I bought a Christmas tree this week. Seven and a half feet. It's not real but it's pretty. It looks quite full and has a bit of a frosted color to the tips. It's my first big tree since my divorce four years ago. Up until earlier this year, I lived in a smaller place that called for a smaller tree each holiday. And now I have a proper tree to decorate with my kids next weekend when they come over. They're excited and maybe I am even more.

I'm feeling a rather anxious about the future. Especially after last Tuesday. But that's out of my control as is the chaos to come. All I can control is how I react and how I treat those that I care about (myself included). And that starts with recognizing and appreciating the small wins in life. The everyday minutia that taken on its own can be unremarkable. But taken as a whole, it's what makes up life.

Almost a year ago to the day, I met my best friend here on reddit. That wasn't a small win but it certainly didn't seem so big when it started. Life can surprise you on the most seemingly inconsequential nights. You read some words from a complete stranger and think "hmmm..."

I don't really know what I'm doing here right now. I'm a single dad in Georgia. I work from home and have a quiet life about three quarters of the time. And the other quarter I'm with my kids (not as quiet but much more lovely). I have my insecurities but I'm pretty confident about a few things as well. I'm about to turn 40 and am a much better father, man, friend and person than I was at 30. As I get older, I do learn more of what matters while forgetting shit that didn't. That said, I still know all the words to Mr. Burns' "See My Vest" song and, yeah, I can see you're impressed.

So do you want to find out if this night is inconsequential or not?