Wow, there’s so much to unpack in the Note at the End! I’m a couple of episodes behind (catching up!), but I wanted to share a few supportive thoughts.
First, I completely agree about the importance of in-person gatherings—and you capture it so beautifully with the little details like “the clinking of silverware.” I love that. Sharing food is such a timeless way of connecting. You mentioned coffee meetups, and it reminded me how often we see shared meals in the Bible when people have something important to work through. It’s a common thread in diplomacy too. I’ve read that during the Camp David Accords, one key factor was the way meals were structured—they ate together, but with rules. No “business talk” during meals, and seating was assigned so they couldn’t just stick with their own group. It forced them to connect on a human level—talking about family, hobbies, sports. They built trust by seeing each other as people, not just adversaries. And while the Accords eventually unraveled, they lasted longer than any other peaceful period since 1948. That kind of connection, over food, is powerful.
On the archeologists: I totally get your hesitation about volunteering too much, but honestly, I hear the excitement in your voice when you talk about it. That excitement matters! It feels like one of those things Julia Cameron would call an “Artist’s Date”—something that feeds your soul and sparks inspiration. If you’re looking for a way to frame it, maybe think of it as your Artist’s Date for the week. Either way, I’m curious to hear what you decide (and I’ll keep an eye out for the update in a future Note at the End, if you haven't already addressed it in an episode I haven't heard yet).
Lastly: 100% agreement on Elon being wrong about working from home. Sure, there will always be people who slack off, but those same people waste time at the office too—they just look busy while doing it. For most people, WFH actually boosts efficiency. You can focus, get the work done, and move on with your day. Honestly, I think the push to return to the office is more about managers justifying their roles and wanting to feel in control. (Side note: If we really want to make government or big organizations more efficient, we should empower the people actually doing the work and cut back on the layers of unnecessary management—but that’s a whole other conversation.)
Anyway, that’s probably more than my two cents—let’s call it four and leave it at that!
Wow, there’s so much to unpack in the Note at the End! I’m a couple of episodes behind (catching up!), but I wanted to share a few supportive thoughts.
First, I completely agree about the importance of in-person gatherings—and you capture it so beautifully with the little details like “the clinking of silverware.” I love that. Sharing food is such a timeless way of connecting. You mentioned coffee meetups, and it reminded me how often we see shared meals in the Bible when people have something important to work through. It’s a common thread in diplomacy too. I’ve read that during the Camp David Accords, one key factor was the way meals were structured—they ate together, but with rules. No “business talk” during meals, and seating was assigned so they couldn’t just stick with their own group. It forced them to connect on a human level—talking about family, hobbies, sports. They built trust by seeing each other as people, not just adversaries. And while the Accords eventually unraveled, they lasted longer than any other peaceful period since 1948. That kind of connection, over food, is powerful.
On the archeologists: I totally get your hesitation about volunteering too much, but honestly, I hear the excitement in your voice when you talk about it. That excitement matters! It feels like one of those things Julia Cameron would call an “Artist’s Date”—something that feeds your soul and sparks inspiration. If you’re looking for a way to frame it, maybe think of it as your Artist’s Date for the week. Either way, I’m curious to hear what you decide (and I’ll keep an eye out for the update in a future Note at the End, if you haven't already addressed it in an episode I haven't heard yet).
Lastly: 100% agreement on Elon being wrong about working from home. Sure, there will always be people who slack off, but those same people waste time at the office too—they just look busy while doing it. For most people, WFH actually boosts efficiency. You can focus, get the work done, and move on with your day. Honestly, I think the push to return to the office is more about managers justifying their roles and wanting to feel in control. (Side note: If we really want to make government or big organizations more efficient, we should empower the people actually doing the work and cut back on the layers of unnecessary management—but that’s a whole other conversation.)
Anyway, that’s probably more than my two cents—let’s call it four and leave it at that!
Lot of wisdom here, Donn! Thank you!
My pleasure! I don't hear that a lot. Would you mind telling my kids? [smile]
Flew to Alaska for a little post retirement work, flying back to Texas today, seems the weather in both states has switched
Yeah, it's nuts. It as 16ºF when I took the dog out this morning. I had to snap her off of a frozen stream of pee to get her back inside.