Finished reading: Non-things by Byung-Chul Han 📚 https://micro.blog/books/9781509551705
Watched: Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones 🍿 https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1894
Nerd Fitness Plan https://www.marmanold.com/2026/01/02/nerd-fitness-plan/
Moving up to 18.75 pounds tomorrow. According to Claude that means I’m above average for every category except lifters. I’ll take it.
"the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14, RSVCE)"
Merry Christmas! 
Observations from the Newly Fit https://www.marmanold.com/2025/12/23/observations-from-the-newly-fit/
This week I’m challenging myself to maintain my streaks. Not because I need to, but because I want a challenge. 50k steps & 3x lifting amidst three Christmases, two masses, and some last minute Christmas preps. Wish me luck! 
St. Joseph, Steadfast in Faith https://www.marmanold.com/sermon/st.-joseph-steadfast-in-faith/
I love that people at our parish feel comfortable enough to bring (and leave) their own pew pillow. This is as it should be. The sanctuary is an extension of our Lord’s house. We are welcome to move in and be comfortable. 
Currently reading: Non-things by Byung-Chul Han 📚— The readings for the symposium are off the a great start. You know the book is good when you’ve made two highlights and you’re still in the preface! https://micro.blog/books/9781509551705 https://standrewsnashville.com/the-bishop-andrewes-symposium/
Related to slow, however, I feel bad that I often learn of news as I’m doing the prayers of the people at mass. But, then again, what does my knowing change? I pray for “all sorts and conditions of men” each day. Do I personally need to know the conditions? I trust God does.
A great part of being off social media is being immune from “hot takes.” After the Ruch trial all I had was the document from the province. Then, some real, live, commentary from my deanery. Then, a few days later, thought out articles on blogs. I like this slower pace.
I’ve been fairly down on technology of late, but I must say there are benefits. YouTube, specifically, has kept my ability to understand German and Dutch active. I realized yesterday videos were hoping between languages and I hardly noticed. 15 year old Michael’s brain would melt!
Hot take: The ACNA should not have a say or involvement in selecting the head of the Global Communion. Our house isn’t in order and we should humbly submit to the discipline, guidance, and authority of the larger provinces.
2025 was a big year for flying. After a decade of having small children, the youngest is in kindergarten and the Arnolds are back to traveling! ✈️ 
Why are people wearing smart rings and such? I just don’t know what metric I could possibly need to know. The only smart device I’d be interested in would be something that accurately gave me macro/micro nutrients and calories for my food.
Bear Fruit in Keeping with Repentance https://www.marmanold.com/sermon/bear-fruit-in-keeping-with-repentance/
Living Off Christian Culture: Yes, Christianity Does Make a Difference for Pilots and Architects https://christianscholars.com/living-off-christian-culture-yes-christianity-does-make-a-difference-for-pilots-and-architects/
Updated Training Routine https://www.marmanold.com/2025/12/01/updated-training-routine/
Finished reading: Letters from an Imaginary Country by Theodora Goss 📚 https://micro.blog/books/9781616964405
Finished reading: Deciphering Data Architectures by James Serra 📚 https://micro.blog/books/9781098150723
Currently reading: The Divine Comedy 1: Hell by Dante Alighieri 📚 – A quarter of the way through the Sayers translation. So good! https://micro.blog/books/9788726595659
The Arnold Family urban homestead. Chickens, bunnies, squirrels. We’ve got it all! 
Those who have no tradition, do not respect it.