turn the car around

I had a v productive day in the city of sin - probably because I did not indulge in any sin (beyond some basically free wine at the hotel bar). I woke up shockingly early (thanks to time zones), grabbed some coffee downstairs, and journaled v pleasantly for almost an hour. Then I got ready and took a waymo to work - I'm now in the early access for waymos that go on the freeway, which was pretty smooth and also cut some time from my commute. The future is here in SF, even if it isn't anywhere else. 

Then I slogged all day, through a variety of back to back meetings, which were both great and exhausting. So eventually I left the office, took muni back (since mass transit is still cheaper/faster than waymo even if you have to deal with infinitely more people), decompressed in my room, and then went downstairs with my laptop to work / eat protein / drink wine / talk to the bartender, whom I've known since right before the pandemic.

This was all accomplished in fine fashion, but now my body is rebelling since it's almost midnight in Iowa, so it's time for bed. Goodnight!

heavy foot

No blog tonight - I got up relatively early, finished packing, took care of various tings around the house, and left at eleven to head south. Usually I fly out of Des Moines, but United has a nonstop from Kansas City to San Francisco, and its current schedule is at hours that are amenable for driving several hours to the airport.

So I tested this new itinerary today. It required leaving an hour and a half earlier than I usually leave when flying out of Des Moines, but I was able to park in the garage adjacent to the terminal, and they had Clear+Precheck lanes, so getting through security took only a few minutes longer than Des Moines. That left me plenty of time to have a burger and a glass of wine before takeoff - I could have been half an hour later getting there, but I'm glad I didn't have the stress.

My flight was pretty bumpy in parts, but the fact that we didn't have to land and takeoff in Denver was a real plus. And I got to SF with no issues, got to my hotel, unpacked, had dinner, read/journaled a bit, and now need to sleep immediately because I'm already falling asleep with the lights on and can do better than that. Goodnight!

bitter taste of time wasted, a tickle in your throat

Wednesday I slogged with no notable updates, so I didn't blog.

Thursday I also slogged, with mixed results since I was quite productive Wednesday and hit the expected wall on Thursday. So I snuck out around five to run to the pharmacy - and while I was out and about, I decided to take an impromptu trip to Lineville to see the new mural. The old mural was destroyed in a derecho and/or tornado last year, and it took a year for us to get it replaced. But we were able to get an exact replica from the artist who designed the original, and we were able to install it on the new fire department building (after much negotiation). I'm pleased to say it looks perfect in its new location, and I got some good photos to update the website with - driving down when I did meant that I hit golden hour, which made for some good images.

After that, I came home and grilled some steaks, which turned out quite well considering they had been sitting in the back of my freezer and were fifteen months old. But I don't think you could tell that they had aged that long, and the protein did me good. I was finishing eating when [censored] showed up, and so we talked for quite awhile before I decided it was time to go to bed.

Friday was more of the same - a lot of slogging, but nothing too ridiculous. I took a 'break' in the afternoon to clean my oven (not really a break), and then I stopped work around five so that I could make dinner for Mom and [censored]. I was in the mood for something a little more elaborate and also had ingredients that needed to be used, so I made prosciutto-wrapped chicken breasts stuffed with bacon and goat/cream cheese, which is always excellent. I also made mashed potatoes, so it felt fairly decadent. And it was nice to hang out with Mom and [censored], who seemed to forgive me for dinner being ready later than planned.

Today, I had a million things to do, and so of course I spent some of the time hanging out with [censored] in various yards that I own, investigating various tings. We were able to find one lot pin at my newest acquisition, but despite having a v nice metal detector and a surveying wheel and a 200' measuring tape, we were not able to find the others. However, I have a generally good idea of where the boundaries are, so I'll take it. We (and by 'we' I mean [censored] cut through some drywall to inspect whether a potential remodel idea would work (verdict: not without work). I need to get cracking on my remodel, but it's somewhat daunting, especially considering that I'm not a DIY'er and have little desire to become one.

So after all that, [censored] and I both took long breaks to eat and watch various videos regarding various ideas. Then I spent the afternoon doing laundry, cleaning, tending to the garden, and generally getting organized. I took a break this evening to eat dinner and watch the latest episode of 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' with [censored], and then I continued doing various tasks until now.

But now I need to go to sleep - goodnight!

saltwater

I have been pushing hard on productivity before I hit an inevitable wall - but hopefully I don't hit it tomorrow, because I still have some tings I want to get done this week. Yesterday I slogged all day, said goodbye to [censored], hung out on my balcony, ate some leftover steak with a baked potato, and then did some work until about midnight.

Today was more of the same - I slept a little later in deference to last night's late night, but then I got up, wrote before work, took a shower, and slogged all day. When I was done, I cleaned up the kitchen, sat on my balcony for an hour, and then made dinner - a variation of the shrimp alfredo that I sometimes make, although I used some gf cheese tortellini that I'd picked up at whole foods instead of fettuccine, and I added spinach since [censored] isn't around to be poisoned. It turned out quite well, and I have leftovers for tomorrow, so that's exciting.

When I was done eating, I came upstairs, changed into sweats, and wrote until now. And now I need to go to bed - goodnight!

keep it one hundred on the land, the sea, the sky

I had a nice closeout to the weekend - or, at least, yesterday was nice, and today was a little too relaxed. When I woke up yesterday, I threw on some clothes and walked down to the Des Moines farmers' market. I didn't buy anything of note since I knew food would get too hot in my car during my other errands, but I picked up a notepad from a stationery store that I like, and I bought flowers and banana bread for Drewbaby and Sammie. All the vegetables looked quite nice, though, which made me wonder (again) why I spend a lot of time any money on my own subpar produce efforts - but I also don't make it up to Des Moines for the farmers' market regularly, so I guess that's why.

After that, I went back to my hotel, ate some breakfast (which was unfortunately very mid), showered, and checked out. Then I went to Drewbaby and Sammie's house to see them, but mostly to see their baby - but since Marcella doesn't talk yet, the adults had to carry the conversation without her. She turned four months old yesterday and is quite cute, and Drewbaby and Sammie seem to be doing well, so it was nice to hang out.

Then I ran some errands - I was going to go to Costco, but I was running late already, so I just went to Whole Foods and did a massive stock-up. I always forget that there's a Fareway in the Half Priced Books strip mall, but I happened to see it on my way to Whole Foods, so I picked up steaks and a variety of other meats. And then I drove home, with a stop in Indianola to pick up sweet corn.

When I got home, I unloaded my car, took care of a couple of quick things, and then drove out to Mom's with the sweet corn and some ribeyes to grill. The ribeyes turned out pretty perfectly, if I do say so myself, and so Mom and [censored] and I had a nice dinner. Then I hung out with Mom a bit longer before coming home and procrastinating and going to bed.

Today was much less interesting - I probably should have assumed I would get nothing done, but since I had had high ambitions, the fact that I did very little makes me feel much worse. But I did several loads of laundry, journaled, wrote a bit, fertilized all my tomatoes and peppers, cleaned up my raised beds a bit, and generally tidied up. And now I'm going to go to bed so that I can attempt to kickstart tomorrow a little more effectively - goodnight!

we were talking to the sunset, throwing dreams against the wall

I had a v nice day, mostly because I decided to take it off. I had intended to get up and at 'em early, but I wasn't feeling a hundred percent, so I slept in a bit and then took my time with my cold brew and some chatting with [censored]. I also did some pantry reorganizing in preparation for a massive restock, and I took care of various tings around the house. 

Eventually, though, I drove to Des Moines - I decided to go to the state fair, which I hadn't been to since before the pandemic. It was a bit of a speed run since it was crazy hot and I was just trying to hit the highlights - but I got an egg on a stick from the egg producers, saw the butter cow, hit up varied industries, checked out the dwindling 4-H exhibits, saw the Big Ram that might set a Guinness record for biggest ram ever, tasted some Iowa wines, and had some excellent gluten free fair food - namely a gf lobster corn dog and some birria pupusas, both of which were quite tasty. 

Eventually, though, I was too hot and tired to continue, so I got to my hotel, napped a bit, showered, and had a late order of fries and a glass of rosé to close the day. And now it's time for bed - goodnight!

you were unsuspecting, not unwarned

I have had nothing to report the last few days - I have just been working, and occasionally writing or journaling, and occasionally checking on my gardens. It didn't help that it was cloudy and/or rainy most of the week, which always messes with my mood. 

But I celebrated a solo day in my house on Tuesday by making eight pounds of carnitas - perhaps more carnitas than is strictly necessary for one person (or for two people when one of them doesn't like pork), but I was happy to have it. And work has been fine overall, although it's always tempting to run away. And I had a fun catch-up with my friend Alex from my last stint at the goog - I apparently haven't been back to Boulder in almost three years, which I need to rectify asap.

But now I need to go to bed - goodnight!

and they try to keep us all down

I have nothing of interest to report - I spent yesterday (Sunday) slogging in a truly excessive manner on a variety of personal / writing / house tasks. That felt good in the moment, especially since I managed to be productive despite the weather and my own Sunday inclinations - but I knew that it would probably sabotage my slide into the work week, and I was mostly right about that.

However, I got up this morning and managed to do several things that I need to get done before my meetings started. At some point I took a break to go into town and get allergy shots, which was a necessary evil. And I spent the early evening wrapping up my tax prep - yes, it's four months after tax day, but I filed for an extension, and the time has finally come to settle up.

After I was done with that, I couldn't bear to look at screens, so I journaled on my balcony until the mosquitoes came out, and then I read a bit of a book. And now I need to go to bed - goodnight!

do you know the muffin man

I am running out of lyrics, which makes it hard to motivate myself to blog since coming up with a title is half the battle. I suppose I could get AI to help me with this, but that seems like a silly use of resources - but I supposed I have used resources in worse ways, so idk.

Yesterday I was v. v. productive at work, and then I made chicken orzo pasta for dinner before watching some tv with [censored] and finishing a book (MONSTER OF A LAND, which I quite enjoyed). So, after those feats of productivity, it's not really a surprise that I was somewhat useless today, although I had had higher hopes for myself. I did do some writing, and some messing around with various online tasks. I also consulted with [censored] at various points on the improvements he is making to the garage - [censored] hung cabinets today, which he had built, which is significantly more effort than I put into such things. But they look good and it will be great to have some counter space in the garage, so everything is coming up Sara.

Beyond that, I also did some checking up on my gardens (I am about to be inundated in peppers, and I hope I am similarly inundated in tomatoes). I sat outside for approximately twenty minutes but it was too hot even to sit in the shade. And I purged my bathroom storage to get rid of various expired or disliked skincare and cosmetics, which felt good.

When evening rolled around, [censored] and I went out to Mom's for dinner. She made v. tasty fried potatoes and baked beans, and I grilled hamburgers, and it was all good. And now I need to go to bed - goodnight!

the lights are turning red

I have had many interesting conversations this week since I've actually gone out into the world several times, but as is the case with small town life, it's best not to document those encounters. But I had an economic development board meeting Tuesday morning, city council Tuesday night, a quick meeting with Brenda and Bonita yesterday (over margaritas), and several excursions to water planters in town with my mom. And I have been slogging very diligently this week, which means my brain is a little fried.

So, in an effort to unfry myself, I think it's time for bed - goodnight!

let the beat drop

Today was a very Monday kind of Monday. I woke up, poured some cold brew, and attempted to write with mixed results (not zero results, which is good; but not enough results to satisfy me). I got interrupted by some sirens, which turned into me and [censored] listening to the scanner, which sounded potentially tragic for a few minutes - but even though they had lifeflight on standby for what sounded like a farm accident, the victim refused treatment, so I guess that's good?

After that excitement, I got back to day job stuff and slogged v. diligently all day. This went on until around 6pm, when Mom picked me up and we watered the planters in town. Then I came home, was desperate for a break from all screens, and so sat on my balcony (even though it was too hot) and drank rosé while reading a book, which went a long way toward restoring me.

Eventually, though, I was too hungry to continue. So, I shucked some sweet corn and boiled it, which [censored] and I ate with a container of four ham balls that I'd found in the freezer from Christmas (and were remarkably still pretty good after 7.5mo). Then I cleaned up the kitchen, came back upstairs, and read for another couple of hours. And now I need to go to sleep since I have many meetings and many tings to do tomorrow - goodnight!

scheming on a thing that's a mirage, i'm trying to tell you now it's sabotage

I apparently have not blogged since Tuesday, which is perhaps a new record. I have had basically nothing to report, and have also gotten into a bad habit of falling asleep on my chaise at nine, waking up at 10:30, and then staying up until after midnight, which is really cramping my style (and making blogging unappealing).

But I had a decent enough week despite all that, at least as far as I can remember. Wednesday I slogged, and then took a break from cooking by picking up pizza for dinner. Thursday I also slogged, and then subsisted on leftovers - and then spent the evening reading the book for my work book club. We read 'Small Things Like These', which was like seventy pages long, and so I had no excuse not to read it - and it was pretty good, albeit depressing.

Friday, I slogged (again), and it was all alternating between boring and annoying, but I got through the day. [Censored] and I ended up watching a recent podcast between Neal Brennan and Craig Ferguson that was an absolute delight - Craig's still got it, although it's hard to believe the late night scene is totally dead now.

Yesterday, I woke up and did some fertilizing of my patio tomatoes - they aren't producing much, and while some of it is due to the extreme heat we've had, and other issues are due to the inconsistent watering caused by heavy rains, I think they need some extra fertilizer help. Then I scrambled to get ready and go into town - it was Old Settlers this weekend, and I was working the library book sale yesterday morning. The book sale turnout was quite good and I had fun hanging out with Sammi while we sold books. Turnout for the rest of the festival seemed pretty light, so I'll be curious to hear the full debrief from various folks over the next few days.

Then I picked up sweet corn from a vendor on the square, skipped the parade, came home, and spent the afternoon working on my taxes (something most people do in the spring, but I had to file for an extension and then had no incentive to finish). In the evening, I took the corn + some steaks out to Mom's, where I grilled while [censored] worked on the gator. We had a v. nice supper, and then I came home and spent the evening journaling, falling asleep early, and then scrolling too late.

Today was more of the same - I drank cold brew, journaled for awhile, watered the patio plants, and then let myself get sucked into several hours of screen time while working on my taxes / finances. This made me very fatigued and completely hangry, but it was better than doomscrolling. I also took various moments to help [censored] with the garage remodel, which is proceeding apace (and with very little effort on my side, which is great / slightly guilt-inducing).

By four p.m. I really needed to do something other than look at my laptop, so I took a shower, and then Mom and I watered the planters in town together. When I got home, I tended to my raised beds, which I've somewhat neglected - I needed to do some florida weaving on my tomatoes and tomatillos to better support them, and then I fertilized the raised beds too. This all took a lot longer than it might sound, but the effort was hopefully worth it.

Then, I took another shower since gardening worked up quite a sweat. I drank a glass of rosé while reading on my balcony, and then [censored] and I ate leftovers and watched the first three episodes of 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe', which is pretty good so far. And now I need to unwind and go to bed - goodnight!

i'm the trouble ahead

I did nothing noteworthy today - I had too many meetings to enable me to get anything done, so I mostly just slogged. And then I spent the evening making dinner (which is perhaps overstating the effort, since it was quite easy) - I marinated some skirt steak, made some spanish rice, and then grilled the skirt steak in a race against both floods and wasps (floods because it rained twenty minutes after I was done grilling; wasps because the grill started to smoke out a nest of wasps hanging from my eaves, which was not a helpful development).

But the skirt steak turned out quite well, and I sliced it thinly so that [censored] and I could eat it with rice and beans and sour cream and salsa. I sat around for quite awhile after, but then I cleaned up the kitchen, came upstairs, attempted to journal, and started to fall asleep. So I think it's time for bed - goodnight!

nothing's as it seems

I had an excellent final day in the city of sin, but I need to go to bed immediately since I have an earlyish flight tomorrow. I spent the morning doing various tings around the hotel before going to senspa for a long massage, steam room, general hangout. Then I had a very late lunch at Pizzeria Delfina, where I journaled in the sun v enjoyably. I did a small bit of shopping while walking back to my hotel, and then I rewarded my efforts with a nap.

This evening, I did some packing, and then I hung out with Chandlord. She v kindly came to the Kabuki, so we hung out at the lobby bar and ate snacks and talked about life and work (work is life) for a few hours. And then I came upstairs to finish packing, and now it's time for bed - goodnight!

brightest light

I had a lovely day in the city of sin. I perhaps should have gone to the office, but I assumed no one else would, so I worked from my hotel instead. This made for a pretty chill day, especially since I was able to doordash a gluten free bagel with salmon, and also avail myself of several cups of the hotel's free coffee.

So I worked all day (with a secret nap break). And then I went out to Ocean Beach to hang out with Veronica. Since I went to her house, we were not at all rushed, and I had a wonderful time hanging out + eating Indian food + drinking plenty of perfectly chilled white wine. We were v overdue to catch up - I missed her on my last trip in April, and so I hadn't seen her since Carlsbad, which is nearly unforgivable. But we caught up properly tonight, and I'm v glad we did.

And now I need to go to bed - goodnight!