Highlights: Filoli Holiday Lights outing with Jen last night was fun. She's so visual, and this was a feast to take in. I didn't take many photos but just tried being in the moment with the experience. As I'd written before going, I had reached another breaking point with Tommy and gave him his walking papers. But at the same time, as the day and evening progressed, I started to recognize my role in making things worse by coming into the earlier exchange, already angry and on the offense. He approached me when we got home and had a (mostly) calm conversation. It seems, for the moment we have reached an understanding and agreement. It's seemed that way before, so my guard is up, but so is my awareness that a great part of this is a dysfunction that's been present for both of us, and deep down, it doesn't seem like either of us want it that way. Hopefully, this will be a better month. Work was busy and full, and more to come tomorrow. Jen went to friends to have dinner and play cards, but I stayed home to work on other tasks. I ended up booking a few things to take advantage of some cyber-Monday deals, so Lauren and I, then Jen and I, back to back, will be doing a short Vegas trip to see KA and a few other options. One overnight, each with passing flights, while the other stays home with the dogs. I also booked a stay in Paso for Jen/I for our anniversary in February at our usual dog-friendly rental in town. I'm still mapping out other plans for Jan/Feb while I try to align things for an extended break from work and focus on some much-delayed, much-needed and much-overdue mental health needs.