Scenario Planning and System Building

Morning routine. Bookmark organization. MCP server development. Ian and Emma meeting on scenario planning and New Zealand travel. Minecraft with Leland and Brian. Walk to Suds. Beer:30 with Tim and Jack discussing insulation and electrification. MCP documentation. Emma's book. Flash Gordon. Late night.

Threading Future and Present

Events and activities that occurred on Sunday, January 19, 2026

The day began early with an ambitious dive into bookmark organization, a task that quickly revealed its complexity. Years of accumulated links, saved pages, and digital breadcrumbs had created a sprawling information architecture that demanded systematic attention. The scope became immediately apparent—this would require chunking into manageable sessions rather than one comprehensive reorganization.

The technical focus shifted to developing MCP servers, starting with Google Contacts integration but taking an unexpected detour into Git server territory. What initially seemed like a straightforward development task evolved into something far more challenging than anticipated. The complexity demanded deep concentration and systematic problem-solving, eating up significant development time but building crucial infrastructure for the broader automation ecosystem.

The late morning brought a substantial Zoom conversation with Ian and Emma that ranged across multiple horizons. We explored New Zealand travel plans in detail, with Ian offering extensive recommendations drawn from his knowledge of the South Island. The discussion covered everything from Hobbit town locations to hot baths, from lesbian albatross colonies to the boat-accessible walking trails near Collingwood. The glowworm caves earned particular mention, along with contact information for Sheila who could provide additional local insights.

The conversation's heart centered on scenario planning work that had evolved through multiple iterations. Using Gemini AI and the Three Horizons methodology, I had developed a framework that Ian enhanced by adding economic dimensions, creating four distinct scenarios positioned on a matrix of policy coherence and progress speed. The "Charge" scenario captured coherent policy with fast progress, exemplified by China and Saudi Arabia. "Shadow Renaissance" described fragmented policy with fast progress, marking the USA's trajectory. "Managed Decline" showed coherent policy with stalled progress, characteristic of the UK and possibly the EU and Japan. Finally, "Fight for Food" represented fragmented policy with stalled progress, illustrated by Russia's current situation.

We examined how countries positioned themselves within this framework, discussing Japan and South Korea's renewable energy potential. The analysis extended to wind power capabilities, continental shelf advantages, and floating wind turbine technology. China's twenty-megawatt floating turbine and artificial island concepts for power distribution demonstrated the scale of infrastructure thinking emerging in some scenarios. We touched on the UK's potential realignment with EU standards to reduce trade friction, and Ian shared fascinating historical context about World War II deception plans involving Ian Fleming, connecting past strategic thinking to present geopolitical maneuvering.

The conversation acknowledged Emma's book, which I'd made limited progress reading due to my preference for audiobooks over traditional text. This highlighted one of those persistent friction points between intention and habit that every reader navigates differently.

The afternoon brought Pre-New Zealand Exercise Phase 1, continuing the systematic physical preparation for the upcoming photo tour. Building strength and stamina for Golden Bay's terrain required consistent effort, not last-minute cramming.

Leland arrived for Minecraft, and we dove into the blocky world together. Brian joined us, creating one of those intergenerational gaming moments that blend entertainment with connection. When it came time for my walk to Suds, they continued playing while I headed out into the January afternoon.

Food truck recommended
by Tim

Beer:30 at Suds gathered the usual Monday crew. Tim talked about rock wool insulation, sharing technical details about thermal performance and installation techniques. The conversation drifted to vehicle electrification, examining the practical considerations and infrastructure challenges from multiple angles. Jack gave me a ride home afterward, saving the return walk.

The evening turned to documentation, capturing the day's MCP development work including the new Git server integration. The Google Contacts MCP remained in progress, joining the growing collection of automation tools. A formal logic lecture provided intellectual stimulation, though sleep proved elusive. I got up and read a couple chapters of Emma's book, making modest but real progress. A Flash Gordon episode offered lighter entertainment before sleep finally arrived in the small hours.

Throughout the day, the persistent reminder about walking four times weekly with a ten-pound weight on moderate hills maintained pressure toward consistent physical practice. These parallel tracks of physical preparation, technical development, intellectual engagement, and social connection wove together into the texture of daily life.