White Rajah, the Creeper & My Valentine

I woke a few times through the night please with how refreshing the sleep felt. But come 530am I was ready to get up. I was overcome with the desire for more sleep. I ended up sleeping until 540am instead. As a consequence, I felt a little behind the 8 ball immediately out of bed.

At least I had coffee staged the night before, so it was ready and waiting. I completed sit-ups then went for coffee. It was nice to have my full-on fru-fru coffee again, complete with whipped cream, caramel topping and cinnamon. I let the time get a way from me while at the PC. Didn’t head in for meditation until 610am or slightly after. My motivation (mojo) was nearly nonexistent.

I had to get cracking if there was any hope of getting back on track time-wise. I didn’t need to delver Mindy’s coffee until just before I left for my run. She had an MRI scheduled that morning and didn’t need to leave the house until 8am. It was 640am by the time that I was dressed for my run and heading upstairs with her coffee.

I was out the door for my run near 645am. It was 32 degrees and snowing, which was about 8-10 degrees warmer than the morning before. I wore full winter attire that was fresh out of the wash.  I was comfortable for the duration of the 4.1 mile run. By the time I was back, there had to be about a ½” of fresh snow on the ground.

Mindy had my eggs waiting when I got back, but I needed to walk Eiknarf first. Took care of that lickity-split. It was after 730am by the time we were back at the house. I needed to be quick with my breakfast. It was Valentines Day. Mindy opened her card and had one waiting for me on the island. Said she ordered me a gift but didn’t have it yet. I may have failed to mention the ID bracelet she got me for my 15 year running anniversary. It’s a rubber bracelet with my name, address and emergency contacts on it. “Just in case I collapse while running”, they’ll know who I am. J

I headed off to the shower and said goodbye to Mindy. She’d be gone by the time I emerged scrubbed and ready to go. I was downstairs just after 8am. Mindy was gone. I reminded Bella what she needed to do with the few minutes we had remaining before bus time. She hadn’t yet brushed her teeth. Oh boy! Both kids had giant chocolate bars on the breakfast table, VD gifts from Mindy & I.

The kids and I headed out near 810am where we met Chrissy and girls. Chrissy was curious about Mindy’s appointment. Shared that she was heading in for an MRI that morning, but the orthopedic specialist believes what we suspected all along, torn MCL.

The bus arrived on time. Soon the kids were off to school and me off to work.

It was 822am when I headed to the Accord and off to work. Arrived at the office near 840am. A bad case of the sleepies struck as I was driving in. I was so damn sleepy could’ve pulled over and slept along the rode. My boss greeted me just inside the 6^th floor door. Said he was sorry to learn about Mindy’s injury.  I didn’t bother asking how he knew but wondered. I only shared that she was a real trooper about it and having an MRI that morning. He & I had an 11am meeting to discuss my 2011 performance review, bonus, and merit raise. Wahoo!

I spent the early morning working on my monthly reports that I’d be presenting on both Wednesday & Thursday. Felt a tad under the gun, but made significant progress even before my 11am with my boss. I was getting acclimated to my work routine again too. 

11am meeting with my boss went smooth and quick. No rough edges. Also talked about a new customer I’m getting too. Says it’s only temporary, which is good. My plates pretty full as it is. Back to work. I spent the rest of my day working on monthly reports and getting them into power point presentations.

Talked with Mindy mid day on her way to school. MRI went well. Wouldn’t know the results until the orthopedic specialist evaluated the MRI on Wednesday. Never gave it much though but that made total sense. Was thinking she’d know leaving the place. Mindy and I spoke again mid/late afternoon. Confirmed out intentions of having a VD dinner at CBC. Jimaken was taking the kids for dinner as he does on most Tuesday’s.

I left work for home around 520pm. I’m pretty sure I called Mindy again. We didn’t talk long, however. At home, the kids were already gone. Resting on the island was a big box that I was familiar with. It was a case of White Rajah – my VD gift from Mindy. J Said she ordered it before we left for the Oregon trip. Nice!

We readied for our date and left the house near 6pm arriving at CBC about ten minutes later. We expected the place to packed to the walls. There was a decent crowd, but by no means was it packed to the walls. There were two stool available one on each side of two guys. They kindly moved down to give us two stools side by side. Kate was working the bar along with Vince. Without asking, Kate brought me a sample of their new IIIPA – Creeper. Wow, was it good! No, wait. Delicious! Twelve Hops of XMAS good!

Mindy tried their stout but opted for the Creeper, too. Perhaps I’ve created a monster. Though a triple, very flavorful without being overly powerful. Perfect! We took up conversation with the two guys next to us, both in town for a convention (can’t recall for what). One in particular was a brewpub head. Said he’s been to 330 or more. And once he learned we were recently in Portland was quick to ask if we visited this on or that one. The first he mentioned was the Bridgeport, which immediately piqued Mindy’s interests.

Time to order food. We asked about the special and it sounded scrumptious, filet, jalapeño mashed spuds, and a lobster claw. As we often do, we ordered it to share. We both ordered side salads, too. While awaiting our meal, I ordered a 2^nd Creeper. Again, superb. The meal arrived on two plates. They really treat us well at CBC. We love those folks! The food was fabulous. Mindy gushed about her half the steak.

We had to rush out since we needed to be home before 8pm. I settled the check though Mindy got the tip with cash. We tipped Kate handsomely then headed for home.

Arrived home ahead of Jimaken but not by much. He and the kids pulled up even before we were out of the Pilot. First thing Jacob asked for was our leftovers. Sorry, we had none. Still dealing with jet lag and then drinking two beers, I was really tired. I was out on the sofa in less than 30 minutes. I woke near 10pm and everyone was off to bed. I took 3 Advil then stumbled upstairs myself. Good night Creeper!