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.

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.

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.

5:17pm, pacific standard time, parking lot, Palm Desert, California, USA, Wednesday evening, February 8, 2023. I ordered dinner from a new restaurant this evening. Now I am sitting in the parking lot, waiting to pick it up. Tomorrow my supervisor is in town for a visit. I am not worried but, it is still stressful. Maybe that is why I have had an underlying sense of despair this week. Right now I feel unmoored. I need to get the apartment in Dana Point set up. Once the moving process starts things should stabilize.

6:20pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA. Tuesday evening, February 7, 2023. My houseguest in Arizona moved out. Also, the landlady in Orange County told me the new unit is ready. Now, I can officially move back to Orange County. This weekend I will unload my car to clear up space. Then, after work next week, I will head to Arizona to bring my stuff back. I am excited to have a home again but, lament leaving my apartment in Arizona.

5:47pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Monday evening, February 6, 2023. The trip to Palm Desert was blustery, with lots of semi-truck traffic. Accounting for the blowing sand and frequent gusts of cold air left me exhausted. I arrived at 3pm and went to the office for some quick work before heading to the hotel. Now I am settled in for the night. After just finishing dinner. It should be a good week.

6:36pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Aliso Viejo, California, USA, Sunday evening, February, 5, 2023. Went for a walk this morning, got coffee, then worked out and ran errands. At noon my daughter and I picked her friend up in Laguna Niguel. We went to the park and played baseball for an hour before coming back to the apartment. The friend is still here. My daughters mom will take her home soon. Not a bad Sunday in February.