Checking in

taken with the iPhone, processed with Instagram (a free app).

Where have I been, where has the time gone.

Yesterday was fraught with earthquake stress.  (Dad made it home safe and sound...a 6 hour cab ride meant not having to walk for 18+ hours.)

Seeing Vinny was helpful for the ever important perspective shift.  I do have a rhythm...just because it's not the rhythm I want (or think I want) doesn't mean it's not a rhythm.  So, so true.

Super late nights continue though they are becoming sporadic.

Again, with the help of Vinny, I gained some clarity on how I operate...  When something in my life goes wrong, I tend to blame myself and go into correction mode: I should do this, I should have done that, I'm so (insert negative self-image descriptor here) etc.

There's a fine yet distinct line between taking personal responsibility for actions and thoughts and blaming one's self for shit that happens.  We need to own what we do and how we live.  But, it's better to observe and be somewhat detached (getting a bit Buddhist here) when reflecting, and to avoid the self-flagellation and self-loathing that can come with being too egocentric and "in your head".

I made a kickass meat sauce this week.  Actually, the grass-fed beef is what made the sauce.  So thank you grass-fed beef producing farmers.  Thank you grass-fed and (hopefully) happy cows.  The kids and I really enjoyed the bounty of your lives.

Our step-brother J.R. and his longtime partner Pam are getting hitched in May.  A destination wedding in Jamaica.  I thoroughly enjoyed my fantastical reveries for 48 hours as I considered how I might be able to go and frolic.  Sadly, we won't be going.  But, I am deeply thrilled for them and wish them an amazing time getting married.

We were able to get tickets to an all-ages Decemberists show through a fan pre-sale.  The four of us will see them in June in Brooklyn!  It will be a happy occasion, one which Sag has been eagerly hoping and waiting for.

Discovered last night that Matt Pond PA are playing in the city next weekend.  I'm not sure how I missed that.  Planning is underway, hopefully Cap and I will make it to the show.

The mother of my brother's best friend (since they were six) passed away last week after battling cancer.  I'll be attending the memorial service with my mom, sister, brother-in-law, brother and sister-in-law tomorrow.  Cap will provide childcare for our guys and Ellie.

Next week I will resume some structured schooling time with the kids.  MATH is on the agenda.  The curriculum has arrived.

I hope you're having a good weekend, don't forget to spring forward tonight.

Love and light.