Haley's Comet

After 7+ hours of restful sleep I got up at 530a. Usually that's more than enough sleep, but this time I woke feeling extra groggy. After brushing my teeth I headed downstairs with my running shorts and shirt in hand. I couldn’t see out the deck door at all. Covered with dew, in fact most of the windows were. I looked out onto the deck for rain but there was none.

Headed to the living room where I completed sit-ups then jumped online. It was a balmy 71 degrees. Checked the radar. No rain close. Expecting a high of 87 degrees with the threat of afternoon storms, much like you'd expect in late June and July.  But looking further ahead, I could hardly believe what I was reading. Expecting a high of only 54 on Monday. I decided I would take one day at a time and enjoy the summery weather while it lasted.

I headed to the family room where I completed 55 push-ups. Next, without much hesitation, I leashed up Eiknarf and headed out for a walk. I was still groggy but the fresh air helped usher it away. We were out for about 10 minutes.

Back in the kitchen I poured a cup of coffee and then returned to the PC for about 5 more minutes. At 610a I started a meditation and at 620a stretching. Took Mindy coffee near 625a. She was already in the shower.

It was 630a when I headed out the front door for my run. Steamy! I ran the full 4.1 miles without a problem. Felt terrific. I love running on warm, humid, summery mornings. I passed Kenny & Chrissy, who I assumed were heading off to the hospital for her knee surgery. Gave ‘em a wave as I ran by.

More people than usual gathered around our breakfast table. Makayla and Lillian were there. I forgot that they were coming over at 715a so we could see them on the bus. I asked if they wanted eggs with the rest of us. They didn’t. Mindy made fried eggs. Mindy left at 730a after reminding the kids to bus home after school.

I headed up for a shower while the kids played downstairs. They were extra loud.  I remembered to close the bedroom door since there were guests over. I wasn’t long getting ready. I was back downstairs by 745a. I used the extra time to play on the PC. My Wednesday lunch was still the fridge at work. All I needed to toss in was a banana.

I was grateful when bus time arrived. The kids were running a bit wild in the house. I did a good job of keeping all four in order until the bus came. Eiknarf and I walked out front where she took a second dump before pen time. I planned to drive the BM’er and was excited about it. It was already warm and sunny. I put all of my gear in my back pack and headed out at 810a.

Lovely drive in. Felt great. The BM’er was clean & shiny too having just given it a bath on Monday afternoon. Arrived at the office near 830a.

The morning was largely uneventful, but still busy. I left for lunch at 1p and headed first to my bank to cash a check from my mortgage company that I’ve had for a few weeks now. After my visit to the bank I headed in Kroger, which is right there too, and picked up a fresh bottle of Jack. Yum-yum!

I headed back to the office. It was really warm. According the BM’er’s temperature gauge, 86 degrees. Loved it! I put the top up before heading back in the office since there was a chance of strong thunderstorms for the afternoon.

It was just shy of 2p. I was really hungry. I ate my packed lunch while getting involved in several work matters. The afternoon got really busy. Towards the end of the day, I talked with my boss via IM, who was in N.C. on a working vacation.  

This was date night so Mindy really wanted me to get out on time. Turned out, though, I didn’t get out of the office until 545p. I made a beeline for home, and got favorable position at a couple key traffic lights.  I made it there by 6p.

Mindy was no where to be seen or heard. Kids were gone too. I eventually spotted her sitting on her patio by the pond. I went ahead and rinsed my lunch dishes then brushed up for dinner at Barleys. She came inside while I was grooming. She shared that her friend Kerianne put in for a transfer to North Franklin elementary after reaching impasse with a couple folks at the 'M'. Mindy said she’d miss her.

We left for Barley’s at 615p in the Honda. Mindy gave me an update on Chrissy’s knee surgery. Went much better than expected. No torn meniscus or loose screws as originally thought. Instead, just removed scar tissue. Done with the procedure in 45 minutes. Should be back on her feet in no time at all. Cool!

We got a close parking spot, and I didn’t have to drop Mindy at the door. The weather was superb. We chose indoor seating so we could socialize. We sat next to Kevin, one of the twins. Janet was tending bar and quickly took our drink orders. I went with a Hoptopus, though missing the Centennial. It’ll be back soon, I am counting on it. Mindy went with water at first, but later ordered a St Joan’s after confirming that I would be driving. She ordered food quickly, too - meatloaf. I wasn’t that hungry and passed on food.

I eventually had a second beer – a Indie Left Coast IPA. It’s their newest offering. It’s good, but not hoppy enough for me. The hoppiness is masked in large part by a strong malty flavor. As 730p neared, I suggested we order wings to-go. I knew Jacob would appreciate the treat and I was finally hungry, too. We ordered 20 K.C. wings with Gates of Hell sauce on the side. Mindy picked up the check. It was way her turn!

We pulled up at the house just before the clock struck 8p. Jimaken and the kids were already waiting out front.  We wasted little time settling down on the sofa for American Idol elimination night. I hoped it would be Scottie going home, but my gut sadly said it would be Haley. Turned out, neither hunch was correct. Instead, it was James, the resident rocker, and probably the best overall performer this season, who was sent packing for home. Again, you’ve got to consider whose voting.

We watched Bones after Idol. Somehow I managed to catch most of it, battling a case of the sleepies throughout. However, I think I fell asleep with a few minutes left. Mindy woke me at its end to see if I was heading to bed with her. Yes. In fact, I fell asleep almost as soon as my head hit the pillow. Good night Haley!