Unemployed. Yeah!

In June I left Stanford and joined Simply Hired. It was a great move for me.  I was going to be leading three teams: big data, service/ops engineering, and IT.  Two of these areas I know well, the third, big data I had some background, … “Unemployed. Yeah!”

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Exercise and Modern Society

In the last few years I have not been taking care of myself.  Libby was often needing to go to treatment or a doctor’s appointment several times each week.  Adding one more trip seemed too much, so I just never got around to scheduling appointments … “Exercise and Modern Society”

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Hospitality

A month or so ago, I learned that there were several homeless people who attend my church, PBC.  I was bowled over by this.  Not that people are homeless.  I know this is a reality.  What surprised me was that we had people who were … “Hospitality”

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Gamification of Life

Over the last few years I seen a growing interest in gamification of life.  There is part of me that wants to say the whole idea was silly.  Who needs their real life to be turned into a video game where you are accumulating points … “Gamification of Life”

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Meeting God in the Empty Place – Turning Loneliness to Solitude

Libby and I used to talk nearly every night.  Often for a couple of hours. The topics varied greatly: basic logistical issues, smoothing over relational friction, concerns weighing on our hearts, big ideas, silly dreams.  Honestly the topics almost didn’t matter, it was having someone … “Meeting God in the Empty Place – Turning Loneliness to Solitude”

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Minimalism & Simplicity

My father taught me the value of simplicity. He didn’t need to update an item if it was still working. He didn’t need to purchase something to impress others. Dad was suspicious of people who attacked problems with complicated solutions.  Complex solutions typically demonstrated that … “Minimalism & Simplicity”

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The Value and Cost of Variety

I like variety.  This shows up in  in the food I eat, the music I listen to, the books I read.  I enjoy when my world expands, to have new and different experiences. I believe there is a lot of good in this, and yet, … “The Value and Cost of Variety”

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Amplifiers

I think the very best amplifiers are like wire with gain. That is, they add or take away nothing from the sound quality. They just boast the signal enough to drive the speakers. An amplifier that does this requires the source and speakers to be … “Amplifiers”

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Libby home with the Lord now

Early this morning Libby went home to be with the Lord.  As in life, she was tenacious in her passing.  It was peaceful, but she fought to stay with us as long as she could.  We already miss her terribly, but are so glad that … “Libby home with the Lord now”

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Last hours for Libby?

Gaye, our primary hospice nurse stopped by today, even though it’s her day off. She believes that Libby is in her last hours based breathing patterns and several other indicators. We have been jumping between being unspeakable sad, in a numb disbelief, and brief periods … “Last hours for Libby?”

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quiet and peaceful

Libby’s strength is waning.  This is very hard, but we are so grateful that Libby is comfortable and at peace. This is a vast improvement from confusion and restlessness of Tuesday.  We can’t begin to than you for your prayers. Libby’s body seems to be … “quiet and peaceful”

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a brief respite

Today Libby had a good morning and early afternoon.  She had a sense of peace and wasn’t confused.  We really appreciate your prayers. Yesterday was a heartbreaking day.  Libby didn’t want to drink anything.  Her breathing was very slow. She was confused and unable to … “a brief respite”

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goodbyes coming fast

Last night we thought Libby had a couple of weeks.  Things seem to be progressing way faster than we expected.  We believe that we are counting the time remaining in a small number of days.  The hospice nurse observed that they often see with their … “goodbyes coming fast”

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beginning of goodbyes

A bit more than a week ago  Libby’s brother Andy, my sister Marilyn, and my mother Anne flew into town to visit and likely to say goodbye in person.  The following day we have a gathering with around 80 close friends.  We didn’t plan a … “beginning of goodbyes”

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Confirmation that Hospice is Good

Libby and I were introduced to the idea of hospice several years ago by several friends and later learned a bit more from the book Dying Well by Ira Byock.  It seemed to both of us that hospice was a great idea.  That toward the … “Confirmation that Hospice is Good”

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Travel

There are many reasons to travel. Some people travel to get new experiences. Others to discover the human condition is universal. Travel can be an expanding experience. It’s also possible to travel in a little “cocoon” which doesn’t move you out of your comfort zone … “Travel”

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Maui

Maui is more touristy that I like.  The culture (except around the eastern coast) feels more like California than Hawaiian: go-go, play hard, have lots of fun, rather than a more lay back and enjoy life as it comes to you.  If you are looking … “Maui”

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Hawaii – The Big Island

I love the Big Island. You get a more more diverse experience than any of the other islands. General Hawaii Information Hawaii: Off the Beaten Path by Sean Pager is a bit dated now, but I have found it to be the best single guidebook which … “Hawaii – The Big Island”

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