Ski Ready

Happy 23rd Birthday, Ashley!

This day would be the closest thing to normal all week. I was up a little after 5:30am and quickly finished my daily exercise regimen. In no time at all, I was out walking Ykraps on what was expected to be another crisp, cool, clear morning in Central Ohio. It didn’t disappoint. It was again about 20 degrees under clear skies. After our walk, I poured Mindy’s coffee then delivered it shower-side. She was up unusually early. By the time I got settled in front of the PC it was just after 6:00am. My mind was racing, constantly reviewing all the things that still needed done to make our ski trip a success. For whatever reason, I am the consummate worrier. To categorize it as anything else would be a misleading. It’s rooted in believing that to be worried is to care about the outcome. I know there’s a better way. I stretched inside & out before leaving on my run. My indoor stretch routine in particular is going really well, at least judging by a further reduction in leg/groin discomfort. While I would still call it dark at run’s launch, daylight wasn’t far behind - a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. I finished my run and reentered the house to a wealth of activity. Rocky & Bella were eating their breakfast, and Jacob was already up in his room gaming. To help Mindy, I went to fetch Landon. She was going to take him directly to the Honda, but after discovering he had a chitty diaper, we decided to change him. Into what was the question! :) Mindy bailed me out offering to do the deed. I, more than willing, stepped aside. Mindy and the wee ones finally departed. After my shower, Jacob and I walked to the bus stop. For the first time in a long while we took the football. Jake intercepted Jacob just outside our door. They were both eager to pass the football at the corner. Some things never change. Soon the boys were on the bus and I was on my way to work. By comparison, it was a calm work day. I spent a lot of time chatting with my boss. Among other things, I asked about leaving early. He agreed. The work day went on as planned. I didn’t take a formal lunch, but did enjoy the salad that Mindy packed. Mindy called just after 3pm to share the excitement of being free from work for the next five days. It’s become tradition. We briefly reviewed what we had left to complete. I reminded her that it was daughter Ashley’s birthday. I had already called to wish her well. Mindy planned to do the same. We agreed that I would pick up a Minelli’s pizza on the way home to simplify dinner. I left work at 5:00pm. I stopped at an ATM to get a little cash. I order our pizza as I pulled out of the bank lot. The pizza wasn’t quite ready by the time I got to Minelli’s. I had to wait about two or three minutes. And just as I often do, I ate a small piece on my drive home. That one piece reminded me how hungry I was. After greeting the household, I leashed up Ykraps and set out on our evening walk. Ykraps took care of business quickly. Back at home, Mindy & the kids were already well into the pizza. Rocky proudly proclaimed receiving a smiley face at school that day – a daily report of his behavior. He’s doing really well in that regard. I spent most of the evening further preparing for our trip. I had a list, just like I always have, but admit doing most via memory. It’s all the little, last minute stuff that seems so overwhelming. After the kids were tucked into bed things got easier. I could then focus my full attention on trip prep. Once I felt I had done all I could do trip-wise, I spent a solid 30 minutes updating my blog. Afterwards, I was able to catch about 45 minutes of American Idol. Mindy headed for bed with me still watching TV from the sofa. I declared myself on vacation!