There is a vacation home in the back woods of southern Utah where my family and I have gone nearly every January for the past 8 years.

We found it at a time when our lives were in major transition and upheaval. As we drove up to the house for the first time, we were all amazed at how incredible the place was. A large mountain home on 5 acres, this place became our sanctum after the busyness of the holidays.

And last week, we found out that the house sold and is no longer listed as a vacation rental.

Reflections on the past week (or: 1 week down, 20+ more to go)

Dealing with an injury is more complicated than it might seem from the outside looking in. Little things that I took for granted just a week ago require a tremendous amount of effort. I often find myself tired and sweaty just from something as basic as getting dressed.

I’m suddenly very appreciative when people hold the door open for me.
When they do, I feel slightly ashamed because I know I’m capable of opening it for myself, and I don’t really need their help.

The Best Sandwich I’ve Had in Quite a While

I recently found myself out in Orange County for work. As luck would have it, the café I had a meeting with was about 10 minutes from my grandmother’s house.

I gave her a ring the day before, and told her I had two reasons for calling. First, I was calling to say hi. Second, I phoned her to see if I could say hi in person the next day. I could hear her delight as I asked, and noticed her getting choked up as we ended our short conversation.

You see, I’m pretty sure my grandmother isn’t fully human. In fact, if I were to guess, I would put that percentage at less than 50%.

The other part of her is pure angel.

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