Big Hair Cut Weekend

I was up on time. It was another cloudy start. I completed exercises then checked the weather. It was 62 degrees. Expecting partly cloudy skies with a high not expected to get much beyond 70. The weekend, however, promise sunshine and temps well into the 80's with an extended dry spell too.

Eiknarf and I did our ritualistic walk near 550a and we were out the usual ten minutes. Coffee was next, and it definitely hit the spot. For the sake of time, I kept meditation brief. Stretching took the typical 7 minutes and felt terrific. I delivered Mindy's coffee and the pug just ahead of 630.

Time to run. I dressed in summer running attire and headed out the door near 635a. Again, it was cloudy but warm. The air was thick and quite close. I ran the full 4.1 miles without even a hint of trouble and made it back home somewhere near 715a.

Eggs were ready and waiting. Mindy, the kids and I chatted gayfully about the long holiday weekend and the scant few 'get-ups' that remained to the school year - four to be exact.  Mindy departed at her usual time, and then the kids and I headed upstairs - me to the shower.

It didn't take me long to ready myself for work. My hair looked terrible (too long and all over the place). I hoped to get away at lunch for a haircut. I wore jeans and my CBC t-shirt. Before heading out to the bus stop I packed a lunch consisting of tuna, cheese, banana and fruit. The kids and I headed out at 757a.

I met Chrissy and Lillian at the bus stop. Lillian wasn't pleased that Makayla was staying home, at least for the morning, to accommodate a mid-morning dental appointment. Chrissy talked about Rachel's 30th b-day costume party Saturday night. We were invited but didn't think we'd be going. And speaking of Rachel, this was a Rachel day. Mindy was overjoyed. It's been 2-3 weeks. The bus arrived on time and soon the kids were off to school. I walked Eiknarf out front briefly before heading in to finalize preparations.

I left for work at 815a driving the BM'er, though with the top up. It was a fun, fast drive into the office. The morning was only moderately chaotic. Admittedly, my head was already looking forward to the long holiday weekend - a four day for me. Come lunchtime I left for two-destination trip. First stop was Strader's where I picked up a flat of Impatiens and then a flat of trailing basket stuffers. Amongst them, I found the bacopa that Mindy wanted along with some deep purple verbena and some asparagus fern.

I left Strader's and headed to Mill Run to get a haircut. Unfortunately, they were queued up 5 or 6 deep at Saturday's. Said it would be at least 35 minutes. I left and walked down to Great Clips, no more than five store fronts away. There were two others ahead of me, and the wait quoted at 5 minutes. I agreed to wait. The five minutes turned out to be more like ten, but that was OK. Four others came in soon after me. I hadn't given it much consideration prior, but it was the day before a big graduation party weekend along with a holiday.

The young lady who cut my hair did a good job. I didn't really want it cut as close as usual. Great Clips is $4 or $5 cheaper than Saturday's and every bit as good. The only difference is they don't shampoo you at Great Clips unless you ask, and then it's an extra charge. It's a service i have no need for. Believe it or not, I wash my own hair every day.  I didn't bother having the young lady put any lube in my hair. Instead, I planned to do it myself once back at the office. I was back shortly after 2p. The after moved quickly. I was eager for the weekend. Scott, the gentleman that interviewed me on Tuesday pinged and asked if I could stop up. Agreed to meet at 415p. Glad I got my hair cut at lunch.

Headed up at 415p. I thought he was gonna offer me the job right then, but he did not. Instead, he wanted to ask a couple more questions and clarify some things. It was a brief, informal meeting. Once again, I left feeling good about my prospects. And hey, even if I don't get the new gig, I still have my current job.

My boss and I got roped into a last minute conference call that went until 615p. Oh boy! I wrapped up for the day and prepared to leave just after 630p. My boss wished me a good three day weekend. I reminded him that I submitted for Tuesday as a personal day. No problem. See ya Wednesday!

I arrived home near 6p. The house was quiet and clean. Rachel had been there earlier in the day, the kids gone with their dad, and Mindy was off to dinner with Laura, a longtime friend who was in town from Jersey. After stowing my work gear, which always feels terrific, I headed back to the BM'er to unload the flowers I bought at Strader's. I spent a little time on my PC updating my blog until around 730p.

Mindy called shortly thereafter to say that she was on her way home. Bought me some XXIPA while at the Giant Eagle wine tasting event. Said that nephew Joe planned to join us at Barley's. Mindy wasn't home long before we left for Barley's. I'm guessing we arrived near 8p. Standing in the parking lot by the entrance were Bob & Mary Ann talking to Scott and Linda Pansing. Bob & Mary Ann rode their bicycle built for two. Looks like it's been cared for over the years. They locked it to a parking lot tree then headed inside with us.

Mindy's friend Phyllis was there already too, as was Steve Wonn and Little Rick. I had just received started on my first beer, a Hoptopus, when nephew Joe came in. And then not too far behind him were his parents (my sister & brother-in-law) Jodi & Larry. Jodi & Larry came in first and foremost to meet Justin, Joe's new friend. A few minutes later two of Joe's buddies, Chad and Cheech arrived. Chad's parents were there too. But that wasn't all. Tom Clark showed up a little later as did our neighbor Darwin. Quite the crowd. Joe invited us to stop over Monday for volleyball. We'd be seeing Mindy's entire family on Sunday afternoon at Todd & Missy's place where we'd be celebrating Mia, Sophie, and Lindy's b-days.

Throughout the evening I drank a total of four beers - 2 Hoptopus, a Sublimey Self-Righteous, and a Maharaja. Too much good stuff. I didn't eat a lick of food. Thinking it was near 1030-1045p when we left for home. Mindy drove.

We walked Eiknarf as soon as we got home. Checked for lights at the neighbors. It was pitch dark. Must've made it an early night. We headed for bed around 11p.