A little disappointed

10:16pm, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Saturday night, February 18, 2023. Spent most of the day packing and getting everything boxed up. Finding motivation is difficult. I haven’t used much of this stuff for six months. To pack it up and haul it back to California seems pointless. On top of that, I am disappointed with the space in Dana Point. It isn’t as big and the Chandler apartment and lacks most of the features I appreciate. Oh well, I am sure once I settle in things will look brighter. I visited with a friend for an early birthday celebration tonight. Now I need to go to bed and get packing again tomorrow.

Moving update

5:15, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Friday evening, February 17, 2023. The apartment complex gym was busy this morning. Busier than usual for that time of day. Maybe new people moved in. People dedicated to early morning workouts and group exercise. I am not sure what was happening but, rather than try and find a place to exercise I took the day off from resistance training and completed a full walk instead. Later, I went to the home improvement store and bought packing supplies. I finished packing my daughter’s room. I also put furniture I don’t need on a local sales app. Hopefully, it will sell this weekend and save me from having to pay someone to take it. Now, I am watching golf and eating dinner. I plan on going to bed early and resume packing tomorrow.

Something gained and something lost

6:15, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler l, Arizona, USA, Thursday evening, February 16, 2023. Made it to Arizona for the final weekend of packing. By Monday, things will be set for the movers to pick stuff up and transport back to Orange County. Bittersweet emotions. I know I can’t stay but, it is still sad saying goodbye. I will savor this weekend then look toward the future. There is always something gained and something lost.

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

6:30pm, pacific standard time, hotel I’m Palm Desert, California, USA, Wednesday night, February 15, 2023. Today went quick. I had three major projects I wanted to finish before heading east to Arizona. Thankfully, by 5pm everything was complete. I left the office and ran to the grocery store, then came back to the hotel for dinner. Now, I am watching television. My plan is to leave shortly before noon. That way I can spend three days packing the apartment and also have time to enjoy my last true weekend in the Copper State.

Valentine’s Day 2023

5:12pm, pacific standard time, parking lot in Palm Desert, California, USA, Tuesday evening, February 13, 2023, Valentine’s Day. It is cold and rainy in the desert tonight. A good time to curl up at home (or hotel), watch a movie and keep warm. On our team call this afternoon my supervisor announced she is giving me an award. The company has three levels of recognition and to get one of the awards is a rather big deal. I was so honored I started to tear up. No worries, I had my camera off. But, I am humbled and honored to be recognized. Especially after months that have felt rather difficult. On a personal note, it is the three year anniversary since I talked to the WIL. So, the day is bittersweet. And it is an awkward day with my daughter’s mother. Probably best that I am on travel for work and not overly occupied with romantic endeavors.

Fits my needs

6:54pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Monday night, February 13, 2023. Updated my address and tax form at work today. Then I booked an appointment to renew my drivers license next month. I am not overly thrilled to be moving but, do look forward to having a place to visit more often than once a month. In reality, I like being from Dana Point more than I like physically being there. In many ways I simply rented a mailbox and a place to store my furniture while I travel for work. It isn’t perfect but, it fits my needs.

Big game Sunday

2:31pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Aliso Viejo, California, USA, Sunday afternoon, February 12, 2023. All told it has been a nice Sunday; enjoyed a walk with the dog, got coffee, worked out, ran errands and took a nap. Now we are going to some friend’s house to watch the game this afternoon. It should be a good time. I bought way too many snacks but, today is the day to live it up.

Saturday, February 11, 2023, Aliso Viejo, California

9:25pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Aliso Viejo, California, USA, Saturday night, February, 11, 2023. Took my daughter to baseball this morning then spent the rest of the day lounging around, watching movies and resting. I didn’t feel sick but, I wasn’t motivated either. It might be frustration. Financials came yesterday and my mind has been occupied with needed improvements. It is difficult working at a site that loses money every month; all that exists after four weeks of hard work is a glowing red number announcing failure. I remind myself often that the situation existed before I got here and it is not my sole responsibility or fault. All I can do now is work hard and try my best to correct the daunting pecuniary situation.

A place to call home

3:04pm, pacific standard time, new apartment in Dana Point, California, USA, Friday afternoon, February 10, 2023. Picked up the keys for the apartment in Dana Point. The moment feels surreal. In many ways I never left the area because my daughter and her mom lived here. On the other hand, I have only been a guest, sleeping on their couch, for two years. And for the last six months I more or less lived out of my car and stayed in hotels for work. Now, I have a home again. The final step is getting my furniture and closing out the apartment in Arizona. It isn’t perfect but at least I have some stability and a place to call home.

Keys to new apartment, Dana Point, California
Walkway to Doheny Beach, Dana Point, California
Apartment in Dana Point, California
Apartment in Dana Point, California

Stay positive

5:53pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Thursday evening, February 9, 2023. The meeting with my supervisor went well today. No major issues. But, a new nurse resigned today, which changes our growth plan slightly. The site is healthy and will move forward, just at a slower pace. On a personal note; I got the utilities switched to my name at the new apartment. However, I am having trouble accessing my account. Which makes it difficult to get documents needed for my drivers license renewal. It is yet another concern added to the ever growing pile of worry. I am going to unplug and relax. The move is just beginning and I need to stay positive.