Nice easy leisurely day. Tommy was at Tallon's w/friends for sleepover, so it was just Lauren and Lucky. Scottie's mangled Lucky's presence quite well, considering how much energy Lucky has. I tackled some work related tasks and pretty much puttered about. Got 'to go' from Burger Pit. Tommy's friend Caden's sleeping over. Watched some "Horders" episodes and some hit a nerve. Continued listening to Born to Run, hope to finish tomorrow.

Pleasant AM working from patio as a 'change up'. Followed up on a strong lead for Ops help that I fwd'd to David who I also chatted with and caught up on his progress which is good. Tommy came over early (3pm) to work on Math but ended up punting until tomorrow. He did (finally) follow up w/Coach Dan who's been contacting me about his engagement. He seems right at that point/age where 'the moment' seems more important than obligations or long term investments of time. I get it, but I'm doing all I can to help keep him focused. He spent PM w/friends up the street and then went to Talons for overnight. I contacted parents to maintain sync of awareness/expectations so there were no surprises. Lucky's with us tonight/tomorrow, Linda agreed to let Lauren bring him vs making him stay crated at Pano all alone. Lauren's happy and I'm happy to accommodate the need. Been listening to and really enjoying "Born to Run". Messed around w/5th 'test' of conditions/results for 'clear ice'. Getting closer to the goal, have a 6th test running through tomorrow.

Woke up still feeling bad about being restrictive with Tommy and his friends. It's a bit interesting when I think broadly about my reasoning and recognize how my own youth wasn't as prohibitive so.... where'd I get so mercurial? I act more on expectation and less on heart, which is winning out more and more as time passes and I get more of my own views worked out. I re-asserted my change of heart about friends and such when dropping him off. Work was work, and Lauren came over early to make dinner. I'd arranged for it since she'd offered to make dinner and I didn't want her starting at 6.15. She made Beef Bourguignon, Lyonnaise potatoes and Crepes for dessert. It was great and fulfilled a cultural assignment for her French class to boot. Tommy was in a better mood and, interestingly, when asked why he'd moved rooms w/Lauren at Pano he shared it was to get out of the more 'depressing' room and get sunlight. I found that telling as to his home life, how he feels in the room, the sense of possible isolation that comes with seeking sanctuary from what feels overwhelming and oppressive. It's heartbreaking that he's felt so 'stuck' and my main apprehension to him being at Matson more often is the drama his doing so creates. Did a bit more driving w/Lauren, still a bit rough on the edges but I think 1/2 of that is just the intimidation of doing so. I'm going to keep working with her so she can take a simulator test with more confidence. Meanwhile, Scottie was definitely back to his old self after yesterday's odd 'off' behavior which was really nice. I'm really grateful to have the life I have with Jen, the dog, the kids, and even though I occasionally screw up, that i'm aware of that and try to rectify feels right.

Challenging day. Scottie was totally "off" and seemly sick, but finally perked up. Work was stressful juggling multiple issues and demands but that's winy the call it work. What's hard is seeing some of the sausage being made and wondering how much longer we have and there's lots of anxiety within the teams being conveyed through the management team. Meanwhile I felt thrilled that Tommy managed to pull his grade in World History up, yet I let myself get 'triggered' by his ignoring my request that he not have friends over on weekdays when, why not? What else could I want other than that? Nothing. Stupid and controlling on my part, and I regret making a big deal about it but hope I can restore his trust, I'm sure it's hard not knowing what's OK or not. I have to stop being triggered by what I perceive as disrespect and not model it in return.

Catching up on the past few days and image only uploads, Erin came to visit with Jen and they had such a good time. There was a moment I wish I'd photographed where they'd gotten midnight munchies and made a sandwich and I came in just as Erin was trying to get her mom to take a bite and their look was priceless, like kids caught but just laughing it off. I know it meant so much to Jennifer to have that time with her Daughter. It made me consider how, someday in the not too distant future, my kids will be on their own and when the chance presents itself for us to be together I'll feel the same joy. Beforehand, the 4 of us went and test drove a Tesla X and a Tesla S. They're absolutely wonderful but the price isn't something I can justify and I Jen came to the same conclusion. We like being debt free and the ~$1750/month cost would pretty much be better spent in any number of other ways far more important with far more value and ROI. She'll keep looking. We'll work it out. I also took Lauren driving and she did wonderful. She had it down on the first day, and the next am was exponentially better. I realize her vision may be a barrier but I think it's fully worth pursuing options. I've been messing around with the clear ice tray I bought and enjoying the whole process of trial, error, success and fine-tuning the process. Had a social distance dinner at Jon/Cheryls w/dogs tonight. Really great evening, weather, food and conversation. Need to start doing this more as we ease restrictions within reason.

I know very well that I pay far more attention to my weakness that I do to my strengths. What I don't know is whether that in itself is a weakness or a strength.

Difficult day. Long story short, the day started with pushback from Tommy about the school work and plans for the day and escalated to a point where I cancelled the planned convertible rental. It because a huge issue and point of contention. And the arguments would not stop. Really drained me emotionally. Eventually leveled out but not without damaging the rapport. Trying to learn form it and not be so quick to react, but hope he too realizes his own communication can set a tone that introduces conflict. Feels like toes are easily stepped on, and yet it's important to me that he not be harsh on himself either. It's such a delicate balance act, and nobody can maintain their balance forever. I sure can't.

The workday was good, got some lingering tasks done and all with Tommy coming in the AM to focus on getting late assignments in before the deadline. I think he did well given that he's not prone to spending that much time (9am-4pm with breaks and lunch) doing homework. It's touchy too trying to find the right balance of helping him focus and keeping him on track without getting into the whole oppositional snark that shuts things down so quickly. Keeping that in mind helps and I think, hope, that he's on track to get the remaining things caught up to at least get out of the hole he's dug himself into. This has been a good lesson for me, at least, about the hard truth that being 'hands off' didn't result in him taking ownership and next two years I'll be more engaged in the daily routine. Zeros will pretty much shut things down as far as anything going on or being done until those are addressed. Jen was great about the day and gave me lots of support and Lauren's possibly going to help in the AM w/French catch up before going to Pano until PM. I've reserved a convertable Friday-Sunday so we have a vehicle to enjoy some long drives out and about in the nice weather.... covid permitting. The rate was really low and it just feels like a fun way to take a deep breath after a full and focused effort and long week.

 

Very focused productive work day. So many things going on but moving to tracking all the tasks in Jira is under way and will help greatly. Managed to work out the renegotiation of a vendor contract in a way that was reasonable and a savings so I'm happy about that. I've coordinated with Linda to have Tommy tomorrow am through Sun am and he will be 100% focused on getting ALL backlogged school tasks managed 9-5 daily. The clock is ticking and it's time to empower enable and enforce focus and action. I'm pretty hopeful it works but also trying to be realistic that it'll be a possible struggle for him to focus and sit still. Yet that's how he got in this position in the 1st place. Had some insinuations from his mom about what I/Jen do or do not say or do regarding his actions, tone, words and treatment of her. It's a recurring theme and the truth remains that I/we do actually promote positive treatment and discourage the negative, constantly. That it's assumed otherwise is insulting but I stopped defending myself long ago. Chatted a few times w/Lauren throughout the day, they're back at Pano for the time being and she's always a joy to talk to. Looking fwd to her being with us tomorrow, as always. I have a few library books all coming available at once so I'm torn but hope to start something new shortly and set aside "Born to Run" because it's easier to reserve again vs the newer titles.

You Can't Cherry Pick Your Science

Have we reached the point yet where science and statistics can empower us to look at the body of ignorance, entitlement and conspiracy theories and say, without being deemed judgmental, "STFU, you're a fucking idiot, and that you're allowed to vote and influence our society is an abomination"?



Because, I'm ready to. Fuck it, I just did.



You can't Cherry Pick your science. You can't selectively choose to believe in and participate in all that science has provided our world, from medical advances like transplants, radiology and stents, to radio, microwave, satellite and cellular frequencies, air flight, sonar, GPS, let alone the basic fundamentals of micro-biology and understanding the human DNA.... and THEN opt out of the program selectively, because you choose to believe that there's some vast global power choosing to deceive and manipulate us by making up a pandemic, as people die in the 10's of thousand internationally while you stand by and profess it to be a hoax.



If you subscribe to these conspiracy theories, SHUT THE FUCK UP. You are a fucking idiot. Do you think Sandy Hook was staged? The moon landing was faked? The earth is flat? If so, leave, and stop using up the oxygen the rest of us need to sustain function brain activity. You're clearly not using it properly.



That you're allowed to vote and influence our society is an abomination. You should be ashamed of yourself. Your ignorance is not just a detriment to yourself, but your selfishness is a detriment to the rest of the human population that cares enough to take aggressive steps to secure and preserve the safely and lives of everybody…. yourself include.



How it is that tests exists for graduation, driving, and nationalization of immigrants... but you somehow have 'birth rights' to inflict your self serving delusional views of an absurd and implausible conspiracy theory on us is beyond my comprehensive. Because it is, by definition, insanity. It is not sane. Your ideas and believe are NOT sane, rational, substantiated or justified.



Yes, I’m sure you have already composed your inept and unverifiable assertion of you being right. Because it feels good to do so. I get it. Hell I used to engage in similar discussions about, and even openly investigated assertions about religion. And that's what your beliefs are to you at this sad juncture, "Religion". Then I realized there is simply no reciprocity in a dialog of fervent opinions. If you are not open and willing to consider that YOU are wrong, as you fervently ask ME to do, you are not exchanging ideas, you are forcing opinions.



Spare me your undocumented and/or unattributable references to alternative fact from alternative sources. It’s as inept, immature and ignorant as somebody saying “People tell me...” in defense of their stance. It's opinion. Period. There is a saying that extraordinary claims warrant extraordinary evidence. You think you know something we don't? Produce the evidence or get the fuck out of our way. You’re holding up our evolution. Asshole.

Good focused and productive work day, which really feels rewarding at the end. Like exercise it's not always fun 'during' but afterwards the accomplishments are worth the effort. Had a couple of good calls with David and feel very optimist about the next few months and, hopefully, noc on wood (typo intentional), his prognosis and recover. Fingers crossed. We have a good game plan to manage things and it's my top priority. I wrote to the exec team w/updates and strategies and feel supported in the efforts. Enjoyed a nice evening w/Jen and a fun exchange w/the geeks. Saddened and somewhat hurt, to be honest, that Brian would put platform over friendships. Testing out various options includes making choices that seem to be so abhorrent that he'd miss a chance to connect with us and that's something I'd like to think I'd not make a priority over decades of friendship. It honestly feels very unwarranted. In any event the 3-way conversation was good, and I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to geek out and chat with these good friends and get inspired and informed.

There's been a few instances over the past year or two ... well, year, given that we only had the dog for a year. Starting over... there's been a few instances in the past year when the dog lost it's shit in the late night or early mornings over a possum walking the fence. We used to leave the window open so he could get out and in to pee but stopped after one too many shit losses. On one occasion he was literally below the possum on the ground barking his lungs out while the possum just Sat their. Frozen still. Play Dead. Anyway I mention that because this morning for whatever reason I awoke at about 5.30am and Glanced, barely awake, out the window, into the early morning light, just as the possum sauntered by on his way back home. I focused well on the work day but my tolerance level for the situation is reaching a low point. I made a simple diner and we all enjoyed it together which was nice. Met the neighbors Mike and Deirdre. She's the parent of Caden, one of the kids Tommy plays hockey with. And then I worked on submitting ASL application for West Valley for my wonderful daughter Lauren. Who didn't have time to cut my hair as planned but is herself considering blue hair dye. I would love that for her. Gonna end the day with something from Calm. A sleep story, perhaps.

Fell asleep ~2am agan, up at 7am though, hoping to get some rhythm in the cycles. Kids are with us tonight. I took Tommy and Lauren to Shake Shack and briefly met up with Mike and his family. Boy how their kids have grown. Discussed his work, mine, OPS options to help and just enjoyed a chance to briefly reconnect. Seems like he's had some great experience in the past year, and grown, and en route to be a leader, which I am so glad to hear. He'll be a great manager, has all the skills. Retuned, dropped Tommy at LGHS while we went on a drive out through a backroad of Sunol that Jen found on Google Maps. It was really cool. Scottie came along, sat in the back with me, and got a face-full of scents. I learned today that Dogs have 100,000 to 1,000,000 more sensitive smell glands. Fascination. We retuned, made a Chavez run and had dinner together. Tommy went off with friends while we played Rumikub, walked the dog. Before I knew it, it was time to retired. I want to carve out even more time w/them both. Lauren in particular right now as I feel she remains overshadowed by him for most instances. I'm thinking some solo activity for her/me tomorrow w/be good. She suggested giving me a haircut. What father would deny thait? :-)

Tommy had his friend, Talon, over last night, until late enough that I conceded to a sleepover. They were supposed to go fishing at 6am, but they headed out closer to 9. It's been a balancing act to manage allowing him to arrange exceptions in custody. The fact that they're staying in the hotel in Campbell while the work at the house goes on makes it seem more logical that he stay with us but it's important it's not just a fallback assumption, as the weekdays in particular are heavily work focused. I had the house to myself, geeked out a bit, napped and relaxed, and oh, there was a site outage that crept into the day, too. Neighbors did a sidewalk chalk event and man there was some really great work. Didn't participate, had other priorities and limited skills. Maybe next time if I can find the right stencils. A plumber came in late afternoon and snaked the drain. It was something I could have done but worth paying somebody just in case there was something else to deal with. I'll buy a snake and supplies next time there's a sale so I have a set on hand but I've learned my lesson about the garbage disposal and it's limits. We did a virtual game night with Miranda, Tabitha, Marya, myself and spouses. I like doing those but would enjoy more conversation too. It's a new way to gather in these days of quarantine, though. I listened to the 1st chapters of Springsteen's "Born to Run" audiobook and it's really good. He's a very engaging author as one might expect. Looking forward to lunch with Mike H tomorrow. It's been a long time coming, and although the OPS needs brought it about, I'm not sure that'll go far but it'll be great to just touch base after a year or so.

Influential Notes That Strike a Chord

A recent series of FaceBook posts amongst friends put forth the challenge to "...choose 10 albums that influenced my musical life. No explanation, no recommendations, no particular order, just the album cover. One album per day in 10 consecutive days and nominating one person per day to do the same." I watched this playing out as several friends met the challenge head on, posted covers from releases that I fist-pumped at the sight of or facepalmed when I realized I'd forgotten about one or more of those wonderful recordings that are truly milestones and masterpieces. As it played out, I commented or liked a few and eventually, I was nominated to share my own set of 10. I had already been giving some though to the idea, mentally sifting through what influenced me. Once nominated, I jotted down a list of titles, strategically paired each with a nominee based on my association of that record with that person, Then eagerly broke from my self-imposed exile and posted on FaceBook again.

I made it through 2 posts, and stalled. And it's not because I care to maintain the 'exile'. I stalled for a few reasons including work demands, juggling focus with kids and getting distracted by too many other tasks vying for my attention. But mainly, admittedly, I paused because I simply could not limited the list to 10, I could not come up with 10 nominees, and I wrestled with what "influence" means.

I overthought it.

I realized this was a blog post, not a FaceBook post. This is something I've been wanting to do for some time. I already have a master list of songs and an unfinished blogpost titled "My Life In Music", wherein I take the key critical songs that would be the soundtrack I'd overlay the moments that might flash before my eyes upon my demise. Music has been such a force in my life. I assume it's the same for everybody, to a greater or lesser degree, and I always enjoy hearing the stories a song triggers for a friend or a loved one of a moment or time in their life.

This is not that post, though. This is about "Influence".

For me, the idea of records that influenced my musical life isn't about how "Radar Love" transports me every time to pulling weeds in the backyard of my parents house with KFRC playing on a single speaker D-cell powered AM radio. Or how the first few notes of Roxy Music's "Avalon" bring back the blood rushing memories of a specific girlfriend and how, by the time the CD reached the final song we'd be in each others arms. I take the concept of influencing my musical life to mean that it took me someplace new. It turned left instead of going straight. It introduce me to something I'd not been exposed to before. It was a sensory paradigm shift, it broaden my horizons, opened my mind and lead me to numerous other variations of music I'd not have come across had I not first heard that specific collection of songs.

It's not possible to narrow these influences to just 10. No way. I won't do it. I tried to. If I did, I'd leave so many equally worthy references on the sidelines that have had just as much influence as the others. 

So, I narrowed it down to 30.

Each of these are 100% game changers in my life. They are my 'gateway' drug for various genres. They were my root sources and introductions to a wide range of artists and styles. They instilled a passion in me for the art of production, the meticulous consideration that goes into a composition, the magic that comes from laying and balancing all of the instruments, vocals and even sound effects into a final piece of art. Through many of these I came to appreciate the poetry of lyrics and it sparked a desire to understand the personal thoughts and experiences going Into the words being sung. I am in awe at range of vocals, the skill of musicianship, and the opportunity to hear a range of compositions that shook up the mix enough to keep me on my toes, intrigued, enticed and motivated to seek out other new sounds.

Bad night last night. Couldn't sleep. Indigestion. Fell asleep around 2-2.30. Weird to consider that a big deal, but early rising and such, combined with age, well, it just doesn't work to be up late any more. The day was OK, took Tommy to get a burrito at Sweet Pea before dropping at hotel afterwards. He wanted to come over tonight and I said no. Came home, worked, ran a couple grocery errands, and he asked again later. I checked and confirm Jen was cool with it and I told him only if he found his own entertainment, I need some downtime. I dropped him at "Tallon"'s house on Harwood and returned. Put on headphones and set about some chores while revisiting "Tin Matinee". Awesome music. However, while dumping the 7 containers of "Ruben Stew" that neither of wanted, into the garbage disposal, it clogged. I might have caught it earlier had I not been blasting music but the clog caused the stew to block the drain, backup out of the laundry drain and all over the laundry room floor. Entire evening spent working around that whole cleanup effort. So much for downtime. Plus Tommy's pestering for a sleepover or for endless funds is getting me pissed. His presence here was a concession for him, and he's pushing the boundaries. Really makes me angry when he fails to stop nagging, but it's a learned way to get what he wants. Or had been.




I'm glad i'm continuing to meditate. I've backed off the aggressive press for daily at any cost, as that cost can mean not being present and getting any benefit from the effort at all. But i'm staying with it and finding it beneficial to do so. I'm going to make it a goal tomorrow to NOT let Tommy hang out. I need the downtime, I need the space to deal with the plumbing situation, and he'll be back Sunday anyway.

Slept well, wondering if it was the 'white noise', diet changes, alcohol abstinence or all three. We'll see tonight. 6.30am rise worked yet again, still a PITA to stick to but ROI is clear. David joined SCRUM, shared his news, and we walked through coverage ideas and such. I pushed back on cost reductions to MM and cited all the efforts and dual responsibilities and my needs. We'll see where that lands. Meanwhile Sharanya turned in notice. I'm happy for her growth opportunity but pensive about the ramifications and responses. This is the dam wall cracking. More to come I fear. Tommy asked to be w/me as a custody exception and got dropped at 5 and we had a wonderful time getting some 1:1 outdoors. More often than not he hangs out in his room. Took the "merc" as he calls it, and cameras, and went to Umunhum. Expected some nice clouds at sunset and was not disappointed. Photos don't do it justice, but one comes close, see below. No filter. Returning down Hicks we were redirected back and through Almaden due to an accident. Worked out fine. I'm grateful fhat it seems the positives of our shared experiences outweigh the negatives. They're turning 17 soon. It's hard to fathom so much time has gone by.

Tommy shooting sunset photos at Umunhum. No filter.

I'd expected to post last night but instead of doing so, I was up until 2am dealing with a 5hr long site outage. My 'worst case scenario' came true, albeit on a smaller scale than it likely would have been had David not been present at the outset and returned after MRI's to save the day and address the remaining needs. It was a disaster on many levels, but we managed to respond to the best of our limited abilities and hopeful learn some things too. The news today about DPD's medical situation was expected, but the optimistic aspects of the ability to tackle it makes me hopeful for his recovery. It's odd, honestly, being a position where somebody that 'works for you' also faces personal challenges. I'm doing all I can to ensure he's got the time and flexibility needed, to empower him to stay involved and preoccupied with the work needs, but to also coordinate a fallback emergency plan with more sustainable options in case things like last night happen again and we don't have access to his immediate assistance. While on a personal note it's my nature to try to extend all the support and consideration and simple humanity and empathy such a circumstance warrants. It makes me wonder how I'd manage it, but then again, although potentially less dramatic, the Guillame Barre was certainly a traumatic experience and recovery. At the time it was just 'what it was' so I pressed through. Yet there were moments it was really difficult too. I keep that all in mind. Kids are concerned about his well being since they met and think highly of him. They're very sincere kids. I'm glad they have the hearts they do. Played Rummikub a bit tonight after getting Tommy Chick-fil-a and addressing a seemingly powerless oven with a 30second unplug. (Hint.... oven light functioning while panel does not means there is power, something else is awry. Tommy was great tonight, really upbeat and positive and even hung out and engaged. Love when that happens and that he feels comfortable and relaxed.

Gratitude: My relatively good health and the opportunities i have to focus on improving it.

Goal: Keto Continues tomorrow w/repeated 10/2/6 routine success

Anticipation: Hope to work in a mountain drive w/Tommy in the AM if all falls into place.

FInished Reading/Listening to "Face the Music" last night. Enjoyed the 'behind the scenes' stories of his life, the band, and more. Felt a bit 'self serving' in some sections and I always wonder what the other players in ones life might say when presented with 'your side' of any given story. Still, really interesting to get a glimpse of somebody's character, insecurities and such that you otherwise might never know or imagine.

Accomplishments: Mindfulness Parenting Cleanup

Getting up around 6.30 continues as do the rewards for doing so. Reached out to Insart about keeping the team, had a call, and then talked to Marlin and agreed it was a higher risk than benefit to do so. Felt good to feel 'heard' but I also think it was a conclusion reached independently. Back-peddled vis slack. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Kids checked into hotel in Campbell while asbestos mitigation in Pano starts. Today is the 1yr anniversary of our adoption of Scottie, and I'm more attached to him than I could ever have imagined.

Gratitude: The bird that flew into the patio window recovering and flying away with those the returned for it.

Goal: Quality time w/the kids tomorrow.

Anticipation: Rain

Watched "Jim & Andy". Read/Listened to "Face the Music".

Accomplishments: Meditation Mindfulness Cleanup

I'm restless. I feel like I'm waiting for something to happen. It makes me think of the Hamilton song "Wait For it". The context of which conveys that instead of going for what Burr wants, he sits idle, waiting for it to come to him. Waiting for the opportunity, instead of making it. Waiting for the door to open, instead of opening it. That's how I feel. I feel like something is changing or needs to change, yet instead of identifying and taking action, I am coasting with no rudder in the water only to see where I'll land. I'm not sure that's the most effective course of action.

6.30am rise, again. Not 'fun' forcing myself up, but worth it when I get the gratification of having the time and opportunities that come with it. Hoping to sustain it, at least into the fall. Work day was productive. "Ate the frog" related to Melissa Data review. Stayed focused and engaged throughout the day. Put Tori Amos virtual interview on, they struggled with connection (host) but she was gracious and very interesting. It's been fun revisiting the artistry of her and Kate Bush. Hope to start her book soon. I'm a bit on book overload atm. Kids are with us tonight. Tommy's neighborhood friends came to work on the eBike one of them has. I enjoy having the 2/2/3 rotation back in play again it's really nice to not go 5 days apart. Next week will be disrupted by the asbestos removal work at Pano and they'll be in a hotel, but I think Tommy will likely want to stay at Matson. I'm cool with it.



I have an increasing sense of urgency and desire to return to writing more. I've set it aside for some time, in part due to this journal effort but that'd be an excuse to hide from if I were not being honest. I just need to return to focus on thematic posts on my other blogs. Deeper dives than the casual daily reflections this is intended to be.



Gratitude: Hoping not to jinx it, but, with very rare exceptions, I've yet to see the loss of loved ones. I know it's an eventuality, but for many my age, but i'm grateful to have been reasonable spared so far.

Watched  Tori Amos Live Virtual Book Tour Event

Read/Listened to Podcast about MAD magazine

Accomplishments: Meditation Parenting Cleanup

Tommy had come over last night, with his mom's approval, and I had a GNO gathering. By the end of the night I was informed by Jen that I was SUPER loud in the patio. Even Tommy stuck his head out at one point and mouthed "STFU" which I considered comic genius, as a callback to the infamous sleepover last year. In any case, I felt bad because our neighbors don't need to hear my one-sided conversation. "One Sided" because I was using my AirPods. My "noise cancelling" airpods. Which, yeah, explains my having been so loud. I didn't sleep well, but that's par for the course.




I've taken a break from journaling because I needed to. It's great, I enjoy it, but it can, at times, feel like a chore or a burden. So I miss a few days. Maybe what's captured is more interesting that way.




I've been getting up earlier lately. It was Jen's idea but it's working for both of us. Getting up earlier, having coffee ready, getting time to meditate, walk the dog and get some 'ramp up' time is really nice. It's so much more 'sane' than jumping up with no time to prep for the 1st meeting and deal with any of the routine demands and upkeep.




Upkeep. There's a lot that goes into daily routines. Cleaning, coffee, organizing/staying organized, and a multitude of other tasks. This is where having some help would come in nice. That's an area I want to explore further along with reducing the tasks too. These are the things I capture in the daily notes about accomplishments. They're the things I have defined as "cleanup" priorities that warrant being addressed daily, and by doing so, buy me some sanity. I like ending the day with everything cleaned, cleared, and managed. It makes getting up in the morning a joy, like coming home from a vacation to a home you left clean.




Work day was good. We're starting to feel the pain and strain of a smaller team. I'm needing to put more energy into the improvements I want to make. Sometimes it comes easy, other times takes focus and work.




Put on some Kate Bush documentaries and concert footage. Awesome stuff. It included Tori Amos which lead me to find she's written a book and I got that in my queue already. We watched "Becoming" (Michele Obama) tonight and a good Sheryl Sanberg TedTalk too. It was inspirational. All of this today has made me think about my own upbringing, my own assumptions, insecurities, and recent realizations too. It makes me wonder if I should focus more on writing about some of that in a manner that might speak to others. I've also been listening to "Face The Music" by Paul Stanley. His childhood and struggles are surprising to learn about.




Final note: Linda called around 10pm, followed moments later by a call from Lauren. Lauren called later and shared that Tommy had been out with friends without telling Linda, which is something she's responsible for managing on her time, but Lauren also said that her earlier call was because after I didn't answer Linda's call, Linda WOKE Lauren to make her call me. So much for her "don't put kids in the middle" stance.



Gratitude: Being inspired by the stories of others lives and the examples of making efforts in the face of adversity, and especially efforts to unify and bring people together.


Goal: Make that more of a focus in my own life.

Accomplishments: Meditation Mindfulness Parenting Cleanup