Eventually all things are lost

6:41pm, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Sunday evening, January 22, 2023. There is a finite amount of time left in Arizona. I am struggling to say goodbye. I can’t stay but, letting go is difficult. A part of me exists here that doesn’t subsist anywhere else; waking up in my apartment, going for walks, exercising in the gym and drinking coffee while watching the weather. It is the best start to a morning I have ever experienced. Now the opportunities do those things are dwindling. Life is like that; you celebrate times and then let them go. It was just announced the minor league baseball team in Salt Lake City, Utah is moving to the suburbs. They are going to tear down the stadium in the area where I have watched games since I was nine years old. So many memories with my brother, my dad, my family exist in that ballpark. It is sad to see it go but, time marches on. Eventually all things fade and are lost. We have no choice but to enjoy them while we can and miss them when they are no longer here.

Smith’a Ballpark, Salt Lake City, Utah, photo by Erik Alberto/Axios

Baseball mitts

6:35pm, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Saturday evening, January 21, 2023. Enjoyed a low key day in the apartment. Ran some errands this afternoon but, nothing too ambitious. I needed time to rejuvenate after a long week. I was going to meet a friend for dinner tonight but canceled. I didn’t have the desire nor energy to go out. On another note; my daughter is starting baseball next week. I dug our mitts out of storage and have been breaking them in. So far, so good. I haven’t played catch in years and never with her. I am excited to get back out there and to share that experience with her.

Back in Arizona, January 20, 2023

3:37pm, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Friday afternoon, January 20, 2023. Made it back to Arizona. Things were slow enough at work I could leave before noon. After a quick stop to fuel up I headed east. The drive was smooth, no traffic or major accidents. I was able to relax, listen to music and enjoy the desert scenery. It is so nice to be back in Arizona right now. My apartment in feels like home, at least for a couple days. I missed my couch, tv, bed, clothes, etc. Now I am going to do a little cleaning before getting dinner and spending the night watching movies.

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.

Arizona afternoon

4:34pm, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Sunday afternoon, November 13, 2022. The usual morning routine; walk, workout, coffee. Later, I went to the store for some items, washed the car and vacuumed the floor mats. This afternoon was sapient packing things for my daughter and getting the house ready for my friend. Now I am watching football and enjoying a nice, fall, Arizona afternoon.

Saturday in Chandler, Arizona

2:35pm, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Saturday afternoon, November 12, 2022. Woke up early this morning after a good rest the night before. Went for my usual walk and worked out at the gym. Later, I ran to the store and called my mom to wish her a happy 80th birthday. She is going out for lunch with friends to celebrate. I wish I could have been there but, we will see each other at Christmas and celebrate then. I did not see my friend last night so we will get together this afternoon. Right now I am resting, watching football, packing and picking up the house.

Friday, Veterans Day, return to Arizona

6:39pm, mountain standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Friday night, November, 11, 2022, Veterans Day. Got out of Palm Desert before 1:30pm this afternoon. The drive was fine; very little traffic on the roads, good music in the car and gorgeous weather all around. I forgot how nice sunsets are out here. November in Arizona is beautiful. Being back feels strange. Like, everything is familiar yet, distant at the same time. It feels as if I physically slipped into a memory. Oh well, I am a little tired. I am sure tomorrow it will all feel normal again.

Helping a friend

6:52pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Wednesday night, November 2, 2022. A full day in the office today. We had meetings at 9am, 11am, 11:30, 2:30 and 4:30 because there are issues that need to be addressed quickly. Only my second day and I am already in deep. Oh well, I enjoy being a part of the solution and working hard. A friend reached out today to tell me she is moving to Arizona from Texas to start a new job. I offered to let her stay in the Chandler apartment because I am seldom there. I am glad it won’t sit empty any longer and that I can help a friend.