5:34am, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, Wednesday morning, March 23, 2022. Yesterday’s training ran right up to 5pm, followed by a team building dinner in Tempe. It was after 9pm when I finally walked in the door, got ready for bed and fell asleep. To conserve energy, I skipped this morning’s early walk and gym workout. The training resumes at 8am today, so no lazy morning routine like yesterday. My daughter called last night. I talked to her while at the restaurant waiting for our food order to be served. She hasn’t called or responded to texts lately so I was thankful to hear from her. She wanted to discuss anime and a new figurine she got. I have to admit, her excitement is contagious. She has me looking for figurines I want to buy for myself! I know I said this yesterday but, it is so nice to be out of the office and focusing on something, anything, else.
Category: Happy
Good morning Phoenix
5:39am, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, Tuesday morning, March 22, 2022. The company is holding a three day sales training at a hotel by the airport in Phoenix this week. It starts this morning at 9:30am. They had a couple of extra spots available and offered them to directors. When I agreed to go I mistakenly thought it was just for one day. When I realized the truth I began to feel stress. Being out of the office three days would put me even further behind. But now that the time has arrived, I am grateful. Since the training starts later, my morning is not rushed. I am going to read a little longer, have an extra cup of coffee and listen to some music. It feels so good to know I don’t have to go to the office. My already late tasks may back up more but, a change in perspective is very much appreciated.
Breaking news: Saturday recap
7:31am, Dana point, California, Sunday morning, March 6, 2022. The weather was cold and windy yesterday so the festivities in Dana Point were slightly muted. We got to the harbor around 1pm. There was no parking, so I dropped the girls off and circled back up the hill before walking down to meet them. By the time I got there they had walked to the other end of the harbor. I was a little put out but was thankful I (and they) got some much needed exercise. We ate a late lunch before going to the mall. We dropped my daughters friend off at 5:30pm and headed back to the apartment. As we walked up I realized I didn’t have a key and the door was locked. So we went back out to find my daughter’s mom, get the key and head home to take care of the dog. After that, we watched some television, read a little, then got ready for bed.




Saturday morning, March 5
9:37am, Dana Point, Saturday morning, March 5, 2022. I made good time on the drive this morning, no traffic. A couple of storm clouds threatened rain outside of Palm Desert, but nothing materialized. We are heading out to pick up a friend before going to the festival.
Whales of appreciation
&:02pm, also, Chandler, Arizona, Friday night, March 4, 2022. Today was employee appreciation day. We ordered pizza and ice cream for the staff. Only five people attended, but everyone appreciated the gesture. Even though they didn’t come, at least they knew something was offered. Often that is enough to make people feel valued. I am going to Southern California tomorrow to attend Whale Fest on Dana Point with my daughter and her friend.
Sipping a beverage on a Sunday
5:30pm, apartment, Chandler, Arizona, Sunday evening, February 27, 2022. Made it back to Arizona after a weekend in California. Did the usual morning walk followed by coffee. After my daughter woke up we watched more anime before I left at 10:30am. Traffic wasn’t too bad so I got in at a decent hour. Now I am listening to John Prine and sipping a beverage.
I like driving
8:55am, palm desert, California, Saturday morning, February 26, 2022. Stopped in palm desert on my way to Orange County. This will be the third weekend in a row I visit my daughter. Which makes me happy. I can’t see many reasons to stay in Arizona if I don’t have to. It gets lonely in my apartment, there is nothing to do and besides, I like driving.
February Sunday
5:50pm, apartment, Chandler, Arizona, Sunday evening, February 20, 2022. Made it back to arizona after a long weekend in Orange County. This morning I took the dog for a walk and drank coffee while watching anime with my daughter. I got on the road a little late but made good time because I only stopped once. Now I am sipping a beer and watching the weather.
Drive all night
9:51pm, parking lot of apartment in Dana Point, Thursday night, February 17, 2022. Left work after four to drive to California. Hit traffic leaving Phoenix and some construction in riverside but the trip was worth it to spend an extra night in Orange County. Tomorrow is technically a work day but I won’t get involved unless it is something urgent. I need to go to bed, it is way past my bed time.
To California
10:35am, in my car, Phoenix, Arizona, Friday morning, January 21, 2022. At 1pm I am leaving for California. It will be the first time I travel on Friday rather than Saturday. This week was exhausting and it is important to have down time. The route through San Diego might even be an option.