Sometimes DIY means “Calling the experts.” – Just got a ton of repairs done that I might have accomplished in a full weekend but it took the handyman about 90 minutes (including running to and from the hardware store twice).
Went to In-N-Out for the free meal. Got a cool sticker, too.
For those of you wondering why the Dems folded when they were winning: the answer is (counter intuitively) that, in fact, they were losing, had no leverage, and forstalled disaster for a sliver of a fight. The GOP always had the cards in the shutdown. (Still will even if the House shoots it down.)
I took my oldest to see Back to the Future in theaters for the 40th anniversary. He was on the edge of his seat from the moment Doc Brown revealed the DeLorean until the very end. What a magical experience to see it again in theaters.
Just found this note from 2014 on my hard drive
201409201429 - Top Five Breakfasts.
- Plaza Cafe, Gallup NM (huevos rancheros)
- West side market, Cleveland OH
- Ardmore Cafe, Ardmore PA
- Pine State biscuits, Portland, OR
- Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA
Hard to argue with that list, but maybe I should update it soon.
💔 Grandmaster, Popular Commentator Daniel Naroditsky Tragically Passes Away At 29, via Chess Dot Com
I’m gutted. He was a delight to watch. Momento Mori.
Back in Austin! Looks a lot different, feels the same.
Ladies and gentlemen… TEN YEARS
Honestly, I am having difficulty believing it but the math checks out.
We made it a day. Did a lot of Paco’s favorite things: breakfast burritos, In-N-Out, the lake and a hike. We took him balloons. Instead of cake, we did pumpkin pie and Mexican hot chocolate.
Happy birthday, Paco. You are missed, and so loved.
We’re making this your day, kiddo.
IDK how she knows about them, buy my 4yo has me writing the music notes to the songs she’s singing a cappella. “Like, wait—music notes?”
“Yes,” she said, emphatically.
Finished reading: Syllabus: The Remarkable, Unremarkable Document That Changes Everything (Skills for Scholars) by William Germano 📚
Wrapped this up a while ago but forgot record it. Whoops.
Currently reading: The Power Broker by Robert A. Caro 📚
So… a serious re-read with my grad students between known and, well, whenever (if) we finish. Let’s go!
Currently reading: Syllabus: The Remarkable, Unremarkable Document That Changes Everything (Skills for Scholars) by William Germano 📚
Finished reading: Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff 📚
Today was, well, better… not great knowing Paco’s birthday is a couple of days away. But better. (A day-trip to Flagstaff is on the table—maybe we’ll blow off everything, head up there, do a hike for him, buy a cake a restaurant, and drive home. IDK.)
Finished reading: Nimitz at War by Craig L. Symonds 📚
Starting a hard week. Today is five months since Paco died, and Thursday is his 8th birthday.
I miss that guy so much.
Just had a work trip approved for Austin next month. I haven’t been back since I graduated in 2018. I won’t have enough time to visit all my old haunts, but lists are being made.
I need a new list of the new coffee joints and taco joints that have opened since I left.
