Buying a Hyundai

I was up at 520am after a fairly decent night of sleep. It was cloudy and it looked like it rained some over night. I hit the go button on the coffee maker then started my calisthenics. Had sit-ups and push-ups out of the way even before the clock struck 530am.

I probably spent more time than perhaps I should’ve playing around online. It started raining shortly after I delivered Mindy’s coffee around 605am. I held out hope that it would let up before my run. It was fairly warm – about 54 degrees.

I did a brief meditation and stretch then prepared for a run. I had freshly laundered running clothes to awaiting my wear. That’s always nice. I was ready to go ahead of 630am but it was hard to motivate immediately out the door. It started pouring just before heading out. In the end, I knew I just needed to suck it up and get it done. I dashed off into the rain.

It didn’t take long for me to get soaked as the rain came down really hard within seconds of my launch. Figures! It let up after about five minutes, but by then the damage was already done. I was soaked. Two more times the rain came down really hard during the four miles – once at about the half way point and then again during the final stretch. I might as well have been swimming. J

Standing dripping wet just inside the door, Mindy went after Eiknarf so I could take her on a walk. She wasn’t real excited about walking in the rain but then neither was I. There wasn’t any choice. By then the rain was reduced to a light sprinkle.

Our walk produced the desired results. I headed back inside after perhaps 5 more minutes in the light rain. Mindy was on her way out the door in a hurry. I quickly removed my dripping wet running clothes and changed back into my PJs. I then started breakfast making scrambled eggs. I made enough for Eiknarf and I. The kids both wanted warmed donuts.

I actually made a plain omelet. It was really good. Mindy prepared a salad for my lunch, and I cut up some cheese and threw some fresh fruit in a reusable container. Breakfast finished, and my lunch all packed, I headed off to the shower.

I was back downstairs by 753am. Lindsey was there and sitting at the island. We chatted casually, her telling me about Olivia becoming ill and throwing up late Saturday night during her sleepover. Actually, we already knew after Mindy ran into Kelly & Ashley at Target on Sunday afternoon. I let Lindsey know that I wouldn’t be able to give her a ride to work this coming Thursday due to an early customer meeting downtown.

She thanked me for the advanced warning, but was at a loss for her options. I had loose plans to purchase the Hyundai after work, but once again, I chose not to share any of that with Lindsey until it’s a done deal and the car’s at home. It’ll need title, tags and insurance for sure, and then maybe even a visit to the shop.

The kids and I headed out for the bus at 810am. The rain had stopped but it was still a damp gray morning. Chrissy engaged Lindsey in conversation about her apartment and job. I heard Lindsey telling her that she doesn’t like the job. I tried to let it go, but it irked me hearing that, especially given her situation. In my mind, she just needs to be thankful that anybody would give her a chance.

Soon the bus was there, but a few minutes late. I allowed Eiknarf enough time to relive herself outside again before Lindsey and I set out. She did nothing but sniff around. Hey, at least she had the chance. Lindsey and I were on the road by 825am.

We made good time around 270. She shared that she would call her grandma about a ride to work on Thursday. She also shared that her work schedule changes this week to having Wednesday’s and Sunday’s off. Now she’ll need child care on Saturday’s. She still isn’t sure when the move to Westbelt will take place but supposedly by the end of this week.

I dropped Lindsey by 845am and then headed off to the office. I was there and in my office just before 9am. I caught up with my boss in passing, who had been on vacation for the past two weeks in Europe. He stopped by again briefly just to catch-up on two hot issues relative to one of my customers. Both issues were under control.

I worked on proactive stuff for most of the day. I didn’t bother taking a formal lunch break since I had a dental appointment at 315pm. I planned to leave the office at 245pm. I sent my boss a heads up on that, too.  I had to join two different calls, one at 1pm and the other at 2pm. Both went smoothly. I ate some of my packed food minus the salad after the 2pm meeting. I then flossed and gargled before heading off to see Dr March.

Arrived at Dr March’s office around 300pm. By then the sky was partly cloudy, the rain seemingly behind us. It was warm too, almost 70 degrees. Nice! Inside I greeted Colleen then read their Discovery Magazine while awaiting a call from Heather, my hygienist. She came for me a few minutes early.

I asked Heather if we could be quick so I could make my 430pm appointment with Tom. She promised to have me out of there even before 4pm. She even made arrangements for Dr March to examine me prior to her finishing the cleaning just to ensure no unnecessary waiting. I appreciated that. The cleaning went quickly. It goes a lot faster now that my permanent retainer is removed. They took some new X-rays, too, but that was really fast.

Gave me a clean bill of dental health – no cavities – no problems. Made my next appointment for the week before Memorial Day. I was out of there by 355pm. I drove straight to the bank branch in Hilliard arriving well ahead of my proposed meeting time with Tom, the Hyundai dude. I decided to head in the Kroger right behind the bank to see if they might have some Great Lakes Xmas ale – perhaps the one hardest to find.

They didn’t, but they did have Goose Island Xmas ale, another old favorite of mine. This year it comes in 4-packs. I picked up one along with a dozen roses for Mindy. I headed back to the bank where I took care of a couple work related issues in the course of the next 15 minutes. Gotta love the Blackberry! With his buddy following behind, Tom arrived right after 430pm. Tom not only brought the Hyundai, but also a bill of sale, and the title. Said he would drive it to my house for me too. Cool. That was load off my mind – how to get it home.

We headed inside the bank where I flagged down a teller to help with the transaction. Tom's preferred method of payment was cash, so I simply took a withdrawal. We then headed over to a banker in a cube to have the B.O.S. notarized and then complete the exchange of cash for title and car. Quick and painless.

Tom agreed to follow me home. Learned then that he and his family only recently moved from our subdivision.  He obviously knew right where he was going.  I called Mindy to ask that she meet us outside and introduce herself when we arrived. I pulled in the drive, but then thought it wiser to pull the Hyundai in front of my Accord since it won’t have tags for a couple of days yet. As I understand it, it’s against the law to park along the street without tags. At my prompting, Tom pulled it up and into our drive and me right behind him.

Mindy came out and we chatted with both Tom and his buddy, Rich, both of whom are Hilliard school bus drivers. Turns out, Rich also works with the theatre department at Bradley, and knows Mindy’s nephew, Matt, who is the theatre director there. We chatted for maybe ten minutes before the two of them headed off, but not before a handshake.

Mindy briefly admired the car, its outward appearance seemingly cleaner than the interior, which needs a little TLC and elbow grease. We headed inside for dinner, and to the waiting kids. Rocky & Landon were there too. We agreed to pick them up both Monday and Friday this week.

Mindy cooked the meatloaf in the crock-pot all day. Said my dad was on his way too. He showed up around 530pm. We chatted briefly before dinner was served. Said he’s doing good, but still in a little pain. It didn’t occur to me at the time, but he was driving, so the knee must be coming around just fine.

Dinner was good. The kids were a tad wild. Mindy and I wondered if Lindsey filled Rocky's recent prescription. We also noticed a letter addressing poor school behavior on her fridge Saturday. All clues that perhaps he’s out of the meds that help him. I planned to ask when Lindsey showed up.

The meatloaf was good, but not her best. Even Mindy would tell you so. After dinner and during clean-up, the kids played Wii while Mindy ran Bella to gymnastics. And being the thoughtful person Mindy is, she agreed to do the pick-up too, so I wouldn’t have to miss even a second of the Vikings/Packers MNF game. Thank you dear!

Dad stuck around while Mindy took Bella to gymnastics. He left a few minutes after her return. Before he left, we asked of his TG plans. Said he planned to spend TG with Bob and family. We extended an invite to Gloria’s just the same.

After dad departed Landon fell asleep on the sofa around 8pm. Pretty typical for him. In fact, 8pm should probably be his bed time.  Lindsey arrived a few minutes later. Rocky ran to her side immediately telling her that her car was outside in the drive. Honestly, though, I hadn’t confirmed that to any of the kids. Lindsey ignored it. Mindy offered some dinner, but she declined. She said she’s still waiting word from her grandma on a Thursday ride to work. Rosemary called her back while she was at our house. Apparently she told her she couldn’t take her.

Before she left, I asked about Rocky’s prescription and if he’s out of the meds. Yes, he’s out, and she hasn’t been back to get the refill of the increased dosage. I wasn’t pleased with her lack of follow-through and let her know as much. Again, poor decision making I my mind. She cited her mother and grandmother strongly urging her not to medicate him despite his doctor and teachers recommending as much. Kelly’s objection isn’t old news. In fact, Lindsey came to Mindy for help because her mother refused to be party to it. Mindy took time off work to see that Rocky got to the two evaluative appointments. It was a long arduous process. And one that Lindsey assured she was committed to following. But, here we go! I didn’t let up. Told her I wanted the prescription in hand tomorrow.

Mindy left to take she and the boys home. Jacob and I settled on the sofa to watch my beloved Vikings. My hopes were high but I wasn’t delusional, either. I knew our chances of pulling off the upset were slim to none. Mindy got home right at kick-off. The Vikings went three and out right away and the Packers took the punt back for a touchdown. Just like that we were behind 7-0, and a few minutes later 14-0. It was never really close, although the Vikings seemed to settle down a bit in the 2^nd quarter, but still trailed 17-0 at the half. Missed a couple decent opportunities to get it close.

First, the kids were sent to bed, and then Mindy soon followed, heading up just before the half. I figured to stay up for at least part of the 3^rd quarter, but no the entire game. I sipped on one of the Goose Island Xmas ales while watching. The Packers and Vikings both scored touchdowns in the 3^rd quarter. I’m pretty sure that it was 24-7 when I headed for bed around 1030pm. I was tired and needed sleep more than I needed to see the butt whoppin’. Good night rain showers.