9:04am, in my office, Phoenix, Arizona, Wednesday, December 29, 2021. I wanted to make note of where my mindset is at this particular time. I have noticed, this morning in particular, a change in my energy. There is more of a commitment to create space and place for myself and for other people. That energy has always been present, but not dominant. Now, it is becoming pronounced. I have the ability to create a peaceful space for family, friends and strangers. I am staying in one place rather than wandering. I don’t know what that means precisely, but I am about to find out.
Author: mikemeyer949
You don’t change unless it is absolutely necessary
8:25am, in my office, Phoenix, Arizona, Tuesday, December 28, 2021. Change only happens when it is absolutely necessary. You don’t choose change, it is forced upon you. That is because the process of change is too hard, the effort too great, the risk too high. Change involves losing as much as gaining and you cannot accept losing something of value unless you have no choice.
Notes from today
2:37pm, Chandler, Arizona, Monday afternoon, December 27, 2021, in my apartment, sitting on the couch. I came home at noon, took the dog out, went to lunch with my daughter then came home. We worked on a model, watched television and talked. My wife asked about plans for next year and if I was renewing the lease. I told her it was still up in the air. 3:11pm, I woke up from a quick nap. We are planning to go shopping this afternoon/evening. I feel guilty not being at work but need a break at the same time. 6:40pm This afternoon I worked on the model some more then went to the store with my mom to return some items. On the way home we picked up pizza. I am thankful I spent the day at home but still having trouble disengaging from work.
Morning, Monday December 27, 2021
8:41am, in my office, Phoenix, AZ, Monday morning, December 27, 2021. The apartment is filled with people so I am happy. It is different waking up to a full house. When they are here life is peaceful. I get up later, take the dog for a walk and enjoy the morning sunrise. I wish everyday could be this simple. Mom flies home tomorrow, which makes me sad. I miss having her here when she is gone. Everyone else is staying until New Year’s Day, then it is back to the usual emptiness. The patient from the weekend is still at the hospital and we had another patient transfer. I am frustrated at work. I feel the results do not match the effort we are giving.
Night, December 26, 2021
8:25pm, in the apartment, Chandler, Arizona, Sunday night, December 26, 2021. We arrived in Chandler at 7:30pm, opened the last of Christmas presents then took the dog out before unloading the cars. Now we are watching television and eating a late dinner.
December 26, 2021 update
8:32am, in a hotel room, Valencia, CA, Sunday morning, December 26, 2021. Last night ended up being longer than expected. The patient who fell was transported to the hospital before our nurse arrived. The community did not have an update to share this morning so I slept until 6 before taking the dog on my favorite walk. After that, my daughter and I ate breakfast in the lobby with grandma before my wife got dressed and joined us.
Christmas night 2021
8:19pm Pacific, Valencia, CA, at relatives, Saturday night, Christmas, December 25, 2021. We traveled north today and arrived shortly after 2pm. Dinner was Prime Rib with pie for dessert. I took mom to the hotel an hour ago then came back to watch a movie. Work called at 7:30pm (8:30pm Arizona time). A patient had a fall. The nurse who covers area is not answering her phone. I tried the clinical director but she didn’t answer. Finally the traveling nurse picked up. She is calling the community. I have not heard back from her on next steps.
Article about mom and Paradise, CA
7:18am, Christmas Day morning, Saturday, 2021. I have been crying my eyes out for the last half hour and forwarding this article to people. Here is the link when I am looking for it again someday. Bill Plaschke: https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2021-12-25/christmas-bill-plaschke-mother-died-paradise-found-book I am glad my mom came out for Christmas this year. I can’t wait to read the Book
Christmas morning 2021
5:27am, Laguna Niguel, out with the dog, Saturday morning, December 25, 2021, Christmas Day. Woke up around 4:30am to set out the stockings and ‘Santa’ gifts. It is drizzling and wet, which means the usual morning walk questionable (The dog went to the groomers recently and shouldn’t get dirty) This afternoon we are driving north to celebrate Christmas with family.
Christmas Eve Night 2021
8:22pm, living room, Dana Point, CA, Friday night, December 24, 2021, Christmas Eve. Made it to Orange County around noon, dropped mom off at the hotel, took a quick nap and played video games with my daughter. Around 4pm we took the dog with us to Lake Forest to get mom for dinner and present opening. Then, one more trip to the hotel to drop mom off for the evening. Now we are sitting on the couch watching videos and talking.
