Waking Scared

I was up at 520a after another decent night of sleep. Decent, but not without a few bumps along the way either. First, somewhere near 1130p I had just closed my eyes again after an another unexplained awakening when suddenly, out of nowhere, Mindy woke in full panic shouting something like “oh my god” and in a terrifying tone. She must’ve had a bad dream. It startled me enough that I was wide awake. She quickly drifted back to sleep. Lying there wide awake and thinking about Lindsey’s predicament, I decided to get up from bed and head downstairs to my computer. I spent about 30 minutes online until I felt tired enough to try my hand at sleep once more. I was back in bed just after midnight. I then slept soundly until dawn, or 520a. I woke rested and ready to go. I completed my calisthenics then poured myself some coffee. I headed out with Frankie around 540a. She was cooperative and finished her business in short order. I was back inside enjoying more of my coffee until 550a. Time to meditate. It was nice to have a solid 20 minutes for meditation. In most cases, 20 minutes is enough for the mind to break free from that incessant chatter. I went from meditation directly into stretching. Frankie took that as a queue to play. I tossed her toy far away from my vicinity to give me some extra space. Stretching felt terrific. My right hammie is feeling lots better. All the running, golf, and yard work takes its toll. Stretching then is like medicine, as is quality rest. I was up and making Mindy’s coffee even before 620a. I took the coffee and pug upstairs to Mindy who was freshly out of bed and starting to remake it. I helped. That doesn’t happen that often anymore. Back downstairs, I changed into my running attire then headed out. It was quite frosty – about 27 degrees. I ran the full 4.1 miles without any problems. Despite being out a few minutes earlier than usual, it was extra clear leading to an early daybreak. I had enough foresight to place Mindy’s Honda keys by the door for quick access. I started the Honda before making my way back into the kitchen. Jacob was up and having cereal. Bella wasn’t yet downstairs. Mindy was busy frying our eggs. I got drinks ready for Bella and I. After finishing the eggs, Mindy started prepping a pork roast for the crock-pot, which would serve as dinner’s main course. She asked that I remember to season it more thoroughly after it had a warm a bit more. Sure, dear! The eggs hit the spot. We all shared our remnants with Frankie. She was thrilled to help out.  After finishing my breakfast I threw together my lunch, which consisted of cheese, fruit, a banana, and a small piece of leftover boneless chicken breast. Off to the shower. Because I had to shave, I took a bit longer than usual to shower and primp. I was surprised to find that it was already 757a when I got back downstairs. The kids were nearly ready to head out the door. I hustled out the door a few seconds behind the kids and started the Trooper along the way. Not that it’s a race, but we still beat Chrissy and the girls outside. The bus arrived on time. Chrissy and I chatted briefly before heading our separate ways. Frankie acted as if she needed to walk more. I acquiesced, and wisely so. She pooped again, only this time in our front yard. Back inside, I placed all of my gear in my back pack and then started the dishwasher. I didn’t get out the door until 820a. No worries! By then, the Trooper was nice and toasty. It was an enjoyable drive in. I arrived at the office just after 835a. Once I was settled, I headed down to my center and spent time meeting with my peer, and remained down there until almost 11a. Finally back in my office, I took care of some administrative tasks as well as a couple personal items. I was asked to cover a 2p conference call so even if I wanted to escape for lunch I couldn’t. The call lasted about an hour, or until just before 3p. The day was moving along a good clip. Mindy phoned around 420p letting me know that she was just leaving school and on her way to fetch the kids. I forgot that it was a Dena day. She mentioned that my dad would be joining us for dinner – pork roast. Asked if I had heard from Lindsey or Kelly. I hadn’t but did try to call a time or two. I left for home around 540p. I had a couple of last minute issues that required I stick around for a few extra minutes. You’ll have that. By the time I was pulling out of the lot it was almost 550p. Mindy phoned again checking on my whereabouts. Gave her an ETA of 15 minutes. We didn’t talk long. It was completely dark by the time I pulled up at home, which was just a minute or two after 6p. After greeting everyone, I rinsed my lunch containers and prepped the following day’s coffee. At the same time, Mindy was busy serving dinner. The pork roast smelt terrific. It’s one of my favorites. And the best part might be the leftovers, which we frequently use to make pork tacos/burritos. Along with pork, we had mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts. Dinner was delicious. During dinner, Dad shared that he saw Kenny off to the airport for his autumnal pilgrimage to Florida earlier in the day. Also shared a little about Shawn’s rehab program. Apparently going well. I listened only passively. And unless I’m mistaken, everyone ate and enjoyed the pork, even Bella. After dinner, Mindy offered up the rest of the chocolate pudding for dessert. I passed, and started the clean-up. It didn’t take me that long. Jacob asked if everyone wanted to play Chicken or the Egg. Everyone agreed, but only after he was sent to his room for being unruly. Can’t readily recall exactly what for this time around, but do remember him pushing his mother’s buttons. He was only allowed to rejoin us after taking Frankie out for her evening romp. We hadn’t played Chicken or the Egg for quite some time. It was Dad, Mindy, Jacob and I . We must’ve played for a good half hour. I would’ve won but saw the correct answer on the winning card, so I disqualified that card, and missed on the next one. Dad ended up winning. Dad left less than five minutes after we finished our game. He and Mindy joked about him remembering to fetch the kids from the bus this coming Wednesday, the night we are slated to attend parent teacher conferences at their school. Mindy promised to give him a reminder call. Dad shared that he’ll be having TG dinner with brother Bobby, and also spending the night so that they may carry on with their Black Friday Xmas shopping tradition. As I understand it, they head out at 4 or 5a. Yikes! After Dad split, I took to the PC where I did some work on my blog, but not for too long. I headed up to get into my PJ’s around 815p. We tuned into MNF around 830p. The game featured the Redskins and Eagles. Jacob was still a little on the giddy side. At one point he came down stairs dressed in drag (see pic). This falls under the heading of, what was he thinking?

Mindy professed being tired and insisted that we go to bed together for once. I said nothing but likely demonstrated my tiredness by slowly drifting off to sleep. I caught bits and pieces of the early game. The Eagles scored on the first play from scrimmage. Michael Vick looked incredible. It seemed every time I looked up they were scoring. It was 21-0 when I headed up to tuck in the kids. I was woken by Mindy chatting with niece Katie on the phone. She called to share that she got the lead role in a play for the Grove City Little Theatre Off Broadway. After tucking in the kids, I decided to head directly to bed myself. It wasn’t much after 9p, but I was really tired. Mindy joined me about ten minutes later.