Jet Lag

Sleep I did, but none too soundly at all. 530am came around much too quickly. My head was in a fog and I felt like jumping right back into bed. Wisely, I fought of the tempting urge, brushed my teeth, then headed downstairs with the running clothes I wore the Saturday before we left town.

Downstairs, I glanced out back at the clear sky then prepped a pot of coffee. Was happy to find the pot clean and the filter emptied. Jimaken must have done that. Thanks Jim! Next up, sit-ups and push-ups. Completed both in about five minutes time. Felt good to get back on the horse. Still tired, I did a meditation then headed up to wake Mindy and deliver her coffee. She asked how I felt. SLEEPY!

Just uttering the word ‘sleepy’ was enough of a message to my brain to get more sleep. Instead of moving on to stretching and a run, I stretched out on the sofa sleeping for another 40 minutes or so. I woke still tired but knew I needed to get moving. Now after 7am I had a decision to make, should I head out for a run and then not be there for the kids after Mindy left, or simply wait and run once they were on the bus. Given our long absence, I opted to delay my run. Now with idle time on my hands, I stretched out again for more sleep. Sleep I did not, but I did close my eyes and rest.

I got up to see Mindy off then stayed up playing around on the PC until bus time. Bella was way out of synch once again, not taking care of the ‘big rocks’ before play. I had to remind her to brush her teeth then find her shoes then get out the door. Oh boy! At the bus stop in running attire, Chrissy asked if I was staying home. Nope, running as soon as the kids were on the bus.

Bus arrived on time. Soon the kids were aboard and gone. What a rush! Went from the PNW the morning prior to standing at the bus stop less than 24 hours later. I was physically present but mentally gone. I need more time to readjust. I could’ve used a day to unwind – reacclimatize.

I wasted little time before heading off on my run. I wasn’t real excited about the prospect of being late to work but it wouldn’t impact anything. I still would have to get done what needed done, which was quite a bit. For the time being, my focus was completing a run. I’m guessing it 830am when I headed out.

The run felt good and the first such run on home soil and mostly level ground in nine days. For the sake of time only, I cut my run to just 3 miles getting me back home ahead of 9am. Unfortunately, I didn’t bother with breakfast even though I was hungry.  Instead, I rushed off to the shower where I was all but ready to head out by 930am. I threw together a lunch of cheese and tuna then made a slice of peanut butter toast just before heading out.

I was so sleepy. I felt like I could sleep another 8 hours. The drive was difficult for being so sleepy, but I survived. Soon I was at the office. It was just ahead of 10am. After getting some water and stowing my food I shut my office door and got down to business.

I had a plethora of email to get through then I needed to get cracking on monthly reports for which I did most of the preliminary work before leaving for vacation (Thank Goodness). A couple peeps stopped in to ask about my trip to which I briefly shared. As tired and out of synch as I was, I pushed myself to get through the day.

As usual, the more I dug in the better I felt. And by mid-afternoon I began to come to life again. Mindy called soon after her orthopedic appointment to share the results. As expected, he believes she tore her MCL but ordered an MRI for Tuesday then a follow-up appointment for Wednesday. Said she WILL be skiing again. I know that made her happy. Me too!

I worked straight through my day eating a light lunch at my desk. With Tuesday being Valentines Day, I made a quick stop in Kroger to get Mindy a card and some roses. Typical VD crowd – men in the floral department looking lost and confused. I know the drill well and went right for the good roses checking the stem for strength, color, and girth. I know good roses! I found a fitting pug VD card too.

I called Mindy on my drive home to let her know I was on my way. She needed to go abruptly after spilling something. Arrived home just as Jacob was biking up the drive. I entered the house through the garage with him, though several seconds behind him. I presented Mindy her roses and card. She opted to hold off on opening the card until Tuesday (VD). She was busy frying chicken strips for burritos/tacos. Smelt good. I was really hungry and tired.  I prepped Tuesday’s coffee then snacked on nuts until dinner was ready.

Mindy served the kids and herself. I mad my own chicken burrito with Spanish rice and cheese. It was really good, though the chicken a tad tough. Had we planned, we could’ve prepared it in the crock pot for more tenderness – like me. J Mindy planned to grocery shop after dropping Bella at gymnastics. As soon as she finished her dinner she got crackin on the grocery list. At the same time, I managed dinner clean-up. Jacob asked if he could go along. That meant I’d be home alone for a spell. Wahoo! I planned to nap.

Mindy, Jacob and Bella left around 650pm. Mindy said she’d call if she needed me to fetch Bella, which hinged on whether or not they were out of the grocery by then. I hoped so, as I was ready to change into my jammies.

Before any napping, I felt the need to address our disheveled downstairs. I ended up spending a good hour getting it in order, including mopping the floor, redoing the sofa and chair covers. I put my running clothes in the washer, too. t was 810pm when I finished and went for the sofa to rest. Ahhhh! That lasted all of about five minutes. Just as I was starting to dose, Mindy called. I was worried that she was going to ask me to pick-up Bella. She didn’t. Said she was heading there after just leaving the grocery. Perfect. She only asked that I be ready to help carry in the grocery haul. Yes dear. That was the least I could do for my lame wife. J

I’ll be I napped for a good 20 minutes before the family got home. And boy did it ever feel good. While brief, perhaps the best I’d had since Saturday night in Oregon.

The noise level rocketed up as everyone entered. I, of course, sprang to my feet to assist. We carried everything in. I asked Jacob if he would help his mother unload and stow. He said yes. I thanked him and took up refuge on the sofa. I was still suffering from a lack of sleep and perhaps some jet lag. Inside, I was struggling because I still hadn’t unpacked my suitcase or skis. That’s so unlike me. Like to have that done as soon as I get home, typically.

It was shortly after 9pm when Mindy had the groceries stowed and the kids ready for bed. We all headed to be at the same time. In fact, I beat Mindy under the covers. I was much looking forward to a solid 8. Good night vacation blues.