Family Pizza Night

Up before the crack of dawn, and still before 530a, I leaped to my feet, brushed my teeth, gathered my running clothes then headed downstairs. We'd be starting the day under cloudy skies, but without any new snow fall. I completed 55 sit-ups then bounced up to my computer chair where I checked the weather and headlines. The temperature was a balmy 21 degrees, the first morning over 20 degrees in the past several days. I did push-ups then freed Frankie. I might've finished a 1/4 cup of coffee before bundling up and taking Frankie out. She was very quick to relieve herself, apparently coming to grips with winter's adversity. Back inside, I finished my 1st cup of coffee then turned my attention to morning meditation & stretching, which both went really well. Once they were behind me, I delivered Mindy's coffee then slipped into my running clothes and headed out for a run. Despite it begin only 21 degrees, it felt kind of warm at least compared to where we've been. I ran the full 4.1 miles without incident. Because I got out the door a little late for a run, it was already 725a when I got back and sat down for breakfast. Like most days, I had fried eggs. According to Mindy, both kids were up bright and early, this their last day of school before Xmas break. Both were having Xmas parties in the class room. Jacob made mention of wanting to dine at the Big Fat later than night. We made no commitment either way. Mindy reminded them to bus home as normal then left. I hit the shower around 735a and was fairly quick. I was back downstairs ready to go by 751a. Like most morning's, I used the few minutes ahead of bus stop time to organize a light lunch. I sliced some cheese, grabbed a banana, and mixed some nuts. I had a lettuce based salad already in the fridge at work. The kids and I headed out around 757a with me starting the Trooper as I passed by. Chrissy was out with the girls. The bus arrived on time and soon the kids were off. I chatted some with Chrissy then headed back home. Before heading in, I walked Frankie out front. I took a closer look at the damaged tree and yard. While doing so, I found a bunch of busted up car parts in the snow around the tree. I gathered some of the larger pieces as evidence. As I started walking towards the house a cop cruiser happened t to be passing by. I decided to flag him down. He stopped after seeing me flailing my arms in the air. In brief, I shared the story about my forsaken tree, but wasn't really expecting much help. Rather, I was simply seeking some advice. Instead, however, he was more than willing to take the information of the vehicle and run with it. Said it would be considered a hit-skip. Said I would have to do nothing other than contact my insurance company. I thanked him as we parted ways, me heading off to work. I arrived at work a few minutes late. It must've been about 840a when I finally made my way into my office. My boss was running late and didn't think he'd be in in time to start our weekly staff call, so we ended up starting and holding it from my office. He joined us around 915a, and it lasted no more than 20 minutes, at the least the formal part. We chatted for another 15 minutes afterwards. The morning went along as planned. Quiet, really. I left the office at 110p to run a Xmas related errand, which entailed picking up a gift certificate at a nearby restaurant. I was taken back by how crowded the restaurant and parking lot was, this a work day afternoon. Then again, it's fairly popular restaurant , especially around the holidays. I headed back to the office afterwards. Upon my return I took a few minutes to enjoy my packed lunch, which included that saladI packed on Thursday. For whatever reason, the afternoon seemed to drag. Perhaps because I was so eager for the weekend to begin. I spent the last hour of the day holed up in my office listening to Xmas music taking care of administrative tasks. Finally 530p, I left the office under the shroud of darkness. I arrived home around 6p. On the kitchen island was a CPD exchange of information form complete with the vehicle details of the person who hit my tree. Lives near the Hilliard Meijers. Immediately, Jacob wanted to know if we could go to the Big Fat. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do, and about that same time, Mindy offered that we could simply hang out with the neighbors and have pizza. That sounded much more appealing to me with all the constant go-go-go lately. Our parental consensus didn't please Jacob. Mindy called Chrissy to confirm arrangements. We'd be heading to their place later. I reminded Mindy that they typically eat much later than us. I figured we'd head down at 7p or so. With an hour to kill, I did some reading and blogging while the kids played on their laptop. It was a fairly relaxing early evening. Come 7p we gathered some beers, the kids, and Frankie and walked down to the neighbors. Jason & Wendy were over with their kids too. All the kids headed upstairs to play save for Jacob, who opted to sit near all of us. We visited for a good half hour before Mindy called and ordered the pizzas. Kenny & I agreed to pick 'em up saving us about 30 minutes and a few bucks for delivery. We ordered three extra large pies and a chicken sandwich especially for Jacob. Jacob asked if he could ride along to pick-up the pies. Yes, as long as he agreed not to talk the entire time. :) He even wanted to wager some cash that he could hold up his end of the bargain. Needless to say, had we bet money, he would've lost not 100 feet into the short ride. I had Kenny let me off at the door and wait. The parking lot already 100% full. The pies were ready just as I was settling up the bill, $49.90. Ouch! Back at Kenny's, everyone, young & old, enjoyed some pizza. Meanwhile, the two beers I toted down were just about gone. figuring we'd be staying a while longer, I asked Mindy if she would mind fetching me another, a Southern Tier IPA. She reluctantly agreed to walk home and get me another. She drank two stouts herself. It was about 945p when she decided it was time for all of us to head home. Jason and Wendy were leaving at roughly the same time. We all wanted/needed a good night's sleep in preparation for a full day of skiing on Saturday. I'm guessing that all of us were in bed just after 10p.