Sounds like things are going well - though maybe not what everyone's cup of tea is. The little one must be growing fast now and be a bit of a terror! :D

The biggest casualty of this has been my awareness of popular culture. I don’t have time for it nor can I say I really care that I’m missing it.

Funny, isn't it? Seemed so important and still seems that way for many - but how valuable for experience is it?

The grind is tiring. Let’s prove it’s worth it.

It is in some ways, but also easier in others - as there is meaning to it. I think the worst would be that lifelong grind of doing nothing meaningful til death.