6:04pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Wednesday night, December 7, 2022. Today was even longer than yesterday. After a full day of meetings, our branch office was inundated with various problems including staff behavior issues and billing mistakes. We tried to address all the concerns in a timely manner but, there were just too many. Therefore they have to wait and be tackled first thing tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, the meetings also continue tomorrow. And they will be longer and more intense than today. I am beyond tired and grouchy. I knew this would be a tough week but, it is worse than I anticipated.
First day of regional meetings
8:14pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Tuesday night, December 6, 2022. Long day today. I just got back to the room from dinner. Meetings started at 8am and lasted until 4:30pm, followed by a group get together. I am not complaining, it was a nice change in routine. Time to wash up and get ready for bed. The next two days are going to be equally as busy.
Preparing for regional team visit
6:45pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Monday night, December 5, 2022. Drove to Palm Desert from Arizona this afternoon. After briefly checking in at the office I left to shop for snacks. The regional team is visiting the next couple of days and they need food for breaks. I am glad they are coming but, it adds another layer of stress. We still haven’t fully recovered from the rebranding events of last week. Oh well, it is only two days. I am sure we will find a way manage.
Made me a little sad
3:16pm, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Sunday afternoon, December 4, 2022. It was still raining this morning when I woke up so I walked on a treadmill at the gym instead of exercising outside. Later, when it stopped raining, I went for a walk through the neighborhood. The skies have been grey this weekend, which is unusual for Arizona. The gloom makes me introspective. There are only a handful of weekends I will be here before permanently moving back to California. Yesterday, I stopped by the office to let them know I won’t be renewing my lease. I am glad I took care of that detail but, to tell you the truth, it made me a little sad.
Raining in Chandler, Arizona
12:03pm, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Saturday afternoon, December 3, 2022. It is raining in Chandler, which is nice for a change. Usually it is glaringly sunny with barely a cloud to be seen. Of course, my plan was to run errands this morning, so it is a slight hindrance. But, I can wash clothes and get ready for next week while waiting for the storm to pass. I won’t be in Arizona again until after the new year. I need to make the best use of my time while I am here.
Good to be with a friend
10:32pm, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Friday night, December 2, 2022. Got to Chandler at 4:30pm. Had some things to complete for work then sat down and watched the football game with my houseguest/friend. We both lived in Utah for some time so we had similar rooting interests. I am glad she is here. At first I was worried about having someone in the apartment but, it is nice to be with a friend rather than alone.
Foundation is set
6:19am, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Thursday evening, December 1, 2022. We celebrated the company name change and new branding initiative today. There was cake, a sparkling cider toast and nice catered lunch. Afterwards, we convened in the conference room for a staff meeting. I must say, though preparation for today was exhausting, the end result was positive. Everyone enjoyed the festivities and engaged in team building activities. The foundation is now set for a new beginnings this month and for upward growth next year.
I am thankful
6:30pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Wednesday evening, November 30, 2022. This morning I had a breakthrough. A positive change in my outlook I hadn’t considered before now. Namely, I am living in the moment. I am not bored, or day dreaming, or wishing for a different job, different circumstances. The challenge of today takes all my focus and energy. Yes, at times I feel drained, but being fully invested is what I have been searching for. That is what I wished for when I started looking for a new job. Seeing things from that perspective gives me peace. Yes, work can be difficult, but I am in the battle, not standing on the sidelines waiting for something to happen. That is happiness in its own right. And for that, I am thankful.
More hopeful
5:51am, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Wednesday morning, November 30, 2022. Woke up this morning feeling more hopeful than last night. A good nights rest and figuring out a workout routine at this hotel helped. Yesterday, I booked the travel for my mom to visit over the holidays. I look forward to spending time with her again.
Lost the ability
6:39pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Tuesday evening, November 29, 2022. Today was disappointing. Nothing specifically bad happened but, nothing felt particularly good either. Lately, it has been hard embracing the stress of work without craving the value of its rewards. I am not questioning my desire to work, free time is just as stressful in its own way. Rather, I worry I’ve lost the ability to feel genuine joy any more.
