It has taken a while to finally get here with a few website hosting and connection issues, but I can finally share the 365ish seconds of my 40th year along with some of my thoughts about a pretty landmark year of life.
Things I noticed in the video:

• Miniature painting has definitely become my predominant hobby. I have found that I enjoy it more than building models because instead of a product sitting on a shelf I can enjoy the painted models while gaming with other people.
• My kids are obviously the most prevalent part of my life, both because they demand attention and deserve it. Also, they are cute in photos and videos.
• I don't take a lot of video at work, which is odd because I spend so much time there. I think I am generally just too busy to take my phone out and record a short video.

Thoughts from my 40th year:

• ​I feel that I have truly reached middle age but don't feel that old. I assume this is what everyone feels when they reach this age, but I hope to continue relishing the age that I am.
• This year brought some unexpected challenges as I faced uncertainty with the future of my job for the first time ever. I had to start thinking about ways I could continue to be a teacher if Latin were cut, so I added Social Studies to my certification.
• I value my friendships and relationships both younger and older than me more than I ever have. I appreciate the advice of my older friends and appreciate the chance to share wisdom with my younger friends.

Here's to new challenges and adventures in Year 41!

Most people like to do all kinds of year-end reflections at the end of the calendar year, which works, I guess, but why not change it up a little and take some time to reflect every year around your birthday. You have just finished another whole year of life, and it seems like a great time to sit down and reflect on the previous year. Also, I did not want to overload my site with another year in review post like my reading list post. Thus, a new tradition is born. In the days right around my birthday each year, I want to share the compilation of 1-second videos from the previous year (see above) and share a few highlights and things I have been learning over the year.

Highlights
-My first return trip to Italy since COVID knocked out the last few years. We had a smaller group of students, but the trip was still incredible and life-changing for many of the kids.
-Our long-awaited family trip to California to do Disneyland and Legoland with an extended time of exploration around Galaxy's Edge and building a lightsaber.
-Our youngest growing out of the difficult first year of life and into the much more fun toddler phase.
-Lots of board gaming and miniature painting.
-Closing out the past decade with a great weekend of friends and fun activities.

​Lessons
-Having a third child is more difficult than I expected in a different way than I expected. The third child is not as difficult from a straight parenting perspective as much as a general managing of life perspective.
-I have great friends who care about me and who value my voice in their lives. I will not ever take that for granted again.
-The American church will continue down a path of decline if we privilege the voices of white men only. Some of the reading I have been doing this year has further opened my eyes to the importance of elevating voices of Christians from the rest of the world.
-Hobbies are a lifeline for me in the midst of a busy family and work schedule, but I have so many that I sometimes get stuck on which to do when I have time. I need a system to better use my free time when I have it.

I am looking forward to year 40 and the excitement of a new decade of life!