So, continuing in the tradition of 25 things, 26 things, and 27 things, here are 28 things that I did while I was 28:

1. I had a tornado pass about 1/4 mile from my house, leaving me without power for 5 days. Thankful we didn’t see the destruction that I saw elsewhere in our city.

2. Watched 5 kids for a week (which was punctuated with the tornado from #1).

3. I got pneumonia (while doing #2).

4. I edited my novel to be published when I’m 29.

5. I lost my job.

6. I moved into my own place.

7. I found out I’d be an aunt for the first time (baby Bean to come any day).

8. I learned to crochet.

9. I celebrated Thanksgiving for the first time in North Carolina.

10. I made a big life-changing decision (one that I can’t share here yet).

11. I bought and put up my own Christmas tree for the first time.

12. I faced my first hurricane…and I was rather disappointed.

13. I worked 2 elections for the first time.

14. I observed Yom Kippur in my own special way.

15. I made a 30 Before 30 list and completed 4 things on it.

16. I lost 23 pounds by walking more and making simple adjustments to my diet.

17. I visited Seattle for the first time.

18. Convinced the pickiest person I’ve ever known (my dad) to try Turkish food, and even kinda liked it.

19. Reluctantly quit helping in AWANA so I could pursue counseling training.

20. Read 141 books.

21. Used an ereader for the first time.

22. Visited the Ozarks for the first time. Also added Arkansas to my list of visited states (I don’t count airports).

23. Majorly purged my belongings, especially the books on my shelves (they’re starting to look empty!).

24. Went away again with church friends to the mountains.

25. Started recording The Chronicles of Narnia for my niece.

26. Chopped my hair off (a decision I’ve never regretted).

27. Listened to the Harry Potter series for the first time and really enjoyed it.

28. Celebrated my 5th blogiversary.

I say that’s a busy year!

Free Day With To-Do List Done

• The thought of Black Friday makes my stomach flop. I hate that our primary activity of Christmas is buying stuff.

• I’ve been busy crocheting up some presents. It’s the perfect activity to do while watching mindless television or listening to an audiobook (which is better).

• I’m super excited about decorating my apartment for Christmas today. Pictures to come!

• Since I’m always traveling long distances on Thanksgiving, I never make any food for the Thanksgiving meal. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to make some Thanksgiving foods here or there, but never for “the” meal. This year I’m making the ham, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pies. I’m also planning on bringing a olive/pickle tray and spinach and artichoke dip for the all-important munching time.

• So yeah, I won’t be spending Thanksgiving alone, but my “family” here. I’m looking forward to it.

• And I’m also looking forward to decorating for Christmas next Friday. I still have a few “essential” decorations to pick up (basically everything associated with the tree). Can’t wait to show you guys pictures!

• Tuesday when I went to the library at opening time to start my job search, I was shocked. I guess within 10 minutes of opening is the only time the library is not packed. Within the hour, though it was back to it’s busy self. And I’m almost positive that every single person in there was doing exactly what I was doing: looking for jobs. Even the two middle schoolers, I’m just sure of it.

• And before you start to wonder why there were middle schoolers hanging out on library computers on a school day, I should mention that several middle schools here (and even more elementary schools) are on a year-round schedule. It pretty much guarantees that a kid isn’t going to get caught playing hooky. “What, oh yeah…I’m tracked out.”

• I had no trick-or-treaters on Monday night. I didn’t expect any, either. Our apartment community is mostly made up of 1-bedroom apartments, and I’ve only seen one kid who lives here.

• I’m busier now than I was when I was employed. I’ve taken the opportunity to serve others every day this week. I must say, I really enjoy unemployment…but I don’t want it to last forever.

• I applied for 18 jobs this week, which I’m happy about. I could have applied for more, but I was hesitant to start applying for jobs that I didn’t think I’d love. I’ll probably have to settle, but I want to give the jobs that interest me to have a chance, first.

So, if I was Oprah and able to give each of you one of each of my favorite things, I’d give you:

A party pack of LipSmackers

I wouldn’t like to say that I need anything beyond God, His Bible, and the basics like food and water, but this may be the closest a want gets to a need in my life. Petty, I know, but if I don’t have a LipSmacker on me, it distracts me until I can get my hands on one.

A Pair of My Mom-made Flannel Pajama Bottoms

Mom, you better get sewing! Sorry for the awful picture, but I took it just now. Seriously though, they’re my favorites, which is obvious as I spend half my life in them.

A 5-Color Pack of Uniball Vision Pens

I don’t have reason to write much any more, but when I do, it’s with one of these pens (or occasionally with a black one). They’re 100% faithful…in the dozens that I’ve used and used up, the only time they ever stop working even one bit is when they’re out of ink. And you can’t fault them that one…I use and use and use them!

A Big Box of Kix

It could be any of half a dozen cereals, but this week I’ve been craving Kix, so that’s what it’d be if I had to choose today. I eat a bowl of cereal with milk every evening as my late night snack. A little bit sweet and calms my acid reflex when it is most likely to act up.

A Barnes and Noble Nook Preloaded with Radical by David Platt

Love my Nook! And if I could only give you one book on it, it’s be Radical. Seriously, if you haven’t read it, you should. And I do realize the irony of mentioning that in this post.

A Gilmore Girls complete set

My all-time favorite show. I’ve seen each episode at least twice…or is it three times?

And last but not least…

A Case of Diet Dr Pepper

Yes, of course it’d make the list!

So, would you go home happy?

Disclosure: I received no product or compensation of any kind for this post. Everything on this list was added because I truly enjoy it.

Fairly frequently, probably 1 in 3 or 4 books that I return. It’s not my intent, but if I lose interest or I haven’t gotten to the book before it’s requested by someone else or it’s reached the end of its renewals (umm, after 6 months!), I’ll take it back.

2.  What are your favorite games to play?

I like card games like Nerts and Euchre and party games like ImaginIff and Apples to Apples.

3.  How do you feel about arranged marriages?

I would do it if it was based on his character, not what he could bring to the family. Though I am glad to have the chance to pick my own husband.

4.  Which do you prefer: the original Star Wars trilogy, or the new one?

I actually like Episodes I-III (the newer ones) better.  I love all the foreshadowing.  Perhaps if I had gone to the original ones in the theater (the first time they came out…I saw them when they did the updated ones in the 90s) they would be more special to me.

5.  When did you learn to swim?

I think I was a bit older, but you’d have to ask my mom. I remember taking swim lessons after we moved to our new house when I was in 2nd grade, so it was probably when I was 8 or so when I officially learned.  It’s still one of my favorite things to do.

Make sure you come by Monday…I have something that I can’t wait to share with you all!