Every night when we get our daughter into bed we ask her to name three things she is grateful for from the day. I could write a whole separate post on the difficulties of getting a toddler to do anything at bedtime, let alone getting to bed, but today’s exercise is about me doing what we ask of Aria.

Instead of naming three things from today, here’s a list of a few things I’m grateful for from this year:

1. My work hours changed in a way that was vital. I get home at a reasonable hour now and am able to eat dinner with my wife and daughter. Being home early in the evening takes a lot of pressure off my wife as I’m able to help get Aria into bed. I bond more with my child who thinks I’m a hero, and I spend time with Lisa before she falls asleep.

2. The minor car accident I had in 2016 when someone backed into me was finally resolved this year. The claim was stuck in an insurance subrogation quagmire, but after pressing the issue several times I was pleasantly surprised to find a check in the mail last summer reimbursing my deductible. Yay!

3. Lisa and I celebrated our 11th anniversary in May!

4. I love World War II history, and after reading extensively through the years about the air war over Europe, I finally had the opportunity to walk through a B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator that came on tour through Oregon. A highlight of the summer.

5. I’ve enjoyed recording our family’s adventures, especially in the summer when we do most of our traveling. I hope the videos are a gratifying legacy for Aria when she’s much older.

6. I discovered a new hobby — pie baking and applesauce making. I’ve also made a few apple crisps. It’s been a tasty fall season and the house smells great!

7. I was introduced to audiobook narration and production this year from a colleague. It’s a different discipline than broadcasting but uses similar skillsets. I’ve had a few books published, made a little money, and look forward to doing more work!

8. I’m happy we were able to take another long weekend getaway to the coast with my folks. Those trips are a highlight of the year that originally started as a family vacation celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

9. Our adult coed soccer team has held together for six years — longer than any other team has existed in our league. And we play on…

10. I’m thankful for the place we live and think about this a lot. The Pacific Northwest is beautiful, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Except in the winter. Then I dream of living on Kauai. Ha!

How about you? What are you grateful for as you look back over the year? However you celebrate the holiday, enjoy your turkey…or tofu. Happy Thanksgiving!