Texas Pile-it-on

I woke initially around 430a and then what seemed like every ten minutes or so thereafter. The last time I remember closing my eyes it was 520a. I didn’t wake again until 537a. Not bad, but later than I hoped. I leaped from bed and hurried through brushing my teeth and gathering my running clothes. I quickly headed downstairs to start my exercise regimen. I glanced out back into mostly cloudy skies. I slipped into my recently retired running shoes, which have now become exercise shoes. I headed to the livingroom where I whipped out 55 sit-ups in all of about 3 minutes. After sit-ups, I popped up and into my computer chair where I checked email, the weather, and a few headlines. It was 46 degrees with the day’s high expected to approach 70 once again. However, strong storms with large hail were predicted during the afternoon. And once that passes the bottom’s expected to drop out from under those lofty high temps. Cast back into more winter like conditions for the next four or five days. Expect it and you won’t e disappointed. I did my push-ups next, 55 of them. I felt really good. Next up was coffee. It tasted delicious. Just what I needed. Frankie came out of her pen as I was preparing for meditation. I quickly changed direction and took her out instead. She seemed ready, willing, and eager. We headed out front where she quickly took care of business. Must’ve really had to go. We headed back inside in a hurry. I then proceeded to meditate and stretch. I finished up around 625a and then delivered coffee and the pug to Mindy, who was already mid-shower. A few minutes later I was out the door on my run. Once again, I didn’t wear a jacket or hand and ear covers. I did wear two wicking shirts, however. That was darn near ideal. I was comfortable throughout. The sky cleared directly overhead revealing the ¾ moon. Lovely and bright. I ran the full 4.1 miles without incident. Mindy was putting the finishing touches on scrambled eggs upon my return. Didn’t start the Honda. She planned to leave a few minutes early since she had to drop the kids off at grandma Sharon’s. If I understood correctly, Gloria was picking them up from there around noon and taking them to lunch and then back to her place. We briefly discussed Jacob’s initial soccer practice set for 630p at the Hilliard soccer fields. I shared the strong chance of severe storms for late afternoon. Chance practice will be canceled. Also up in the air was whether or not Jimaken was picking the kids up later that evening. He’s off work Thursday & Friday and made arrangements to have them during that same period. Mindy and the kids departed at 725a. I finished my breakfast then headed up for a shower. I was fast and already back downstairs by 745a. I packed my lunch and tidied up the kitchen, including prepping the dishwasher for running. I waited until my coffee cup was empty and loaded before hitting the ‘go’ button. Because Frankie had become accustom to a second walk to the bus stop, I took her out back for a few minutes before leaving. She did a lot of sniffing but no doing. Not a problem. Just wanted to give her a chance. I started the dishwasher then left for work at 810a. I arrived at the office a few minutes ahead of 830a. My peer came by my office requesting I join him in his office even before I could put my things down. I asked for a couple of minutes to take care of logging on, getting fresh ice water, and stowing my lunch. I went to his office to see what was up. He wanted to meet with me and our shift lead to discuss headcount/work load dispersement. I did a lot of listening and little talking. I sensed something amiss but couldn’t quite place my finger on it. It wasn’t until later that I learned that there was an earlier conflict between the two of them. He did a good job of masking any tension. But that explains why he beckoned my attendance so swiftly in the door. Oh boy! The work day was another busy one. Expect it every day. Mid day I was asked to perform an analysis of sorts on the past few days work results. I was happy to do it as long as others handled the routine stuff. I spent pretty much the rest of my day doing that analysis. Spoke with Mindy late afternoon to review our evening’s plan. I wondered if Jacob would still have soccer practice given that it was storming in Hilliard (lots of lightning, thunder, and rain). Said it was dry at home and that she hadn’t heard otherwise from his coach. Promised to call me back if something changed. We discussed doing dinner at Barley’s with the kids if soccer practice was indeed canceled. She called back a few minutes later to share that it was. Dinner at Barley’s was on. Kids were excited. I ended up working a few minutes late – about 10. I headed for home around 545p arriving there near 6p. After the storm passed the temperature dropped like a rock - 20 degrees to be exact. But on a positive note, it was sunny and mostly clear, but again only in the 40’s. It was 68 just before the storm hit. Mindy rinsed my lunch dishes and I prepped Thursday’s coffee. After about 5-10 minutes at home, we all piled into the Honda and headed off to Barley’s. I asked the kids about their day with Mawmaw. Said they had a good time. Played cards, went to lunch, made no-bake cookies. We arrived at Barley’s around 620p. The lot was close to full but we managed to get a close spot as someone was leaving at just the right time. Mindy opted for a booth near the bar. John was our server. He brought us the NCAA tournament bracket sheet we filled out last week. We’re currently in second place. That won’t last, however. Our elite eight picks will kill us. More than half are already eliminated. Jacob made fun of our picks. Wise guy! I ordered a Great Lakes Burning River Pale Ale off the guest tap. Mindy went with a St. Joan’s. The kid each ordered a Dr. Pepper. Karianne called Mindy soon after we arrived, and apparently planned to join us. What I didn’t realize was that she was nearby visiting a friend. We ordered food next. Mindy went with their carnivore platter (chicken and brisket). I went with a Texas Pile it On burger. Jacob ordered chicken tenders with Gates of Hell sauce on the side, and Bella ordered a corn dog. Karianne showed up just after our food arrived. She sat with us but didn’t eat or drink. We talked about giving her our jogging stroller. I bought it when Kaileigh was a toddler but used it only sparingly, two or three times as I recall. She wanted to buy us a Barley’s gift card in trade, nice gesture but totally unnecessary. We simply want to gift it to her. She talked a lot and also very fast – always does. Lots of humorous stories. I ordered a second beer, a Wallop IIPA. John brought me one, but said it was the bottom/end of the keg. The pint glass wasn’t quite full. Said he wouldn’t charge me for it either. Cool. I picked up the check. More than I expected, but Mindy’s dinner entrée alone was almost $20. Yikes! But as Karianne pointed out, at least she didn’t order a $20 glass of wine. We headed for home around 745p. Everybody was looking forward to watching American Idol. Bella ran down to Kayla’s as soon as we parked. Mindy gave her a curfew of 830p. Jimaken planned to come by and pick up the kids after his class lets out (930-1030p). We watched 2 hours of American Idol. This week all eleven contestants were really strong. Although once again, I don’t care for that Paul character. Haley, Haley, Haley. Jimaken showed up to fetch the kids just ahead of 10p. They were gone in a hurry. Suddenly the house was quiet. Mindy headed to bed as soon as Idol was over. I stayed up as the news whirled, though I didn’t really watch. I fell asleep within minutes. I woke and headed up to bed around 1010p.