8:53pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Aliso Viejo, California, USA, Monday night, February 20, 2023, my birthday. Had a good day. Drove in from Arizona this afternoon, went to a movie with my daughter, then out to dinner as a family. We visited a tepanyaki grill and got ice cream cake after. Tomorrow I will go to Palm Desert for work then head back to Arizona to pack more stuff.

5:22pm, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Sunday evening, February 19, 2023. Had the daybed sold this afternoon. A couple expressed interest, we agreed on a price, they came to pick it up and the transaction was going smooth. Money even exchanged hands. The trundle was loaded on their trailer. All that was left was the actual frame and mattress. That’s when we realized the movers from two years ago stripped all the bolts on the frame. No matter how hard we tried, the fastens wouldn’t loosen and the frame remained intact. It was too big to fit out the doorway. The deal fell through and, even worse, I had no way to get the frame out of the apartment, let alone sell it. But, I am proud to say, with a little effort, a hammer, some pliers and a hour of sweat equity, I removed the stripped bolts and broke down the frame. I will go to the hardware store and buy replacements. Maybe then I can try and sell it again next weekend. For most people addressing such a situation might not mean much but, with my limited skills, it was an accomplishment I feel proud to have achieved.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.