Just Another Monday

I was up a few minutes early after maybe 6 hours of only so-so sleep. Thankfully, I didn’t wake feeling tired, though.

My original plan was to restart my exercise routine of sit-ups and push-ups, but after a day of golf my shoulders felt a tad tight. I thought I’d better wait until Tuesday for push-ups. I went ahead and did 50 sit-ups.  More than likely, I’ll do sit-ups every day but push-up only every other. Again, exercise isn’t about how many or how often, but instead, about getting the most from it. I want to be flexible, agile and strong. We’ll see how that works out.

I went from sit-ups to a little PC time until the coffee was finished brewing. Once that was ready I enjoyed another 10-15 minutes at the PC. It was a little warmer than past mornings, or 59 degrees. The sky was clear and expected to stay that way at least through the day time. Expecting rain again Tuesday through Thursday. It’s been a nice run of pleasant sunny weather.

I did my stretch routine and then delivered coffee to Mindy. After a brief visit with her, I headed back downstairs to meditate and then prep for a run. I wore long running pants and a winter weight wicking shirt – no fleece. I felt comfortable throughout the 4.1 mile run. Though daybreak was obvious, I didn’t see the transitional sky I saw most of last week. Another sure sign that daylight continues to shrink.

I got out early, so I was home well ahead of 710am. I checked on my new grass before heading inside. Mindy had just poured some olive oil in the frying pan when I walked in and shared that I would skip the eggs and have a breakfast burrito instead. A rare change of pace. She was good with that.

Mindy told the kids to bus home as normal. She left for work at 730am. Before heading off to the shower, I reminded Bella that Lindsey would be over soon. I agreed to give her a ride to work every day this entire week.

I was showered and dressed by 750am. Still no Lindsey. The kids, meanwhile, were in the family room watching TV. Bella was also playing a game on her DS. Lindsey showed a couple minutes a later. We chatted while I put the finishing touches on my lunch and loaded everything, including my laptop, into my backpack. At 807am I told the kids it was time to head out. Only problem was, Bella still hadn’t brushed her teeth or put on shoes and socks. Bella!

I hurried her along and expressed my disappointment. I waited by the door while Jacob and Lindsey headed out with Eiknarf. In a very snotty tone, Bella asked that I not speak to her. Oh hell no! I pulled her aside before walking to the bus stop and read her the riot act. I promised her that should she talk to me like that again she would surely not see her DS for at least a month. She was quick to tears. We stood there for a second while she regained her composure. We joined Jacob and Lindsey already at the bus stop.

Chrissy and Makayla met us there a few minutes later. Just a little small talk before the bus pulled up. We walked Eiknarf out front before heading briefly back inside. We left for work at 820am. During our 20 minute drive around 270 to Sawmill, Lindsey shared the results of her weekend’s apartment shopping. Not going well, but she’s determined to keep trying. She’s got a lot of hills to climb before it gets any easier. On one hand, it makes me sad that she has to endure so much rejection but it’s probably the best thing. She seems to be keeping her chin up, which is promising.

Dropped Lindsey at the Farmer’s building at 835am. I was fortunate in catching most of the traffic lights before getting back on 270. Arrived at the office by 850am.

Honestly, I was dreading the day. I was concerned that a couple ugly issues from last week would wreak havoc on my day and possibly even my week. Turns out, it wasn’t bad at all. The issues I was speaking of were well on their way to being addressed. I was happy about that. I spent a lot of time working on monthly reports.

The day went by in a hurry. I didn’t bother leaving for lunch. I ate my packed lunch around 2pm. I glanced out the window a couple of times. Looked cloudy most of the day to me, but the sun was shining by the time I left that evening. In fact, it was sunny and 80 degrees when I headed out for the day.

It was nice to get into my clean car. Called Mindy on my drive home. Asked what leftovers I wanted for dinner. We had a lot, including lasagna, chicken, and steak. Wasn’t sure. Wasn’t hungry at the time. Mindy said she needed some alone time with me. I joked about it not being alone time if it were with me. She wasn’t as amused as I.

Arrived home by 6pm. Kitchen smelt good, sautéing peppers and onions. I knew then that I wanted a steak wrap. I offered to make my own and did. Noticed the leaves are coming down in a hurry from our walnut and ash trees. I guess all the rain helped them hold on a little longer than usual, but then the week of dry weather cut ‘em loose. On the other hand, most of the maples have only started to turn colors.

It was a Rachel day. The house was clean. I asked Mindy if she talked to her, and if they had a pleasant exchange. They did. Good. Mindy clarified our drop-off and pick-up plans. She’d take Bella to gymnastics and I’d pick her up. I went to my PC after kitchen clean-up and before Mindy and Bella departed. There I read a few news stories, what exactly, I can’t recall, but I do remember falling asleep sitting up in my chair. I’ll bet I was out for a good 5-10 minutes.

I was feeling rather lazy, and without a lot of energy. I played on my PC for most of the evening until it was time for me to go after Bella. I did manage to be somewhat productive, scheduling a bulk trash pick-up & then sending an email to blinds.com asking about my order.

Left to get Bella at 818pm. Stayed in my work clothes so I wouldn’t embarrass Bella by showing up in my PJs. Arrived at 825pm. Talked to the woman in the office asking about this coming Saturday’s gymnastics meet agenda. Up to that point, we didn’t know what time we needed to have Bella in Bellefontaine for the meet. Rusty, her coach, handed me a copy and also shared that she needs to be there by 10am and then ready to perform at 1030am. I didn’t read the whole thing until we arrived home. Holy crap! It’s an all day event with Bella performing in three competitions, the last not until 130pm. Oh boy!

We’ll simply have to endure. It’s another very busy Saturday. Jacob has a soccer game in Athens. Obviously, we won’t be able to make that. Ashley’s hosting Olivia’s 5^th birthday party that afternoon too. I want to try and make a showing.

As soon as we were settled back at the house I ran upstairs to change into my PJs. Felt awesome! Headed to the familyroom to watch MNF football. Impressive! Jacob and Mindy already had it on. The game had just started – Chicago at Detroit. The Lions entered the game undefeated.

Once again, Mindy peeled off to bed early – 845pm. Asked me to see the kids off to bed around 915pm. At the time, Bella was in the shower or just getting ready for one. Jacob and I snacked on pita chips while watching MNF. Bella was down only briefly then back up to her room around 915pm. Jacob stayed up until almost 930pm. I headed up to tuck both in around 945pm. By then I was really sleepy. Bella was pouting about her momma not tucking her in. I joked that I would walk out and come back in only as her mom. She wasn’t amused. She went on to ask that I close her blinds and turn on her fan, just like mommy does. Sure! It’s the little things, I guess.

Mindy woke as I slipped into bed. I shared what Bella said about missing her momma tucking her in. Mindy drug herself from bed to do the deed. There. That didn’t take long. There was moonlight shining in through our half moon window. Good night moon!