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.
Tag: Palm Desert
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.
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.
Eerily Phantasmal
6:16, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Monday evening, November 28, 2022. Good, easy day today. Took my daughter to school, then parked nearby to sit in on virtual meetings and answer emails. At noon I headed east toward the desert. The roads were busy but not overly full. However, just before Palm Desert a dust storm turned the sky eerily phantasmal. It was surreal and a little scary. I was happy to arrive at the office and wait for the storm to eventually die down. Now I am all checked into the hotel and done with dinner. There is no reason to go out again tonight. I will rest up and be ready for work tomorrow.
Thanksgiving eve in Valencia, California
6:04pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Valencia, California, USA, Wednesday evening, November 23, 2022. Left Palm Desert at 12:30pm. Made it to Valencia four hours later after a drive that normally takes two and a half. Once I got here I picked my daughter and the dog up at her aunt’s house, then we drove north toward the amusement park to check into the hotel. We just finished dinner and are now playing a game on her tablet. It is nice to have a moment to hang out, just the two of us. We will stay here until check out time tomorrow then go back to her aunt’s for thanksgiving dinner.
Not that busy
6:13pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Tuesday evening, November 22, 2022. Still no update on the plan for tomorrow, but it looks like I will be able to get on the road early. That will help beat traffic. Today was non-eventful, a catch up day on neglected work projects, which is what I anticipated. It just isn’t that busy this time of year. I don’t mind. Right now all I want is to be home and spend a couple of days with my daughter.
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