Working From Home

Knowing that I’d be working from home, I was able to sleep a bit later than usual. I was up and after my exercise routine by 6:05am. Despite working from home, I still needed to be back from my run by 7:30am to see Mindy off and at the same time, be there for Jacob and Rocky, who was staying home from school ill. I was back from walking Ykraps by 6:30am. Somewhat hurriedly, I poured and delivered Mindy’s morning coffee. She was already in the shower. I spent a few minutes on the PC but cut it short in an effort to stay on schedule. In hindsight, I shouldn’t have slept later than 5:45am. I’ll remember that for next time. By the time I finished my first cup of coffee, stretched, and dressed for a run it was 6:50am. It was closer to 6:55am when I finally headed off for my run. For all intents and purposes, it was daylight from the outset. I tinkered with the idea of cutting my run short but didn’t. That’s a slippery slope, and one which I save only for rare occasions, like ski days. Truth be told, I wasn’t in the best frame of mind immediately out the door. I had another one of those not so happy dreams, and also felt concern over the ever falling stock market. I’ve watched my personal wealth (401K) fall between 40-50% over the last 9 months. So during my run, I worked hard to change my frame of reference. Instead of dwelling on the negative, I forced myself to think only of the many positive things going on in my life, and there are many. By run’s end I felt really good. I stepped on the gas down the home stretch worried that I might be holding up Mindy. But when I got to the house it appeared she had already left. What I wasn’t immediately sure of was whether she left Rocky behind or not. Just after last night’s tuck in he commented that he was feeling better. That being the case, I imagined him going to school after all. The house was quiet. It was 7:31am. Mindy was indeed gone. I checked my phone and sure enough, there was a missed call and message from Mindy. I didn’t bother checking the VM. Instead, I simply called her back. She reported leaving right at 7:30am and leaving Rocky behind with Jacob. I assured her that I must’ve just missed her. I hollered for Jacob who confirmed that Rocky was with him in his room. I spent the next half hour getting logged into work from home, setting up base at the kitchen table. I was preparing to walk Jacob to the bus stop when Rocky asked that I not leave him alone. I agreed and asked him to suit up for the chill. But Jacob advised that he’d be fine just one house over at the bus stop. I allowed him to head out on his own. I asked that he wave from the bus to show me that he was fine. Rocky sat by the door watching. It was just Rocky and me from that point forward. Numerous times I had to remind Rocky that I was actually working, and that he was sick and needed to rest. He wanted to play at the neighbors, watch TV, or eat candy. Just as he often does, he asked these things repeatedly. J The day moved swiftly, certainly faster than it does while at the office. I made lunch around noon. Rocky and I took a 30 minute nap afterwards. It felt terrific. I was back to work around 1pm. Around 3pm I went for a much needed shower. Prior, I stayed in my stale running clothes. The afternoon flew by. Before I knew it, it was time for Jacob to be getting off the bus. He got off in front of the house. Mindy was stopping at Kroger on the way home to pick up a few things to help get us through the week. I can’t be certain but believe that she was home around 5pm. I know this, she arrived while Rocky & I were out walking Ykraps. Jacob was off playing at the neighbors. Mindy brought home one of those roasted chickens and mashed potatoes. She had a full fledged roasted chicken dinner ready in a matter of minutes. Everyone seemed to enjoy the chicken. I know I did. We devoured it down to the bare carcass. Clean-up didn’t take long either. I was grateful for that. Reflecting back on my day, my contention that working from home isn’t for me was reaffirmed. It just feels wrong and leaves me feeling disconnected and uninspired. Mindy made arrangements for Bella to spend the night at Gloria’s. She took her over around 7pm. Jacob went along too. I gave Rocky & Landon baths and also saw them into their pajamas. They were happy to see Mindy back a short time later. Tuck in was a bit strange without Bella around. After the kids were asleep, Mindy played on her laptop while I tuned into four episodes in a row of Family Guy. It was either that or the President’s speech. I took the high, intellectual road and chose Family Guy. :) I fell asleep after 1.5 episodes. I’d been tired all day. Mindy woke me around 10pm for bed.