The Hair Necessities

I was up about five minutes early. While brushing my teeth, I could tell that it was raining again. The wet streets were glistening under the street lights. I went to gather my running clothes but they weren’t in their usual place. Instantly I remembered tossing  them in the dryer after Tuesday morning’s extra wet run.

I headed downstairs to ready for my calisthenics. I finished my sit-ups and push-ups in short order. The neck pain I’ve been dealing with for the past couple weeks was about as good as it’s been. I think I found the epicenter on Tuesday while at work, a knot just below my left shoulder blade. I used my office door jam to apply pressure for several minutes. When I walked away the neck pain abated almost like magic. However, unlike knots in the past, this one was squishier, not as well-formed. I just hope I can keep it at bay.

It was nice to have my internet connection up & stable. I read headlines and checked the current and future weather forecast. It was only 43 degrees with very light rain, hardly showing up on the radar. That was good news. Chance of rain all day but only the light variety.  Not supposed to get much beyond 50 degrees, however. Thursday looked good, though. Expecting sunshine and 66. Unfortunately, rain for the entire weekend but with temps heading up into the low 70s by Monday.

Eiknarf and I headed out next. We walked in the light rain the entire time. No big deal. Gone about 10 minutes, I was happy to be home again where I could enjoy some coffee. I sipped coffee, meditated, and stretched all before 630a. I headed upstairs with coffee a few minutes later. Frankie came along too.

Next, I dressed for a run as if it were winter short of the ear muffs. First time I felt the need to wear gloves in a long while. It was only 43 degree and raining, not exactly pleasant. I headed out at 635a. It was raining but just barely.  And compared to the day prior, I was absolutely thrilled with that. I ran the full 4.1 miles. By run’s end the rain was nothing more than a light mist.

Inside, Mindy and the kids were up, but she wasn’t cooking breakfast, at least not for me. I clarified her intentions then proceeded to make my own. No worries, it doesn’t take that long anyhow. I also stirred the Mexican chicken that was still brewing in the crock-pot. Smelt  terrific – spicy! I went ahead and packed fruit, cheese and a banana for work. I didn’t want to gorge on pot-luck food if there was any way I could avoid it.

Mindy left for work at 730a. Not sure about Jacob’s soccer practice. Would have to wait until later in the afternoon to find out if the fields were open. He’s only had two practices in 5 weeks due to rainy weather.

I headed up for a shower just after 730a. I was frustrated to find my electric clipper/razor falling apart. Not sure how that happened. I did my best to put it back together but it barely worked. I’ve needed a new one anyway. It’s getting really dull. Perhaps at lunch.

I was back downstairs by 750a. The kids and I tinkered around in the kitchen until bus time. I headed out with my umbrella even though the rain was only light. I unlocked the Trooper on my way out to make loading the crock-pot easier.  I planned to tote it in a laundry basket. Met Chrissy and the girls at the bus stop. The bus came along quickly. Soon Frankie and I were heading back towards home. I let her sniff around a little but she only wanted to play. We headed back inside where I quickly prepared to depart. I loaded the crock-pot and then my back pack in the Trooper then headed off.

The sky actually had a few visible slivers of blue to our immediate north, but thick clouds still dominated the skyline. I arrived at work right on time. We had our weekly staff meeting via conference call at 9a. The call lasted about an hour. Meanwhile, I could smell all the scrumptious Mexican food around the corner from my office in the training room (potluck room). We didn’t plan to eat until 12noon.

I stayed busy until 1230p when I headed out to run a couple errands, including a stop at the Dublin Wal-Mart to look for new electric clippers/trimmer. I grabbed a chocolate chip cookie from the potluck on my way out. Man was it ever good – soft and chewy!

I eventually found my way to Wal-Mart. They had 6 or 7 different electric hair clippers/trimmer kits priced anywhere from $20-$43. After some hemming and hawing I settled on a kit priced at $32 that included both an electric clipper and battery operated beard trimmer. Came with lots of accessories too that I know I’ll never use. Typical Wal-Mart, only one line open as far as the eye could see. I waited patiently behind three or four others. I headed back to the office afterwards.

I took full advantage of the potluck offerings, making two small soft tacos using the spicy chicken that I made. It was almost gone, and everyone was raving about it. Lots of compliments. I avoided most of the other stuff, but everything looked incredibly good. I couldn’t resist having more of those soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies, however. They were downright heavenly. I had 4 in total. Yikes!

Mindy sent a late afternoon email indicating that Jacob’s soccer practice was canceled again. Unless I’m mistaken, that makes 3 out of the last 4 weeks. Funny really. I worked until 540p. Spent the last 30 minutes of the day talking with my boss. He’ll be out on vacation all next week. Lucky him! I need one too.

The sun was peaking out intermittently during my drive home. Officially partly cloudy skies. No immediate threat of rain. Called my mom. Haven’t talked for a couple weeks. She sounded pretty good, although a tad winded. Said she gets that way. Didn’t make it to Steve Smiths’ funeral, I gathered. Hasn’t heard from the brothers either. We talked about a number of things, nothing too important. She did share that uncle Chuck was home for the summer from his winter digs in Las Vegas.

Inside, Mindy was busy on her PC. We chatted briefly. The sky, meanwhile, brightened even more. Although still cool, I headed out to feel the sunshine and chat with the kids, who were out riding their bikes. Saw neighbor Nick at the bridge. Teased him about looking like Justin Beiber. The girls (Bella, Makayla, Lillian) didn’t agree. Too funny!

Headed back inside where Mindy and I chatted for a while longer. Basically talked about our relationship and how we both need to tend to it. I agreed. Both of us passed on dinner. I was still relatively full from the potluck lunch. Mindy had a bowl of cereal.  I was looking forward to some popcorn later. I did eat a few slices of Fontina cheese, my new favorite.

The kids played outside until almost 8p. Actually, even beyond. Mindy phoned Chrissy asking her to send them home. I did more proof reading of my late blog entries. I know it’s hard to believe but I am current. Just haven’t taken the time to publish, but I will.

Come 8p we tuned in to American Idol. I popped some popcorn too. Now that they’re down to the final five, they’re doing two songs a each. Haley tore it up on both. She did an unreleased Lady Gaga song and then the Animals, House of the Rising Sun. Awesome! Check it out on You Tube. Aside from Haley, I’d say they all had an off night. Jacob will most likely be heading home.

After Idol, Bella and I went to my PC and for the very first time ever, we voted for our favorites.  I voted for Haley twice. Bella voted for James. We watched Breaking In after Idol.  Love the show and its humor, but I still fell asleep before the 30 minute program ended. Mindy woke me at 10p to ask if I was coming to bed. Yes. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I could actually see a few stars in the sky while taking a quick glance out the back door. Good night moon … where ever you are.