In years past, I’ve set a variety of goals across different categories. I’ve decided to cast that method aside and focus on one area of my life: better compliance with my migraine management. There are certain things that I can do every day to reduce the incidence and severity of migraine attacks. If I can get this chronic condition better managed, all aspects of my life will improve.

I’m also going to focus on actions instead of outcomes. So while I need to lose some serious weight, I’m not going to set a weight goal. Instead, I’m going to set fitness goals that will result in weight loss.

So, here are my goals, each of which need to be accomplished daily:

• Close my Apple Watch rings & keep a food journal
• Read a book
• Meditate

That’s it. Four actions steps, accomplished daily, over a period of time. Simple, straightforward, no room for excuses.

Maybe I shouldn’t get on the scale at all. If I close my Activity Rings every day and keep a food journal, is it even necessary?

There’s a lot of talk about how our nation is more divided than ever. As Americans, we face a problem that many nations do not have to confront. We’re a non-homogenous people, with only our patriotism, freedom, and Constitution binding us together.

Many people have a perturbingly negative perception of what life in America is like today. Some even pine for the good old days of national unity, which I’m confidant is just a foggy illusion.

I went on The Polar Express earlier this month. For one hour, we rode on a historic train down the tracks. I was in a carriage with families of every race, creed, color, and political view. No one fought, no one was arrested and made to disappear, no one was killed. We sang together, our children danced together, and we enjoyed a magical evening on the rails.

There’s unrest, but there has always been unrest. There’s anxiety, but there has always been anxiety. What makes America great is not Her economic or military might, it’s Her citizens. Natural and naturalized, Jewish and Muslim, Christian and Buddhist, African-American and Asian, White and Native American, Left and Right, all living and working together to build the City Upon a Hill.

The perfect background music while reading on a Friday evening. 🎵

Picked up the new Mission Impossible and all of the Bourne movies on sale today on iTunes. Glad that I waited!

I love the woody aroma of fresh lavender.

Advent calendar that my Mom made for us.

Barely made it to recycling day. Now I have to hold on for two more days with a very full trash bin.

Finally getting the house put back together.

Coming up to the finish line of three years of daily journaling in Day One. Looking forward to getting them all printed in the New Year!

There’s a robot vacuuming my floor. This is the best.

Remarkably calm in the neighborhood this morning.

China Applies Xinjiang’s Policing Lessons to Other Muslim Areas - WSJ

China’s aggressive policing of Muslims in its western region of Xinjiang is being replicated in other parts of the country, particularly in areas with other Muslim communities.

The camps aren’t far behind.

My wife is either legitimately at work, or she is frantically driving all over town trying to find a Turboman.