September 17, 2024, Tuesday night, 7:28pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Visalia, California,USA. I’ve come to understand this job doesn’t owe me anything easy. For a couple weeks, even months, I coasted. Enjoying sporadic travel, working from home, taking time off. Because of that I felt entitled. This survey in Bakersfield proves the ride is over. I have a job because it has to be done and it sucks. Accepting that means more work anxiety but less existential angst. At least I know where the pain is coming from going forward.

September 16, 2024, Monday night, 6:23pm, pacific standard time, residence inn, room 417, Visalia, California, USA. I am staying at the same hotel as last week but in a different room. I was VIP guest of the day! Again! But I forgot my gift at the front desk. That’s alright, it probably was a snack I couldn’t eat anyway. Survey showed up in Bakersfield today. They will be on site there and in Visalia until Thursday. I don’t know if we are 100% prepared but it doesn’t matter now. I am just glad it will soon be over. I want to take time off, go see my mom in Wyoming when it is over.

September 15,2024, Sunday night, 8:15pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point, California, USA. I have berm dragging today. Did go get coffee with my friend at coffee importers at the harbor this morning. then worked out and took my daughter to get lunch at Wendy’s. This evening we went to the San Clemente target for lunch supplies and picked up Panera at the outlet mall.

September 14, 2024, Saturday night, 6:53pm, pacific standard time,apartment in Dana Point, California, USA. Drove to Ontario and had coffee with a friend at a cute brunch place called Take Ur Seat Too. Afterwards took my daughter to lunch and the dog for a walk. Did some laundry and shopping. A friend is coming over tonight to hang out and get in the jacuzzi here at the complex. I haven’t tried it yet. It will be new for both of us. Also, last night I went to target and bought a Halloween decoration. Good fun. I think it is time to decorate the entire apartment.

September 13, 2024, Friday night, 6:31, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point, California, USA. I have collective short timers syndrome. My business development counterpart is leaving in a couple of weeks. I can tell she has taken her foot off the gas. I am feeling the same way. I am not worn out as much as indifferent. Of course that is Friday Mike talking. Monday I will feel worn out. This survey prep for Bakersfield and Visalia is getting on my last nerve. I can’t wait for it to be over.

September 12, 2024, Thursday night, 7:53pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point, California, USA. Drove back from Visalia tonight. It took me five hours with LA traffic. I still have meetings tomorrow. I have to say, I am sick of feeling sick about work. since last week I have felt run over. I need a vacation and to tell everyone to f*** off.

September 11, 2024, Wednesday evening, 6:28pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Visalia, California,USA. Last night and this afternoon I drove to outlying towns and took pictures for a friend. She is helping a small business with social media posts and wanted content. I told her I was happy to do it because I was bored and had nothing else to do. It was nice to get out and experience new things and she was appreciative. Last night I drove to a town called Exeter. Today I drove to Selma.

September 10, 2024, Tuesday evening, 5:22pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Visalia, California,USA. I was in the worst mood this morning. I went to the office to work but could not concentrate. Finally at 11am I gave up and came back to the hotel. I had back to back meetings from noon until four so it didn’t matter where I was. all the survey prep, worry about write offs and the Business Development VP leaving has made me grouchy.

September 9, 2024, Monday evening, 6:35pm, pacific standard time, residence inn, room 409, Visalia,California,USA. My daughter had a rough morning. The second Monday in a row. I can’t blame her, mornings are tough and Mondays are the worst. We all have to find a way to cope. I have an idea for a book about transitions. Transitioning from free time to appointments, from weekends to the work week, from time off to time on. For me that the biggest issues to deal with since I can remember. My favorite saying is 9/10ths of success is showing up. Making the transition and showing up is key to life.

September 8, 2024, Sunday afternoon, 4:30pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point, California, USA. Today I realized my health issues might have something to do with neglected spirituality. Not long ago, I was mindful of the need for meditation and practicing self-care. Somewhere along the way I lost track of that habit and just kept grinding without reprieve. That led to constant discomfort just under my right rib and diaphragm. However, this afternoon, through not eating much and practicing mindfulness I found some relief. I hope this is a possible solution to a vexing issue.