Day 2 with the new "Sunrise" alarm. It worked well. I definitely woke more 'naturally'. I lingered in bed though, as the ascending audio alarm on my phone didn't ascend, it stalled. This is sort of fun, this whole process, of working to find the right blend and settings. It's so like programming. It's trial, error, triage, and trying again. It brings back memories of writing databases, perfecting the optimal production flow of Confotti™, or making clear ice. We stopped and talked to Larry on our walk this morning. He's such a charming man and he told us stories about his time at Lockheed and the development of 'contained cities' where he and his colleagues would stay. We talked briefly about the culture as well. I'm grateful to have established a connection with this neighbor these past years, through and beyond the passing of his wife last year. He's a good role model. My lunch with Jack was great. We went to "the Plank" again, at Jack London Square. It's been 13 months since we last conveyed and for me, there's been a lot going on. As we sat and talked I noticed a dry patch of skin under his right eye and a smaller one on his left. I said, "I'm going to go out on a limb here and tell you that i'm concerned about the dry patch under your eye. My dad had that, ignored it, and it was cancerous". He was gracious, acknowledged it, and said he noticed it recently. He will be getting it checked soon. I hope he does. I'll follow through. It was a good visit. I've written about him elsewhere, he was a mentor in my youth and somebody I have a good deal of respect and gratitude for. On the drive home I talked to Kathy in more detail about the medications for her sister, feedback from the hospice nurse, and next steps. We'll be returning the anti-anxiety Lorazepam in order to reduce her emotional anguish, and we're making a point going forward to avoid topics that might be upsetting, like mentioning something she's missing or will be missing out on seeing or participating in. I returned home and addressed work demands. I ordered Matt's birthday gift and on impulse and with Jen's agreement, something for Steve and Diana too. I expect they'll both enjoy them. Jen and Lauren door-dashed Happy Hound burgers. I abstained. I made some egg nog though, and it came out really good. I'm going to make more once I pick up more nutmeg. I listened to a podcast featuring a historian Jack was enthusiastically promoting, Heather Cox Richardson. I also returned to listening to Tom Rath's "It's Not About You". It's been a full day. Yet I feel I am spending more time 'in the present' than 'moving forward' on tasks and aspirations that should be my highest priorities.
Habits & Routines: Presence Gratitude Calm Friendship Exercise Weight↔︎