I wrote my first Quarterly Appreciation at the end of 2024, when I was gearing up for a trial that was postponed within a few days of opening statements—twice! Looking back, I marvel at the person who could do all of this: keep a half-marathon training schedule while preparing for trial, then spin on a dime to plan a whirlwind road trip through central California once the postponement freed up a few days.

I’m thrilled—and a little proud—to have had so many heady times like those. Part of me mourns that relentless energy. But for better or worse, it doesn’t live in me anymore. Even then, I was craving a quieter life—as evidenced by the many hours I spent in that period watching the big Mesquite tree behind my garden fence.

Experiences:

Saw the Fireflies at The Broad in Los Angeles, the Sensorio in Paso Robles (extraordinary!), and the world’s most elaborate Christmas light display in Cambria, California; watched elephant seals basking in the sun and coatimundi foraging in the Arizona high desert; saw the sun set from a train running along the edge of the Pacific Ocean, a garden in Mission Canyon, a hillside in California’s wine country, conference rooms in tall buildings, and over the Sonoran Desert countless times.

Movement, Creativity and Growth:

Ran along the Santa Monica boardwalk and in a rocky trail by the side of the Pacific Ocean in Cambria; finished a half-marathon and a midnight 5K; created three Halloween costumes for five Halloween parties.
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Celebrations:

Celebrated friendship over Ethiopian food in downtown San Luis Obispo; Thanksgiving with traditional dishes and good friends; a “friends Christmas” with gifts and cheer at Timo.

Quiet times:

Spent countless hours in my backyard hot tub; worked in my garden; rode to the coffee shop on my trike; got fit with friends; and shared “puzzles and podcasts” with my good man.