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Ten Things of Thankful: December, with Much Help from Drexel

It's December.  It's busy.  It's fun.  I'm short on time, but long on gratitude. Here's a recap since the last TToT post.

 I went with a friend to Disneyland to see the Candlelight Processional, which is my favorite event of the year at Disneyland. I'm thankful for:  (1) good friends (2) throngs of people who are there to celebrate the birth of Jesus (3) the freedoms we enjoy that allow us to assemble and vocalize our religious views. 

 Ginnifer Goodwin was the celebrity reader this year.  I'm thankful (4) that her participation spurred some online discussion, and gave me a chance to clarify some of my beliefs.  

 Here is a brief non-professional video of part of the processional. The video leaves much to be desired, but just listen to that choir!

Though I did spend time at Disneyland and other places: playing, running errands and doing various acts of service this week--be sure to check out the #LightTheWorld campaign!--I still had much to do at home. Drexel made sure to stick by me, and help me with my tasks.

 I'm thankful (5) he is my own personal trainer to help me stretch after a run.
Photo:  Drexel makes himself at home on my lap
I'm thankful (6) Drexel supervises me as I work on handouts for a church activity.
Photo:  Drexel gazes up at me as I cut out handouts for a church activity
I'm thankful (7) that the Christmas tree is up (even if the ornaments aren't on yet) and (8) that Drexel seems to approve (and that I don't have to worry about him climbing the tree and knocking down ornaments!)
Photo:  Drexel poses dramatically in front of the tree
Although Drexel is hard-working, he knows how to have fun, too. I'm thankful (9) for his reminders to take a break every now and then to play chase!

As always, I'm thankful (10) for John.  He makes me smile. Somehow, I don't think many couples have mathematical conversations while setting up Christmas trees, but we do.  Our tree is old, and little branches are starting to break. This is clearly (!)  a low-cycle fatigue problem.  John realized this year that he could come up with the analysis to show how many more years our tree would last.  However, he was very generous to give me the credit for identifying that the tree has dual modes of failure:  not only are the branches starting to break, but needles are also falling.  Gotta love that man!  He even helped me remember the correct terms to use to write this item.  :-)

 How is your December going?  Have any four-legged friends helping you?



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Comments

  1. Tired TeacherDecember 10, 2016 at 1:44 PM

    Had a chuckle about the tree discussion. . .and love the antics of Drexel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiDecember 10, 2016 at 10:59 PM

      We were laughing at the time we were having it, too. :-)

      Delete
  2. AnonymousDecember 11, 2016 at 7:19 AM

    That photo of Drexel posing with the tree is very inspiring. He has trusting love and hope in his eyes. I'd like to have a four, or two-legged helper this busy season.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiDecember 11, 2016 at 7:59 AM

      You have truly been busy this season, blessing so many people!

      Delete
  3. Clark FarleyDecember 11, 2016 at 7:49 AM

    "dual modes of failure" what a nicely balanced description of an inherently unpredictable process! very cool (legal, medical, engineering, whatever the specialized worldview, I always enjoy listening to a 'native' speak their language. It is surely as much a language as French or German. When I listen to attorneys argue the merits of their case before a judge, the same feeling of 'they are speaking a language that reflects a (separate) reality (to a degree).
    cool
    Drex ....el!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiDecember 11, 2016 at 8:02 AM

      I have learned some of the lingo over the years. For a dramatic example, look up "natural frequency" then watch a video of the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows bridge. :-)

      Delete
  4. GirlieOnTheEdgeDecember 11, 2016 at 7:30 PM

    LOL Drexel helping you stretch :) Our black lab Zoey, every time I'd get down on the floor to do sit ups, she'd come over and plop right beside/on me. Great isn't it? :D
    Seeing Disneyland at Christmas must be fantastic, the lights phenomenal. I love driving around and looking at houses decorated for the holidays.
    Have a wonderful and peaceful holiday season Kristi.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiDecember 11, 2016 at 10:16 PM

      I think that labs get bs and ps mixed up and think they are LAP dogs! Disneyland is beautiful at Christmastime.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousDecember 13, 2016 at 8:30 AM

    Can't beat a week where you need two posts for your thankfuls!

    ReplyDelete

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