Then: 9.22.24

9/22/24 • 2 min read

Posts in the “Then” category were originally shared on my “Now” page.

This week was a little more relaxed than the last few. I took Friday off and spent some time working on projects. The weeknights were busy, and our middle child had driving lessons on Saturday and Sunday. Next week looks to be reasonable.

Humorously, I wrote, but forgot to upload, my Now page from last week. I’m trying to use this as a weekly journal. It’s more for me than anyone else, but if you missed my weekly update, I’m sorry.

Feels

• I remain impressed with the Harris/Walz campaign. They’ve just got to keep it going until November. (And honestly, beyond Election Day when the MAGA types refuse to accept the results of the election.)
• I’m writing this from my back deck where I’m cooking out tonight. My wife is doing classwork out here with me. We’re a couple of geeks.
• I do feel stretched thin, with being a parent, an employee and a student. The day off this week helped. I need to remember to take those occasional “mental health” days.

Health

• I ate well this week. I do feel that I need to make a couple of changes to my current routine. I’m getting hungry in the early afternoon and might need to add a planned snack.

Projects

• I got a lot of work done on my contract type design project. Really happy with where it is going.
• I haven’t posted much on social media the past couple of weeks. Not sure why… just too busy, I guess.

Entertainment

• Haven’t had time to keep reading Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse. But it’s still by my nightstand.
• McLaren had a great race at Singapore. Lando Norris with an incredible victory and they expand their team lead. Having fun watching this incredible season, but bummed that the next race is a month away.
• Good win for my Gamecocks this week against an overmatched Akron squad. I’ve watched a few NFL games, but since I don’t really have a favorite NFL team, they are mostly background noise while I’m working on other projects.

Then: 9.15.24

9/15/24 • 2 min read

Posts in the “Then” category were originally shared on my “Now” page.

A very busy week. I had a significant work event on Wednesday, and needed to help my daughter with some of her homework in the evenings during the week. Completely wrecked my sleep schedule. Need to be better about going to bed at a reasonable hour. I feel it when I don’t get enough sleep.

The week ahead looks a little more typical… which is still relatively busy with classes, lacrosse and homework.

Feels

• I remain concerned about the upcoming election. Especially when one side is starting to resort to false and racist rhetoric to inspire their voters.
• The weather continues to get better. We were supposed to have a bunch of rain this weekend, but we only had occasional sprinkles.
• Made time for a much needed date night with Liz. Our schedules are busy with both of us in grad school. Enjoyed a nice impromptu dinner at one of our favorite fancy restaurants.

Health

• I continue to eat well and work on changing bad food habits. I’d been losing weight at a reasonable pace, and then plateaued this week. Which is frustrating, but I also know that factors like stress and lack of sleep can affect metabolism.
• Getting a good night’s sleep is an important part of staying healthy. It’s also the first thing I neglect when I have stuff to do.
• Going to try some approaches to getting some activity in this week. Nothing complicated. Walks and some body weight exercises.

Projects

• My contract type design project continues to soak up time and energy.
• Need to make some time to do some projects around the house.

Entertainment

• Continuing to read Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse.
• Football is back. Tough loss for my Gamecocks against LSU this week. I’ll probably watch Sunday night football tonight.
• The Azerbaijan Grand Prix was crazy today. Big win for McLaren. Apparently, I picked the best possible season to get into F1.

Then: 9.8.24

9/8/24 • 2 min read

Posts in the “Then” category were originally shared on my “Now” page.

A draining week and weekend. Not bad, but exhausting. I almost forgot to post my weekly update. We celebrated Jill’s 17th birthday this weekend. (Her actual birthday is next week.) It was wonderful, but involved getting the house ready for guests. Balancing that with classwork, work, lacrosse starting back up for Ryan. It’s Sunday afternoon and I feel like I am running out of time.

Feels

• The weather is improving. We actually haven’t spent much time on our back deck this summer because it was just too hot, but we did some work back there and I look forward to spending more time in the backyard as the weather cools.
• Busy week at the office upcoming with some complicated tight deadlines. Will feel better after Wednesday morning.
• Big win for my Gamecocks, defeating Kentucky soundly. Next week is LSU at home with College Gameday in Columbia. We’ll see how they do.
• The Presidential debate is this week. Sigh. I’m not going to watch it because it just causes me anxiety. (And I know how I’m going to vote.)
• Apple event this week. My four-year-old iPhone is due to be replaced. And honestly, so is my Apple Watch 4. So I’ll be paying attention to what they announce.

Health

• I’m still bringing my lunch every day, which I think is a good foundation for eating healthier. Bonus: It also saves a lot of money.
• Went for a walk with Liz while Ryan was at lacrosse practice. I need to work more walks into my schedule.

Projects

• Lots of time on contract design and grad school. Not a lot of time for other projects.
• I’ve got some ideas for some backyard projects this fall. We’ll see if I can find time.

Entertainment

• Continuing to read Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse.
• Football is back. I watched the Chiefs win by a toe on Thursday night, watched some college football on Saturday and going to watch the Sunday night NFL game while I work on grad school stuff tonight.

Then: 9.1.24

9/1/24 • 2 min read

Posts in the “Then” category were originally shared on my “Now” page.

I had an up and down week. Some good days, but I also had one of those days that was terrible from start to finish. Really thankful for the long Labor Day weekend. I’m going to start updating the Now page on Sunday.

Feels

• We had cooler weather last week, but then it’s hot again. Really, really reading for the cooler weather to return.
• Busy. We are starting to balance all of the family commitments with Liz and I both taking classes, Jill and Ryan handling homework, new pick up routines… It’s tough to get back into a rhythm.
• Thankful for the long weekend. I need the time to recharge.

Health

• This week was challenging, but I did a decent job sticking to healthier food choices.

Projects

• My contract type design consulting job is going well, but taking more time than I expected. Very happy with the results so far.
• Grad school reading and projects are going well. Getting back in the rhythm of class and school.

Entertainment

• Continuing to read Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse. Going slow. It’s picking up pace, but I have less time to read.
• Just watched the Italian Grand Prix. Disappointed that McLaren didn’t win the race, but LeClerc had a great race for Ferrari.