June Bugs

I struggled falling asleep once my head hit the pillow and never did sleep that soundly through the entire night. I had some strange dreams, too, but couldn’t recall the details once I was awake. I was downstairs after brushing my teeth by 540a.

I checked to make sure the coffee maker was brewing then slipped into my exercise shoes. Looked completely clear overhead. After 55 sit-ups and I checked the weather and headlines. Another hot start – 76 degrees. The high wasn’t expected to hit the 90’s again. Instead, only 85. Funny, early last week that would’ve sounded hot, but after three straight days in the mid 90s that sounds almost cool.

I whipped out 55 push-ups then leashed up Eiknarf and headed out for a walk. I don’t think we were out there for the usual 10 minutes. She took care of her business fast. Back at home I sipped coffee and read the Daily OM. I walked away from my PC at 610a and moved on to meditation. At 625a I started stretching and finished up about 7 minutes later. Felt terrific.

Next, I delivered Mindy’s coffee with the help of the pug and then headed downstairs where I quickly dressed for a run. It was almost 640a by the time I headed out the door. I wore my new shades and the sun was just coming up over the houses to the east. It was steamy & warm, much like one might expect mid-day. Missing was any sort of morning chill in the air.

I ran the full 4.1 mile trail without any problems. I picked up a neighborhood newspaper and tossed it in our garbage can as I walked to the back deck. I had to tap on the door to get someone’s attention. Mindy let me in.

My eggs were ready and waiting in the microwave. Mindy was all but ready to leave for school, this her second to last day with students. Mindy wished Jacob well at his class picnic/party. He acted unenthused citing the fact that they were having hot dogs as the reason. Doesn’t care for them.

I finished my eggs in a hurry then started packing my lunch even before Mindy got out the door. I was off to the shower right at 730a. It was a shaving day. It didn’t take me long. It didn’t take me long to shower and primp for work either since I didn’t need to blow dry my hair. A little jell and I was done.  I decided to wear dress slacks and a black t-shirt.

Downstairs before 750a, I finished packing my lunch. I made a fresh garden salad with baby spinach and spring leaf lettuce to go along with my cheese, fruit, and banana. Bella asked if she could wear my old Target sunglasses to the bus stop. Sure! As we were walking out she asked if she should water her peppers when she gets home from school. Yes.

The kids and I met Chrissy and the girls at the bus stop. Chirssy asked about Jacob’s soccer try outs scheduled for late that might. Wasn’t sure if it was the same traveling league as Makayla and Lillian or not. Their tryouts were Tuesday and Thursday. Jacob’s are Wednesday and Friday. She asked if I realized how expensive it was to play if they’re selected. She reported it being as much as $800. What?

Eiknarf gave Mrs. Vanorder the ceremonial bark. After the bus came and went, I walked her out front before heading back inside. Since I’d been off the last 4 days, I took a few extra minutes to make sure I had everything I needed. I headed off in the BM’er at 818a.

It was a smooth drive in, though I had someone on my tail the entire way up I-270. I shook ‘em off at the ramp. Arrived at work around 835a. I left the top down. There was no threat of rain. The sky was about as blue as it’s been in weeks.

It felt like a Monday even though it was actually a Wednesday. I had to remind myself of that fact more than once. My peer and I spent a good hour or so talking, catching up. Hadn’t seen him since the Monday prior. He went on a school sponsored DC trip with one of his boys.

Boss got in a little late. We chatted with him for a while too. He asked if I heard any word on the job. Nope, not yet. I wasn’t sweating it. Stayed busy all morning long. Left for lunch around 1p and headed to Strader’s where I planned to pick-up a few more veggies for Bella to plant. Their selection is phenomenal, and their prices good too – 3 packs for $1.49. I bought three varieties of tomatoes even thought we have tons of volunteers. I wanted certain types: pink girl, roma, and cherry. I bought a 3 pack of cucumbers and jalapenos too. Not sure where we’ll plant the cucumbers. All that was $7.50. I took my time walking around the nursery.  I wasn’t in any hurry to get back to work. Still ended up back well before 2p. I grabbed my packed lunch on my way back to my office.

I was eating my lunch when my boss popped his head in to congratulate me on getting the new job. I still hadn’t heard it from the hiring manager, however. Still, my boss assured me that it was a done deal. Said the transfer request was done and that a date already agreed upon – June 13^th. Said they agreed to share me that week. I thanked him for the info but shared that I would assume nothing until I received the formal offer.

The afternoon blew by in a hurry. Mindy called later afternoon to ask if I planned on joining them at soccer tryouts. I begged out and instead planned to head straight home. She understood. Asked about the job thing too. Told her I’d share what details I had later, but that I still didn’t have a formal offer in hand.

I left for home just after 530p. It was officially 84 degrees but felt so much cooler than that. It was breezy too, and it had been that way all day long. I was home by 550p. Mindy was gone as expected. But what I didn’t expect was to find Bella still at home. I found Bella, Makayla, Lillian, and Emily all four playing on the deck, and more pointedly, running around in the hole that once held the hot tub. I asked what she was doing home. Said that she was actually being watched by Chrissy. I asked the girls not to play around the hot tub hole. Made me nervous. While I completed my chores they ran away next door.

After chores, I snacked on some peanuts and checked email. After changing out of my work clothes, I headed out onto the deck with my book and a glass of ice water. I could hear WNCI booming from down at Chrissy’s. The girls were down there jamming in and around their deck and screen patio. I was able to tune out the radio and relax and read from the chaise lounger.  Felt terrific. At some point I gave in to the sleepies and took a brief but restful nap. I’d guess I slept for about 10 minutes tops.

Now with some energy, I watered the new grass seed, and then all the flowers front and back. That took a good 20 minutes. I finished the watering near 730p. Mindy said that practice would last until 8p. I headed back to the deck to do some more reading. In all, I read about 20 pages. Mindy called and asked if I wanted some Chipotle. I didn’t at first but then agreed.

I called my mom next. Hadn’t talked with her for a couple weeks. Shared that she had to buy a new fridge and washer. Said both were leaking. Honestly, it worries me when she spends her money like that. She’s never been one to save or mange her money well. Assured me she was frugal with her purchases and only did so because it was necessary. Talked about needing a different car too. Oh boy! I reminded her that a paid off car is always cheaper. Expensive gas is not an excuse to go into debt for a new car payment.

Said she hasn’t heard much from the others, though did receive an email from Tommy basically telling her that he hoped she bought her last appliances since they last around 10 years. Really, Tommy? Mean!

We chatted until Mindy arrived home with dinner. Jacob seemed a tad down.  I asked how soccer tryouts went. According to him, not good. Said all the kids were far better than he. Also said he’d stand no chance of making the team. Jacob, Mindy and I sat on the deck eating our Chipotle. It was good. Love the chips and salsa. Mindy picked up some of their guacamole too. Mindy shared what she learned about the fees should Jacob make one of the two advanced soccer teams. Said it would cost about $1100. I about fell out of my chair.  It would be something less if he gets assigned to one of the lesser teams. Not sure the logic, but assume there’s a rationale reason.

Jacob talked as if he wasn’t even going to return for Friday’s mandatory final tryout. Jimaken plans to take him to that one. Mindy said he’d have to sort that out with his dad. They’re planning to leave for the Outer Banks immediately after tryouts. We headed inside after finishing our dinner.

Mindy had both kids get showers. Bella was told to go first. I did some writing in my blog while Mindy sat in the livingroom recliner interacting with the kids. We all headed to the familyroom to look for some interesting Science Channel programming. We found one we liked. In brief, the program told of how all the elements on Earth got here, most by meteor or asteroid. I simply can’t get enough of that stuff.

Mindy headed to bed around 930p. I stayed up watching more Science Channel programming. That pleased Bella much. She wants to fall asleep while I’m still awake and downstairs. Of course, just like every other time, I fell asleep in a relatively short amount of time waking near 11pm and heading for bed.