Anna's birthday, and other things

What the what? For ten days now I've been telling myself I need to sit down and write something... when I get home. Yet it seems every day I get home and I'm tired and worn out and no longer in the mood. So I'm forcing myself to write something now. What it will be, I don't yet know.

ANNA TURNS 8
I do know I need to make note of granddaughter Anna's 8th birthday. That happened on Wednesday 1/23. We joined the Feipel Five at the mall so we could enjoy Anna's birthday supper choice of Panda Express. As evidenced by the pic above, she was in a good mood.

I believe she was having some friends over this morning, and tomorrow afternoon we will go to their house for ice cream.

Rather than write something myself, this year I will include a piece her mother wrote about her:

“I’m glad I don’t have to go anywhere today because a bunch of people will pretend to be so excited that it’s my birthday and I won’t want to talk to them.” She’s still shy. She still doesn’t talk to people she doesn’t know. And she still doesn’t like being outside of her comfort zone. BUT, her comfort zone has grown exponentially this past year and her circle of people she’ll talk to has grown by about 500. Okay, maybe not quite, but these last 365 days were days of growth for our Anna. She’s still goofy as all get out when we’re at home but is pretty quiet and a great rule follower while we’re out and about (although I think some silliness has even been leaking out at school this year). I cannot wait to see what this next year holds for her. Watching her grow up is such a treat - even if she can’t take a serious picture so save her life 😂🤣❤️ #8isgreat #birthdaypost

DEPRESSED
One of the reasons I haven't written anything lately is because, honestly, I've been in a hole. Sure, I can still function - go to work, chit-chat, and whatnot - but it's not been much fun. I am not excited or interested in much of anything. So I spend my days doing crossword puzzles and playing Yahtzee.

I don't know why it's so hard for people to just say they're depressed (myself included). It happens. I've been taking my medicine, but I've been dwelling on regrets and feeling sorry for myself. My job doesn't help either. Which, I know, is my own fault for being in this position.

Anyway, it is what it is. Life goes on. Somehow...

RUNNING/KNEE
I actually did not run or do any exercise on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. I just wasn't into it. Also, my left knee has been bothering me for a week or two. Nothing serious, but I must have aggravated something under the kneecap. I'm wondering if adding the rowing machine and Stairmaster to my workouts is the problem.

It's nothing serious, and I'm sure it will be fine eventually, but I think this has added to my mood somewhat.

BOOKS
I did finally finish Greg Boyd's 'Cross Vision: How the Crucifixion of Jesus Makes Sense of Old Testament Violence.' It was quite interesting, and I liked it, even if it wasn't the easiest read for me. I had plans to share a few more posts about it. We'll see.

I am now well into Scott  Jurek's 'North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail.' Isaac and Ricci got me this for Christmas. I am really enjoying it. I need to read more books like this. I can kind of lose myself in the story, and I like it.

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So, that's what's been happening for the most part. Well, along with watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. We've also had another couple snows that required the snow blower, and it's gotten kind of chilly now and then. Winter in the Midwest.

Well, I can't think of anything else, so I guess it's time to stop.