4000 Days of Writing

Day 1931

Friday, April 27, 2018

We celebrated a week of staff appreciation this week at HB. Good times. I definitely feel appreciated. I had coffee with a young attorney, 26, who has $200k in debt and feels she cannot speak up about abusive behavior with partners for fear of having her career railroaded. With $200k in debt, she is locked into a career sentence. She has no choice but to do what she is told to do without complaint. The entire industry is set up for abuse. What a world we live in.

It's bothersome that so many 20- and 30-somethings have so much student debt. It's not right. I don't know how anyone overcomes such a large debt, even if they're making six figures. Reducing my debt has been tough, even though it' was at one point 25% of my annual salary. Now it's 12%. Still, it's hard to whittle things down.

Alice was in Moraga for an honors event that Austin participated in, so afterward we had sashimi and their delicious Y2K roll at Mijori. So delicious as always. We drove back to Sunset and I read the New York Times for an hour before bed. I need to read more fiction, but man, it's tough for fiction to compete with front page news.

Day 1930

Thursday, April 26, 2018

It's funny how the day I sent in my 23andme DNA Ancestry and Health kit, news emerges that police used DNA databases to capture the Golden State Serial Killer. I find this story fascinating. The look on this psychopath's face as he's cuffed to a wheelchair and rolled into court says it all. He can't believe he was caught, but he was, exclusively through science, through DNA profiling and connecting relatives already in the database. It's transformative. This will not be the last time it happens. The detective who tried this deserves a Medal of Freedom. I get the privacy issues involved and the concerns raised, but in this instance, I could care less about family or personal privacy. When capturing serial killers, that trumps everything. Of course, laws need to be followed and the proper warrants, etc. much be issued. Capturing this sicko is a big deal. I'm delighted. This guy was particularly sadistic. Scary.

Day 1929

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Still a little sore this morning playing racquetball. Sluggish as hell. I couldn't move and my reflexes were Matrix slow. Painful.

Work was busy, then I came home and practiced for an hour before rehearsal. The second half of rehearsal was devoted to Danzon No. 2. I enjoy this piece so much I could have rehearsed another hour. Really fun piece. Shannon, the student conductor, needs to be more expressive and not so caught up with the score. He needs to let go of the study aspect of the music and connect more with the music aspect of the script.

Day 1928

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

I could still feel the effects of an entire weekend of racquetball. I was moving slowly all day. After work I met Alice at Suit Supply for my second fitting. The suit we put together looks beautiful! It's a navy blue suit with plum lining and little messages woven into it. Alice helped pick out a few details. It will be wonderful to wear. It's nice wearing a shirt with sleeves that actually fit me. Now all I need is a tie, suspenders, shoes and a pocket square and I'll be complete in September.

We went for chicken wings at San Tung and had rice and corn, the perfect Sunset meal! To bed at 10.

Day 1927

Monday, April 23, 2018

No racquetball today. Work was very busy. I won't spend any time on cruise stuff this week, but starting in May I'll begin the next stage of planning, sending responses to Jan and Julia and planning what to bring. I practiced after work and went to bed early.

Day 1926

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Predictably, I was sore today and never play well back-to-back. I don't have enough tournament experience to sustain the kind of game I bring on day one, so today in my semi-final Double A match with Sam I didn't play well and wasn't very coordinated. It's frustrating when you want to hit the ball properly but can't. We lost in two and my matches were over. Oh well. Next year! I reffed two matches and watched a fabulous Open Doubles match between Jose Rojas (one of the best players in the world) and two very talented young players. The match went to three games and was full of the fireworks and incredible athleticism that you always fine in open play.

I drove home around 2:30 p.m., came home and rested the rest of the day.

Day 1925

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Up at 6:30 and at In-Shape by 7:30. The facility is a special place and has been home to so many years worth of world-class raquetball competition. I reffed an A Singles match between 65-year-old Ray, who's something of an iron man, and a young Jesse Rojas, who was 15 minutes late for his match and playing as if he were still asleep. Ray easily won in 2. I reffed one more match before my first singles match at noon. I played a young, fit opponent named Whitney and beat him handily in the first game 15-5. He played much better in the second game and took it 12-15. It was 12-12, but he ran off three quick points. In the tie-breaker, it was back and forth but I started to get fatigued and began missing shots. I lost 6-12. I was disappointed to get knocked out so early, but I played well and lost to a very smart, very good opponent who really came alive in the last two games. He might have made the finals but wasn't able to play his semi-final match tomorrow and had to forfeit.

My elite doubles match with Tyrone was tough. The players we met up with were smart, hit hard and put everything away. T and I couldn't do much and couldn't get things going. We lost in two, 11-6, 11-5. I did manage to win one match today with Sam S. as my partner in Men's A Doubles. We came from behind in the second game to win 15-14 and move on the next day.

I stayed at In-Shape until 10 or so. It was a full day of racquetball. I watched many of the top JV players do their thing. So impressive! John Ellis runs the best tournaments in the country. They're so organized and full of such great players.

Day 1924

Friday, April 20, 2018

No racquetball this morning, but gearing up for the state tournament this weekend in Stockton. Finally caught up at work in the afternoon and enjoyed a low-key Friday the last two hours. Went to ramon on Geary with Alice and Austin. Very good!

Took BART home, packed up for the weekend, and headed to Stockton around 8:30. Arrived before 10 at Extended Stay and fell asleep by 11. First match is tomorrow at noon, but I'll arrive at the gym early to help ref the first round matches.

My Mache Ramon with pork was very tasty!

Day 1923

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Still trying to catch up at work. It was poker night and Dorian came over with me. Everyone enjoyed his fast loose play. He'll be back. I see him being a regular again! He came away up $200 and I managed to squeak out a victory as well, up $40. Home at 1 a.m. Ouch!

Day 1922

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Racquetball in the a.m. and it was a quiet morning. Just me, Glenn and Ari. My body feels good, so I'll go wild in the state singles and doubles tournament this coming weekend.

Orchestra rehearsal tonight. These pieces are much easier to play, so I'm not sweating it this set. All will be fine. I love Danzon No. 2!

Day 1921

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Wow, so busy at work today. I wasn't able to do much else.

Day 1920

Monday, April 16, 2018

Up at 4, racquetball early with the regulars, then a very busy and crazy day at work. I came home, had the stew I made yesterday at Alice's, then went to bed without practicing. Too tired.

Day 1919

Sunday, April 15, 2018

I managed to get a few things done today. I rained really hard in the afternoon. I strung two more racquets, then organized a few things.

Day 1918

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Such a beautiful day in SF. Alice and I went for a drive with the top down and hit a cafe on California. A perfect California day!

Day 1917

Friday, April 13, 2018

Dorian picked me up again at 4:45 and we played with Tiger and Glenn until 6. I quickly showered and took BART to Pleasanton to pick up the MINI. The car drove extremely well, but the annoying sound came back 30 minutes into my way back home. It might not be coming from the dashboard. I removed everything from the glove compartment and opened and closed the hood. I'm driving to Alice's tomorrow so I'll see if I hear anything.

Work was busy in the morning, but very slow and relaxing in the afternoon. I came home, tidied up, made dinner, watched a little news (huge news week, including bombs in Syria tonight), and fell asleep to Bill Maher at 10.

Day 1916

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Very busy work day. I went to pick up my car in Pleasanton, but discovered the service shop closes at 6. I arrived at 6:20. I was so angry and really wanted to cause a scene, but luckily I didn't. I was furious that I wasn't able to pick up my car. Things like that annoy me to no end. Their website states they're open until 7, but that's only for sales. I wish someone has informed me of this.

Anyway, I came home, finished the last of my stew, and went to bed early. I'll leave early from racquetball tomorrow and take BART and Lyft once again to the MINI dealership. Such a pain.

Day 1915

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Tyrone came in early to play doubles with me. We're playing elite doubles next week in Stockton for the State Singles and Doubles tournament. It should be a lot of fun. I haven't played in a tournament this size in a few years. I'm glad it's in Stockton.

I love Tyrone's energy and enthusiasm on the racquetball court. He's playing great! He's become an excellent player. We'll see how well I do next week. I hope I play well. I should. My body's feeling good lately.

Day 1914

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Day 1913

Monday, April 9, 2018

Day 1912

Sunday, April 8, 2018

We woke up around 6:30, had a little breakfast and tea, then headed back to San Francisco by 10. At home, I strung two racquets, got my hair cut, and took care of a few other things. I won't be able to make racquetball tomorrow, unfortunately. I decided to play in the state singles and doubles tournaments in Stockton April 20-22. My body's feeling good.

Day 1911

Saturday, April 7, 2018

I drove to the Eastbay MINI dealership early in the morning to take my car in. The vibration issue affecting the front dashboard is still there. They'll hold onto the car for a few days to see what's causing it. I took BART back to Oakland, stopped at Trader Joe's for chicken stew ingredients, and made a pot of stew in the pressure cooker before Alice came over at 1. We drove to Leo and Louanne's for dinner and to spend the night. Leo helped me select the wines for Saturday and Sunday's dinner on the cruise. It was just Leo and Louanne at the house and our visit was so enjoyable. We chatted the night away and went to bed around 11.

Day 1910

Friday, April 6, 2018

Racquetball, work, lunch with Sanam, home, practice, laundry Bill Maher, (Geraldo seemed out of touch tonight). Get ready for tomorrow.

Day 1909

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Day 1908

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Day 1907

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Day 1906

Monday, April 2, 2018

Day 1905

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Put together an Evite for a party at Nicole and Mike's on May 12 and updated our wedding website, so that's taken care of. Went to Dim Sum Club with Alice, her parents, Austin, and Bill and Vicki. Very good! A nice, relaxing evening at before another week of work.

Day 1904

Saturday, March 31, 2018

A wonderfully relaxing, low-key Saturday. Love these.

Day 1903

Friday, March 30, 2018

Another busy day to conclude a very busy and strange week. Came home, took care of a few things, will pick up my car tomorrow and spend the weekend at Alice's.

Day 1902

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Still thinking about what happened yesterday. Good thing work was extremely busy. It gave me something to do and not think too much.

Day 1901

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

I'd never seen someone die before my eyes until today. What an unbelievable day.

I went to work a little early, dressed in a suit for Cliff's funeral at 11. About 20 racquetball players showed up at Beth Eden Baptist Church for Cliff's funeral. I showed up around 10:30. I'd written the short speech I was asked to give on behalf of the players earlier this morning and had rehearsed it a few times in my head so I was ready. Dorian, Robbie, Tiger and Jack were already there. The casket was open and we viewed Cliff's body. We collected funds for a racquetball wreath and it looked very nice. Cliff's ex-wife made the decision to put Cliff's racquet inside the casket before it was closed. We all liked that idea.

The service began at 11. It was almost a full-house. Cliff had a lot friends and family who loved him. He was a great guy.

The funeral went 90 minutes. The last song was performed by Doyal Jones. He was a big man, 50, with a clear, powerful voice. He sang "For God So Loved the World," and sang it with all his heart. Literally. A few seconds after he finished, and minutes before the conclusion of the funeral, Doyal left the altar and collapsed on the ground right in front of us. We were all stunned. The pastor asked for a doctor in the house while wrapping up the service. Folks from the church gathered around Doyal on the ground. Someone administered CPR. The paramedics came 5-7 minutes later. They were able to get a pulse, but later we learned they lost him at the hospital. It was surreal. Dorian and I went to the burial at Chapel of the Chimes, then to the Repast, where we learned Doyal had also prepared all the food. So I heard the man's last song and ate the man's last meal.

I think a few of the racquetball guys plan to attend Doyal's funeral next week. We need closure from what happened. Cliff's funeral never really ended, and the tragic event that occurred left us all dazed and shocked. It was very sad and traumatizing. Doyal's mother was in the audience. It was heartbreaking.

Day 1900

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Today was so busy at work, but I couldn't do much work because I had games to play...more specifically, two rounds of Trivial Pursuit at noon and 4. It was well. It was a lot of fun. I think we'll do it again in the summer. The PowerPoint slideshow looked good!

It was exhausting though. I was glad it was over, but happy everyone had fun.

I came home and crashed. So glad I don't have to practice tonight!

Day 1899

Monday, March 26, 2018

With yesterday's concert behind me, I spent most of the day preparing for tomorrow's Trivial Pursuit game, along with doing my regular duties. It was a very busy day. During my lunch break, I went with Alice to Kaiser for a Dr. visit. It took a lot longer than expected. Alice's doctor was an hour behind schedule, but it was worth it to hear what she had to say. Alice's hip is a special case that is complicated and not open to a clear diagnosis. We'll see what happens with the appeal.

I worked late and came home around 9:30, then put in another hour or so of prep time. I should be ready for tomorrow.

Day 1898

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Concert day. I practiced most of the day before the concert at 4. I could have used another month to practice the Strauss. I arrived at the concert at 2:50, taking Lyft. We warmed up and hit some spots from 3 to 3:40, then relaxed until the concert at 4.

The Weber Overture der Freischutz began the program. I thought we did a good job, strong tempo, and I was able to hit most of the notes.

The d'Albert Cello Concerto was next. It sounded great and the soloist Isaac Pastor-Chermak did a fabulous job. Unfortunately, in the second movement, the woodwinds were off a quarter step. The audience wouldn't have noticed, but we did.

The Listz was fine, and the Strauss was a good as we'd played. There were a couple spots I still didn't quite get. It's such a tough piece. I hope I'm able to play it again one day.

The concert ended at 5:30. We drove back to Richard & Lisa's, ordered Star Pizza and some salads, and watched Stormy Daniels on 60 Minutes. It was underwhelming. A lot of hype for not much substance, but we'll see how it plays out. I stayed in Oakland tonight and Alice left around 9. This coming week is going to be very busy.

Day 1897

Saturday, March 24, 2018

I took my MINI into the shop today to take care of a power issue and buzzing sounds in the dashboard. The clutch needs to be replaced, which will cost a few thousand in labor. The buzzing sound is still a mystery. I came home and spent the day practicing for tomorrow's concert. I wasn't feeling well again...nothing like a few weeks ago, but I felt the flu bug revisit. I went to be early.

Day 1896

Friday, March 23, 2018

I didn't go into the gym today. I'm feeling a little sluggish. I worked on next week's Trivial Pursuit game. Work was reasonable.

Afterward, I practiced for an hour, then went with Rossana to see Black Panther...finally! I enjoyed every aspect of this film.

Great story, stunning visuals, a compelling cast of characters, and an engaging and necessary mythology to fall back on. Really outstanding, and it begins in Oakland. I like that!

Day 1895

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Work, practice, sleep.

Day 1894

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

First day of Spring. Racquetball in the a.m., then work, then home, then our last rehearsal before Sunday's concert. I still have a ways to go with the Strauss. I hope I can play it by Sunday.

Day 1893

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Busy at work. I sent an email requesting trivia questions for the Special Edition Hanson Bridgett Trivial Pursuit cards that will be mixed in with 12 other cards. Between all the filings and merges and formatting issues that came up today, I was able to put this together:

Day 1892

Monday, March 19, 2018

Racquetball from 5-7 with Glenn, Steve and Kirk. Good games. At work, I helped put together details for our Ultimate Trivial Pursuit game next Tuesday. This should be a fun event and a good test for one of the cruise mixers I plan to throw our first night about the Golden Princess.

Came home and practiced for a few hours before going to bed.

Day 1891

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Spent the day practicing. Slowly getting better on the Strauss. Also made calls to Laura, Kevin, Nicole, and sent many texts. The day flew by.

Day 1890

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Happy St. Paddy's Day. I wasn't thinking earlier in the morning and didn't wear any green, which is shameful for one named Michael Kelly O'Hagan. Luckily, I have a green t-shirt and sweat shirt at Alice's, so I'm wearing those now.

We went to a 100 Day Baby Party for Kathy and Jeremy, who had twins 100 days ago. We sat at a table with Sorn and Patrick and ate ourselves silly. It was a very enjoyable party and Kathy and Jeremy, and their parents, looked so happy. The kiddies are so cute!

With proud parents Kathy & Jeremy - twins Kaia and Taryn

with Patrick & Sorn

with Alice