God is Good to the Johnsons

Dear Friends, Family, Acquaintances, and you lovely random passerby of the Blogosphere-- A year and 10 days ago I set out on a journey to write a blog post a day, for two months straight. I did that successfully, and then decided to extend my challenge to a one-year challenge. My report? I wrote 317 blog posts in a 365-day period. And I think that's pretty rad. A few reflections on this experience: Firstly, I started this blog not just because I love writing, but because I needed help. I was suffering from some intense postpartum anxiety, but I didn't know that's what it was at the time. Every moment of every day I felt like I was under severe stress and pressure, even when there were no evident triggers for such. The feeling in my gut on an almost constant basis felt like the queasy stomach, racing heartbeat, and unsettled mind that greeted me before every math test and job interview I've had growing up. I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know how

Apparently, Charlie's got the bill. Thanks bud. Somos cuatro ahora. I want to make this recipe, but I don't know where to buy figs? Tips? In heaven at Grandma's house. A discovery amongst papers from my high school days. What kept me sane during difficult classes were these margin doodlings. Apparently I organized these wrong. Thanks for helping me sort things out, little man. Amen. Potato Peel Pie (Admittedly, without potato peelings. I know, I don't know that the Guernsey Literary Society would accept me fully). Barber Dad extraordinaire. The best thing to wake up to after he's left for work 💗 Day #317

OK Guys, so I know we're well into 2019 at this point, but I'm feeling this empty hole in my heart from not writing about the best parts of 2018 in a blogpost. So I'mma right this right now. Here's my gratefuls from last calendar year, in no particular order: My 3 year anniversary with the love of my life, Kevin J 😍 My baby boy's 1st birthday Visiting Washington D.C. with my parents and brothers. My appreciation for the freedoms I enjoy, and my respect for all those who have sacrificed so much to offer those freedoms to me, increased tremendously. Plus, late nights playing Codenames in our hotel and enjoying Larry's ice cream in the Reagan Building food court were pretty awesome too. Love my family. The first Christmas in a long time where I gave gifts I really put a lot of time, thought, and sweat into; and received beautiful gifts of the same kind. Finally reaching a weight and status of activity/health that made me feel comfortable and happy in my