Winter's Loose Grip

I slept solid until about 430am. From that point on, I remained awake after trying unsuccessfully to get back to sleep. At 515 I gave up on more sleep and got out of bed for good. I felt good and fully rested. I added some water to my bedtime water glass and then headed to the living room where I carried out my sit-ups from my usual spot. From there I bounced up to my PC albeit only briefly, long enough to check the weather forecast and a few headlines while waiting on the coffee to brew. I did my push-ups at 540am and poured coffee soon after that. My early wake-up afforded me extra time on the PC. I used it to finish writing most of Wednesday's blog. That's a little dangerous because it's so easy to lose track of time when writing. This morning proved no exception. I looked up and to my astonishment it was 6:07am. Damn! Time to wake Mindy already. I delivered Mindy's coffee then returned downstairs to double check the current temperature. It was 43 degrees - warm enough to cut back on my running layers some. I stretched and meditated over the next 20 minutes before heading out for my run. I went with a thin, long-sleeved wicking shirt and a fleece but still wore ear covers and gloves. I ran four miles without incident under a clear star-filled sky. With my calves almost as good as new, the run was easy and uneventful. Mindy was just placing my eggs at the table upon my return. Jacob was already upstairs. I quizzed Bella on her spelling words. Bella was a tad cranky - and certainly not in a joking mood. She hollered at me for something, which exactly what now escapes me. Mindy had to request she be a bit less dramatic. That did nothing to help her disposition. But as is often the case, she was happy-go-lucky soon after Mindy bolted for work. I wore jeans and a black short-sleeved button up shirt. I looked and felt snappy! The kids and I headed out for the bus stop at 757am. I had to help Bella tie her new tennis shoes. Chrissy reported that Kenny called early this AM complaining of a hangover. They had to be up at 6-something for an early tee time. Poor Kenny! I was gonna pay my auto insurance bill online before leaving the house, but that required adding the new policy number to my account. While preparing to do so I read the new bill that requested I pay the first installment via check. Then, if desired, I could set it up for auto pay and save an additional $4 a month. That's what I did. I was off to work at 815am. I arrived to work at 830am. Another lovely walk in. Spring abounds! By comparison, it was a rather easy day. I called Aarrow at 930am to discuss my broken passenger window. Dave said they'd call me back shortly and most likely get me in that day. I waited, waited, and waited. Never did call me back. Mid-day I called my auto insurance's auto glass claim service for my cracked windshield. They're set-up to come out to my office and replace it on Monday. I absolutely hate spending money on car repairs of any sort. But at the same time realize that the pain will only linger if I don't push through it fast. While chatting with my boss, Traci, from Dr Beran's office called to ask if I would consider moving my LASIK appointment up an hour. I agreed. It'll now be 1pm next Thursday. One of my engineer's overheard my conversation with Traci. Turns out, he had LASIK about 6-7 months ago. He raved about what it's done for him, being a former eye glass wearer with a severe astigmatism. He said it's one of the best things he's ever done for himself. He went on and on about it. Shared what I should expect pre and post-op. We talked for almost an hour. Early afternoon, another engineer took orders for lunch - take-out from the Big Fat Greek. I opted in and ordered a gyro. He brought my gyro to my office about 45 minutes later. It was delicious but also kind of cold. I didn't complain. I had an interview scheduled for 2pm. The candidate arrived 15 minutes early. I was really tired when the call from the front desk came. No doubt, the gyro did me in. I quickly got over it and headed down to greet my candidate. The interview went OK. I stayed fairly busy through the late afternoon. I waited for Dave from Aarrow to return my call until 445pm when I decided to call him. He acted as if he'd totally forgotten. Then said he didn't show record of working on my car since 2005. Good grief! I thought he was joking. After jolting his memory, we got to business. Seems he also forgot his pledge to replace the window regulator for part cost only. That pissed me off, but I kept my cool. We eventually agreed that I would order the part from the internet because I can get it way cheaper (they don't/won't buy from internet part providers). He'll do the install. However, his tune changed about the problem. He thinks it's the clips/window - not the regulator. One thing's for sure. I am damn tired of dicking with it! Mindy called around 5pm to see if I was on my way home. No dear. Still working. Wanted to know my thoughts for dinner. Still not sure. I shared that it was likely I'd be at work until 530pm. She was hoping I'd get out early. Before I left, I went ahead and ordered the window regulator for the Trooper. It was $133 - total. I left for home at 535pm It was a gorgeous evening - even prettier than I anticipated. I was looking forward to the weekend and Olivia's overnight visit. At home, Mindy had already poured herself a glass of wine. She shared her latest work story. Sounds like Mindy almost punched a 'mole' this afternoon. That's so out of character for her. The kids asked me to come out back and push them on the tree swings. I agreed. Why not? It was a lovely evening. I wasn't out there 5 minutes when I heard Olivia calling for me from the deck. Music to my ears. She's always so excited to see me. You can easily hear it in her voice. She ran out to see me smiling ear to ear. Ashley and Steven walked out too. We chatted only briefly. Ashley got angry and frustrated when I mentioned the conversation Rocky's teacher, Mrs. Dent had with her sister Lindsey about the cat odor permeating from Rocky every day at school. Apparently it's gotten so bad that other kids are complaining and making fun of him in class. Mrs. Dent had a hard time telling Lindsey that something needs to be done. Ashley didn't like what this implied - that it was her mother's fault. Like Kelly, she wants to blame Lindsey for it. She doesn't participate in or like to hear negative talk about her momma. I actually respect that quality in her, and understand how she feels. On the other hand, Ashley's very quick to blame it on Lindsey, and at least to some extent, she has a good point. She should be out on her own, and therefore avoiding the entire scenario. She and Steven left in a hurry. We played outside with the kids in each of the neighbors yards for the next 30 minutes. Mindy went to visit Chrissy to discuss dinner plans - pizza/subs. Mindy agreed to handle all the arrangements while I entertained the kids. We eventually decided to do pizza and kids at Chrissy's place since our place was just cleaned by Rachel earlier in the day. That made me happy! I just love a pristinely clean home. We hung out at our place until about 7pm when we walked down to Chrissy's. I poured some Jack Daniels into my ski flask (brown plastic cough syrup bottle) and toted a two-liter of Diet Coke along, too. Also in my pockets were my phone, camera, and iTouch. I need a frikin purse! Chrissy wasn't home by design, although her kids were. Her sister Missy was there watching over them along with her own three. As I understood it, Chrissy left to take Jake to some youth function at the Xenos church. The pizza guy showed up within fifteen minutes. Mindy covered the bill, which I'm sure was fairly substantial (4 pies and two large subs). We got the kids squared away first - all ten or so of them (some of the neighborhood kids were over playing too). Most of the kids ate their pizza on the deck. Molly, Kenny and Chrissy's large black lab, made quick work of any pizza left at eye level or below. The kids complained repeatedly. Olivia was the first victim. Jacob was next. I was irritated because I warned them not to leave there food low and vulnerable. Mindy called Molly inside where she then prowled for adult scraps. Unfortunately for her, she found tougher sledding inside. Chrissy was gone much longer than I anticipated. She didn't get back until almost 830pm. She ate some pizza then disappeared into the garage where she apparently had a lengthy phone conversation with Michelle, Kenny's ex-wife, no doubt talking about Lillian. The Buckeye NCAA tournament game started around 10pm. Chrissy was still in the garage and on the phone when we decided to head home around 1030pm. The Buckeyes were up early 13-3 last I saw. We put the kids to bed, Olivia with Bella. They all went to sleep rather easily, probably due to the hour, which by then was almost 11pm. We were right behind them.