Steak, Shrimp, and IPA ... does it get any better?

We were both awfully tired. I woke a few times in the early morning hours but didn’t jump out of bed until almost 8:30am. That burning desire to not sleep my life away is what helped push me along. Mindy communicated her desire to sleep a little longer. In granting her wish, I pulled the door closed to minimize the noise from my morning activities.

After starting some coffee and choking down my One-A-Day, I began my exercises, which got my blood flowing. Quietly, I bundled for a morning walk with Ykraps. Our walk was non-eventful. We were back five minutes late no worse for the wear. The temperature felt almost warm. I checked Weatherbug on my return only to discover that it was in the mid teens. That was funny! The mid-teens felt spring-like!

I lazily went about having coffee and playing on the internet. I wasn’t very productive at all. Come 10am I decided to install my running clothes and set out on my first run of year eleven. Just about the same time, Mindy made her presence known to the world. I bidded her a good morning and then took off on my Saturday morning run.

I kept my run internal to the subdivision, not feeling much like dodging fast cars, especially given the somewhat late hour. The run went well and went by quickly. I was home before I knew it.

In the door only minutes, I was quick to change back into my pajamas not wanting to sit around in my sweaty & smelly running clothes. Mindy wanted to talk about some things we’d briefly touched on the night before, so we sat at the breakfast table and talked for about an hour. We talked about things that all couples should discuss before getting married, but most don’t. Some of the discussion broached topics I was certain Mindy didn’t really like, but just the same, the issues needed to be discussed. I knew that in the long run our relationship would benefit from having discussed these issues now. Most of our discussion centered around our individual finances and how we’d recognize these issues should our relationship end. My point, of course, was that now was the time to discuss them rather than risk surprise later. Again, Mindy didn’t like discussing such things. But the fact is, the number of relationships and marriages that end are staggering, so these what if’s should be aired.

We came to moderate agreement on a few things, but I was also certain that we’d have more discussions on these and other issues in the near future.

Mindy had some errands she wanted to run and so did I. We both eventually showered and prepared for our day about town. I asked how she felt about me going to see the new Hannibal movie by myself, knowing of her disdain for such movies. She didn’t seem too warm to the idea.

I left destined for Wal-Mart, Old Navy, and Giant Eagle. Mindy was headed dress shopping and then to her mom’s. At Wal-Mart I bought a new leash & collar for Ykraps, a new tooth brush, some greeting cards, sun glasses, and a neck strap.
At Old navy I looked for new ski gloves for Mindy. They had none. It’s spring in Old Navy. At Giant Eagle I bought two big steaks, some jumbo shrimp, asparagus, a chocolate turtle pie, six pack of Mad Hatter IPA, and a couple of things for Gloria. Total damage of today’s shopping - $150.

I arrived home before Mindy. It was 1:30pm. Ashley was due over at 2pm. She was leaving Olivia for me to watch while she shops for a birthday outfit. She called while I was out shopping to ask if Lil’ Rocky could come over too. And of course I agreed.

It wasn’t long before they were over. Ashley left just after getting the two kids settled. The time went fast. Me, Olivia, and Lil’ Rocky played for about 2.0 hours before Mindy got home and another hour before Ashley returned from shopping. I enjoyed my bonding time with Olivia although she got a little fussy towards the end. And the fussier she got, the sleepier I was. Mindy took her off my hands for the last half hour while I captured my second wind and even snuck in a short little nap.

After Ashley left with the kids it was approaching 6pm. We decided we ought to get busy making our Saturday dinner. I took charge of cooking the steaks and shrimp. Mindy took ownership of the asparagus. For asparagus to turn out well, one has a very tight window. We were eating just after 7pm. Our steaks were 1.25 inch Angus Rib-Eyes. They turned out fabulous as did the jumbo shrimp. And the asparagus was just right, too. After cleaning up, we enjoyed some chocolate turtle pie.

Through dinner and after, I enjoyed three Mad Hatter IPA’s while Mindy enjoyed some red wine. In between IPA two and three, I did a shot of tequila – the first in years, and probably since our Puerto Plata trip when I did one with daughter Ashley.

We stayed up until 10:30pm when we both gave way to sleepiness and agreed to head to bed. I tried to watch Mad TV but fell asleep minutes into the programming. So much for comedy relief!