Idol Chit-Chat

Up on time but I felt a little under slept. Thankfully though, the feeling faded fast. I gazed out the back while slipping into my exercise shoes. It was another clear morning with the new moon noticeably missing from the eastern sky. I guess it’s rising later everyday. I moved to the living room where I whipped out 55 sit-ups and then spent a few minutes at my PC. It was chilly, only 22 degrees. Much colder than it’s been for the last several days. But that’s March. Lots of back and forth. Frankie in no way seemed eager to leave her pen. She continued lounging while I did push-ups and later while I enjoyed my first cup of coffee. But just as I guessed she might, she came a calling just as I sat down to meditate. In between meditation and stretching, I took Frankie out back. And because I’m now on to her antics, I didn’t allow her to sniff out any goose poop. Left to her instincts, she’ll seek it out and eat it like Cheetos. She only pooped, no pee. Back inside it was 620a. I gave her a quick treat then did my stretch routine. That felt really good. Afterwards, I prepared and delivered Mindy’s coffee. Mindy was just getting out of the shower. Time was moving fast. It was already 640a as I dressed for my run. Dang it! I hurried out the door still getting into my gloves. I ran the full track – 4.1 miles without fail. Felt really good. During my run, I remembered once again that it’s time to replace my running shoes. I know I’m running on borrowed time having been in my current pair for almost 6 months now. That’s too long, and too many miles. It was trash day, too. I checked the can upon my return home. Still not empty. Running behind I guessed. Mindy’s Honda was already started and warming. I reminded her of the garbage can’s whereabouts once inside. Didn’t want to her to hit it again. Bella wasn’t happy. Assumed her over tired, but according to her, she was upset that she wouldn’t get to see her momma on her actual birthday (Saturday) since this was a daddy weekend. She melted to tears. Mindy tried cheering her up but nothing worked. After Mindy left I let her cry on my shoulder for a while. Off to the shower around 730a. I was ready & downstairs by 745a. I finished piecing to together my lunch then called for the kids. They were prompt. We headed out for the bus at 757a. I started the Trooper as I passed holding Frankie somewhat at bay. Chrissy was out with her girls. We chatted only briefly. She asked if Mindy was still PO’d after Sunday’s union discussion. Don’t think so. After the kids were on the bus, I walked Frankie out front until she took a crap. We then headed back inside where I quickly wrapped up a few last minute to-do’s, including starting the dishwasher, then I left for work. The work day was extremely busy. I am definitely feeling the pressure from the additional work responsibility. I still try to do my best, however, without driving myself crazy. That’s the key. It looked like a nice day in the offing - sunny and mild (in the 40’s). Sadly, I wasn’t able to get outside to appreciate any of it. The weekend, on the other hand, promises heavy rain. And unless I’m mistaken, this is the last week for MRM. They’re having their spring jam on Saturday and it’s supposed to be 51 with heavy rain. Don’t think we’ll be doing that. Come Sunday, it’s supposed to be in the low 30’s and snow, this the final day of the season. We’ll see. I sent Mindy a text earlier in the day sharing that she left her wedding rings at home. She replied via text. We didn’t talk again until I was on my way home and just before 530p. We chatted about SB5 – Ohio’s attempt to circumvent collective bargaining with public employees (teachers, fire fighters, and police). It will most likely pass the senate and house but then end up on the November ballot as a referendum. However, to make that happen, the opposition will need about 250,000 signatures within 90 days of Kasich signing it into law. At home, the kids were already off to dinner with Jimaken. Mindy and I chatted only briefly before leaving for dinner at Barley’s. The sunshine from the past few days was fading before my eyes. Clouds were thickening, the beginning of two straight days of rain. Barley’s lot was scantly populated – rare indeed. We parked in the regular lot with many options. Near us, was one of the new 2011 Ford Explorers. The first one I’ve seen live. I was disappointed. Told Mindy I didn’t like it. She just laughed. At this rate I’ll never get a new car. What can I saw, this is how I roll! I look. I study. I critique my thinking and then change my mind. Much to our chagrin, the lot might’ve been empty but there were no available stools at the actual bar, our preferred seating choice. We grabbed a barside table instead. We went to the bar and ordered beers, me a Lagunitas IPA & Mindy a Russian. It wasn’t long before two barstools opened up. We quickly moved in. Ten minutes later we placed a food order. Both of us ordered the special, the smoked reuben sandwich. Mindy had veggies as side. I had fries. What the hell. I eventually ordered a second beer, but not before trying the cask conditioned Centennial. It was terrible. I ordered an Avery Dugana IIPA instead. I’m worried about the quality of their beer now that Scott the brewmaster left. Others have expressed similar concern. Can you say CBC? We’ve been told, however, that Scott is now the brewmaster at the downtown Barley’s Ale House. Different owner but they share certain aspects of the overall business. Not entirely sure where the lines are drawn. Meanwhile, Mindy raved over the reuben, her first one ever. No surprise to me. I’ve had many. They’re delicious. Dan, the bar manager, bestowed an early birthday gift on Mindy, a pint of St Joan’s Revenge – her favorite. It’s not even on the tower yet. It was a special pint just for Mindy. Mindy eventually struck up a conversation with the young lady sitting next to us at the corner of the bar, who was wearing a scarf similar to hers. Said her mom makes and sales them. Ends up, she’s an attorney. Their conversation continued as Mindy shared a little about her ex, Jimaken, who is also and attorney. I had to laugh when the woman shared her spin on attorney’s. Said she’d willingly with one but never marry one. Mindy settled the tab and we left for home. It was about 745p. I drove. Mindy driving after two beers is never a good idea. We figured to be home with time to spare, but Jimaken and the kids were sitting out front in the car waiting our return. Kids said they had just pulled up. Inside, Mindy & I quickly got settled and changed into our PJs then we tuned into American Idol. Mindy had Bella take a shower. Jacob passed the sniff test. He got a rare bye.  Idol went on for two hours, cutting the 24 finalists down to only 10. Said goodbye to some talented singers. Towards the show’s end, the judges allowed 6 of the castaways to sing one more time for a chance to be saved. But sadly, I fell asleep somewhere during that final phase and missed who they kept. Mindy woke me for bed just after 10p. She shared who they kept as I rolled into our bed. Night Clouds!