Celebrating Olivia

I was up at 5:30am just as expected. I felt pretty darn good for getting only 6.5 hrs of sleep. My exercises went well too, and my right shoulder ached only at the outset of my push-ups. All in all I felt physically well. Ykraps and I took to the streets by 5:50am under a very clear star filled sky. It was one of those mornings when I just couldn’t stop gazing skyward.

My first cup of coffee was uplifting and invigorating. Sitting at the PC I read the Daily OM and then a few headlines. But I steered clear of any Vikings news. I also saw that the Indians got pounded 11-2. That’s too bad after being up 3 games to 1. Those Indians’ fans must be waking with heavy hearts. I know that feeling well. They must move on, however.

Before meditation and a run I delivered Mindy’s coffee. She was already in the shower. The temperature was in the low 50’s making my attire almost perfect for the run. I felt really loose. This week marks the first run in total darkness. The days are indeed getting shorter. We change the clocks back in two weeks. I figure that’ll net me an additional week or two of some limited lightness before the days get even shorter.

Mindy was putting together breakfast burritos when I got home. The shells we used were whole wheat. They were a bit too rigid for our liking. But other than that, they were very tasty. Mindy & Bella soon left. Jacob was dragging a little, all the while playing his Gameboy on the sofa. I noticed he hadn’t yet dressed for school. That’s unusual. I threw down his clothes while I headed off to shower. When I returned ready to go I noticed he had yet to move forward with readying himself. At my insistence, he got moving. But he was cutting it close. He had to really hurry. As he bolted out the door the bus was just pulling up to the corner bus stop. He ran down. I continued down to the corner even after seeing him get on the bus. I offered Pat empathy for the Indians loss. I know how big a fan he is. He seemed OK with it, though. I headed on back home to finalize my own preparations.

I arrived at work around 8:25am. It was a lovely morning. But unfortunately, the lovely weather wasn’t expected to last. Clouds were predicted to move in by early afternoon and then steady, heavy rain for upwards of 30 hours. The work day went like most Monday’s. I had a lot of email to sift through and delete after being off for three days. Plus, I hadn’t done clean-up for a couple days prior. That typically translates into a huge inbox. Today was no exception.

I worked straight through – not taking an official lunch break. I did fetch my lunch from the fridge and eat while I worked, however. The day went relatively fast. I left work at 5:15pm. I had already planned to stop at Kroger to get a cake for Olivia. Mindy asked that I also get buns to hold our Texas burgers. While there I picked up an anniversary card & flowers for Mindy. I called Mindy as I entered traffic. She reported that Ashley had just pulled up with Olivia. The much anticipated rain just started coming down while I was in Kroger. I was home by 6pm. Mindy was pleased to receive flowers. Olivia looked cute in an obviously new outfit. Ashley did too. I noticed that her nuisance rash was back. I didn’t mention it though. She’s very sensitive about it.

I played with Oliva and Lil’ Rocky. He came along with Ashley. It’s probably a good thing, too because Lindsey doesn’t visit very often on her own. The house was loud and loose, something I continue to struggle with. Soon dinner was ready. We got out Bella’s old table seat. It appears to magically hang from the dining table. Olivia was agitated and cranky all through dinner, but we endured. I got busy on clean-up immediately after finishing my meal. It’s a good outlet for my compulsion. Mindy allowed Olivia to open her gifts.

The twin neighbor girls, who are 12 I believe, showed up for some math help during our meal. Mindy kindly asked them back just before 7pm. They returned right on time and just before birthday cake. Mindy helped them out while I finished the clean-up. They joined us for cake. I bought cup cakes in lieu of a sheet cake. The icing was bright and colorful – lots of food coloring I’m certain.