Fresh Centennial

Even though short lived, having Thursday off work did me a world of good. I woke Friday morning on time and feeling fully refreshed. I tended to my exercise regimen then started into meditation and stretching, which I finished just after 6am. It was early, but then again I hadn't yet addressed Frankie, who didn't seem in any hurry to get up and head out. That didn't last. She and I spent about 10-15 outside after the rest of my morning ritual was completed. And boy was it chilly. It was very cool - only 50 degrees. The day's high wasn't expected to reach out of the 70's. It was just after 630am when I was dressed and ready for my run. I poured Mindy's coffee then delivered it and Frankie. Mindy was already up and alert. I set her coffee on the dresser then headed downstairs and out the door. I wore a long-sleeved running shirt for the first time since maybe early May. I ran four miles and felt great. I was back home by 715am. Mindy had eggs waiting at my usual place setting. I noticed something amiss with the pineapple. It looked like pepper or worse yet mold on the chunks. I decided to pass on pineapple. Mindy had fresh veggies ready for my lunch, but I had a container still in the fridge at work. They'd been there since Wednesday when I opted to skip 'em and eat only cheese chunks and yogurt. Mindy soon left for work leaving me and the kids to our all-too familiar school day routine. I headed off to the shower while the kids tidied their rooms and brushed their teeth. We were all ready well ahead of the bus schedule. With 20 minutes to burn, I took some photos of our lovely backyard that was splashed in brilliant sunshine. Kenny was at the bus stop with the girls. He was off again. Lucky him. After seeing the kids onto the bus I headed home and made final preparations for departure. I must've left the house around 820am. Almost forgot to mention, the bus driver gave us a form stating that starting next Tuesday, she'll be picking the kids up five minutes earlier, or at 812am. Works for me. I drove the BM'er. How could I not? It was superbly beautiful. I arrived at work before 840am. My peer came by to chat as soon as I was in the door. He was giving me an earful about some of my team members. I wasn't too happy about it. We eventually settled the matter. Within the first hour, our boss asked to meet with us. We talked until almost 1030am. I can only say this: Interesting news. We'll see how things unfold. The rest of the morning moved swiftly. I wanted to sneak away to Golf Galaxy at lunch to see about getting fitted for new irons. I waited until almost 130pm before leaving. I found Jeff, the store manager and talked about the fitting process. Said he'd have to charge me $50 but that would be refunded if/when I bought my clubs. For a lot of reasons, I didn't really like that idea. We eventually agreed to use the swing analyzer with a few of the club models I already liked. We couldn't do the thorough fitting because they didn't have the set-up in a lefty version. Jeff promised to have it in by next Wednesday. I've never been one to enjoy swinging a golf club indoors and especially in front of a stranger. I eventually got comfortable after hitting four or five club types. I must've hit at least 50-60 7-iron shots, and 90% of them were clustered in a small area which is good. All had a slight draw. Not until Jeff pointed it out did I realize they all went slightly right of the target line. What target I asked. I didn't realize I was supposed to be aiming at this arbitrary dull yellow line. Jeff gauged my swing speed to be mid/upper 70's, which is pretty slow. I know I don't swing that hard anymore but also know that I have a tendency not to swing as hard as usual indoors. After 45 minutes, we exchanged information. Jeff promised to give me a call early next week to let me know when the swing analysis equipment comes in. Here's the big thing, each person's swing is different, not to mention height and weight. Having clubs matched to your size and swing pattern is always a good, and it's also free. They will size and weight the shafts and grips according to my specs at no additional charge. The only catch is I won't be able to leave the store with them that day. That's OK by me. I can easily wait the 7-10 days Callaway and Taylormade require to custom make clubs. I headed back to the office feeling good about my decision. The afternoon moved along quickly, in part because it was already nearing 3pm when I got back. It felt good to have the weekend upon us and without any attachment to work. I left the office for home around 535pm. I talked with Mindy around 430pm. She said Jacob badly wanted to dine at Barley's. I wasn't sure that I wanted to, but also didn't rule it out. It sounded as if Mindy really wanted to go as well. What I did know was this, I was very sleepy, and consequently wanted a nap more than anything. As soon as I arrived home and was settled, I slipped into the livingroom recliner to take a nap. I read a few pages to help me get there. Ahhh! I probably slept no more than fifteen minutes but it was very satisfying. I was awakened by a Jacob/Bella incident out front. Mindy had to end their playing and sat them down at the kitchen table to discuss the matter. Bella ended up being sent to her room to cool off. She was furious! That's when her Latino temperament shines through and in no uncertain terms. Listening from afar, I was impressed how Mindy worked her way through the drama. In the end, both had to take some ownership. We left for Barley's around 7pm. By then both kids were in far better spirits. The lot was packed, however we easily found one of the few remaining spots. Inside, Mindy and the kids gravitated to the barside table we've grown accustom to sitting at. Meanwhile, I nestled up close to the bar to get a beer - a fresh Centennial IPA. Mindy ordered a Russian and the kids ordered sodas. I talked with Steve and Lil' Bob mostly. Mindy & the kids ordered food. I ate only from their plates, ordering nothing for myself aside from cold beer. I wasn't that hungry. We didn't stay too late at all, leaving for home near 900pm. I ordered a growler of Centennial for the go after having only two at the bar. Mindy picked up the check and drove home. We stopped to pick-up Noah on the drive home. We pulled around back where we loaded his bike into the Honda. Given that they live in the subdivision just to our south, we were home minutes later. After everyone was settled we walked down to the Chrissy & Kenny's. And yes, I took my growler of IPA. We hung out for about an hour with the neighbors watching football and talking. Mindy spent most of the time reading Chrissy's copy of the latest People magazine article about Tiger and Elin's recent divorce. I drank two pints of IPA while there. We headed home ahead of 11pm. I needed to be up early in order to accomplish my personal goals before making it to our 10am tee time at Player's Club.