Keeping Grandpa Company

I woke a few minutes before 530a and since it was so close I got up for good not willing to risk oversleeping. I was downstairs to hear the coffee maker kick on. I glanced out back only to find more clear skies. I slipped into my exercise tennies then headed to the living room where I whipped out 55 sit-ups. Once again, I planned to skip push-ups thinking/hoping the short break would aid in my shoulder’s recovery. I checked the online forecast next. It was a chilly 22 degrees, a morning temperature I have become much more accustom to this winter, but given that it was in the 40s the morning before I knew I’d have to bundle warmly for my run. Frankie seemed unusually eager to head outside. Tuned into her needs, I passed on coffee for the time being and took her out. The colder temps actually helped make it less slippery. And after Monday’s warm temps, so much more of the lawn was exposed furthering our traction. With little pause, Frankie peed and pooped. No doubt a byproduct of the big melt off. Inside, and after giving her a treat, I poured a cup of coffee that I enjoyed from the sofa for a few minutes of quiet contemplation. At 605a I did a ten plus minute meditation that went better than most recent days. I started my stretch routine at 620a. My right shoulder was stiff and painful but loosened significantly after the stretch. I could hear that Mindy was up and about as I finished up. I poured her some coffee then headed upstairs but with Frankie leading the way. She looks forward to heading upstairs every morning. Mindy was already in the shower. I headed back downstairs to dress for my run. Once again, I wore my “B” grade running clothes, but still bundled warmly. For whatever the reason, I wasn’t able to get out of the house until almost 640a. The predawn sky was quite lovely with an orangeish blue glow in the eastern sky. I ran the full 4.1 miles without issue. I started the Honda for Mindy, and while I was out there I took another look at the dent I noticed the night before. I could see that the paint was cracked around the dent, which means proper repair will require paint work too. $$$$. Inside, Mindy had my eggs ready and waiting. She reminded the kids that they were to bus home as normal but that my dad would be there to intercept them. She advised that her conferences could quite possibly keep her there past 9p, not to mention still having to complete sub plans. She helped Bella brush her hair – especially the back - then left for school. I packed some fruit for my lunch then headed up for a shower. Both kids headed to Jacob’s room where they started playing nerf basketball, again. I wouldn’t normally shave again so soon but wanted to pack my electric razor for our trip so I shaved again this morning. It didn’t take too long. I was showered and downstairs again by 748a. I could hear the kids bouncing around wildly in Jacob’s room, but there was no crying and apparently nothing breaking so all’s good. I finished packing my lunch the called for the children. We headed for the bus at 758a. Chrissy was out with Makayla. Said Lillian’s mother hadn’t yet dropped her off. Said if she didn’t make it on time she would insist that she drive her to school. I offered that I could do the deed if it came to that. She pulled up just a few seconds in front of the bus. Lucky her! Chrissy shared that Kenny headed out of town as planned but let his cell phone by mistake. Wasn’t sure what they would do about it, but knows that he depends on it for his business. Said she might even overnight it. Walked Frankie out front. A lot of sniffing but no doing. We headed inside. It was 804a. I spent a few extra minutes organizing my gear before heading off to work. I arrived at work near 840a and parked up front. I spent the first 2 hours of my day visiting with my team in the center. I my opinion, that’s how all good leaders should spend their time – visiting with their respective teams. When I do that, my day always goes better. In today’s world, even as managers we’ve sadly become more task driven. My peer was off on a comp day. The weight of the day rested squarely on my shoulders. However, as best I could, I didn’t allow that sway my day. I met with my boss around 1030a and then spent the rest of the morning in my office dealing with numerous escalations. Ugh! I opted to skip taking a formal lunch, not having any necessary errands or stops. I ate my banana, fruit and cheese. Didn’t get to my salad. I talked with Tommy mid afternoon to touch base about our trip. He leaves a day before us but the same flight I didn't speak with Mindy all day long. I was at work until just after 530p. I remembered that my dad was at the house with the kids. At least I hoped he was. It was 601p when I pulled up at home. Yep, dad was there. Inside, I found Bella and my dad. Jacob was still outback playing in the tree house. Bella said she came in to keep grandpa company. Too cute! Said she took Frankie out several times and that her homework was already and checked. Cool! It was a Rachel day. The house looked great. Needed it too. Hadn't been there for four weeks. I did my after work chores, including prepping Wednesday's coffee. The UPS guy rang the door bell and left a package resting on our stoop. I retrieved and thanked him while he was walking away. I didn't order anything. It was addressed to Mindy. Jacob came in about 10 minutes after dark. I asked him to take off his middy snow boots from the deck thus keeping the freshly mopped floors looking bright and clean. Dad left for home soon after Jacob came inside. I asked the kids numerous times what they wanted for dinner. Jacob shared that he filled up on his giant Valentine's Day Hershey bar and wasn't hungry. Great! Bella didn't want anything either. Later, however, she asked me to call Mindy and request she stop at Kroger for some Hebrew National hot dogs. I told her I would ask if she called us, but that I wasn't going to interrupt her parent conferences for that. After all, we had Ballpark franks in the fridge. She decline one of those. Bella asked if she could head to the neighbors to play with Makayla around 715p. I agreed, but asked that she call as soon as she safely arrived (2 houses down). Instead of a call, she showed up back at the door not 2 minutes later. Said they were home but not answering. Asked me to call, but I didn't have Chrissy's number. She wasn't pleased. Mindy called around 8p to advise that she was on her way home. I asked about the Hebrew National's. As expected, she said no. She did ask that I make sure the kids were showered. No prob. As soon as we hung up I headed upstairs to request the kids start their showers. Jacob went first. As usual, he was done almost too fast. Asked me to smell his hair. It was passable. Bella finished up just before Mindy got home. Ashley and Olivia called just before 8p. Olivia asked if she could have a sleep over when we get home from our trip. Of course! I talked with Ashley at length. Shared how she's struggling to make ends meet. Ashley works hard and is a very good mommy. I want to help. I wish Steven was a bit more motivated. Mindy was home around 830p. Bella whined to her momma about not getting to play with Makayla and not getting dinner. What? Both kids suddenly cited being hungry. Give me a break! At the same time, Mindy asked that I open the UPS box. Said it was my anniversary gift. I reluctantly opened it up. It was a new camera, the newest version of my Canon 20X IS. Perplexed, I shared that I didn't need a new camera, and especially one like that. She was certain that was the same one I showed her at Best Buy around TG. Nope, that was a totally different style/model - PS S95. Mindy's feelings were hurt. But by no means did I mean to insult her. Instead, I didn't want her to spend that kind of money on something I had no need for. On the other hand, I much appreciated the effort she spent trying to please me. After changing into her PJs I think she finally came around and recognized what I was trying to tell her. She spent about 30 minutes figuring out how to do an online return. I felt bad, but I would never get good use out of that camera. I made a Jack & Coke with what was left in my mini bottle of Jack. I backfilled the empty bottle with lemon nip leftover from last Saturday effectively draining one of our pocket flasks for travel. The kids headed up to bed around 9p. I headed up for the tuck in shortly thereafter. Mindy & I talked for a few before I retired to the sofa. I eventually started falling asleep. Mindy headed up to bed ahead of me. Can't recall what I did, sleep maybe. I woke still before 10p and headed to bed myself.