Author: Jason

We bit the bullet and went large on a backyard makeover. Since the very beginning we knew we needed to create a buffer somehow between us and our neighbors. Our sight line stared straight into their ugly solar roof. And ever since we put in the pool, the need to create separation and a courtyard feel became top of mind. That and our two tone gravel driveway made of 57 stone and some decomposing slate chips was turning into a total mess. We came THIS close to going down the wrong path but right as we were about to execute, Steph found us a great designer who helped us envision an economically viable yet completely transformative approach. A 6 man crew has been out here for three days now. Steph and I have been on cloud 9 watching it all take shape.

1. practicing parallel parking
2. playing ping pong
3. preparing taco fiesta
4. taking pictures with Remy
5. seeing her 🥰 with Steph
6. planting new trees🌲 🌲 🌲
7. bonding to ‘love on the spectrum’
8. listening to music
9. watching her sleep
10. loving her unconditionally

Jules has his SAT first thing in the morning. He’s doing a little last minute cramming and practice exercises at home right now. I don’t know who’s more nervous or excited to take the test. Him or me. I’m leaning over his shoulder trying to answer the questions like my own score depends on it. I need to back off. Poor kid has enough pressure on himself

I got an Airbnb inquiry for our Thompson Place house today. Her note said they were being reloed to the area and would commit to at least a 3 month stay whist they house hunted. She had great reviews and her bio said she lived in Redondo Beach. So we spoke on the phone and lo and behold, we went to the same high school back in the day at Manhattan Beach. She was a senior while I was a freshman. Her husband was also in the car but didn’t do much talking. Got around to asking what range they wanted to be in to which he piped up and said 5k. I was gunning for more like 7. I’d settle for 6 though. It’s still an awful lot of money and I want to make a deal. We’ll see…

well… we made it! The week is over. House is clean and the dogs have been cared for. Steph and Sophia both land tomorrow! Each arriving separately but reuniting together after monumental trips. Hard to believe Sophia hasn’t been back in over a year. It’s bound to be one of those loving airport scenes you see in the movies. I can’t wait to have my family all together again. I think I’ll make tacos and brighten up the place with a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Baked off a chix pot pie with Jules for dinner tonight. Sometimes you really got to entice the kid to eat with you. We talked about spring break and some hard truths about what’s prohibiting him and his whole friend group from going back to 30a. We talked of LA and planning for a summer trip to see Nana and Papa. Maybe tack on a quick jaunt to Mill Valley to play tennis with uncle Frank. And he told me he already has a date for prom. Was a nice father son talk over some good old fashioned comfort food.

Sophia has a job interview at Starbucks tmrw. Downtown Austin. So excited for her

Sophia wants us to get matching tattoos when she comes to town. It’s not as spontaneous as it sounds. She’s been subtly pushing for this ever since I put the carrot out there that I’d do it if she stayed sober a year. Well…she’s lived up to her end of the bargain. I guess it’s high time I overcome over my own fears and get my ink on so to speak. The good thing is we already know what we’re going to get. Ever since she was young, Sophia has held on to sweet memories of me reading Jonathan Livingston Seagull to her. The simple but poignant story of a less than aerodynamic bird taking flight to his full potential. It’s full of symbolism and resonates at any age. Captured within are a number of beautiful black and white photographs of gull silhouettes streaking across the sky. That’s the image we’re going for.

I’m still nervous about it. No idea where I’d even put the thing. But I found a reputable place and we can decide more when she gets here.