I slept until about 540a then hustled through brushing my teeth and gathering up my running clothes. The last work day of the year had arrived, but honestly, I didn't give it much thought that early in the day. Instead, my focus was on my exercise routine, run, and everything else I needed to do leading up to Xmas.
My exercises were soon behind me and so was walking Frankie. The snow that fell on the 12th is looking pretty ragged. And in our back yard it's packed down to the consistency of ice from all the foot traffic and play. There are several thin spots too. We could really use a fresh storm to dress it up a bit before Xmas. Although still in the cards just a few days ago, no longer does it appear we'll be getting any new Xmas snow. Oh well.
I was running behind only because I was taking a more leisurely approach to each phase of my morning. 630a came and went in the middle of meditation, and I didn't get around to my daily stretch until 640a. I took Mindy coffee at some point but can't recall exactly when. This was Mindy's last day of school too. She'll be out until the 5th.
I dressed and left for a run just before 7a. I knew Mindy would most likely be gone by the time I made it back home. I ran the full 4.1 miles remaining in the moment thinking about all of my to-dos and then a little bit about work, which I'll admit I was a little angry about. You'll have that.
Sure enough, Mindy's Honda was gone by the time I made it back home. This was a Rachel day. Mindy left her a check on the counter along with a note. The check included a handsome tip/bonus. I tacked on to the thank you note. Mindy also left me a note on the microwave pointing inside to my breakfast. That was a nice surprise - scrambled eggs topped with cheese and an English muffin.
I woofed down my breakfast but saved a little for Frankie. She was very excited that I shared. Before heading off for a shower, I got the spiral sliced ham out of the fridge and then rolled two carving knives up in a clean kitchen towel for easy transport. The ham would be my contribution to our office Xmas potluck.
I was showered and ready just after 8a. I was in great shape time wise. I found a large foil tray in the basement that would serve as storage for the ham then headed off to work. I sent brother Glenn a text asking that he stay thirsty and travel well. His flight was departing Portland at 615a PT. Guessed him almost certainly at the airport by now.
Work was low-key, but not nearly as slow as it's been Xmas' past. Mentally, I was already on Xmas vacation. Lots going on over the next week. My peer and I presented my boss with his Xmas gift in my office. Nothing big, a bottle of Asti, chocolates, and a gift card to Barnes & Noble. He gifted us as well. Somewhat of a surprise, my peer gifted me too. I felt bad given that I didn't get him anything this year, although I have in years past.
I sliced up the ham around 1130a, and about an hour later the potluck began in earnest. Lots and lots of party type food, and plenty of festive desserts. I tried to avoid over eating, but wanted to enjoy some of those delicious looking Xmas cookies just the same. I mean come on, it's Christmas! Overall I didn't eat that much, but probably ate a few too many cookies. Early on, I reminded myself that we'd most likely be dining out later that evening so I curtailed the snacking early. I could feel my stomach talking to me - the hiatal hernia/schatzki ring thing.
I delivered gifts to each of my team members mid-day. The afternoon was quite enjoyable with lots of holiday banter. The afternoon went really fast. Before I knew it was 3p. Mindy phoned shortly after that sharing her excitement over being officially on Xmas break. The last couple hours of my day was spent cleaning up some administrative tasks - nothing too involved. My boss cut out a little early. I stuck around until about 510p.
I called and left daughter Courtney a VM encouraging her to come spend Xmas eve with the rest of us. I was hopeful, but in no way confident that she would. She's still bitter with Mindy and I. Holding a grudge for some reason.
I was home even before it was completely dark. That was nice. The house was sparkling after a Rachel day. Perfect! She left us a lovely plate of holiday cookies. She's an excellent cook. Runs in her family - mother, brother, etc.
Dad phoned from the airport cell phone lot around 6p concerned that he hadn't yet received a call from Glenn, who was supposed to land at 515p. With dad still on the phone, I pulled up the Southwest website to check the flight status - landed gate A2. Relayed that data to dad.
After hanging up I called Glenn's cell. He answered and shared that he'd tried calling dad but got no answer. I assured him dad was there and waiting on the call. I called dad back and shared that Glenn was indeed on the ground and ready in the passenger pick-up area. I never fully confirmed it, but assumed dad would be bringing him by our place.
Mindy and I sat quietly at the kitchen table, her sipping a glass of wine and me a glass of water. I figured to be driving to dinner. Didn't want to drink and drive. For selfish reasons, I suggested CBC, so I could have more that yummy 12 Hops!
Dad phoned around 630p to let us know that they were in Grandview and would be over shortly. OK? Must've arrived around 7p. We hung out for an hour or so before leaving for dinner. Dad opted out of dinner out, citing things to do.
We left for CBC at 805p. The lot about 3/4 full, I could see there was plenty of bar seating. Whoop! Kate was tending bar. She shared that the 12 Hops keg blew an hour prior. I was disappointed, momentarily speechless, and sad. :( I opted instead for a regular IPA, which is still pretty darn good. Glenn opted for their Winter Warmer. Mindy started with water but ended up with a Warmer too. We ordered appetizers as well, calamari and spinach artichoke dip.
Jamie and Stella were working too, but serving tables. We chatted with both briefly. The dip was fantastic. I enjoyed three IPAs before it was said and done. We asked Kate where the CBC brewery might've distributed their 12 Hops aside from Columbus Fish Market (already blew their keg Sunday). Another employee, who we've yet to meet, shared Bodega as a strong possibility. Mindy immediately Googled Bodega and then called from her smart phone. Yep, they had it on tap! We made plans to stop there before home.
Not sure the time but guessing it just after 10p. We headed north up High St to the short north. We parked around back and then walked through a dark an iced over alley to get there. Bodega was parked body to body, not exactly my cup of tea, but if they had the 12 Hops I was good with it. :)
Glenn and I both had a 12 hops served in a unique 10oz glass. Unfortunately, my pallet was gone after 3 prior IPAs, spinach dip, and most recently a peppermint. Consequently, I could barely taste the brew. I had just one but then ordered a Rogue Mogul Masher Black IPA. It was OK. Mindy drove us home.
Mindy headed for bed while Glenn and I opted for another beer and a movie. I put in the Grown Ups DVD. I fell asleep during the movie and dropped my beer, spilling it all over the carpeted floor. I woke instantly and in a huff and cleaned the mess. Dammit!
I woke again at 3a, Glenn apparently off to the guest room. I secured the house and headed to bed.
I slept until about 540a then hustled through brushing my teeth and gathering up my running clothes. The last work day of the year had arrived, but honestly, I didn't give it much thought that early in the day. Instead, my focus was on my exercise routine, run, and everything else I needed to do leading up to Xmas.
My exercises were soon behind me and so was walking Frankie. The snow that fell on the 12th is looking pretty ragged. And in our back yard it's packed down to the consistency of ice from all the foot traffic and play. There are several thin spots too. We could really use a fresh storm to dress it up a bit before Xmas. Although still in the cards just a few days ago, no longer does it appear we'll be getting any new Xmas snow. Oh well.
I was running behind only because I was taking a more leisurely approach to each phase of my morning. 630a came and went in the middle of meditation, and I didn't get around to my daily stretch until 640a. I took Mindy coffee at some point but can't recall exactly when. This was Mindy's last day of school too. She'll be out until the 5th.
I dressed and left for a run just before 7a. I knew Mindy would most likely be gone by the time I made it back home. I ran the full 4.1 miles remaining in the moment thinking about all of my to-dos and then a little bit about work, which I'll admit I was a little angry about. You'll have that.
Sure enough, Mindy's Honda was gone by the time I made it back home. This was a Rachel day. Mindy left her a check on the counter along with a note. The check included a handsome tip/bonus. I tacked on to the thank you note. Mindy also left me a note on the microwave pointing inside to my breakfast. That was a nice surprise - scrambled eggs topped with cheese and an English muffin.
I woofed down my breakfast but saved a little for Frankie. She was very excited that I shared. Before heading off for a shower, I got the spiral sliced ham out of the fridge and then rolled two carving knives up in a clean kitchen towel for easy transport. The ham would be my contribution to our office Xmas potluck.
I was showered and ready just after 8a. I was in great shape time wise. I found a large foil tray in the basement that would serve as storage for the ham then headed off to work. I sent brother Glenn a text asking that he stay thirsty and travel well. His flight was departing Portland at 615a PT. Guessed him almost certainly at the airport by now.
Work was low-key, but not nearly as slow as it's been Xmas' past. Mentally, I was already on Xmas vacation. Lots going on over the next week. My peer and I presented my boss with his Xmas gift in my office. Nothing big, a bottle of Asti, chocolates, and a gift card to Barnes & Noble. He gifted us as well. Somewhat of a surprise, my peer gifted me too. I felt bad given that I didn't get him anything this year, although I have in years past.
I sliced up the ham around 1130a, and about an hour later the potluck began in earnest. Lots and lots of party type food, and plenty of festive desserts. I tried to avoid over eating, but wanted to enjoy some of those delicious looking Xmas cookies just the same. I mean come on, it's Christmas! Overall I didn't eat that much, but probably ate a few too many cookies. Early on, I reminded myself that we'd most likely be dining out later that evening so I curtailed the snacking early. I could feel my stomach talking to me - the hiatal hernia/schatzki ring thing.
I delivered gifts to each of my team members mid-day. The afternoon was quite enjoyable with lots of holiday banter. The afternoon went really fast. Before I knew it was 3p. Mindy phoned shortly after that sharing her excitement over being officially on Xmas break. The last couple hours of my day was spent cleaning up some administrative tasks - nothing too involved. My boss cut out a little early. I stuck around until about 510p.
I called and left daughter Courtney a VM encouraging her to come spend Xmas eve with the rest of us. I was hopeful, but in no way confident that she would. She's still bitter with Mindy and I. Holding a grudge for some reason.
I was home even before it was completely dark. That was nice. The house was sparkling after a Rachel day. Perfect! She left us a lovely plate of holiday cookies. She's an excellent cook. Runs in her family - mother, brother, etc.
Dad phoned from the airport cell phone lot around 6p concerned that he hadn't yet received a call from Glenn, who was supposed to land at 515p. With dad still on the phone, I pulled up the Southwest website to check the flight status - landed gate A2. Relayed that data to dad.
After hanging up I called Glenn's cell. He answered and shared that he'd tried calling dad but got no answer. I assured him dad was there and waiting on the call. I called dad back and shared that Glenn was indeed on the ground and ready in the passenger pick-up area. I never fully confirmed it, but assumed dad would be bringing him by our place.
Mindy and I sat quietly at the kitchen table, her sipping a glass of wine and me a glass of water. I figured to be driving to dinner. Didn't want to drink and drive. For selfish reasons, I suggested CBC, so I could have more that yummy 12 Hops!
Dad phoned around 630p to let us know that they were in Grandview and would be over shortly. OK? Must've arrived around 7p. We hung out for an hour or so before leaving for dinner. Dad opted out of dinner out, citing things to do.
We left for CBC at 805p. The lot about 3/4 full, I could see there was plenty of bar seating. Whoop! Kate was tending bar. She shared that the 12 Hops keg blew an hour prior. I was disappointed, momentarily speechless, and sad. :( I opted instead for a regular IPA, which is still pretty darn good. Glenn opted for their Winter Warmer. Mindy started with water but ended up with a Warmer too. We ordered appetizers as well, calamari and spinach artichoke dip.
Jamie and Stella were working too, but serving tables. We chatted with both briefly. The dip was fantastic. I enjoyed three IPAs before it was said and done. We asked Kate where the CBC brewery might've distributed their 12 Hops aside from Columbus Fish Market (already blew their keg Sunday). Another employee, who we've yet to meet, shared Bodega as a strong possibility. Mindy immediately Googled Bodega and then called from her smart phone. Yep, they had it on tap! We made plans to stop there before home.
Not sure the time but guessing it just after 10p. We headed north up High St to the short north. We parked around back and then walked through a dark an iced over alley to get there. Bodega was parked body to body, not exactly my cup of tea, but if they had the 12 Hops I was good with it. :)
Glenn and I both had a 12 hops served in a unique 10oz glass. Unfortunately, my pallet was gone after 3 prior IPAs, spinach dip, and most recently a peppermint. Consequently, I could barely taste the brew. I had just one but then ordered a Rogue Mogul Masher Black IPA. It was OK. Mindy drove us home.
Mindy headed for bed while Glenn and I opted for another beer and a movie. I put in the Grown Ups DVD. I fell asleep during the movie and dropped my beer, spilling it all over the carpeted floor. I woke instantly and in a huff and cleaned the mess. Dammit!
I woke again at 3a, Glenn apparently off to the guest room. I secured the house and headed to bed.
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