Super Nappy Sunday

I woke a couple times through the night with a dull headache, but by the time 730a rolled around I felt whole. To that end I eagerly exited bed and headed downstairs to start some coffee and check in with work. It was Sunday so I didn't plan to do sit-ups or push-ups. Work was relatively calm. I was able to relax and enjoy some coffee before dealing with Frankie, who once again showed no sign of hurry whatsoever. The weather, meanwhile, was cloudy and 28 degrees. No precip. Frankie and I headed outside around 830a. I'm thinking that Mindy got up around 930am or a little after. At any rate, I hadn't yet completed my run, but was preparing to do so. After getting into the proper attire, I did a stretch routine from the family room floor. Felt really good. I'm guessing that it was 10am or after when I finally headed out for a run. I ran three miles without incident. It was quite apparent that we didn't get nearly the snow they got up by MRM Saturday. I'll bet it was less than an inch here in town. The main streets in the subdivision were void of any ice or snow, just a tad wet. After my run, but before heading inside, I picked up the numerous curbside papers left frozen in the snow banks and disposed of them properly. Next, I headed to the back yard where I carried the fallen branches from last week's ice storm to the compost pile out back. It took three trips to get all the big stuff. Still some smaller stuff lying around that will almost certainly remain until the initial phase of 2011 spring clean-up. Inside, Mindy was putting the finishing touches on the grocery list while I enjoyed a bowl of Wheaties. After breakfast, I asked Mindy to make sure that I had all of her 2010 tax information. I didn't plan to start our tax return this weekend, but wanted to be organized so that I can start at any time in the week or so. Mindy left for the grocery around noon. While she was away I laundered my running and ski attire, changed a burnt out bulb in our bathroom light fixture, and then took a shower. I sprinkled in a little work too. So far, not too bad of an on-call. Mindy called at some point during her shopping to share that she ran into two local celebrities; John Cooper and then Kirk Herbstriet & family. Go Bucks! Mindy was home from the grocery around 2p. I helped carry in the goods. She said the kids would be home around 3p. I did some reading and took a short nap beforehand. All four of us were planning on going to the neighbors super bowl party. I was going to make and take spinach dip, my first crack at the recipe. I ended up napping on the sofa later in the afternoon. Before dosing off I watched the final seconds of the Buckeye basketball game against the Minnesota Gophers all the while joking that I only watch the end and once the outcome is no longer in doubt. It's better that way. I have no idea how long I slept. I vaguely remember Mindy advising that she was heading down to the neighbors to visit. Asked if I planned on joining her anytime soon. Soon, dear, soon. It was close to 515p when I decided to get up from the sofa and start making the spinach dip. It was a simple recipe, one I gleaned from Yahoo and one using Velveeta (fake) cheese. I mixed all the ingredients then popped it into the microwave for a total of 8 or 9 minutes, but stopping it a couple of times to stir the mixture. I wasn't so sure of its success immediately out of the microwave, but it stiffened up a bit and seemed a worthy appetizer for guests. I split the dish into two bowls keeping one for home. I prepared a to-go bowl of the dip, three beers, and a bag of Tostito chips then collected my electronics (BBerry, phone, camera) and started for the front door. Just then, Mindy walked in apparently to check on my status. Good timing. I offered that she could help me carry the goods. We headed to the neighbors. Not too many guests, Chrissy's sister Missy and her family (Steeler fans), Jason & Wendy and their four kids, and another couple and their mother. Might've been a few others too. The game started a few minutes after we arrived. I plated some of the goodies, but was careful not to over do it. I cracked open one of my three beers, too. Christina Aguilera sang the Star Spangled Banner. I guess I missed the fact that she left out a line. Thought she did a damn good job. The Packers drew first blood and it looked for a while like they just might blow it open. I warned others not to count the Steelers out. Amongst the guests were many true blue Steeler fans. Given that it was a school/work night, Mindy suggested we head home at halftime, or about 830p. We watched the Black Eyed Peas halftime show then departed. I like Fergie, but wasn't very impressed with the show. Weak vocals. Once at home, all of us changed into our PJs then tuned the TV to the super bowl to catch the 2nd half. The Steelers scored to draw even closer making a real game of it. Then, a few minutes later, they had the ball on the Packers 35 down by only 4 points. I was sure that they would score and take the lead. Instead, they fumbled the ball, and Green Bay turned another Steeler turnover into 7 more points. Still not over, the Steelers answered with yet another touchdown of their own, and actually got the ball back again with just under two minutes remaining and 80+ yards to go for the winning TD. If anyone could do it, I figured it them. Surprisingly though, they looked out of sorts, confused even. They went four and out. The Packers won. I like Aaron Rogers. He a gutsy quarterback with an incredibly accurate riffle arm. For my money, he looks an awful lot like Favre back there in the pocket. We headed to bed soon after the final seconds ticked off the clock. I had no desire whatsoever to watch the trophy presentation.