2nd Home 2nd Knee - You know what really bugs me?

I was up on time Friday morning. It was cloudy and 50 degrees. I completed sit-ups and push-ups and then enjoyed some coffee in front of the PC. Despite the early clouds, it was supposed to clear up and be sunny and in the 50s through most of the weekend. As it was, our Saturday was set aside to help Lindsey get moved into her apartment.

Mindy’s phone buzzed around 6am. It was a text from Lindsey indicating that her phone wasn’t working the night before but that it was now fixed. I was relieved to learn that they were all OK. I did meditation and then headed upstairs to wake Mindy. She asked to be woken by 615am in order to a get a jump on the donuts with dad event her school was hosting.

I returned downstairs for a stretch before heading out on a run. It felt cooler than 50 degrees.  I ran the entire 4.1 mile loop. The sky cleared out during my run and there was an intermittent stiff breeze blowing, too.

After my run I walked Eiknarf while Mindy loaded her school gear into the Pilot before heading off to work. I shared that I would most likely take Jacob to get a haircut over the weekend since I need one too. Mindy left for school about five minutes early. I fried both Bella and Eiknarf an egg.

In the shower by 735am and back downstairs 15 minutes later. The kids and I headed to the bus stop at our usual time – 810am. Chrissy was looking forward to Kenny’s return home later that evening. He was working out of town all week long. Shared our plans to visit my dad and then do dinner at Barley’s.

The bus arrived near 815am. Eiknarf and I headed slowly back home before I bolted for the office. Just before heading out, I sent an email to my work address with the four or five car leads I found on Craig’s list. And by the way, have I shared how much I absolutely hate looking for used cars?

Arrived at the office at my usual time – about 840am. This was the last day for one of my former direct reports. I stopped down to chat with him and ended up talking for nearly an hour. It was 10am before I made it back to my office. I had several small catch-up items/issues to deal with. I worked hard getting those taken care of before lunch time. I made a couple calls to Craig listers following up on their car adds. Judging by phone conversation alone, sounds like a lot of slippery characters out there selling used cars. Again, I absolutely hate it. Nothing sounded as good as the add lead one tot believe.

I ended up checking out Germain Honda’s online used car inventory. They showed a ’98 civic in ‘great condition’ with 118k. Asking $4800. I decided rather than call, I would take a drive up and look at it as well as any others they might have on hand. I left the office near 1pm.

I drove around the used car lot for awhile before heading inside. I didn’t see the ’98 Civic, or any thing else close to what I might be interested in. I shared what I was looking for – a used Civic or Accord for about $4500. I also shared that I just bought my car there a few months prior. They insisted on hooking me up with Chris Glover, my salesman, which was more than fine for me. He walked across the lot from new sales to used and greeted me in the lobby. After some small talk we went looking for the green Civic he was already aware of. We walked the entire lot but no joy. After 10 minutes or so we learned that it was being test driven by someone else. Wanted to show me another used Civic – newer, more expensive. Couldn’t find that one either.

Soon the green Civic returned to the lot with the salesman and potential buyer. Chris insisted we go out and take a look. I felt a tad awkward since the person driving it seemed more than interested. But hey … I wasn’t impressed, and immediately saw some cosmetic defects that were cause for concern. Inside, it didn’t stink exactly, but didn’t smell clean either. Looked old under the hood, too. In my mind, it was a $2000 car. I chatted with Chris for a few more minutes but then begged off for work. I wasn’t feeling good about my visit.

I headed back to the office arriving near 2pm. I enjoyed my packed lunch and then spent time working on new monthly reports. All in all, it was a relaxing afternoon. Talked with Ashley at some point. Shared that Lindsey bought a 37” flat screen TV from her neighbor. What?  I wasn’t pleased.

Wrapped up my day at the office near 5pm. Tried phoning Mindy but got Bella. Mindy called me back a few minutes later. Among other things, discussed evening plans. Made plans to visit my dad and then do dinner at Barley’s with the kids. I arrived home by 515pm. Also shared my Germain Honda experience.

We made plans to leave the house around 6-615pm. That hour went fast. I took an empty growler along too, just in case. We headed up Riverside to Lane and then up Tremont to to Kenny Rd. The sun was already setting when we arrived at Arlington Ct. Dad’s room was towards the back of the prem this time. He was watching TV sitting in the dark.

With his permission we added some light. Bella figured it out. Dad brought us up to speed on his progress and then how he blacked out at the hospital. Never did determine why, but ruled out meds. Seemed to be doing even better than the last time, although more swelling this time around. There was really loud music blaring from the room across the hall. I walked over to see if the patient realized. Looked like they were asleep. It was ridiculous. We had to close the door just to hear ourselves speak.

Bella brought dad a Ziploc- baggie full of mini Snickers bars. That was cute, and all her idea. We might’ve visited for 30 minutes before begging off for dinner. Dad walked us out to the lobby just like he did last time. We headed straight down

Henderson Rd

to Riverside Dr to Barley’s. The kids and Mindy were really hungry. Me, I was more looking forward to having a beer.

Very crowded, and a 45 minute wait for a table. Business is booming! I was made aware by Dan the banker man that they had their Xmas ale on tap. Cool. Mindy ordered a sample. I think I like theirs better than CBC’s. Mindy didn’t care for it. Not sure what she drank.

We chatted with some peeps while waiting on a table. Personally, I was fine standing but realized that Mindy and the kids wanted a table. Mindy ordered the kids some fries to tie them over. Bella took an open bar stool. Zach did us a favor and moved us up on the waiting for a table list. We got a booth in the main dining area. Sarah was our server. I was ready for another beer only this time went with the Fortune Teller Imperial Porter.

We all ordered food, too. Mindy and the kids each ordered chicken tenders. The only difference being Jacob getting Gate of Hell on the side for dipping. I ordered the Cuban with bacon. Didn’t take long for our food to arrive. Mindy didn’t care too much for her tenders. The kids enjoyed them though. Not wanting to stuff myself,  I only ate half my Cuban. The kids were getting bored, and when that happens they usually start to annoy us or each other. 

I taught the kids how to play penny basketball which consumed them until we left. Good call Jimmy! Mindy played too. We used our stale Barley’s gift certificates to pay our tab. We had exactly $70 in expired gift certificates and our tab came to that number exactly after I ordered a growler of Centennial. What are the chances? I left Sarah a nice tip.

It was just before 9pm when we left for home. We agreed to walk down to the neighbors to hang out. Mindy called Chrissy first. Kenny was home from work, but gone again. Hunting t his time. Said the O’Connell’s were down. I took my growler of Centennial.

We hung at Chrissy’s for an hour or so before Chrissy and Teri left to go pick-up Jake, who just spent the last four days in DC with school. Mindy eventually peeled off for home. I hung back with Mike O. and all the kids. Mindy took Eiknarf when she left.

Jacob, Bella and I walked home around 11pm. We headed right to bed, me after tucking Bella into bed.