It's been a while. There is much to be grateful for, but I'm almost too busy to list it all!

Today is my oldest's 13th birthday. I'm certainly grateful for him and all he's taught me—being a parent is just as much learning as teaching. I'm looking forward to the next ~5 years and already dreading the day he goes off to college or wherever. I love this kid so much it hurts.

I'm grateful that my books continue to do fairly well, and that I continue to be asked to speak at various venues. Another such request came in this morning. It makes me feel so official! (Well, and Google finally verified me, so now I really am official.)

I'm grateful for friends and family and having enough—more than enough, really. My needs are met. Clothes, shelter, clean water, food... I won't say I'm not seriously worried about the direction the world is moving, but I'm trying very hard to appreciate (and conserve) what we have. So many have far less.

We went through a week of really bad air due to fires north of us, and that left me grateful that all we had to deal with was bad air quality. I mean, that was terrible, for sure, and we were more or less stuck inside, but at least we didn't have a fire or lose our home or possessions or lives. Again, we're very fortunate.

As we slide into the holiday season, I continue to remind myself of all that good fortune. Even when I'm feeling rushed, stressed, overscheduled... My birthday is coming up. That's something to look forward to. And a new House of Representatives. Boy howdy won't that be nice.

I'm sure there is much more to appreciate, but again, it's impossible to list it all. Happy holidays to everyone, and I'll try to be better about updating.