Returning to Normal

It was a rough night sleeping. Although I could barely keep my eyes open as I headed up stairs to bed, I found myself wide awake and uncomfortable once I plopped down into bed. After a few minutes I decided to try watching some TV as a sleep aid. I remember watching part of Family Guy but not much else. I must’ve drifted off to sleep but once again never too soundly. I’m not sure what time it was but Mindy came to bed late. I wisely reset the start time for the irrigation system to 5:30am. That way, I figured, I’d already be awake, thus preventing its annoying clanking sound to wake me unnecessarily. It worked like a charm. I woke just before it kicked on. Despite a poor night’s sleep, I woke feeling well rested. I started my exercises within a couple of minutes after waking. By the time I headed out with Ykraps it was already completely daylight. It was an enjoyable walk. The front (first) sprinkler zone was still on, but done by the time we finished our walk. I was excited about having my beloved morning coffee after a full week away from it. I sat at the PC but spent comparatively little time there. Since I was the only one needing to be up and about, I took my time with the rest of my routine. I did a ten minute meditation and a ten minute stretch. I stretched again outside before leaving on my run. The sun was well above the horizon as I hit the streets. It was only in the upper 50s making for another comfortable run. I wore shorts and a long sleeved wicking shirt. It felt great to be back at it at home. After my run I headed back inside to start making my breakfast. I decided to go with fried eggs. I packed my lunch, too, although Mindy already had a few things prepackaged and ready. It was after 7:30am when I finished with breakfast. I prepped Mindy’s coffee and headed up for a shower. After a shower I asked Mindy if she would be kind enough to rub so lotion into my back. It was a little itchy, no doubt a remnant from too much sun. Before leaving for work I took a few minutes to pay some bills. I made the final payment on the Trooper. Now both of my cars are officially paid off. Wahoo! That felt terrific! I left for work at 8:10am. I checked my gas. I had just under a half tank. Gas prices were still hovering around $2.63 a gallon. I didn’t stop. Work was busy in the door. I was surprised to find things were that busy. I got the latest scoop and gossip from my peer, Ken. We talked for an extended length of time. Eventually are boss joined us. As the day wore on things hardly lightened. I had thought that I might make a Home Depot run at lunch to get a few things necessary to being our vandalized yard back to normal but couldn’t/didn’t get away. It was after 2pm before I knew it. I talked with Mindy at one point. She was hanging out with one of the neighbors. I could hear oodles of kids in the background. She said she’d be grilling chops for dinner and had already made some potato salad. I left work around 5:35pm after tying up a few loose ends. The day went fast, especially for my first day back after vacation. I arrived home by 6pm. Mindy commented that she’d already walked Ykraps. I rinsed my lunch dishes and prepped Tuesday’s coffee. After grilling the chops, Mindy set up dinner on the deck. It was perfect for dining outdoors – not too hot and not too cold. Everything was exceptional. Afterwards, Mindy and the kids headed off on a bike ride. I stayed out on the deck and took a brief nap, still in my chair. I slept well. At some point, I got up and headed back inside but went directly for the sofa for even more sleep. I probably slept there for no more than fifteen minutes. I was groggy but got up and started moving around. I was eager to do some writing. While Mindy bathed the children, I wrote. I probably spent a good hour or so finishing Saturday and Sunday, both were incomplete prior. It was after 9pm when I finished. I headed up to tuck in the kids. Bella was in good spirits. Jacob was already sound asleep. I did some surfing for the next 15-20 minutes. I already knew I wanted some popcorn but decided to wait to allow time for Bella to fall asleep. Just when I went to pop some corn Bella woke to tell her momma that she had a bad dream. Crap. I waited until she headed back to her room before popping the corn. I even went to the dining room to tear open the plastic wrap away from the bag so not to allow Bella’s sensitive ears to hear. The next thing I knew, she was asking why I was popping popcorn. Mindy allowed her to join me for some. She ate half before Mindy sent her back to her room. Just before 10pm, Mindy disappeared. About ten minutes later when I headed to bed I found her already there in bed. I asked if she was awake. She was. I then asked if she’d rub my aching back. She did. I fell asleep around 10:30pm, best guess.