Crusty Cabbie - Comin' Home

First Day of School

Jacob - 63 1/4" (grew 1/4" over the summer)
Bella - 49" (grew 1" over the summer)

I planned to get up at 630am leaving myself 2.5 hours to exercise, run, pack and shower before leaving the hotel by 9am. In reality, I didn't get up and out of bed until 645am. That proved to be plenty of time to do everything I wanted, though I did skip a stretch. Out my window it was hard to tell whether it was cloudy or sunny, but glancing straight up I could just see sunshine shimmering off the top of a nearby skyscraper. Perfect! I quickly slipped into my running shorts and tennies then headed off to the lobby and ultimately the streets for my last run in NYC.  

I followed the same path I took Sunday up Madison Avenue cutting over to 5th avenue at 58th St then into Central Park. With time being of the essence, I took a shorter run through the park, though I am sure I still did a good 4 miles.

Before a shower, I decided to pack, that I way I could avoid working up a sweat in my departing attire. Packing probably took about 20 minutes. I worried that my suitcase might be slightly over the weight limit, though I had a duffle bag in my suitcase if I needed to move some stuff and claim a second checked bag.

Hit the shower at 8am and was ready to go by 825am. I wore shorts, a black t-shirt, and slip on shoes. I was comfy for the flight home. In the lobby, I fetched a cup of coffee then did a little people watching. The lobby was bustling with activity, a site I typically miss being at work by that hour most other week days.

Dave and I agreed to meet in the lobby at 9am. I wasn't expecting him for another 10-15 minutes. However, like me, he showed early, too. Without hesitation, we headed out the door to grab a cab. The bellman graciously did the dirty work for us. Grabbed a NYC taxi - a Ford Explorer. The driver was of Middle Eastern descent, and I could tell he was sizing us up for our travel savvy as we climbed aboard. Told him we were headed to LaGuardia. Said the fare was $35. Great! Soon we were off. We cruised by the U.N. building and then over the east river via the Queensboro bridge. Took a while with heavy traffic most of the way in.

Dropped us somewhere near 940am. To simplify things, I offered to cover the fare if Dave would pay the tip. But when I went to slide my Amex card through the credit card machine the driver promptly said it was out of order. Told him that would be a problem because I was low on cash and was required to use my business card for such expenses. He got rude and heated in a hurry. I pulled a $20 from my wallet and Dave his last $12. Told him this is all we had, and that he should've made it clear that he was cash- only at the outset. Said he told the bellman as much. I heard their dialogue. Method of payment was not discussed. He got angrier by the second. In fact, so much so that he even refused to take our cash. Started calling us names. Kept telling me to open my wallet. I, of course, refused.

I insisted he take the $32 we offered him. He did, albeit reluctantly. I left my cab door open until I got my bag from the back. He was swearing at us the entire time, and let out a big ol' F.U. as we walked away. I guess I wasn't getting out of NYC on a high note. :)

We were fairly quick obtaining our boarding passes and checking our bags. In line we happened upon Paul, a work peep also headed home - Cary, N.C.. He & I were headed to the same concourse  - C. Dave, on the other hand, was headed to D. He and I exchanged well wishes and then headed our separate ways. Paul and I hung for about 45 minutes sitting at my gate since my flight was boarding about 30 minutes in front of his. We talked about kid issues, discovering we had similar issues, although his far easier to repair than mine - no grandchildren involved yet. I encouraged him.

 And just like that, it was time to board - 1035am. Paul headed off to his gate and I boarded my plane. Couldn't have been more than 12 passengers on the flight to CMH. Katherine, the nice looking young flight attendant told us we could sit where ever we desired once we were all accounted for.

I remained in my window seat - 3C since I had no one next to me. Had to pee almost immediately. We hadn't yet started to taxi away from the gate. Katherine said I had time to pee, but not to flush. Had to wait for 5 or 6 planes to take off in front of us but that went fast. Soon we were off the ground. Turns out, I was on the wrong side of the aircraft to see most of Manhattan as we took off towards the east and then circle around to north then west. I did catch a glimpse of Yankee Stadium, Central Park and the skyline, albeit brief. I wanted some photos. Maybe next time.

I did some reading and napping, and took a second potty break too. Before I knew it, we were crossing over the Ohio River. I could see Pittsburgh off to my right, and then a little bit later Salt Fork, Zanesville then Newark. We veered a bit south and passed over Buckeye Lake then into CMH. That was a fast flight. And just like that we were touching down in CMH. Felt good to be home.

I walked to baggage claim where the wait was brief. Once I had my checked bag, I phoned dad, who was waiting in the nearby McDonald's parking lot. Walked out passenger pick-up and called Mindy. We chatted briefly while I awaited dad's taxi service.  I could only hope he'd be more pleasant than the fella  in NYC.  He was. :)

Dad shared the details surrounding his upcoming knee replacement preparatory steps, including the potassium infusion. Surgery scheduled for September 6th. We were home in a snap. Dad helped me carry in my bags. Talked for a while. It was nice to see a cut lawn. But right away I could tell it was cut by someone without much of an interest in the end product. In addition, I could see that someone, probably WOW, had been digging in our yard in the area I resodded last fall. That area has been through so much trauma that it's not even funny. Dad didn't stay long, ten minutes max.

I started unpacking right away. Took about 15 minutes to empty my suitcase and then started on my back pack. I prepped my work backpack with my laptop and everything I'd need to start my work day Thursday.  I then started a load of wash, my running clothes first.

Around 230pm I headed out to wash cars, both the Accord and the BM'er. The Accord was filthy. I was anxious to use my new wash mit and shami. It occurred to me that I haven't driven a car for 16 days, definitely the longest I've gone since I was 18.

Spent about 90 minutes washing the cars. Mindy called just before she arrived home. Knowing it was near time for her to arrive, I was ready to wash her car too. Told her as much when she called. I made room just before she arrived home. Mindy gave me a hug, dropped her things inside then came out to give me a quick hand with the Pilot. It wasn't long before the kids' bus pulled up. Bella was very excited, more so than I expected. She threw down her pack and ran and leaped into my waiting arms. Said she didn't want to let go. Now let me tell you, it doesn't get any better than that.

Mindy had open house scheduled at school with this year's parents. Needed to leave the house around 515pm. Jacob had soccer practice, but Jimaken was picking him up and taking him. he's the coach. Bella and I made plans to go to dinner at Barley's, just she and I - a daddy/daughter date.

Mindy soon left for school, and Jimaken soon arrived to fetch Jacob. Had to be 540pm when Jimaken and Jacob departed for practice. Asked Bella to give me a few minutes before we'd be heading off. I freshened up then grabbed an empty Barley's jug. Planned on bringing home some Centennial. I missed my IPA while in NYC.

Arrived at Barley's around 6pm. We took a barside table for two. April was tending bar and was very attentive. I ordered a Brew Kettle, White Rajah. Zach stopped by to say hello and to chat about his weekend at the family farm in Indiana. Sounds like he worked hard helping mom & dad. Said he shoveled 3 tons of pig shit. :)

Bella ordered from the kid's menu - buffalo chicken tenders. Let me have a few fries.  I eventually ordered some buffalo tenders too, only this time from the regular menu. I ate half the order saving the rest for Jacob. I asked April to fill my jug with Centennial before leaving.

Arrived home by 7pm. Jacob and Mindy weren't too far behind. Right after Jacob and Jimaken left for soccer practice, a UPS box arrived at our doorstep. I figured it Jacob's new skateboard that he'd been anxiously awaiting. It was. He opened it right away and headed out to ride it. I headed out to watch and get a couple photos. Evan was over as well. He and Jacob set up the skateboard ramps out front. Jacob and Mindy bought Evan new skate board wheels, too. I installed the new wheels on his board. I asked Jacob why he felt he needed a new board, his other being just fine. Said this one was far better. Looked the same to my eyes. It was apparent, however, that the 'trucks' were far more maneuverable than the older one.  In fact, Jacob had a hard time adjusting to its quick responsiveness.

Mindy and I headed back in the house after giving the kids an 8pm curfew. I spent time downloading all of the NYC photos to my home PC. Took about 360 pictures - not bad for working 72 hours a week. At Jacob's request, I reheated his chicken tenders on the pizza stone. He was anxious to eat. I enjoyed a fresh Centennial too. Ahhh! It's so good to be home!

Around 9pm I headed to the sofa tuning to the Science Channel. Sadly, there was nothing that caught my interest. Now on my second IPA, I started to dose off. Mindy called me to tuck in the kids around 930pm. But by the time I made it upstairs Jacob was already asleep. Bella, however, seemed wide awake. She was hosting Eiknarf for the night. She gave me a hug and again shared how happy she was that I was finally home.

Off to bed just after 930pm on a non-work night. I must be getting old! Good night crusty cabbie!