There are several dramatic changes I've felt in my life.  There are more than several big changes, but dramatic changes are those I categorize as throwing one into a sort of existential crisis.

The first big one is high school grauduation.

After the simple toss of a hat, life changes, and the unknown comes rushing in to greet you.

As a father, watching your oldest go through this is yet another existential crisis on the other side of the fence.

Bink didn't feel as adrift as I did.  She's got a solid job, VC classes, and a brewing relationship.

However, the end of her permanent residence here will be coming to a close at some point in life - likely in the near future, and perhaps as soon as she transfers.  

It's just a stark reminder that whatever comforts build up in your life over time, will slowly and steadily drift away.

No "comfort zone" stays with you forever.

Happiness and contentment are always, eventually, interrupted.

It's all a part of the journey, and it's a stark reminder that your journey is with but 1 person.

Even when surrounded by people you share your life with every day, in the end, the journey is with you and you alone.

What does one do with that journey, and how does one follow it?  This is the question that will make or break a meaningful life.

One thing that will never change is how much I love my girls.  And I do hope to be close to both of them for as long as I live.

My girl is so creative. She used old newspaper to signify her love of books/writing/reading to create beautiful roses and butterflies on her graduation cap.

Not only could I spot her easily in the crowd of grads, but everything on here symbolizes something personal about her.

While she doesn't do a lot of art/crafts anymore, when she puts her mind to it, things like this come with ease.

She's always been gifted artistically.  I love the attention to detail she puts into things she loves to do.

Day 2 — Upper strength + hypertrophy

Use upper strength warm-up.

A. Bench Press

225 x 5
230 x 5
235 x 4
240 x 2
240 x 2
230 x 5 back-off
Rest 2:00 after first 2 sets
Rest 2:30 after 235
Rest 3:00 before and after 240 sets
RESULTS: 225, 230, 235 only 3 reps, 240, 240, 230 only 4 reps

B. Chest-Supported DB Row

3 x 8 @ 62s
1 x 6-8 @ 70s
Rest 75-90 sec
RESULTS: Done, last 2 reps of 70# slow and not perfect

C. Incline DB Press

70 x 6
62 x 10
62 x 10
Rest 90 sec
RESULTS: barely got last 2 reps of last set.

D. Half-Kneeling 1-Arm DB Press

35 x 8/side
35 x 8/side
44 x 5/side
35 x 8/side
Rest 20 sec between sides
Rest 60 sec between sets
RESULTS: done. 44# was ugly, but reinvigorated last set of 35 so that it felt easy! 44 not all reps were perfect.

E. Cable Face Pull

3 x 12-15
Use a load that keeps reps clean
Rest 45 sec
RESULTS: 85# x 15, 87.5 x 15, 87.5 x 12

It's one of the most difficult things to let go of in life.  Childhood.

Not just your own, as you feel it slipping away towards the end of high school. A safe and warm (for most) chapter slowly closing in your life, never to return.

But then to see your children slowly fade from the safety and comfort of childhood as well.

Life just keeps on changing, as it was meant to.

Adapting, adjusting, finding a new path.  Always.  Whether we want to or not.

I'm so happy she had a great birthday.

First, we had breakfast with my family at our house.

Then, in the afternoon a pool party with her friends, and food.  Girls from school, girls from TKD and of course Addy who showed up here while everyone was at the pool.

I drove her over there to pick everyone up and bring them back.

She's a great kid, and I always like taking with Addy.

The movie they wanted to watch was short lived.  Hard to find something that engages everyone.  They stopped it and retired to the backyard to roast marshmallows and make s'mores.

I kept Walt at bay most of the time.

Kara got gifts and cards and felt loved.

It couldn't have gone any better. I love this kid!

Really enjoyed celebrating the career of one of the closest family friends we have.  Linda.

We've known her since year 1 of Jen's teaching career.  The "Fairy Godmother" to the girls, our wedding planner, and close friend for around 23 years.

All the dinners, parties, excursions over these many years has allowed me to see the amazing, honest, intelligent, caring person Linda is.

When you go to one of Linda's parties, you see the around and variety of people that show up for Linda.  People who love Linda.

At Bink's graduation dinner at Bocalli's, she was there.  I asked her what she's going to do with her retirement after her BTS tour. :)

She said she's going to go through her list of friends that need help, and she's going to stay for 2-3 weeks at each one's house just to help them.

It could be aging parents, or a difficult breakup, or whatever.

Just shows you what value she puts on friendships and people.

She made a short speech where she pointed in a circle to all of the people gathered and said how much each and everyone one of us has had a profound effect on her life, and how grateful she is that we are all in it.

It was quite an emotional moment for many of us, and Linda.

And then, to see all the pictures on the walls of her garage - of all the students she connected with over the years.  The amount of lives she's touched in a positive way is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Her retirement party also  got me thinking about my own new journey into the land of never having to work again.  What do I want to do?  What do I want to be? How do I want to make a positive impact?

I talked to Ed (Nancy's husband) about what he does with his retirement.  Then I talked to Dan (Elektra's husband) about being "done" with working.  He said to go out and "do something good with it".  Those words stuck.

The journey has begun.  It will not be easy.

And, time is ticking.

Life is oh so short, and it's the people that matter.

Linda knows that.

It's likely one of the important lessons to learn from her.

In my opinion, none of her other talents (gifted educator, corporate technology powerhouse, etc...) hold a candle to her ability to connect with, and value other humans.

My, how we love Linda. <3

This song is in my brother's memorial video. It took me to my knees then, and it does now. It has that soul-stirring beauty that makes you want to cry, even if you're happy.

It's a challenge to hit every note, and do it right.  But that's the goal.

As of this writing I'm about halfway through with stops and starts.

Lots of work to be done, especially if I want to sing to it someday.

Pretty dedicated to this one.

It'll be worth it.