160/365
March 17, 2024
Terra Ceia, Florida
Today felt like a Sunday in Florida.
After rising a bit later than usual, we spent some time cleaning up the house. After, I moved from the daybed, to the pool, to the raft, back to the pool, and then to the daybed again, where I finally dozed off for a quick siesta. On repeat. It was a great day for relaxation, a bit of sun and the cooler pool temperatures.
In the evening, Aaron Tony and I went to see a Led Zeppelin cover band up St. Petersburg, Florida. I was shocked how good they were. I try not to put a lot of expectation on cover bands, but Get The Led Out was on point! Led Zeppelin II was my second album (after Credence Clearwater Revival, Greatest Hits), so it brought back a lot of great memories.
On the way up, Aaron stopped to check out the tides and do a little bird-watching along the shoreline. I caught him a couple times in his element.
159/365
March 16, 2024
St Petersburg, Florida
I almost forgot to take a photo today. We hosted our neighbor’s 40th birthday party, and all of the household preparations kept me occupied that it nearly slipped my mind.
Wendy, myself and about 20 of our neighbors went to St Petersburg to pub-cawl and dance until the late hours. We hired a bus alleviate travel challenges and I was more than thankful for that.
After a couple hours it became clear - most of us aren’t built for a long day of celebrations or anything after 10:30 PM. I can’t help but laugh at it now because I may have yawned a few times throughout the twilight hours. Maybe I’ll just make an excuse because yawns are contagious, right?
156/365
March 13, 2024
Sarasota, Florida
Today was a great day. Instead of my usual sales motion, I picked up the phone and cold-called for the first time in a long time. This isn’t a muscle I’ve used in a long time. I know many people opt for email and text over any other communications. However, it’s always uneasy at first, but in remembering we’re all human—it takes some of the added pressure off.
155/365
March 12, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
I’m still quite relieved my photos were found. I let it cause some unneeded angst, but I’m happy all is well now.
Spent most of today in routine. However, I broke free for a couple walks to break up the monotony. I’ve always liked the pond-side trees and the dangling moss that hangs from the limbs. One downside to Florida, at least where I live, is the limited lot sizes and use of cages to insulate we humans from the pterodactyl-size mosquitos at night. Move closer to central Florida and the land opens up. I imagine my owning land there would have more of these native elements, including water.
154/365
March 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
The morning and most of the day was spent plowing through work activities. I did break free around noon to stop in at UPS to grab the tracking number of the film I shipped last week. I was relieved to learn that it wasn’t lost - it was indeed signed for by the lab, but it hadn’t been checked in for processing.
In the afternoon, Chloe and I were tasked by mom to deliver several items to our neighbors. We grabbed Ripley and went for an early evening walk, which eventually led us around the nearby disc golf course. No one was on the course so we grabbed a stick and turned Ripley loose.
On the way back Chloe climbed a tree, and I wanted to snap the photo of her elevated, but, of course, I ran out of film. SIGH. Next time I’ll peek down at the remaining frames.
153/365
March 10, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
After sleeping for nearly 9 hours, today I woke up and felt mostly refreshed. I’m torn on this - sleep longer or push the body. Body at rest stays at rest, sort of thing.
We planned on heading to the beach, but decided to stay home, swim/hot tub and fire up the grill for dinner. Ripley joined in the fun as well. She absolutely loves swimming, but if she’s not retrieving something from the water, she barks while trying to bite the splashes from her doggy paddle. We found an easy but laborious fix - toss in the girls Barbie dolls over and over and over again.
Ripley was in bed and sleeping by 8 PM.
152/365
March 9, 2024
Bradenton, Florida
Today we rose rather early and while I caught up on work tasks the girls sat in my office cill and played games. I love watching them read to break in the day.
Around midday I took Ellie to a pool party while Wendy took Chloe to something similar, but indoors. Ellie and broke free from the water and found a nearby park and darted straight for the swings. There’s something very pure about parks and playgrounds. For me, it’s about connecting with my girls, but also putting myself into those activities that physically move in new-old ways. Monkey bars. Swings. Twisting slides. It’s all my rave!
After the pool party we all sat in the hot tub, while Ripley swam in the pool. Early to bed for all of us.
151/365
March 8, 2024
Bradenton, Florida
I wrapped the week with a call with my new leader. That alone is refreshing. I’ve only been with the organization for a couple weeks, but it all feels so right. My energy. My learnings. Leadership involvement. It’s something I’ve longed for and I want to soak it all in!
We decided to order a pizza (gosh, how many times is this 365 going to reference pizza?) from Michangelo’s and I was surprised by the quality. I’ve been so used to Atria and their style that I’ve not looked elsewhere for something new. I really enjoy the Neapolitan style of pizza, especially when it includes unique toppings. But this was new and tasty.
On my way over to pick up I noticed a near full moon rising just above the clouds. Shooting in only black-and-white sometimes has it’s drawbacks, and this was one occasion. The sunset cast some beautiful hues across the clouds and sky.
150/365
March 7, 2024
Bradenton, Florida
My role is picking up rather quickly, and I couldn’t be more thrilled (it’s what I asked for)!
I’ve been trying to balance training(s), on-boarding activities, customer engagements, and ... everything else. Activity levels are increasing, and I’m excited for it because it will stretch my capabilities and help push me into growth.
We wrapped the day by taking the girls to their tumbling class followed by some Mexican food for dinner at Pablano’s. When I was parking the car, I noticed a random single chair placed to overlook the nearby pond. I had to capture it.
149/365
March 6, 2024
Sarasota, Florida
I drove into Tampa today to spend some more time on-boarding with my leader. We spent several hours reviewing his onboarding processes and ensuring I knew where to go, who to contact, and all of the resources available to me.
On the way in, I noticed a dog wearing goggles - the ones you’d wear in the sidecar of a motorcycle. I hope I captured it as I was moving!
For lunch we visited a famous Cuban restaurant in West Tampa, the West Tampa Sandwich Shop. I ordered the Obama and it was delicious! A traditional Cuban sandwich, toasted with a layer of very light honey glazed on each side. Salivating again, just thinking of it!
148/365
March 5, 2024
Sarasota, Florida
The work begins today and I am very excited for the opportunity before me.
I was mostly heads-down getting my tools setup. In the afternoon I went over to UTC Mall to pick up a monitor. My employer sponsors a good amount of money for the “work from home” roles. While they’re thinking of productivity, my mind is veering towards photography-grade, and pro-res monitors. Priorities, right?
147/365
March 4, 2024
Bradenton, Florida
While I was in New York last week for training, today was the first day I had the opportunity to meet my team. While it was via video conference, everyone was engaged and curious about my life before Datadog.
I was surprised by the level of energy for a Monday morning, but also that everyone seemed so dialed in and ready to go! That kind of energy is contagious and I’m excited to be part of it!
At the end of the day, I went over to Chloe and Ellie’s school to pick them up. As I was walking through the exterior pathways, I noticed a cool scene of the primary path—lines from the roof and support columns on each side.
146/365
March 3, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
I woke ready to walk, and while it wasn’t the usual 3.5 mile each way that I experienced in NYC, Ripley and I ventured out for two solid miles around the nearby park. She ran through her usual routine: chasing rabbits, rolling in the grass and meandering off the path.
We resumed our normal family activities, all wrapped by an even read with our girls. This evening Ellie was paired with me. Smiles abound!
145/365
March 2, 2024
Newark, New Jersey
I originally planned on rising early and continuing my walk around some other NYC neighborhoods. Unfortunately I rose to a wet and gloomy day. Perhaps it was better for me as it gave me time to relax, pack and not feel the rush of my commute home.
I arrived in Tampa just after 3:30 PM and was welcomed by the hugs and kisses from my girls! That's always so refreshing for me. After grabbing some lunch at Rocco's Tacos, in good Wendy fashion, she planned for us to meet up with our friends at Three Key's Brewery for some Celtic Music and dancing.
It’s good to be home!
144/365
March 1, 2024
New York City, New York
Today wraps up my on-boarding and initial training. Even though we spent most of the time in an office conference room, the week went by quickly, and I’m thankful for the new connections/experiences.
After taking advantage of some catered lunch, I left the office and walked around the western parts of NYC: Highline, Elevated Park/Pier 51, and then over to West Village before returning to my room in the early evening. I forgot to record my walk, but my Garmin indicated I had just north of 23,000 steps. My legs were feeling it, but It was awesome to hoof the streets, scenes and neighborhoods today, and throughout the week.
Craig Mod, A Need to Walk.
143/365
February 29, 2024
New York City, New York
Happy Leap Year!
Today was a great day at my new hire training. The team has started to gel together, sharing more than work-related conversations, becoming more communal in our conversations, life experiences, etc. It’s beginning to feel like anything but “work” and a good sign of things to come.
In my walks around NYC, I’ve noticed more layers to the city’s architecture. Today’s photo is exactly that—layers of high rises, each topped with its own water tower.
142/365
February 28, 2024
New York City, New York
The rain continued well into the morning, so I grabbed an Uber and went into the office. Today was more of the same—training, engagement, some networking, and more training afterward.
I enjoy it, but the broader themes of sales process are the areas where I need to grow the most.
On the way home, the rain let up, so it gave me an opportunity to find another route home. If there is one thing that stands out about NYC, it’s the people. Most seem to be putting up with their commute rather than enjoying it. Fast gait. Heads down. Life on repeat.
And car horns. Oh, the horns. I never thought it useful to impose the horn onto someone else—as if a horn would significantly shorten a commute.