Misfit

A perfect start to a Friday. The sky was clear and the temperature fairly moderate, at least for the 13th day of February. It was something close to 28 degrees. I completed my calisthenics then walked Ykraps. Because Jacob didn’t have school (some Hilliard school system thing) I knew I could take a more leisurely approach to my morning. Thanks to neighbors, I remembered to place the trash bin at the curb after walking Ykraps. For the first week in a while, our can wasn’t overflowing with garbage. I went to wake Mindy and deliver coffee around 6:05am, but she was actually already up and prepping for her shower. I took my dear old time playing on the PC, stretching, and then meditating before leaving on my run. I managed to head out the door before 6:40am. I dressed a little scant but that proved a wise move. Dressing any warmer would’ve left me dripping with sweat upon my return. I was quite comfortable. It was broad daylight by the time I made it back home. Mindy was taking Bella to school, but the other three, Jacob included, to Grandma Sharon’s. I enjoyed the quiet, savoring every moment. I was ready for work before 8am. And because I didn’t need to get Jacob off to school, I used the extra time to tidy up the kitchen so that when Mindy got home the house would be spic and span. I arrived at work early given my easy morning. Early on my boss and a peer made plans to do lunch at Chipotle, Ken’s treat. He owed me for our Super Bowl bet. We left for Chipotle around 1130am. Not only was the Chipotle good, but the company was fun too. We had a hoot of a good time. Always a good way to spend a Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, I was excited to see that Saturday’s weather forecast looked somewhat favorable for a day at Mad River Mt. Mindy & I were looking forward to getting out on our new skis before next week’s trip. Furthermore, we planned to take Bella along to give her an opportunity to try skiing. We had tentative child care arrangements in place for the other three. Late in the afternoon my boss and I ventured Tuttle Mall to pick-up Valentine’s Day gifts for our wives. He splurged for a diamond necklace. I went for Godiva chocolates, roses, and a card. Mindy already conceded that her new skis should count as her ‘real’ gift and that covers our fast approaching anniversary too. The day wrapped up and I headed home right around 515pm. Mindy was excited to get roses and chocolates. I shared my flower shopping story with her. I’ve never seen so many lost souls hovering in the flower department at Kroger. Most looked lost and bewildered. I walked Ykraps in a hurry putting to rest any discomfort he felt. I was still full from Chipotle even though I ate early and brought half of my burrito home. Later, however, I warmed week-old Minelli’s pizza. It was still tasty. I enjoyed it. Along with my pizza, I poured myself a Hop Slam. Oh yeah! After the kids were tucked into bed and another beer, a CBC IPA I suggested to Mindy that we try fitting our ski boots to our skis. Don’t ask me why I felt uneasy about it but I did. Sure enough, my boots weren’t close. The binding was adjusted too short by at least 1.5 inches. In kind, Mindy’s was about ¼” too long. I was steaming mad. I already knew both ASBCO stores were closed. I’d have to make a trip to one or the other first thing Saturday morning. They were slated to open at 10am. Looking over my paperwork the boot to binding box was checked and initialed by a ski smith. That only angered me further. I called Bob Imber to share my frustration. He understood. The money they charge makes such a mistake almost intolerable. Before ending our call Bob asked if I’ve seen his ASBCO Velcro ski keeps. I had not. At the same time, I heard Mindy in the other room eavesdropping and commenting about something, although I couldn’t tell what exactly she was saying. After our call, she shared that she found some red Velcro straps in the Honda. Great! Not only did we have Mary Ann’s ski pants but now Bob’s ski keeps. Keep this up and we’ll have everything we need to go skiing without buying a thing. J Mindy & I stayed up long enough for me to enjoy one more Hop Slam. Two Hop Slams and one CBC I was feeling no pain. I’ll bet we were in bed by 10pm.