Friday, February 01, 2008

Take Your Best Shot



I was up bright and early, and happy that it was finally Friday. The weather deteriorated overnight to the extent that Mindy’s school was canceled. However, I didn’t know it until later. The temperature was just above freezing, but there was still a dangerous, thin sheet of ice on the walks and roads making for treacherous travel. It was melting, however. The slickest spot as witnessed by me was our own front porch, which faces due north. I was very cautious as Ykraps and I stepped out for our morning walk.

I heaved a couple hands full of salt onto the drive and walk after we returned. At that point I wasn’t yet aware of Mindy’s cancellation. Soon after prepping coffee Mindy came down to share her exciting news. No school. However, according to the news, no local systems were closed. I was all set to head up deliver Mindy’s coffee and the bad news. But just as I was making her coffee, Mindy came down stairs to share that her school was closed. Impossible, I said. The news said so, I told her. Just then the TV news flashed the updated closings indicating that she indeed was free at last! The night before, Jacob predicted no school for himself. I cautioned him against such thinking only trying to save him the disappointment. Right then the TV news flashed a two-hour delay for Hilliard. I knew that he’d be disappointed that his was in session.

It was just raining by now, and the thin coating of ice had all but melted. I dressed and left for my run around 6:40am. I had no significant reason to hurry since I didn’t need to get Jacob on the bus. Plus, I figured every minute that I delayed my run would make it that much less dangerous. But eventually I stepped out into the wet, and marginally icy conditions to complete my run. The surfaces (walks and roads) were inconsistently wet then icy. Truth is, that can be worse that all icy. You have your footing in one instant and then the next it is gone.

I was careful and paid very close attention to my path. I found the roads more consistent than the walks, so where I could, I stayed off the walks. Despite Mindy’s “free-day”, she was up making my breakfast when I returned. I wasn’t expecting that. She stated that she was too excited to go back to sleep after getting the no-school call. Too funny! The kids were both up too and were preparing for their day. As predicted, Jacob was envious of his mother’s free day, although he did seem pleased that he had a two-hour delay and could chill with his momma.

I readied for work as usual but at a more leisurely pace. I warmed the Trooper and allowed all the ice to melt away before dredging on into work. The roads were in great shape. The temps were expected to hover in the mid 30’s most of the day making the weather much less of a concern.

Work was busy and I worked straight through. I was fried come early evening. I was more than ready for a weekend. I left for home just after 5pm. Mindy and I made arrangements for a sitter so that we could attend what amounted to three separate get-togethers, none of which were at Barley’s, believe it or not. The first, at Oties in Old-Hilliard, was for a departing co-worker, and the other two were at Cosmos in Karic Square. One was a Tom Clark get-together and the other a CompuServe reunion of sorts.

Immediately after arriving home I walked Ykraps and then retired to the recliner for a much coveted nap. I must’ve slept for a good 20-25 minutes. Felt terrific. Afterwards I readied for our night out. Didn’t take long – just quick a freshening up. Soon, the neighbor girls and their mother arrived to watch the kids. That went smoothly. Mindy and I were on our way to Oties by 6:50pm.

We arrived 15 minutes later. Many had already departed having gone there right after work. We each had one drink (me beer – Mindy wine). We chatted with the group and then bidded Don farewell and good luck. Onto Cosmos Grille.

We arrived at Cosmos just after 8pm. Several ex-CompuServe folks were present – some I hadn’t seen in years or since the WorldCom debacle. In fact, many of the founding fathers were there. The place was packed to the walls to be sure. I spotted Tom C almost immediately but temporarily had my attention deferred by an old friend and co-worker. After chatting with her and introducing Mindy, we moved over to see Tom Clark, my old buddy.

Tom looked good. We visited for quite a while. I ordered a Sam Adams and Mindy a glass of wine. I knew she wanted to eat something but she wanted to wait on her friend Rene, who was meeting us there as well. Mindy chatted warmly with my old friends and seemed to be having a good time. When Rene finally arrived the two of them did a few shots of Goldschlager. Big mistake! Soon, Mindy was loopy (and that’s being kind). Rene did her best to take care of Mindy while I socialized with friends. And incidentally, most of my friends were quite enamored with Rene.

I ordered Mindy a cheeseburger but it never arrived. Eventually, Rene told me that Mindy wouldn’t make it and needed to go home. Bottom line, Mindy was two sheets to the wind. Rene helped Mindy to the Trooper while I settled our tab. Mindy slept during the drive home and even threw-up a little in the car. Yeah – no kidding!

I walked in the house to greet the sitter and to prepare them for Mindy’s entrance. Meanwhile, Mindy was still asleep in the Trooper. The young girls looked mortified when they saw Mindy in such a state. Truth is, I’ve never seen her like this, and have only known her to party too heavily maybe two other times in 2.5 years. I paid the girls and then they walked home. As they walked by Mindy in the Trooper still asleep with the door open they took a scared glimpse. Honestly, it was kind of funny!

After they left I carried Mindy in. By now she couldn’t even walk on her own. I carried her upstairs and put her in bed. The noise she made woke Jacob and now he was in our room to snuggle with his momma. He had no idea that she was incoherent. I chose to allow him to sleep by her side. I would’ve removed her clothes but that was almost hopeless. I went back downstairs, called Rene to thank her, and then played on the PC all the while enjoying two big bowls of Capt’n Crunch.

I hit the sack at midnight.

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