November 2018, I was on my way to work on an icy, snowy morning when I was struck by a vehicle that jumped from the southbound lane into my northbound lane. It was almost a head-on accident at highway speeds, but I was able to turn the wheel at just the right time so that the truck struck the van obliquely and it probably saved my life. However, it did strike the driver's side door and caused me to strike my head hard against the vehicle.

I have been recovering from a serious concussion since that time. It has changed my life in many ways. I currently experience intermittent sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises, and am more susceptible to the effects of stress. Sunglasses and blue blocking glasses are always within reach, and computer screens, my phone, and the TV aren't always accessible to me due to screen glare. I've been working around my issues and have been able to maintain my job in the high-stress world of corporate technical support as a remote worker. My Spotify year in review reflects that I've developed a sudden and persistent yen for adult comptemorary music, since it doesn't give me a headache or trigger other symptoms.

Here's how I define my 2019:  I've been doing this all anyway. I'm not going to let an accident wreck my life or my plans. I've scaled up my own production over the last year, and have begun producing fresh mushrooms for sale locally. I've taken the time to hone my methods and have been managing details to produce the highest-quality mushroom grow blocks I can acheive, removing steps from the traditional fungiculture process without cutting corners. I've also begun selling the low-sugar liquid culture jars that I base my whole operation around, and have gotten some great feedback from customers as well.

I've reduced the amount of handling time per block, lowered my contamination rates, and even lowered my carbon footprint dramatically. I'm currently focused on mushroom production for market dates in 2020. I've renewed my focus on providing a sustainable product and my production method relies on natural materials for the most part.

In 2020, I look forward to once again returning to the farmer's market with fresh mushrooms for sale and great mushroom kits for the cultivator.