Feeling like a Used Trojan

I woke early morning feeling somewhat sick and overtly thirsty. Around 7am I mustered enough energy to pee and then take 3 Advil. I laid down for another hour or so before getting up and heading downstairs. I still didn’t feel that well but at least the headache was gone. Once downstairs I carefully considered my options. Should I do calisthenics or not? I bagged the exercises, put on some coffee, then leashed up Ykraps. It was a gorgeous morning, but I couldn’t appreciate it. I was feeling way too rough. I needed more sleep. And as soon as I got back home I went horizontal on the sofa with my ballcap pulled down over my face to help keep the bright light out. I slept another 2 hours, or until 11am when I heard Mindy up readying for yoga. I heard here talking with Mary Ann about going along, too. I felt vastly better but still a tad queasy. But you’ll have that. I knew I needed to get up and move around. And that helped a bunch. I sipped some coffee and slowly prepared for my run. Mindy headed out around 11:20am figuring not to be home until 1:15pm or so. I left for my run soon after. The sunny skies and mild temperatures lifted my spirits plenty. I felt pretty good all things considered. I ran the full four miles. I was back home right around noon. And by then I was really hungry. I warmed some leftover Bravo pizza – three slices. It was good but a little heavy on my sensitive tummy. I eventually made my way back to the sofa where I took another snooze. I woke when Mindy returned from yoga. She wondered if I had been there since she left. I clarified that I hadn’t. I felt better after my nap and laid there watching a couple early football games. Mindy prepared/finalized her grocery list and headed off for Wal-Mart. Thirty minutes after she left I upped and headed outside to mow the lawn knowing that if I didn’t get to it then, it might not get done for a few more days. Once I got moving and sweating I felt even better, but I was sucking down ice water like nobody’s business. Mindy returned with the groceries while I was busy cutting. She got them all carried in by herself. The lawn looked awesome when I finished. I was able to cut it half an inch shorter than I have all summer. If I had waited even one more day it wouldn’t have been feasible. Like I often do, I watered the pots and baskets out back before heading in for a shower. I kept a watchful eye on the Michigan score. They were beating Notre Dame. But I also kept a close eye on the golf tournament. Tiger was on a tear shooting a course record 62. Meanwhile, the Buckeye game wouldn’t kick-off for another few hours yet (8pm). I asked Mindy what time the neighbors were expecting us. She said anytime really. I leisurely took my shower and then walked Ykraps. Mindy went along, too. While on our walk, we ran into Susan and her two kids, Cassie and Ricky. We chatted briefly with the three of them. At home we readied our goodies for Kenny & Chrissy’s. We were taking Cheesecake and cookies. I didn’t plan on drinking too much given Sunday’s early morning drive up to Cleveland. Plus, beer wasn’t sounding too good anyhow. I mixed rum, grapefruit juice, and Fresca in a Gatorade bottled to take along. It must’ve been about 6:45pm. We watched the end of the Michigan game. They won in dramatic fashion and in the waning seconds. I was thrilled for them. I typically root for Michigan all season long until we play them. Bob Imber called shortly before the game began to invite us over for an impromptu clubhouse gathering. I appreciated the invite but was fixed on staying near home. The Buckeye game kicked off sometime just after 8pm. We played tough and went into halftime tied at 10. Most Buckeye fans will tell you that we should’ve went in up 10-7. The Buckeyes played outstanding defense coming out of halftime and thanks to a field goal and safety went up 15-10. The Buckeye nation was happy but nervous. The score stayed that way until the final five minutes when it looked like the Buckeyes just might put the proverbial nail in the coffin. Driving towards a potential game ending touchdown or field goal from the USC 33 yd line we were faced with a third and 8. We ended up taking an ill advised sack placing the ball back at the 36 yd line and facing a tough decision – field goal attempt or punt. Tressel called for a punt. Not a bad strategy. After all, they hadn’t been able to move the ball on us all day. We punted pinning them back at their 13 yd line. Then, after a penalty and a sack they were faced with a 2nd and 16 from their own 4 yard line. Wahoo! They got half the yardage they needed bringing up a 3rd and 8. Stop them and we win. It was that simple. Turned out, they converted the third down and eventually marched all the way down the field to score the go ahead touchdown leaving the Buckeyes one last chance with a little over 1 minute to go. Sadly, we were unequipped to move the ball the distance necessary for the tying field goal or the go-ahead touchdown. We lost – 18-15. Mindy had quietly bailed for home at the half. I stayed just a few more minutes before joining her at home in bed. I was bummed and reeling inside after so much drama. But I was also looking hugely forward to Sunday’s trip to Cleveland to see my beloved Vikings. I laid in bed unable to sleep for a good 30 minutes. I eventually got up and headed downstairs where I tossed and turned on the sofa for another hour. I fell asleep but never that soundly. I woke around 1:30am and headed to bed again. I eventually fell asleep but again, never too soundly.