Relief
I gave myself a small break from the terrible imagery and the pressure and all the other stuff that makes up my career. I instead delved into some therapeutic activities, and it occurs to me these are things for which I should daily carve out time:

A bike ride through my neighborhood. I actually live in a pretty nice neighborhood. The developers who built the houses here in the mid-1980s didn't feel the need to cut down all the trees, and they set up a series of trails that wind between the houses and backyards. I should get out and appreciate it more.

A beer. It had been a while since I enjoyed a beer at home. Never underestimate the therapeutic qualities of a single beer.

A two-hour session with the C.F. Martin on the back porch, playing better than I've played in a long time.

A walk with the kids. It was not totally without stress, as is true with any activity involving all three children, but it was fun anyway.

The wife came home from her evening out with a friend and announced we have weekend plans. We're going to go out of town, just us. This will be a very good thing. Then I thought, "What if we hit Baghdad this weekend?" The news has all but dissolved my life. I shake my head even as I write this.

I have one more day of self-imposed paid administrative leave. Tomorrow's activity might involve a head-clearing drive in the country. Maybe there'll be some inspiration out there.