Still Baking

I was up on time after another fairly good night of sleep. The weather was pretty much the same as the two previous morning's, clear and in the 60's. The day's high, once again, was expected to swell into the low 90's. As usual, I completed sit-ups and push-ups before enjoying a cup of coffee. My stomach already felt a whole lot better after just one day of skipping a traditional family style dinner. Over the next 30 minutes I took Frankie outside, woke Mindy with coffee, meditated and stretched. I was ready for my run by 635am. The morning temp was ideal for a run - a very slight chill in the air that would quickly disappear after the first quarter mile or so. I was back home by 715am. Mindy made scrambled eggs for the first time all school year. The funny thing is, I almost asked her to make 'em but didn't. She read my mind. I ate only one half of an English muffin and without any butter. I also enjoyed some fresh strawberries and pineapple. Mindy left near 730am. I asked both kids if they'd made their beds and brushed their teeth. Both said they had. I was off to the shower and then ready by 7:50am. I happened to walk by Bella's room to find her bed unmade and then saw her toothbrush still setting loaded with tooth paste. BELLA! When asked, she insisted she'd made her bed and brushed her teeth. The evidence, however, said otherwise. I insisted she head upstairs to see for herself and then address both tasks. We were at the bus stop at 805am expecting a pick-up at 810am. And Mrs. Vanorder was right on time. Once again, I planned to drive the BM'er. I made few last preparations then headed off to work. This was a Rachel day so I picked up a few scattered items that I might otherwise have left for later. Work was OK. I had another meeting with my peer that was designed to critique the plans we created the day before. I like having a night to sleep on any new plan to give my mind time to identify any potential problems, loopholes, or perhaps even a better idea. As it turns out, we made few modifications. Happy with the results, we made arrangements to share our plan with our boss later in the day. I didn't take a formal lunch deciding instead to keep busy and eat my lunch at my desk. I ate veggies and fruit - no tuna. By the way, I also ate the walnuts, almonds, and cheese a couple hours earlier. I felt satisfied and better yet, my stomach wasn't bothering me. I left work at 515pm. It was a kidless Wednesday. I had already told Mindy that I didn't feel like doing Barley's or any restaurant for that matter. I'm determined to fix my stomach and drop the few extra pounds I've picked up over the summer. At home and on the island counter was a FedEx slip. Hmmm? I guessed my new phone must be in. Excellent! After enjoying some cheese and sliced lean lunch meat, I decided to head over to the FedEx depot just a couple miles away to pick it up. I took the Honda. It was 7pm but still hot - 88 degrees. I wasn't gone long at all - 15 minutes total. Because I don't yet have a protective case and screen protector, I didn't plan to activate my new phone - the Droid X - just yet. I spent the rest of my early evening updating my blog and adding pictures. The kids got home around 8pm. Jacob and I watched part of the Reds game. Somehow I fell asleep when Aroldis Chapman, the Reds rookie pitching sensation, came in and pitched an inning of relief. He throws upwards of 105 mph. Friends, that's fast! Mindy headed to bed around 930pm. I joined her there sometime after 10pm.