August 8, 2024, Thursday evening, 6:30pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point, California, USA. I made two decisions this afternoon. One, I want to wear my contacts more. My glasses make me feel unattractive and old. I am not railing against glasses in general, just the pair I currently own. Wearing my contacts more means I had to adjust the text size on my phone so I can read in low light. The second choice I made was to let my facial hair grow out a little and see what it looks like. I am tired of worrying about my hairline. This gives me some sense of control over my appearance and provides a chance for a different look.

August 7, 2024, Wednesday afternoon, 5:13pm, pacific standard time, hotel on San Bernardino, California,USA. Spent most of the day at the hotel but I did get outside this afternoon. Drove around town, passed by the airport then drove out to Banning and got Starbucks. The friend I was going to see tonight has Covid so we won’t get together. That is alright, I didn’t feel particularly social today. Tomorrow I will head back early and take my daughter to an orthodontist appointment.

August 6, 2024, Tuesday evening, 5:47pm, pacific standard time, Home2Suites, room 222, San Bernardino, California, USA. The television in my hotel room wasn’t working when I arrived. The problem was easy to diagnose but the solution was elusive. Right when I was about to give up I found the solution. If only every difficulty had such a happy ending. Today wasn’t too bad. I am a little sleepy. The movie last night went until almost ten pm. I didn’t get to sleep until midnight. Still I had a good day. Attended some meetings this morning and drove to San Bernardino this afternoon. I was supposed to meet a friend this evening but I think we will postpone for another time. She had some plumbing issues to take care of.

August 5, 2024, Monday night, 6:44pm, pacific standard time, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, California,USA. Came to the Monday Movie at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. They are showing Back to the Future. It is a fun time. The movie hasn’t started yet but They have a scavenger hunt that my daughter, her boyfriend and I completed. They also have trivia and a Doc Brown character with a Delorean to pass the time until dusk.

August 4, 2024, Sunday afternoon, 5:20pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point, California,USA. Went and saw the new M. Night Shyamalan movie, Trap, this afternoon in Irvine with my daughter. It was alright. Not the worst I have seen, but not the best movie either. I am not complaint. The air conditioner was running, the popcorn was salty and the root beer was sugary. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.

August 3, 2024, Saturday night, 9:03pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point, California, USA. Did laundry this morning then worked out around noon. The gym has a much different vibe at that time. Busy, with a younger crowd. Afterwards, I went to Target then came home. My daughter and her mom had an argument so I went and got her. We drove around then picked up her boyfriend. By that time the tension had cooled. I came home shortly after five and went to bed. I am still dealing with the usual exhaustion where I carry stress under my right rib. At this point I need to stop drinking alcohol and watch what I eat.

August 2, 2024, Friday night, 7:35pm,pacific standard time,apartment in Dana Point,California, USA. Drove in from Bakersfield this morning, cleaned out the rental car, took it back, Lyfted to the Dealership, grabbed my work car, picked up my daughter to get lunch, did an interview this afternoon, walked the dog this evening, and now sipping a grape cranberry vodka drink. Happy Friday to all

August 1, 2024, Thursday evening, 6:00pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Bakersfield,California,USA. Spent another day in Bakersfield. I wasn’t up for driving back to Orange County today and, truth be told, I feel more comfortable in this hotel than my apartment. I will head back tomorrow and drop off the rental before getting my work car from the shop. today was not bad, hung out, went to the grocery store this afternoon then ordered CPK and am watching the NFL Hall of Fame Game.

July 31, 2024, Wednesday afternoon, 4:13pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Bakersfield, California,USA. Took a mental health day today. My schedule was wide open all morning and not too busy in the afternoon. I stayed in Bakersfield but let the branch know I wouldn’t be in today. It felt amazing to have a day of boredom and peace.. I did just enough to keep busy but nothing overly taxing. I don’t get many work days like this, I have to take advantage when I can.

July 30, 2024, Tuesday evening, 7:45pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Bakersfield, California,USA.,today is the year anniversary of my first return to Arizona after packing up the Chandler apartment in March of 2023. I have been reminiscing all day. so many memories of 2021 and 2022 as well. Both years the family came out around this time to visit. Hard to believe it has been that long. It all feels so recent. I opened the shades this evening and, believe it or not, there is a nice sunset in Bakersfield.