July 4, 2024, Thursday night, 10:16pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point,California,USA. Good day today. Went and worked out then drove to Brea and met a friend for a hike/walk at round Carbon Canyon regional park. Family and friends came to Dana Point this afternoon to celebrate the holiday. It was disappointing at first. San Juan Capistrano didn’t have the carnival like they did in the past. We regrouped and still had fun talking and eating. Around eight we headed to Doheny Beach to watch the the city’s fireworks show. I took the dog with me at first but it became clear there was too much stimuli. So I walked her back to the apartment to stay with my daughters mom before rejoining my daughter and our friends at the beach. They all finally left around ten. Tomorrow my daughter, her mom, the dog and I will head to Lompoc to see my daughters grandma.

July 3, 2024, Wednesday night, 7:55pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point, California,USA. Worked out at planet fitness this morning then finished up tasks at my job. I am taking the holiday off tomorrow and then traveling with my daughter and her mom to Lompoc on Friday. I look forward to getting out of town and driving north. Before Covid we used to go that way regularly. Now it is only the third time in four years for me. There is a coffee shop I want to go to and I want to see the La Purisma mission again.

July 2, 2024, Tuesday night, 6:24pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point, California, USA. The last couple of weeks have been interesting. My daughter is more independent. She is not purposefully staying away from me. , but we don’t connect as often as we used to. I guess it was inevitable. She has a boyfriend now. She is talking with her friends more. She doesn’t have a need for a close relationship with me like she used to. I know she loves me and appreciates me. But, it feels weird to be slightly disconnected from her life. This is all part of growing up, I suppose. For her and for me.

July 1, 2024, Monday night, 7:49pm, pacific standard time, Home2Suites, Carlsbad, California, USA. Worked out this morning then did the morning kick off call at 8:30am. After that I packed up and drove to Irvine then backtracked to Aliso Viejo. Took the dog for a potty break then headed to the San Diego office to meet with the new Vista Director. Now I am staying the night in Carlsbad before heading home tomorrow.

June 30, 2024, Sunday afternoon, 1:07pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Aliso Viejo, California,USA. My friend headed back to Arizona this morning. It was nice having her visit. Though the week was a monumental inconvenience, the weekend was pleasant. On Friday we listened to music and walked to the beach. Yesterday we had breakfast and coffee then walked to the beach again in the evening. This morning I worked out and walked before she left. Now I am up with my daughter and the dog in Aliso Viejo. I will probably head back to Dana Point in a bit. On another note, Work has been stressful. 90% of my angst comes from multiple issue with the Bakersfield branch. I am going to have a time sorting it out. Good news; Tomorrow marks the beginning of the second half of the year and the first day of quarter 3. We will see how it all turns out.

June 28, 29, 2024, Friday, Saturday afternoon, 12:30pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point, California, USA. Yesterday I came back to Orange County around 10am, worked, went and saw my daughter briefly before she went to the Angels game with her boyfriend then arrived in Dana Point after 5pm. Are kind 6 I had a drink with my house guest at Hennessys, then walked to the beach to see the sunset. This morning we went to breakfast at a vegan restaurant and juice bar called Vibe. Afterwards, we grabbed coffee at the car wash/coffee place in Capistrano Beach. Now I am relaxing before picking my daughter up this afternoon around 4.

June 26, 27, 2024, Wednesday, Thursday morning 6:20am, pacific standard time, hotel room in Temecula, California, USA. Yesterday was better than the day before. I worked out in the morning then had my executive coaching session at 9am. Yesterday I learned those sessions will soon end. On one hand, I am sad. I won’t get to talk to my coach any more. It has been beneficial sharing my experiences with her. On the other hand, it will be nice to have my Wednesday mornings back. After we finished talking I drove to Orange County and prepped for an afternoon call, took my daughter to singing lessons and then came back to Temecula. Though it hasn’t been easy going back and forth from Orange County to Temecula each night I appreciate the opportunity to commune with evening time. 22 years ago evenings and late nights were sacrificed to conquer addiction. These past couple nights I got to revisit familiar emotions. Though I can’t say I want to do it regularly. While I miss staying up, I enjoy my mornings much more. I am ready for this week to be over and to get back to my routine.

June 25, 2024, Tuesday night, 7:35, pacific standard time, hotel in Temecula, California,USA. What a day. It started out good. I felt carefree this morning driving back from Norco/Corona. Then around 8am an issue at work blew up and my supervisor chastised me. It was not a pleasant experience. While I still feel upbraided, I did learn valuable lessons about certain processes. The keenest insight comes from the harshest truths. I know after today I won’t soon forget what I need to do. After that I had a decent day. Getting out of town was easier tonight than last night. I drove up over the Ortega highway through Lake Elsinore to get here. It is a winding road that taxes the nerves but delivers stunning views of the mountains and lake. Seeing that restored my soul. Now I am waiting for the dinner I ordered to arrive before I fully unwind and eventually go to bed.

June 24, 2024, Monday afternoon, 5:00pm, pacific standard time, outside counselors office, San Juan Capistrano, California, USA. It has been a long day. I was going to travel to Victorville today but plans fell through so I stayed local. I got my permanent crown placed this morning and took the Acura to Aliso Viejo this afternoon. I have been working from my car but it is hard to stay on top of things without a dedicated work space. After I drop my daughter off I will find a place to stay tonight closer to the office in San Bernardino or Vista.

June 23, 2024, Sunday afternoon, 3:47pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point,California,USA. A friend from Arizona is going to stay in the apartment this week while I travel for business. She stayed last summer for a couple days. It wasn’t too bad but this time she is staying a whole week. I am not used to sharing my space with someone. At least I will be gone most of the time. I have spent the day trying to clean as best I can but am reminded I really need to hire someone to help make this space presentable.