Asti, Starbucks, & Step-Brothers

Just like that, it was Tuesday already. I was up at 5:20pm and felt pretty good even after staying up later than I should’ve the night before. There was talk of an overnight snow storm skimming us but that never happened. It was cold but no sign of snow. It was only 19 degrees. That’s 34 degrees colder than yesterday at the same time. I went about my morning exercise routine and quickly found myself outside in the cold walking Ykraps. It felt colder than it was due to a stiff little breeze blowing out of the NW. I already had the trash setting out waiting on the trash truck. In fact, I had another giant trash bag full & ready to be stuffed in the can as soon as it was dumped. I would then move it across the street to create a double pick-up. This giant trash bag has been resting full in our basement for almost a year. Time to rid ourselves of it once an for all. The initial pick-up happened just after 6am while I sipped my coffee – like always. After delivering Mindy’s coffee, I did my usual morning meditation. I placed a great deal of attention on the well being of my grand children, especially Rocky & Landon. Regardless of how tough it may seem to successfully manage 4 children, I know we’re their best hope. From that perspective I gather strength. Besides, short of self-serving gluttony, what else would I do? I left for my run out into the cold well dressed for such and event. I was very comfortable. I much prefer the bitter cold over nasty, wet, winter rain. As one might expect, the run went well. I returned to the house cold but comfortable. The kids and Mindy were busy eating breakfast and readying for departure. I made sure everyone knew to bundle warmly. It was cold! Jacob, Jake and I tossed the football in the bitter cold while standing at the bus stop. I wore my running gloves. The two of them played bare-handed. Jacob reminded me again that he needs receiving gloves. Why, when I was a kid … I was off to work by 8:05am. The work day proved to be an interesting one. I spent the entire morning moving my office. Despite cleaning my current office thoroughly a month ago, the filth oozed as I relocated down the hall and around the corner. My plan was to get everything in my new office first before beginning the organization process. That worked well, but also kept me out-of-pocket until about 11:30am. At lunch time I headed to Target to pick-up Xmas gifts for my team members. In addition, Mindy asked me to pick-up 75 clear glass ornaments for a school project. Before simply throwing them in my cart, I called her to make sure that I read the email right. I mean, who needs 75 clear glass ornaments? Lucky for me, she answered. That was correct – 75. OK. For my team members the plan was to get each of them a bottle of Martini & Rossi Asti and some fine chocolates. Target was able to meet both needs. Great! And since I was there, I checked out the hockey table that Jacob wants. They had one left. I decided not to buy it because I couldn’t be sure that it was the right one. I’d check the Target add later with Mindy’s help and go from there. I picked up the Step-Brothers DVD, starring Will Ferrell. I’ve heard that it’s a hoot. In addition, I bought 12 gift bags and tissue paper. Lastly, I picked up three one-pound bags of Starbucks coffee for my peers. Back to work. The rest of the afternoon moved swiftly. I was out of the office by 5:30pm. Mindy made beef noodles for dinner. They were exceptional. We ate the rest of the Italian bread with it. This was a Rocky & Landon bath night. Jacob & Bella were off the hook. After tucking the kids into bed, Mindy helped me build 12 gift bags to take to work tomorrow AM. I wrote out 12 Xmas cards too. I stowed all the gift bags in three laundry baskets for easy transport tomorrow morning. We talked about our expanded family roles afterwards. Without question, the task is daunting and incredibly taxing on the both of us. However, in the end, we both agree it’s the right thing to do. Mindy went to bed earlier than I. I stayed up watching some Science TV.