190. My Pretty, Pretty Prius

Events 0

In January 2008, I bought a 2002 Prius with 126,000 miles on it. I hoped it would last long enough for me to pay what I borrowed to buy it – and it has lasted long past that.

Now it has more than 224,000 miles on it. Earlier this year, I brought it in after I knocked off the driver-side mirror, and later when a warning light went off. Both times, I ended up paying more than $1000 for other problems they found.

So today it was with much trepidation that I brought it in for a state inspection and servicing. The only thing they found was that a tail light was out! It only cost me $134.

It still gets around 40 miles per gallon, and is such a wonderful car. Now I hope it will keep running until I can pay down my debt enough to be able to afford a new one. That may take awhile! But meanwhile, I’m so thankful for my little car!

189. Angel Books

Books, Spiritual Blessings 0

I recently read Lorna Byrne’s book Angels in my Hair and ordered two more of her books – and I’m enjoying them so much!

I know and believe that God watches over me; I see his hand in my life.

Well, this author claims that she can see angels – and tells us about all the ways she sees God’s hand at work through them.

Somehow, it reminds me of the supernatural and bolsters up my belief. And maybe it shouldn’t – but it all seems a little more personal this way.

188. Gateway Community Church Grand Opening

Events, Friends, Spiritual Blessings 0

My church has opened our new building! It’s a community resource center, and we’re having a Grand Opening celebration all weekend long.

I just spent my evening there, and enjoyed good talks with a series of individuals, some of whom I knew, and some of whom I didn’t know at all. And part of the time, I stood on the balcony and stared at the sunset.

God is going to do great things there!

185. A Continuing Education Scholarship

Events 0

Tonight I received a check in the mail to cover my attendance at the January 2017 ALA Midwinter Meeting and ALSC Mini-institute! Since I charged the trip to credit cards, it will be so lovely to pay them off.

And the trip was fantastic – and probably the crucial thing that got me elected to the 2019 Newbery Award committee, because I asked many people there to vote for me.

184. Total Solar Eclipse

Events, Friends, Nature 0

Yes, I got to travel to South Carolina and stay with a friend – and I got to see the Total Solar Eclipse today!

Now, I got to see one in 1999 in Germany – but clouds covered the sun a few *seconds* before it went total. That time, we got to see darkness, and we got to see the partial eclipse leading up to totality. But we didn’t actually get to see the moon covering the sun.

This time, I did – and it was incredible! Awe-inspiring and wonderful.

Mind you, there was a cloud right next to the sun just before it went total – and I was SO afraid it would happen again! But no! I really got to see it! The sun’s corona around the moon was amazing.

I’m so thankful I got to see it!

183. My Blogs Restored

Events 0

Last week, when updating a blog post – two of my blogs crashed. It looked like I might lose all of Project 52 – the year-long project where I’d written the story of my life.

I’m very thankful that – after two messages saying it was fixed when it wasn’t – my web hosting company was able to restore the blogs to the week before the problem happened.

So I’ve got it all back – and I made an extra copy of Project 52.

And I have new appreciation for my blogs.

182. Rest

Activities, Health 0

I just finished a week of working six days in a row, with a program every day, including some new, challenging programs. This was my own fault. I set up the schedule. But I was TIRED.

So today, right after lunch, I took a nap and fell right asleep for two hours.

And now I feel rested! And it feels wonderful!

I’ve still got a tough week ahead. But at least it will only last four days long, and at least I’m starting out rested.