Tough Return

I woke around 430am after about 6 hours of really good sleep. Upon waking, work related issues quickly entered my mind and inhibited any further sleep. Frustrated that I couldn’t clear my mind, I got up at 505am to start my day.

I did sit-ups and push-ups then manually started the coffee maker before its auto-start time of 530am. Checked headlines and weather. The Saints destroyed the Colts by several touchdowns. The weather was clear and crisp – 42 degrees. Rain was forecasted for the day with thunderstorms early. Hmm? I checked the radar, and while it was completely clear overhead, there was a string of strong storms just to our northwest.

Because I was up so early I was able to everything I do early mornings before 605am. I stretched, meditated, and left for a run just after 615am. It was still nice and clear overhead through out my run, but as I neared home after the 4.1 miles I saw lightning off to the northwest.

It was still dark when I got back home around 7am. But the sky quickly brightened in the east. Still no threat of rain. Because I was home so early, I helped in the kitchen including frying my own eggs. I made sure my lunch was fully packed too. I went ahead and walked Eiknarf saving Jacob the struggle. The kids were up and downstairs by 715am. Mindy bolted for work while Bella and I finished out breakfast. Just before leaving, she told the kids to bus home with Noah.

I was off to the shower by 732am and ready about 20 minutes later. As usual, it didn’t take me long. I’m not sure what I did with all the time before heading out for the bus. But one thing’s for sure, it was storming (rain and thunder). Bella and I used our umbrellas at the bus stop. Jacob resisted, instead, employing only the hood of his jacket. Chrissy and the girls brought the puppy along with Woody. Had her bundled in a blanket.

After the bus left with the kids, I walked Eiknarf out front. She’d already gone so there wasn’t any action. I headed back inside to gather my stuff before heading off to work. Glenn was still asleep, but heading out to breakfast with dad near 9am. I didn’t bother waking him up before leaving, but later thought that perhaps I should’ve.

Gas was down to $3.09 per gallon. I was happy to see that, although at the time I didn’t need any. I was dreading my return to work after reviewing all the goings on via my blackberry. I had a lot of proactive report stuff to get done before Wednesday. That always causes me stress, but the stress was compounded by the fact of being off for a week. That first day back is always hell for me – a culture shock. I hate to admit it, but I let the worry of what might be, set the tone for my entire day. I was in a crusty mood.

After getting settled I quickly jumped in to the stuff I deemed immediately important, like completing my monthly report. I processed a few emails too, but there were several hundred more backed up after being out. But thinking back to my former role, I would’ve had thousands backed up after one week off. I was doing OK until our weekly call at 1pm. My attitude was still a bit protective and cantankerous. I’m sure it was apparent to those on the call when I was asked for updates on a handful of to-dos as well as a couple new ones.

After the call I ate my packed lunch never leaving the building for a formal lunch break. One bright spot, I was able to complete my monthly report, which was a significant load of my mind. Even still, I wasn’t able to shake off the Monday after vacation blues. I’m sure Lindsey’s seemingly hopeless situation wasn’t helping my disposition either.

You’d have every right to question why I wasn’t practicing positive thinking and the art of creating one’s own peace, and the very thing I speak of here from time to time. I’ll just say this, I subscribe to that whole heartedly, but I am human like everybody else. I have bad days too.

My boss popped in around 5pm. We chatted briefly about a couple things. Ended up working until 555pm. I might’ve felt a little better walking out the door simply because I survived my first day back in the office, but the funk was still there. I called Mindy once I was on the road for home. Neither Mindy or I had heard from Lindsey all day. Weren’t sure what to make of that – good or bad.

My dad was expected for dinner last I knew. Mindy was using the leftover pot roast to make beef & noodles. However, Jacob came home from school under the weather seemingly sporting the same nasty cold symptoms Bella was dealing with the week prior. Learning of Jacob’s peril, my dad wisely and abruptly turned around at the door and headed back home. He has his 2^nd knee surgery scheduled for Nov 1. Can’t risk getting sick now.

It wasn’t long before Mindy had dinner dished up and on the table for the rest of us, including Glenn, who spent the day with dad. The beef & noodles were good, but needed lots of salt. Mindy knew I was in a serious funk. I wasn’t shy about sharing it. J

Mindy already planned to drop and then pick-up Bella from gymnastics, in part because she thought she was gonna drive Jacob to his dad’s so he could stay home with him on Tuesday. Jacob, however, insisted on going to school despite being ill. His motivation, not missing soccer practice the following day. After thinking it through, Mindy decided to honor Jacob’s request. He didn’t have a fever.

By the time I was done cleaning up the kitchen, Mindy and Bella were heading off to gymnastics. I took that as my queue to change into my flannel PJ shorts and a t-shirt. Ahhhhh. Much better. Jacob and Glenn watched one of the Potter movies from the family room. I wanted no part of that, and decided the best thing for me was reading. Not only would it divert my attention away from a few work related issues currently eating at me, but would also relax me. Worked like a charm. Always does.

When Mindy got back from dropping Bella she came in the living room so we could chat. All in all, she did a good job of talking me down off the ledge.  I was feeling a ton better by the time she set out to pick Bella up from gymnastics. I spent a little time working on my blog and then having a late night snack – bite-sized shredded wheat. Mindy was back ahead of 845pm. I tuned the TV to the MNF already in progress – the Ravens and Jaguars. The game reminded me of the Cleveland game from Saturday. Lots of turnovers and sloppy play. Unable to keep my eyes open, I begged off for bed just before halftime.