) and info on their savings accounts today. I asked for that last one, actually.

I only had to work a half day and had enough leave that I won't have a short check.

I know what I wanna be when I grow up - I think I've finally found my passion.

I found a nice new church just down the road from where I live.

I've learned that wisdom is skill at living - and avoidance is not wise. Moreover, I'm re-learning to put that into practice.

I am learning to play alto recorder.

God still loves me. It's been rough and there have been times when I've wondered if He was mad at me. But I also really learned what Paul was talking about when he said 'let every man be a liar'. Without a good God, it cannot make sense. Trusting in His goodness gives a stability - a philosophical rock to stand on - whereas doubting His goodness casts doubt on all 'goodness' and leaves life itself an empty husk.

And those stupid branches, once I get a saw, will work great for the kitties!