Hobgoblin on the Firkin

Friday morning had finally arrived. I was up at 5:30am eager and ready to finish out the regular work week. However, because I stayed up late the night before, I was still very sleepy. I stayed up late watching the college football game between #2 - Boston College and #8 - Virginia Tech. B.C. won in rather dramatic, last minute fashion. I found myself pulling for V.T.

It must've 11:30pm by the time I headed to bed. But sadly, I found it difficult to get to sleep. It was after midnight when I finally did, but even then, my sleep was unusually light.

But rather than focus on the negative...

I chose instead to focus on the task at hand. Like an man with a plan, I whipped out my calisthenics and then headed out of doors with Ykraps. We walked towards the west – our more common path. He was quick with his agenda. We found ourselves back in no time flat enjoying some coffee and the warmth of our home. I prepped and delivered Mindy’s coffee before heading out for my run. Like most mornings, I stretched on the front porch just before taking off into the cool morning air. I was a few minutes ahead of schedule somewhat throwing off my usual morning encounters.

I returned from my run by 7:05am and went about the business of preparing my breakfast & lunch. It wasn’t long before Mindy & Bella left for school leaving Jacob and I alone to finish out our daily prep in silence. We left for the bus stop at 7:55am. I tried getting Jacob to wait until 8am but he would have nothing to do with it. So, we waited at the corner for the bus to come sweep him away. Yet another day without Alena at the bus stop. Perhaps she’s quit school. ???

It was 8:03am. I headed into work listening to more of the Tao Te Ching. Three out of every four Fridays I head into work with an extra bounce in my step and a wide smile across my face as a I look forward to the weekend ahead. However, that elation is substantially lessened on that exception week - the week that I am on-call. This was that week.

I worked hard all day long intent on getting ahead as much as possible. I worked through lunch choosing to eat while I worked. As the day began to wind down the work load heated up. I faced many challenging situations between 3- 5:30pm. But like always, I persevered. I headed for home a few minutes after 5:30pm. I was tired after a tough work day and little sleep the night before. I called Mindy on my drive home. Among other things, we discussed the night’s activities. She had already decided that she’d be staying home this evening all the while Glenn and I went to Barley’s. She was exhausted and had lots to do. I was fine with that.

I arrived home and quickly walked Ykraps. Mindy decided to order a Minelli’s pizza for her and the kids. I laid down on the sofa hell bent on stealing a few winks. Glenn arrived a few minutes later just before Mindy left to retrieve her pie. Glenn stayed largely to himself working on his laptop allowing me to nap in silence. I slept for about ten minutes – long enough to get a second wind.

While Mindy & the kids chomped on the some pizza, I freshened up a little before Glenn and I headed out. This is the first time that I have visited Barley’s without Mindy for a very long time. At my prompting, Glenn gave Tommy a call on our way. Tommy agreed to meet us there a bit later.

Hobgoblin was on the firkin. Lee poured me one without asking. Glenn ordered the same. Steve, Mark, and Tim were seated at the corner of the bar. They were surprised that Mindy wasn’t along. No too many other familiar faces, but we were there much earlier than usual. No Bob & M.A. No Jeremy & Courtney. After I finished my firkin I ordered my favorite, a Double Dog Dare IPA. Lee offered to put some wings on for us but I wanted to wait for Tommy. He showed about thirty minutes later and joined Glenn & I at the bar. Rick showed up, also. Among other things, we chatted about the hapless Ohio professional sports franchises that haven’t captured a world championship since the 1990 Reds. The fun was poked most recently at the collapse of the Cleveland Indians and their inability to capitalize on their 3 games to one advantage in the ALCS.

Eventually we ordered twenty Gates of Hell wings along with a full order of sauerkraut balls. Lee served the wings with a side of Jerk sauce. They were as good as usual. We left Barley’s around 10:40pm. Glenn asked to be dropped at dad’s but only after stopping first at my house to retrieve his laptop. I obliged him. I was back home by 11pm. I took two Advil and checked-in with work before heading up to bed.