Finding my Center

Almost a carbon copy of the morning before, I slept soundly up until about 430am. But from that point forward until 515am, all I did was toss and turn until I couldn’t take it any longer. I went ahead and got up and out of bed to start my Tuesday.

Downstairs 10 minutes early, I hit the go button on the coffee maker then glanced out back towards the sky. Nothing but clear skies. After sit-ups I checked the weather. It was a bone chilling 36 degrees but expected to warm nicely under mostly sunny skies through the day. Given that I’m doing push-ups every other day now, I didn’t do any.

I poured some coffee then returned to my PC at 530am where I did a little writing. Can’t say that I’ve done any writing that early before. I found it very relaxing. Read the Daily OM before carrying on with the rest of my usual routine. Headed to the familyroom to meditate near 6am. That went well. My outlook was a whole lot better about things after.

Like usual, did my stretch routine next. I was quickly reminded how much more positive I feel when following my work morning routine. As soon as I was done stretching I dressed for a run. It was 620am when I started out the door only to remember I hadn’t yet taken Mindy any coffee. I quickly headed back to the kitchen, prepared her coffee and took it to her in bed. I was off on my run before 625am.

I was prepared for the chill wearing both my running gloves and ear covers. I was nice and cozy throughout the entire 4.1 mile run. It occurred to me during the run that my attire matched exactly what I wear mid winter down to the mid teens. Obviously, and for good reason, I’m not adjusted yet this year.

Back at the house I can’t recall if the kids were already up. If they weren’t, they soon were. Jacob sounded awfully crusty, but he wasn’t about to miss school and subsequently soccer practice later that night. Despite being ill, he insisted on wearing shorts to school citing the day’s expected high of 68 degrees. Mindy trumped his insistence telling him to get changed into jeans. I only added that it was currently in the mid 30’s. After stewing for a couple minutes he headed upstairs to change and then took Eiknarf out.

Mindy had a professional development day planned at another school – essentially an all day class designed to grow her teaching skills. She expected to be home much earlier than normal. She asked me about the parent/kids soccer match and if I planned to play. I did. Mindy was off to work after reminding the kids to come home as normal.

Mindy now gone, I headed up for a shower. I was ready in short order, back downstairs by 750am.

The kids and I headed out at 810am. Though colder, it was a whole lot nicer outside than it was the morning prior. The neighbors brought the puppy bundled in a blanket. She was more alert than the other few times I’ve seen her, but also shivering. Chrissy and I chatted briefly, but about what exactly, I can’t recall.

The bus arrived on time – near 815am – and soon Eiknarf and I were headed back home. I wasn’t long in the house. I left for work by 822am. Glenn was still asleep upstairs. It was a quick drive into the office and a very busy and productive day once there.

Got most of the ‘big rocks’ on my to-do list taken care of. It was a far better day than Monday. In kind, my outlook was far more positive, too. I took a working lunch, but otherwise no meaningful or lengthy breaks. I didn’t pack a salad, which is rare. Instead, I enjoyed some tuna, cheese and fruit. By the end of the day, I was pretty hungry. I left the office at 505pm, or about 30 minutes earlier than normal.

We’d be heading to soccer practice sometime after 6pm to compete in the annual parent versus kids soccer match held the last practice of each season. But since we didn’t need to be there until the last half of the practice, I was hoping to have dinner before hand.

Talked with Mindy along my drive home. She shared that Lindsey got the apartment she wanted but with a small catch. She has to write/submit a letter explaining the dropped eviction from Kelly’s house. Also can’t move in until Nov 8, or 8 days after the YWCA’s drop dead date. Despite the delay, still another major hurdle she must over come - a car.

Can’t recall if Jimaken and Jacob were already gone when I got home or not. Think they were gone. Mindy was prepping dinner for herself and Bella. I offered to do my own. I reheated some beef and noodles. Ended up eating two bowls, though the 2^nd much less than the first. They were really good, but needed lots of salt. Mindy, Bella and I carried all the bulk pick-up stuff up from the basement to the curb. Bella, I could see, was digging through the boxes at the curb – trash picking in her blood. J  She pulled out two things asking to keep them both, a magnifying glass and a foam Viking brick. Mindy claimed she saw a small snake on the front porch while carrying out one of the many boxes. Wow, that box must’ve been heavy.

I dressed in running attire for our parent/kids soccer match. We left the house around 620pm. Glenn was still at the house waiting on dad’s pick-up. Said they were going to the Florentine for dinner.

The sun was still up but just barely as we made our way to the

Spindler Rd

soccer fields. It was sinking fast, however. No sooner had Mindy and I walked up to the field when Jimaken called the parents to the field. I quickly and wisely offered to be goalie. In my younger days that would’ve been the last position I’d want to play, but with age I get wiser. J

The game went back and forth, and was tied 2-2 for quite a while. It was pretty much dark for the last ten minutes. I made a couple good stops but also allowed a couple easy ones to sneak by me. In the end, the kids won 3-2. The one shot that Jacob took on me, I blocked. Jacob later claimed me lucky.

As we left the soccer field in complete darkness, Jacob asked if we could stop at Wendy’s on the way home. I only asked that he tell me who won the game. He wisely said we did. I agreed to stop at Wendy’s. J

Arrived home sometime before 8pm. I changed into my flannel PJs then spent a little time online. Mindy came into the living room to chat about how we might best help Lindsey through her 8 day transition from the YWCA to her new apartment. We chatted through a couple brief interruptions from the children. For one, we discussed the option of allowing her and the boys to stay with us for 8 days.  Don’t think we finalized our position, however.

Glenn got home from dinner at the Florentine around 830-9pm. By then Jacob and I were in the familyroom watching some auction house program on the Discovery Channel. We watched a couple back-to-back episodes. Glenn shared a little about his Florentine dining experience. Mindy and the kids were off to bed by 915pm. I stayed up until just after 10pm. Asked Glenn if he wanted to the TV to remain on. Yep. He’d be heading to mom’s come morning. I figured to be waking him just before leaving for work.