Brunching

I had trouble sleeping last night -- maybe I got three hours, total.

My nurse came at 8 am and said "Don't go anywhere without someone with you from now on. You are at too great a danger of falling again." He noted that my BP has risen again and that that is not normal so early in the day.

I hate this -- whatever is happening with my body.

***

A few hours later, Aidan and Dylan came to take me to brunch at Mission Rock on the waterfront of the Bay. Their two wonderful girlfriends, Kelsey and Meghan, were both there. I love them both.

Both of my legs were shaking badly at lunch and I could not concentrate on their conversations very well in the restaurant, but it was great to be with them, as it always is.

I also could not eat much of my lunch (fish and chips), which is just as well because I threw everything up this afternoon anyway. That happens now and then. I call it "Peace Corps Revenge."

Then I started feeling better and stronger and I ate up the leftovers of my lunch from the box Meg carried for me. (I'd forgotten it.)

After a nice call from an old friend, I've settled in to watch TV. On Saturdays, I love watching SNL

I've got some busy days ahead, which is good.

-30-

22 Years Ago & Now

So as I continue to review old journals, this one stood out due to my "artwork" on its cover.

In years past, I liked to make splotches of different colors on paper. I would mix the colors. One of those I apparently glued on the cover of this book. I'd probably continue doing that if I had any art supplies, which I do not.

***

I was looking at my new microwave (courtesy of Peter) and my new toaster tonight. Julia was here when the toaster arrived and plugged it in for me.

I said "Thank you helping me with the toaster!"

She laughed and said, "Dad, all I did was plug it in."

Sometimes that can mean a lot.

***

A dog barks out there somewhere. A cat cries outside my front door. I will not let it in.

-30-

Rain?

My nurse said he thinks it's going to rain. Like me, he loves the rain.

I continue to try and read old journals. Today's was from 1977, when Laila turned one. We called her "Pippi."

But nothing in there to help the memoir, which is stalled.

-30-

Details

Today I *think* I completed as much of the process of completing my Medicare coverage as I can until forms arrive, but it look a very long phone call and was somewhat confusing for me. I don't know when it will go into effect. January?

On the plus side, I ate the first of my Scottish meat pies from the latest delivery, which arrived yesterday.

It's foggy and kind of chilly here.

-30-

My Julia

My incredibly lovely youngest daughter...

Risky

I've been trying to endure re-reading my journals but I'm having a hard time. It is difficult reliving all of that depression.

But there are rays of light now and then.

On February 17, 2007, in Portland, Julia said "I'm a risky person but I like to be safe." She was 8 at the time.

Acting, Part 2

When you write a screenplay, you include a lot of camera direction. It's an education the first time around, but thereafter it becomes second nature.

You write the notation POV (point of view) before each scene or sub-scene. This reflects how the camera will be positioned to capture the shot. So if it is a scene involving characters A and B, you might see the scene switching back from A to B, or you might them both from a third party angle.

I've thought a lot about POV over the years. It is a useful metaphor for how we live our lives and interact with each other. What is distinctly clear is we all see things differently, not just physically but metaphysically.

That is partially why conversations can be so illuminating. We get to share each other's POV. The potential is always there to learn something new.

-30-

Acting

Some specialize with moving their eyes back and forth; some with forming a small smile on their lips.

But they all do something special. And for the most part what they do is subtle.

I love it and notice it all.

-30-

The One Day...

...the physical mail doesn't come is Sunday, as in today.

I don't recall when I started hating the mail, but now most communication is electronic, it's increasingly irrelevant.

For most people, Sunday is a day off. For me now, every day is a day off.

There won't be any mail today and I don't expect any visitors. On Sunday mornings, I like to watch Brian Stelter's show on the media on CNN. He asked me to come on once but I refused. I no longer do TV. I just watch it.

It's been foggy day and night here for a while, which affects our collective mood. That isn't necessarily bad for writing but rainy weather is better. I'm waiting for the rains to start.

Aidan and Kelsey went to the Boudin election victory party last night and I am so excited for them. It's fulfilling for me as a parent to experience the idealism of my children.

What we all need is a combination of idealism and pragmatism.

-30-