December 23-30

December 24

Totally forgot to write yesterday. Today was a long, full day. Before we left for the Christmas Eve party, I edited photos in Lightroom and read a little and braved the busy aisles of Publix to get sushi (worth it). Good to see Jordan and Jack, Daisy, everyone.

December 25

A calming kind of Christmas. I ran to some podcasts before the world woke up, then cocoa and gifts with the fam in my flannel Christmas pants (WOOP). A double nap day.

December 26

Christmas is over and things are starting to feel normal again.

December 27

Really excited about a project coming up on the blog. Took the morning to unplug and write by hand, read my Bible. John 3:17 is on my heart. I still have days left of break and can't wait to see what God does with the time.

December 29

Didn't get to write yesterday! But this morning I got to run and feel cleansed. I ran to an old Rookie podcast interview with George Saunders, whom I've yet to read. He had great advice, specifically about taking it phrase by phrase when editing and avoiding cheesy or overly sentimental writing. WHICH, YO, I STRUGGLE WITH.

December 30

Really can't believe 2018 is already drawing to a close, but it's been a perfect end to a crazy year.

December 17-22

December 17

In the new year, I want to be all about instruments, movement. Writing my blog posts in a notebook and then transferring them. I want to listen to podcasts on my walk breaks and on the way to work. I think good things are in store.

December 18

A Happy Erin (A Guide):

• Writes
• Podcasts and walks and drives
• Prays for others
• Runs!!!
• Unplugs by 7 pm
• Is content with what she has

December 19

I think now that the year is winding down I'm getting semi-anxious at the prospect of free time. Very tired. But Christmas is almost here!

December 20

I can't believe it's 5 days until Christmas. Today kicked off my vacation so I'm stoked. I've been listening to a lot of podcasts, and most of them discuss writing, so I'm inspired. I hope this break is full of all the peace I need to stay creative, compassionate, motivated for the new year.

December 21

Got coffee with Jordo, K and Daisy and had real, gritty, genuine convo. Kay and I went out after to pick up a few more gifts and later went to the park and the library. Fun was had!

December 22

Got to catch up with Sophie today at the coffee shop. We had such great conversation and I've missed her.

December 9-16

December 9

A lazy day after a busy weekend. Mumford and Sons' "Delta" is the jam.

December 10

Had a really awesome day because I started it with a lot of prayer on the ride to work, which helps replace anxiety.

December 12 

OMW I forgot to write yesterday. Like at all. I am overwhelmed. I need a quiet place in the woods where all I say all day is hello to the coffee shop barista. That is all.

December 14

OMW I forgot to write again. I've had a lot on my mind so it's ironic. But even though I've been thinking a lot and doing a lot, I'm grateful because tonight I got to go to an Anberlin concert with my sister and my best friend.

December 15

Woke up tired after the concert but relieved to be able to sleep in and drink coffee and write and wear my new Anberlin sweatshirt. It's one of those days where I read blogs and feel so inspired by the beyond-sweet blogging community and marvel at all these wonderful creators and writers who get it, all around the country and even the world. It lights me up, I love it.

December 16

Sleepy this a.m., but still made it out to church. One of those services that makes your eyes well up and realize how good God is. Looking forward to 2019 and how the Lord might use me. So grateful for grace and the reminder that we can't (and don't have to) do it on our own.

December 3-8

December 3

Started today totally anxious but ended it writing a fantastically whimsical little adventure in my novel. Love how Jesus can turn a day around. I don't know what I'm doing, but today He provided peace, answers, words to write and walks to take.

December 4

Woke up at 5 to have 45 minutes to myself writing my novel. Finally finished a chapter I'd been waiting for.

December 5 

Trying to focus on the good things. Mocha Peppermint Frapp on the drive to work. Tom Odell songs. Favorite new pom pom sweater. Sophie bringing cupcakes and cocoa and flowers before Survivor. I want to focus more on God and others than me.

December 6

Ready to SLEEP!

December 7

Tried something new and went to a church dinner theater. I want the joy of the singers that only Jesus can provide.

December 8

Record shopping and mural spotting with Josh and Kaylie. It was a great day to hang out downtown and explore my city!

Vinyl Haul:

• Electric Light Orchestra: A New World Record
• Tom Odell: Jubilee Road
• George Ezra: Wanted on Voyage
• Bob Dylan: Hard Rain
• Bob Dylan and the Band: The Basement Tapes 

November 26-December 2

November 26

Choosing sleep over writing today.

November 27

I can't fall asleep so I thought I'd write. I think of this house and my room and I know I get eager to leave but one day I will and these days will be forever gone. And right now we are in this phase where we watch movies together every night and I LOVE it.

November 28

Too cold to contemplate life. Not too cold to think about gingerbread and peppermint Starbucks drinks.

November 29

It's so cold my hands are bleeding.

November 30

A doozy, but it ended with a nice walk and Pokemon Stadium with the sister.

December 1 

Suffice it to say I went on a nice shopping spree today and cleaned my closet for hours. Prime organization day, yo.

December 2 

I can't stress how much I love Sunday mornings. Yesterday I cleaned and waking up in a clean space does wonders for the mind. Morning coffee does a heart good.