Short Work Week

It was already Friday and I was up a few minutes ahead of 530a. I didn’t dare risk trying to sneak in a few extra winks again. I didn’t need to. I was well rested. No new snow overnight, but then again, we weren’t expecting any. It was cold, though, about 28 degrees. I whizzed through my sit-ups and push-ups and had plenty of time to enjoy coffee and internet. Everything right with the world, I freed Frankie around 550a then bundled for our morning backyard romp. Frankie eventually took care of her business, but not before we surveyed the entire backyard. We were back inside just ahead of 6a, and after getting Frankie a Milkbone, I settled down for about ten minutes of meditation. I was done meditating around 615a and quickly moved to stretching. That went well. I poured Mindy some coffee then headed upstairs with it and Frankie around 625a. Mindy was fresh out of bed. I left her coffee on the dresser, gave her hug, and headed back downstairs to dress for my run. I dressed in the same stuff I’d worn all week and headed out at 631a. After another brief stretch from the front stoop I was off to the races. I ran the full 4.1 mile loop and felt terrific doing so, loose, warm, and invigorated. Friday’s our new trash day after the TG holiday and it should remain that way until the week after Xmas. I pulled our empty can back to its resting place as soon as I was back. Next, I started the Honda for Mindy. Inside, Mindy had eggs frying. I purposefully changed my seat selection in order to make eye contact with Jacob, who was purposefully ignoring me by looking to his side. He lightened up a minute later, about the same time that Bella made her way down. Mindy and Bella discussed the logistics of Mindy visiting her classroom towards the end of the school day, around 3p. Bella was selected ‘Star Student’, and as part of the accolades, a parent comes in to share a little about their kid. Mindy planned to share a bit about Bella’s Guatemalan heritage. Mindy left for school at 730a. Before heading off to the shower I fried Frankie her own egg. Bella agreed to stay down until it cooled enough for her to eat. Before heading up, I laid out three varieties of cheese to slice after my shower. I was back downstairs near 750a. I sliced some cheese and prepped some fruit that would serve as my light lunch. I packed a banana too. The kids were downstairs on their own at 755a. Bella asked me to search out her brown gloves. I found them after riffling through the mitten crate in the hall closet. We headed out at 759a. I didn’t bother starting the Trooper, no frost and no snow. Chrissy was out with the girls. We chatted briefly. Invited them to join us at Barley’s though I wasn’t certain that we’d be going. I walked Frankie out front. She peed a second time before we headed in. I organized a few things then headed off to work. I parked out front arriving right at 830a. I barely had enough time to get settled before our 9a staff meeting. In our meeting we resolved a couple issues, most notably who’d be taking on-call for New Year’s holiday weekend. I was fearing that I’d end up having to take it but one of my remote peers stepped up and took it. Said he wanted the comp time the following week. Cool. Now I’ll be able to enjoy 12 straight days of holiday cheer – Dec 22 – Jan 3. The rest of my morning went smoothly. Before leaving the house earlier, I sent myself the url I found last week for Maytag dryer parts. I planned to order the parts necessary to make the repairs to ours after watching a few YouTube videos detailing the rather simple repair. I checked that out mid morning. I ordered a new belt and two assist wheels (one, the actual source of the horrible squealing). I spent $45 on parts. Said they’d be at our house in 2-5 business days. Cool! I planned to take a real lunch break and head to Tuttle Mall. There, I planned a visit to Macy’s and Sears. I stopped in Macy’s first. First off, I picked up a pair of synthetic long johns that I plan to use for skiing. The pair I bought last year ride down my ass too low. They were on sale for 25% off plus I had a 20% coupon for all day shopping. Next, I bought some nice soft PJ’s for the girls, something I buy them almost every Xmas. When making that purchase, they tried to get me to use my Macy’s card and doing so would’ve saved me an additional 40% on top of the savings I already recognized. The offer sounded tempting, but I opted not. I drove to the other end of the mall to get to Sears. There I bought some hex sockets and retainer ring pliers. The pliers would assist in the coming dryer repair. Spent $35 on the tools. I headed back to the office arriving just ahead of 2pm. The afternoon was busy but also fun – sort of. I spent a lot of the time with my team as well as dealing with a couple customers. Even though it was a two day work week, I was thrilled that it was Friday despite the realization that I’d be on-call for the weekend. I left the office around 515p. The drive home itself was uneventful, which is good. I called my mom like I often do on my Friday drive home. She had carpal tunnel surgery on one of her hands just the day before. She didn’t sound that chipper. This I assumed was due to pain medication after surgery. But she went on to share some sad, disturbing news, news she said she assumed I already knew. My aunt Linda, her sister, is dying from kidney cancer and in the hospital. According to mom, not coming home. Said she has only a few days. She began to cry stating that she needed to get down to see her. I agreed and encouraged her to call my dad for a ride. If he couldn’t fetch her (the hand surgery preventing her from driving herself) I would do it, but didn’t want to throw that out right away. She and Linda have been at odds ever since my grandmother’s passing. I haven’t seen Linda for at least 14 years. Once at home, the kids immediately asked if we could leave for Barley’s. I needed at least a half hour to unwind, transition to home mode. I shared the sobering news of Linda’s poor health with Mindy. She asked what my intentions were. I wasn’t immediately sure. We ended up leaving for Barley’s just after 6p, certainly earlier than we would’ve had we been without the kids. I grabbed an empty Barley growler thinking I might bring home a jug of Centennial. It wasn’t long before we were there. The lot was pretty full, but not as full as it’s been the past few Friday’s. Both Diedra and Beth were working the bar. I handed them my jug for them to keep behind the bar until our departure. Once they freed up, I ordered a Centennial. Mindy ordered a Russian and the kids lemonade and Dr Pepper. Mindy ordered the kids food pretty quickly too. I didn’t order anything to eat. Our friend Mark came in soon after us. He called his gal pal Trudy, who we haven’t seen in a year or more. Said she wanted to see us. She showed about 30 minutes later. It got crowded in a hurry. Standing room only. We hooked the kids up with a small barside table while we stood and chatted with our peeps. Jacob ordered the buffalo chicken tenders and onion straws. Bella ordered grilled cheese. Mindy ordered a bowl of soup. I think it was cheese broccoli. I ordered nothing but picked at the fries and onion straws that came with the kids stuff. Jacob gave me half of a chicken tender. I had two Centennials while we were there and then had our growler filled just before we left. It was only 730p. Mindy picked up the tab and drove home. We were gonna pay the neighbors a visit but as luck would have it they were just heading out for dinner. We decided to stay home and watch the DVD movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. First time I’ve seen it beginning to end. I’ve joined it in progress maybe 10 times. The kids hated it. Asked numerous times why the actors were so overtly dramatic. They didn’t care for the black and white composition, either. Interesting to hear their opinion given that the movie’s far removed from anything they’re familiar with. I sipped a Centennial throughout the movie and started to drift off as the end neared. I woke with a new burst of energy after the movie, though. It was 1015p. I popped some popcorn and shared it with Mindy & Bella. Well, and Frankie too. She loves it. Mindy headed off to bed while I watched part of the Arizona vs Arizona State game. Next thing I knew Mindy was giving me the dickens from the balcony. It was near 1am I think. I fell sound asleep on the sofa. I shut down the electronics and joined Mindy in bed.