The Moon, the Sun, and all the Rest

I was up a few minutes early and found my way down the stairs by 5:29am. I hurried towards my Blackberry hoping to get there before the alarm sounded. It sounded almost as soon as I touched it. I wasted little time getting my calisthenics underway – sit-ups, push-ups, and curls. All were done by 5:45am. Ykraps and I headed out the door. I could tell that it was warmer than Monday but still chilly. But at least I didn’t have to wear the fleece neck band. Still, it must’ve been near freezing.

We were back at home with time to spare. It was just after 5:50am. That left lots of time to tinker & play. I used all the time available to me. I took to delivering Mindy’s coffee just after 6:00am. This would be her first day back to school after a 10 day break. Turns out, she was already up and just beginning to make the bed. I put her coffee on the bathroom dresser and assisted her with the bed. I hurried back downstairs immediately after.

After 20 minutes of decent meditation I dressed and left for my run. This was the first time that I made it out the door prior to or at 6:30am in a little while. The sky was clear and the half-moon was visible in the SE sky. I enjoyed my run immensely. It was really quite lovely. At home, everyone was up and milling about. Things were back to normal as far as I could tell. My lunch was made and my breakfast waiting. That was nice! What was different was that Jacob would be going with Mindy & Bella leaving me all to myself. He’s on spring break this week.

I enjoyed my time alone. I haven’t experienced such a morning since mid-August. By the time I finished my breakfast, cleaned up the kitchen, and showered it was 8:00am. I was planning to load my golf clubs into the Trooper thinking that I’d make a trip to the driving range at lunch but forgot. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. Driving into work, I thought about stopping at Thornton’s for gas, but still had roughly an eighth of a tank. Gas was $3.04. I chose to go on thinking that I’d get it on my way home instead, and perhaps even pay less than the morning price. I arrived at work by 8:15am.

I stayed very busy at work. However, when I could and in between tasks, I did a little solar system research looking for the answers to some of Jacob’s science questions. I learned quite a bit, but never did find out which of our planets was the oldest. But I did learn that the oldest planet ever discovered is only 1 billion years younger than our entire universe, which itself is estimated to be about 18 billion years old. This particular planet is not in our system. It’s faithful to another sun. And by the way, Earth is estimated to be about 4 to 5 billion years old.

I was most fascinated with the detailed information available about the composition of each planet in our solar system. They speak as if they’ve been there, dug into them, and sampled the gases. Reading further, though, one quickly realizes that all of the information is only speculative - an educated guess. Even the details about our own Earth’s inner core, outer core, mantle and crust are speculative.

A question that has puzzled me for the past couple of years was whether or not the sun rotated and/or circled something larger. I learned today that it does both. The term cosmic year or 225 million years – is roughly the time it takes for the sun and, for that matter, the entire solar system to make one revolution around the Milky Way. It’s estimated that we’re moving at roughly 220 kilometers per second. And, yes, the sun is rotating, although significantly slower than the Earth. It takes on average 27 days for the sun to make one revolution. What’s more, it rotates faster at it’s equator than at its poles (?). Can that be? Apparently so! This stuff is too cool! The more I read and learn about our universe and solar system the more inquisitive I become.

Sadly, like religion, lots of blood has been spilt over the centuries as brave men countered prevailing opinion about our place in the universe.

I made a quick run to Target & Lowe’s for lunch. I found a long sleeved black t-shirt to make up for the one I lost last month. They’re hard to find this time of year. But I found one on the clearance rack for $4.88. At Lowe’s I once again browsed the kitchen faucets. I think I like the Delta stainless steel retractable sprayer. Only ten more days to decide. I was back at work after one hour.

The afternoon was busier than the morning. I was fully engaged until quitting time. I left for home around 5:40pm. Mindy reminded me that this was watchin’ night at Bella’s dance studio, and I promised Bella that I would come. Mindy walked Ykraps so I wouldn’t have that to be concerned with once home. She & the kids were eating leftover chicken. I opted not. I made myself a bowl of cereal – Cap’n Crunch! We left for dance at 6:15pm. Wisely, I took my book.

We went right into the studio where tap practice promptly began. I watched and read simultaneously. Eventually, I got sleepy and discretely took a nap. Practice went fast. I woke feeling thoroughly refreshed. We left for home at 7:30pm. Mindy allowed the kids some snacks but then hurried them off to bed. Mindy & I watched American Idol. It’s the most of the show I’ve seen since the opening episode. I was most impressed with the final singer. He was incredible.

After Idol we watched a comedy called ‘Til Death. It was very humorous! We both laughed hard. We called it a night after and headed for bed. I was eager for a good night’s rest.