The night before, I decided that it would be OK if I slept in an extra 10-15 minutes. A lot was in play. For starters, the kids were already out of school so I wouldn't need to get them on the bus. And secondly, it was Xmas week so work would be a bit more low-key, or so I hope.
To that end, I slept in guiltlessly until 550a. But after waking things were pretty much on par with any other work day. I brushed my teeth then gathered my running clothes and headed downstairs. It was cloudy with a few scattered flurries and 23 degrees. I slipped into my exercise tennies and started my calisthenics.
Sandwiched between 55 sit-ups and 55 push-ups was about 10 minutes of internet time. Yes, I am and addict! :) It was 607a in a hurry, and Frankie was eager to be set free. I didn’t wait long before taking her out back. It took a while longer than I hoped but she finally took care of business under the tree house.
Inside, I had to remember that I allowed myself to run behind. My instincts wanted to invoke panic. I sat quietly sipping coffee while enjoying some soft Xmas music. That helped considerably. Come 630a, I hadn’t even meditated or stretched. I figured I’d better head upstairs with Mindy’s coffee. After all, her schedule was still the same. I did just that. Mindy asked why I was running behind. Quickly reminder her that it was planned. She then acknowledged me sharing my plan Sunday evening.
Back downstairs I did about 10 minutes of meditation then another 5 stretching. Already 645a, I dressed for a run somewhat hurriedly. I wasn’t out the door until 652a. I headed upstairs a second time to tell Mindy goodbye. She and the kids would be gone upon my return.
I ran the full 4.1 miles and felt good doing it. I often write about losing myself during a run, but I took that experience to a new high on this occasion. Just before the two mile marker I snapped out of a “deep think” only to find myself completely baffled with where I was. Had zero recall of my prior trail. Dude, where’s my car?
As I approached home I could see that the Honda was missing from the drive, the kids and Mindy already gone. I may not have mentioned it, but the kids were going to school with Mindy. I wondered how well that would work, especially for Jacob.
I thought about wrapping Mindy’s Xmas presents but nixed it in favor of more pressing matters, including making my breakfast. I didn’t want to be too late for work. It was 755a when I finished my breakfast and headed for the shower.
I was pretty much ready for work and downstairs by 810a. Not any different than when I get back from the bus stop. I left for the office at 820a. The drive in was typical. For what it’s worth, I parked out front.
The day went pretty much as expected, although a little busier than anticipated. I worked until 115p when I left for a lunch break. I went to Target where I bought my direct reports Xmas gifts. Each Xmas, Target finds a way to get plenty of my holiday dollars. While there, I picked up some color ink cartridges for my printer. Is it just me, or does ink not last nearly as long s it did in the past? Always buying ink and rarely use the printer. Hmm? One more quick stop before heading back to the office. I went to the Hilliard Hallmark store, but was surprised to discover that they’re closing their doors soon. Everything inside on sale, but the shelves already more than half empty. I bought nothing. Satisfied that I’d knocked a big rock off my list, I headed back to work.
I talked with Mindy around 430p. She and the kids were just leaving the grocery store in GC. She confirmed that my dad would be joining us for dinner, rotisserie chicken. I asked that she prepare/sign his b-day card that we’ve had for two weeks now. Said she’d take it up to our room so I can sign it when I get home. I worked until just after 530p.
My dad was already at the house when I arrived. After a brief birthday greeting, I slipped upstairs to sign his card. Mindy had Jacob & Bella sign it earlier but hadn’t signed it herself. I went ahead and signed for her too. in too big a hurry, I failed to draft a note in the card. What a goober!
Downstairs, I presented Dad with his card as we struck up conversation. Shared a little about his kidney stone, but not that much detail. I’m guessing that he already went over it in greater detail with Mindy. :) Mindy served up the rotisserie chicken while I did my after work chores. Soon we were sitting down to dinner. The chicken was especially good. She warmed Bob Evans mashed potatoes as a side. They’re better than most homemade varieties.
During diner we confirmed that dad really wants to pick Glenn up at the airport. No problem. After dinner I printed off his flight itinerary and gave it to Dad. After clean-up, Mindy got a candle and placed it in a single baklava for Dad. We sang the birthday song and snapped a few pictures. Not a big celebration. I asked Dad if he’s done any reflecting on his 75 years and what he feels when he considers it. Do you feel 75? Do you feel old?
He shared that many people would be happy to make it to 75 and that he realizes a lot, if not most people, die somewhere between 75-80 years of age. Sobering, but probably true.
On a lighter note, we talked about hooking up at Bob’s Thursday evening. It’s pretty much going to be go-go for about a week solid from today on out. Got to make it all fun! Dad must’ve left around 730p. Mindy, Bella and I were all looking forward to watching the Vikings on MNF outdoors at TCF stadium. Supposedly a big snow storm in Minneapolis too. We tuned into the pregame around 745p only to learn that Brett Favre was going to play after all. Cool!
Without saying, I wanted the Vikings to win. But sadly, I felt the Bears were going to win it. The game started just after 830p. Bothe Bella and Jacob were with me on the couch. The setting was almost surreal, cold, snowy, and Brett Favre starting.
The Vikings used all that positive momentum to score a touchdown on their opening drive. The crowd went wild shooting snow bursts high into the air. Must have some sort of launching tubes. Mindy declared it bed time around 9p. About that same time the Bears tied the score then took the lead 10-7 and later 17-7. Things started looking bleak. A few minutes before the half, the Bears sacked Favre slamming his head into the frozen turf. He went out of the game and never returned. In his place was Joe Webb, a rookie who prior had taken a whopping total of 8 snaps under center. Sure, there’s always hope, but any realistic chance of a win was pretty much gone.
Despite the long odds, I stayed with the game through its entirety and long after Mindy headed to bed. n fact, she was in bed before halftime. Sadly, the game was never any closer. Instead, it only got worse. We lost 40-14. We’re 5-9 in what many predicted would be a Super Bowl year. I was worried about that kind of thinking/talking from jump.
I headed to bed around midnight.
The night before, I decided that it would be OK if I slept in an extra 10-15 minutes. A lot was in play. For starters, the kids were already out of school so I wouldn't need to get them on the bus. And secondly, it was Xmas week so work would be a bit more low-key, or so I hope.
To that end, I slept in guiltlessly until 550a. But after waking things were pretty much on par with any other work day. I brushed my teeth then gathered my running clothes and headed downstairs. It was cloudy with a few scattered flurries and 23 degrees. I slipped into my exercise tennies and started my calisthenics.
Sandwiched between 55 sit-ups and 55 push-ups was about 10 minutes of internet time. Yes, I am and addict! :) It was 607a in a hurry, and Frankie was eager to be set free. I didn’t wait long before taking her out back. It took a while longer than I hoped but she finally took care of business under the tree house.
Inside, I had to remember that I allowed myself to run behind. My instincts wanted to invoke panic. I sat quietly sipping coffee while enjoying some soft Xmas music. That helped considerably. Come 630a, I hadn’t even meditated or stretched. I figured I’d better head upstairs with Mindy’s coffee. After all, her schedule was still the same. I did just that. Mindy asked why I was running behind. Quickly reminder her that it was planned. She then acknowledged me sharing my plan Sunday evening.
Back downstairs I did about 10 minutes of meditation then another 5 stretching. Already 645a, I dressed for a run somewhat hurriedly. I wasn’t out the door until 652a. I headed upstairs a second time to tell Mindy goodbye. She and the kids would be gone upon my return.
I ran the full 4.1 miles and felt good doing it. I often write about losing myself during a run, but I took that experience to a new high on this occasion. Just before the two mile marker I snapped out of a “deep think” only to find myself completely baffled with where I was. Had zero recall of my prior trail. Dude, where’s my car?
As I approached home I could see that the Honda was missing from the drive, the kids and Mindy already gone. I may not have mentioned it, but the kids were going to school with Mindy. I wondered how well that would work, especially for Jacob.
I thought about wrapping Mindy’s Xmas presents but nixed it in favor of more pressing matters, including making my breakfast. I didn’t want to be too late for work. It was 755a when I finished my breakfast and headed for the shower.
I was pretty much ready for work and downstairs by 810a. Not any different than when I get back from the bus stop. I left for the office at 820a. The drive in was typical. For what it’s worth, I parked out front.
The day went pretty much as expected, although a little busier than anticipated. I worked until 115p when I left for a lunch break. I went to Target where I bought my direct reports Xmas gifts. Each Xmas, Target finds a way to get plenty of my holiday dollars. While there, I picked up some color ink cartridges for my printer. Is it just me, or does ink not last nearly as long s it did in the past? Always buying ink and rarely use the printer. Hmm? One more quick stop before heading back to the office. I went to the Hilliard Hallmark store, but was surprised to discover that they’re closing their doors soon. Everything inside on sale, but the shelves already more than half empty. I bought nothing. Satisfied that I’d knocked a big rock off my list, I headed back to work.
I talked with Mindy around 430p. She and the kids were just leaving the grocery store in GC. She confirmed that my dad would be joining us for dinner, rotisserie chicken. I asked that she prepare/sign his b-day card that we’ve had for two weeks now. Said she’d take it up to our room so I can sign it when I get home. I worked until just after 530p.
My dad was already at the house when I arrived. After a brief birthday greeting, I slipped upstairs to sign his card. Mindy had Jacob & Bella sign it earlier but hadn’t signed it herself. I went ahead and signed for her too. in too big a hurry, I failed to draft a note in the card. What a goober!
Downstairs, I presented Dad with his card as we struck up conversation. Shared a little about his kidney stone, but not that much detail. I’m guessing that he already went over it in greater detail with Mindy. :) Mindy served up the rotisserie chicken while I did my after work chores. Soon we were sitting down to dinner. The chicken was especially good. She warmed Bob Evans mashed potatoes as a side. They’re better than most homemade varieties.
During diner we confirmed that dad really wants to pick Glenn up at the airport. No problem. After dinner I printed off his flight itinerary and gave it to Dad. After clean-up, Mindy got a candle and placed it in a single baklava for Dad. We sang the birthday song and snapped a few pictures. Not a big celebration. I asked Dad if he’s done any reflecting on his 75 years and what he feels when he considers it. Do you feel 75? Do you feel old?
He shared that many people would be happy to make it to 75 and that he realizes a lot, if not most people, die somewhere between 75-80 years of age. Sobering, but probably true.
On a lighter note, we talked about hooking up at Bob’s Thursday evening. It’s pretty much going to be go-go for about a week solid from today on out. Got to make it all fun! Dad must’ve left around 730p. Mindy, Bella and I were all looking forward to watching the Vikings on MNF outdoors at TCF stadium. Supposedly a big snow storm in Minneapolis too. We tuned into the pregame around 745p only to learn that Brett Favre was going to play after all. Cool!
Without saying, I wanted the Vikings to win. But sadly, I felt the Bears were going to win it. The game started just after 830p. Bothe Bella and Jacob were with me on the couch. The setting was almost surreal, cold, snowy, and Brett Favre starting.
The Vikings used all that positive momentum to score a touchdown on their opening drive. The crowd went wild shooting snow bursts high into the air. Must have some sort of launching tubes. Mindy declared it bed time around 9p. About that same time the Bears tied the score then took the lead 10-7 and later 17-7. Things started looking bleak. A few minutes before the half, the Bears sacked Favre slamming his head into the frozen turf. He went out of the game and never returned. In his place was Joe Webb, a rookie who prior had taken a whopping total of 8 snaps under center. Sure, there’s always hope, but any realistic chance of a win was pretty much gone.
Despite the long odds, I stayed with the game through its entirety and long after Mindy headed to bed. n fact, she was in bed before halftime. Sadly, the game was never any closer. Instead, it only got worse. We lost 40-14. We’re 5-9 in what many predicted would be a Super Bowl year. I was worried about that kind of thinking/talking from jump.
I headed to bed around midnight.
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