From Scranton to dear old Shiz

7 things that brought me joy this year 👔

It’s a miracle: I’ve finally memorized the 12 Days of Christmas lyrics—just in time for the holiday! All these years, I could never keep the milkmaids and French hens and leaping lords in their proper order. But last Thursday, I mastered the countdown carol after playing the Pentatonix cover for my stepson and me seven times in an hour. (I’ve tested myself at least once every day since to make sure the lyrics have stuck. 😂)

Christmas is one week away, and the new year will arrive in two. And when it does, my back-burner dreams will probably get another jumpstart. I see this as a kind of mercy, another invitation to try again. Sure, this could be true for any of us at any time, but a fresh calendar year usually helps me. 2024 tossed me into deep waters, and I can’t swim well. My treading is useless, and strangely, I always forget you can’t breathe underwater. After reluctantly holding my breath for months, I’m drifting back to calmer currents. In the upcoming 12 months, I hope to give more than skimpy leftovers to my writing and creative work.

While it wasn’t a year to play on repeat—or, as my stepson would say, from the beginning!—there were things I still enjoyed, and I thought they’d be worth sharing with you.¹ If you’re comfortable, hop into the comments and let me know what makes your list! I’d love to read them.

The Office 👔

I know, I’m WAY late to this, but y’all, watching The Office for the first time might be my year’s highlight. Aaron and I have been howl-laughing through the seasons since spring, and we’re set to finish the last episode before the new year. (Then I can start over with the Superfan episodes!) I had no idea these near-intolerable characters could become so beloved. One day soon, I want to display Jim & Pam figurines in our home to commemorate the magic of this series.

I’ve also been listening to the Office Ladies podcast, hosted by Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey, and filling Aaron in on all the behind-the-scenes details. I’ve never been so interested in the production of a TV show. 📺

Hive 🐝

I received Hive as a birthday gift, and it has become my favorite two-player strategy game! I like it when my games are portable and have played this while on dates with Aaron to coffee shops, a taproom, and even the nature center. The game play is similar to chess, but less complicated and in my opinion, more fun. The hexagonal tiles are made of resin (smooth, slightly weighted) and that’s part of what makes the game so satisfying.

Runners-up:

• Wavelength is perfect for larger groups and pretty amusing when people don’t already know each other.

• Business Walrus requires creativity and the willingness to be ridiculous. We set out a giant whiteboard in our living room to make the game even more “official.”

Our backyard 🌱

In February, my family moved into our first home together, and I was curious what it’d be like to not have neighbors directly above, below, behind, and beside us. One of the main reasons we chose to rent here was because of the sprawling backyard, and between the three of us, we’ve done everything from nighttime hammocking to making van-sized bubbles to bird-marveling to growing basil by the bushel. We started a garden back there (my first!) and tending to it became my favorite yard activity. Now I know why the artists and poets and spiritual guides among us use those green metaphors as much as they do.

Chronic illness isn't a weed from one's imagination

A summer of surprises

Working with Aaron 🦋

Back in May, we became 100% self-employed and launched a strategy-led rebranding agency. This has been on Aaron’s mind for 15+ years, and this year, we made it happen! We work from home together, and I’m really proud of how we’ve navigated this entrepreneurial shift as a couple.

For the productivity-curious, we use Notion for project management, meeting notes, and other creative processes like name development. Those databases are *chef’s kiss.*

Visiting Chattanooga 🚙

My friends at Hope Heals have this saying—don’t wait to celebrate—and we’d planned our little getaway to Chattanooga, TN for that very reason. Instead of putting off the trip for a potentially-maybe-someday less stressful time, Aaron and I chose to prioritize our relationship and experience the little gems a different city had to offer. We took a color walk, ate food so yummy we can’t stop talking about it, went to a Japanese boutique twice (THE STATIONERY!!), and dressed up a couple of times which is kinda my love language.

Wicked 💚

When I was in high school, my sister and I got to see Wicked on tour twice. Our first show was gifted to us, and we were so enamored we paid to see it again. For a while, my Facebook statuses were a Wicked songbook with updates like Erika is dancin’ through life and when I had an unrequited crush? He could be that boy, but I’m not that girl… 🎶

Like many musical theatre fans, I had high expectations for the film and was THRILLED that when I left the movies and compared the two, I felt equally impressed by both. They complement each other and I can respect each work as their own. Well done and thank you, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande!

Also, a special shoutout to the set and costume designs. Beyond stunning.

Connecting with you 📬

I published 18 posts at Nōto this year, and these were the three most-liked:

• My story of spiritual abuse

• A peek into my collection of children’s books

• How I met my husband (or almost didn’t!)

Back in April, I celebrated reaching a milestone thanks to all of you marvelous readers! The comments really are a sweet space and I’ll never get over what a joy it is to hear from you. Do introduce yourself if you haven’t yet!

Thanks for supporting me and this little newsletter with thoughtful comments, hearts, and restacks. As the year ends with its last bows and curtsies, please remember to take care of yourself. There’s only one you, after all.

Your readership makes my spirit bright! 🌟
—E.T.

1. This is not an exhaustive list, and I’m keeping some of my favorite moments with my family/friends private. 😌