Meditation & Manifestation

Mindy was hopeful that I’d make it up to the hospital earlier than I did on Thursday. Once again, I was up around 7:30am, my natural wake-up time. Unlike Thursday, it was cloudy and raining ever so lightly. It wasn’t a very pretty day by any stretch. I moved about with leisure, being careful not to rush or work myself into a frenzy. I can do that if I am not mindful.

After my exercise routine, Ykraps & I darted out into the damp & dreary weather. And speaking of the weather, it’s not too uncommon for my mood to be swayed easily by the weather, especially when it’s less than ideal for an extended period of time. Two years ago we suffered through an awful May after a lovely April. Last year we were blessed with a nice May. This year is more in line with what many in Columbus consider a jinx. Plain and simple, the recent weather sucks!

After coffee, I readied for a run. My leg and ass felt about as good as it has in an awfully long time. I was most pleased. By the time my run was in the bag it was 9:15am. While grooming after a shower I decided that today was as good a day as any to get a haircut. I thought that I might do so on my way to the hospital. In keeping with that plan, I printed a Saturday’s $2 off coupon that I received via email. Thinking it through, it only made sense to stop at the Lane Ave. Saturday’s. After all, it’s essentially on the way to Riverside Hospital. Before dashing off, I decided to take my new bike for a quick test spin – its maiden voyage. The rain had stopped but the roads were still a little wet. But that didn’t stop me. The ride was short & fun. I enjoyed it. I adjusted the seat upwards after a few blocks.

Finally, I was ready to head out. I arrived at Saturday’s in Lane Avenue Mall around 11:10am. There was only one girl working. At first she told me there’d be a 45 minute wait. Well, I knew that wasn’t going to happen. After thanking her and beginning to walk out, she adjusted her estimate down to 15 minutes. I agreed thinking that a walk through Whole Foods next door would be fun. I forgot that they carry all sorts of specialty beers. I perused their inventory, and almost bought a couple different varieties but thought better of it. I have so much at home already. I was tempted by Hoppin’ Frog’s Berry beer. They’re the makers of Mean Manalishi Double IPA. It’s right up there with the very best. I left empty handed.

Back at Saturday’s, the hair stylist immediately told me to come on back and have a seat. Unlike many Saturday’s employees, she was very forward, and even politically incorrect. Before I knew it she was telling me about her family back in New Orleans, friends with AIDS and friends that are strung out on dope. I was a little surprised with her candor. The two other customers already in-progress looked equally as dumfounded. I laughed it off and chose to simply enjoy her interesting demeanor. She was fast and efficient, having me out of there in less than ten minutes. I tipped her reasonably well.

Since I was directly across from Front Runner, I decided to at least stop in and check out their running shoes. I was more than due for a new pair. In fact, I’ve been wondering if my worn shoes might be contributing to my sore ass. That happens, you know! I was surprised and unaware of their recent expansion. Mindy & I were last in there just after Xmas. Looks like they’ve added a few hundred square feet since. Over time, they’ve cut back on the number of Nike running shoes they carry. Plus, they’ve never been known to carry all of the over-hyped models and colors. Their niche is catering to serious runners. I consider myself a serious runner, but am also very picky about aesthetics. I’ve left here several times and drove to Finish Line to find something that met all three of my running shoe criteria – comfort, color, and price. This time, however, I knew that I wanted Bowerman series Nike running shoes. They always have their fair share. They had some that met all three of my criteria. I tried on a 10.5 reg, 10.5 wide, and then an 11.0. I settled on the 11’s. I discussed my running streak with Steve, and even shared a little about my sore hamstring. He spoke of another streak runner that had to end his streak after 20 years but has since started one anew.

I told Steve that I wanted to wear my new running shoes out of the store to help break them in before my first run Saturday morning. This has become a ritual of sorts. It helps tremendously. As I began to pull away I took notice of the Subway right next door. Having not yet eaten, I reparked the Trooper and went in to grab a $5 toasted sub. But the line was at least ten deep – looked to be school kids on lunch. I opted out. Still craving a sub, I chose to take Olentangy River Rd instead of 315N. I knew that there would be another Subway around Akermann Rd. There was. Right across from Boulevard Gardens. I stopped in and got a foot long Italian sub and orange soda. I arrived at the hospital by 12:30pm.

Mindy was happy to see me. She shared the story of my dad’s earlier visit. She told me that she threw up her first solid breakfast almost immediately after he arrived. She described him being a little uncomfortable. Yeah! I greeted Mindy’s roomy, Leiyah and her boyfriend Mike. Turns out, Mike just flew in from Seattle to be with Leiyah. He over heard me sharing with Mindy that it was 87 & sunny in Portland. We talked a lot about the PNW. Like a lot of folks we talk with from there, he’s a bit sick of the climate after ten years. Rains too much – not enough sunshine. As I understood it, he’s a freelance writer thus works from home. So, he can live wherever. He spoke of moving to San Diego, where the two of them met while attending a positive thinking seminar – The Secret. They both professed their love for meditation and manifestation. We bonded almost instantly.

Later that afternoon Pastor Karen stopped in to pay a visit to Mindy. This time she brought along a prayer shawl made by a congregation member. Like her predecessor, Pastor Steve, Karen is so down to earth and easy to talk with. But when you stop and think about it, she’s walking the same walk we’re walking. She didn’t stay too long. No other visitors stopped in while I was there, but Mindy was expecting Rene a little later. The day was winding down. Leiyah was preparing to head home after just one night’s stay. While she & Mike were making arrangements to check out, I said my goodbyes to them and then to Mindy. I headed home for the evening just after 6pm.

I made plans to meet my buddy Tom C. at Barley’s later. I told him I’d call him once I was on my way. Once at home, I walked Ykraps and then took a ride on my new bike. I assume because of the all moisture in the air and now sunshine, but the air was thick with tiny flying insects. I got more than a faceful while riding. They were swarming! I rested for a short while before heading out. It always feels incredibly good to kick back in the recliner. I left for Barley’s just before 8pm. I phoned Tom as I was heading out. He’d meet me there later.

Barley’s was fairly well populated. I stood for the first hour or so. Jeremy & Courtney were there picking up carry-out. They had Porter in tow too. We chatted briefly. I hooked up with Mark & Steve, two regulars. We had a nice evening sipping beers and carrying on. Later Tom C. arrived just as he said he would. Rick showed up at his usual 9pm. I called Mindy after seeing I missed one of her calls. I passed the phone to all the guys so they could wish her well. Through the evening I had three beers, one house IPA and then two Lagunitas Maximus Double IPAs. Now that was some good beer! Tom & I shared 20 wings while finishing the last beer. The Reds & Indians game played on the flat panels. The Reds won in dramatic fashion. I was very pleased. I even called and left Bob I. a voice mail indicating as much.

Tom wanted to hit another bar or two, but I knew my limits and didn’t want to risk ruining my Saturday morning plans. I left for home at 10:30pm.