Run in the Rain

I was awake well before 530am but allowed myself to sneak a few extra winks. I didn't wake for good until 535am. Like many other days, I had my shoes waiting at the foot of the stairs along with my eye drops. I started my sit-ups and push-ups from the livingroom avoiding any interaction with Frankie. I know she could hear me, however, because she started whining incessantly. By the time I finished my calisthenics and went to free her, she had already pee’d on the puppy pad in her pen. After some lovin’ Frankie and I headed outside. It was raining fairly hard. Frankie wanted no part of it. Tough! Sensing my insistence, she finally went #2. Back inside, I poured some coffee then did a meditation. I took Frankie out yet again before taking her up to Mindy but she didn’t go. I was certain she would have to pee soon. Time slipping away, I took her to Mindy along with a cup of coffee. I alerted Mindy that the puppy would need to pee soon. I know her habits all too well. Back downstairs I completed my stretch. While doing so, the rain pounded against our sky lights. I knew then that I was gonna get soaked during my run. The rain let up a little before I headed out. I checked the temperature to make sure I was dressed appropriately. It was 54 degrees. Hey, at least it was warmer than it’s been. I headed out in a light rain that soon turned back into the heavy stuff, and it remained that way for the run’s four mile duration. I might’ve gotten wetter than I have in the last couple of years. I was soaked through and through. I’ve shared this before, I know, but once I’m soaked, I hardly notice the rain. I reentered the home dripping wet. On such occasions, I’ve come to expect Mindy to have a beach towel waiting by the door. Not today. I wasn’t happy to learn that no one had taken the puppy out even after I shared before my run that she needed to go out again. Mindy then shared that she pee’d in the tub, where she keeps her while showering. I didn’t let up. I shared how I seem to be the only one that sacrifices fully for the puppy’s sake. I then proceeded to lead by example taking her out in the pouring rain where she immediately took a dump. In fairness, to defend Mindy’s point, she said she had just gotten downstairs. Hadn’t had a chance to get the puppy back out. I shared that I expect her to have the kids sacrifice their comfort and get the dog out as needed, even if it means they have to be slightly inconvenienced. I later learned, that Mindy & Jacob were battling over him wearing shorts again. That certainly didn’t help things. Mindy left for work not too pleased with Jacob or me. I eventually headed for the shower and was ready to go by 755am. Can’t remember who carried the puppy. Oh yeah, no one. We left her at the house. It was still pouring rain. No sense taking her out in it. I reminded Chrissy that we were all going to dinner at Barley’s after work. Jacob had soccer practice. He wouldn’t be joining us. The bus swept up the kids and I hurried back home. Even though it was raining I took the puppy out one more time. She didn’t go, but at least I gave her a chance. I put her in her pen and headed off to work. It poured during my commute in. It was another one of those difficult days at the office with too much going on to take a lunch. I heard some engineer’s talking about how hard it was raining around 10am, but I missed it. I worked straight through the day, although I did eat my packed veggies and tuna from my office. I wrapped up what was left on my plate and headed for home around 525pm. I saw Mindy walking Frankie on her leash down our street. She's only worn a collar and on a leash a handful of times. She doesn't quite understand. She was doing well then, however. I spent a few minutes readying coffee for the next day and then brushing my teeth. Once Chrissy arrived home we made plans to meet out front. She and Makayla would be riding with us. We left for dinner around 610pm. It was Bella, Makayla, Mindy, Chrissy, and me. Mindy procured us a booth in the corner. Sara was our server. I ordered a Hoptopus. Mindy ordered a Gret Lakes Stout. Chrissy wanted Corona but they didn't have any. She ordered a soda instead. The kids ordered sodas too. For dinner, I ordered a Cuban with bacon. Mindy went with brisket nachos. Chrissy ordered a Barley burger, and the kids shared an ordered of KC wings and fries. My Cuban was heavenly. I suggested Chrissy order a Mich Ultra. She didn't realize they had it. She ordered one. Before heading out, Mindy and Chrissy placed to-go orders for the boys - Gates of Hell wings and onion straws. While waiting, I ordered a second beer and so did Chrissy. Mindy opted not. One Stout is all she needs. The girls got giant gumballs. I picked up the tab. It was a pricey one! Jacob was waiting out front of the house with his daddy when we arrived home. Jimaken came in to give us our soccer pictures. Jacob headed out onto the deck to enjoy his to-go wings. I played with Frankie while also watching part of the Cavaliers basketball game - something I haven't done all year. By halftime I was bored and turned it off. I kept playing with Frankie. She was wound up. Chrissy stopped down with a beer and Woody. The two pugs played/fought for about 20 minutes. It wears Frankie out. I knew she'd sleep good later. Soon the kids had their shower and were in their PJ's. Both were in bed by 9pm. Mindy headed to bed around 940pm. I woke on the sofa around 1010pm and joined her, but not before putting Frankie in her pen. That wasn't any trouble at all. She was worn out, too.