Highlights: Dog food production nets a month's worth of food, while a slight modification of ingredients removes the hassle and mess of the food processor. Like so many things, it's an ever-evolving process. Neighborhood gift bag production occurred in parallel, and by 3 PM, both tasks, including distribution, were completed in full. We joined Marc and Christy, Leona, Marsanne, and Adelaide at Enchant, the holiday light exhibit at PayPal Park. It was cool, but it was very crowded and very costly. They had spare tickets, but I was turned off by how, once you were inside, food and drink prices were excessive. Jen loves the visual experience, which was enjoyable, as was some quiet time we spent reflecting on the past year, years, and the year ahead.
Insights: I found my way back this morning. What's real seems significantly removed from what's desired, expected, and intended. The reflection last night on the duality of expectations and disappointment stayed with me throughout the night and into the morning, which I started with a consious reflection on the trappings of anything other than acceptance of not only what I can't control but also, how what I can is an ongoing battle. I can't, for example, easily prevent a dog whose nature is to bark, scavenge, and chase squirrels from impulsively doing so. I have my own interwoven melange of instinctual and learned behaviors to navigate, which requires constant awareness that can only be found far away from impulse and unconscious response.