$21 Barley Tab

I was up near 530am. And while still not 100%, I felt better than I did all week, but that same dull ache remained in my gut. I did sit-ups and push-ups. Was glad to have those behind me. Sipped coffee at the PC until 610am. Started feeling sleepy, but at least not queasy. I fought the urge for more sleep through both meditation and stretching. I woke Mindy sometime near 620am.

Dressed and left for a run near 635am. Obviously still not well, I did myself a favor and trimmed the run back to 3 miles again. I was back at the house around 710am. Mindy and the kids were up and preparing to head out the door. Mindy was taking the kids to her mom’s again, this their last day of spring break vacation. I said goodbye to Mindy in the driveway after walking Eiknarf.

I didn’t realize that the poop sack container attached to the leash was empty again until it was too late. I used a tissue to pick-up Eiknarf’s morning crap. I wasn’t pleased. I knew I got some dog crap on my running gloves. I shared my disappointment with Mindy just before they backed out the drive.

I enjoyed my breakfast in solitude not heading up for a shower until 745am. Just before heading upstairs I could feel my gut gurgling. I ran to the bathroom where I pushed out what amounted to cloudy water. It was instantaneous relief. I surmised that it had been there for a few days but trapped.

Showered and ready to go by 810am, I took a few minutes to relax before heading off to the office. Don’t think I left the house until almost 830am. Arrived at the office near 845am. The drive made me sleepy. My eyes felt heavy and my mind tired. Another day at home would’ve been ideal to fully recuperate from whatever ailed me.

I hoped for an easy day and by and large it was. I even had the chance to take a real lunch break when I ran to Target and bought some more doggy poops sacks (an 8-pack) and a 180 piece count bag of Eclipse Winter Frost chewing gum for my office. I was still tired and thought about taking a nap in the Target lot but didn’t. I was really hungry again too. And ever since I threw up on Tuesday, my food cravings have been all out of whack. I was craving fast food and NOT my packed veggies and cheese. However, despite the craving, I fought through it and talked myself into going back to the office and eating what I packed.

The cheese was just OK and the veggies hard to enjoy. The blueberry Greek yogurt was pretty good, though. I thought I might leave the office early and work from home for the late afternoon but that never happened. Instead, I ended up at the office until after 515pm. Despite feeling tired and weak, I was much looking forward to the weekend ahead.

Talked with Mindy who shared that Jacob had already left with his dad. Mindy opted to keep Bella home with us even though it was a Jimaken weekend since we’d be heading to Point Pleasant WV relatively early Saturday morning for her gymnastics meet. Jimaken wasn’t planning to go and neither was Jacob. Bella was happy about staying home and was out playing with the neighbors when I finally arrived home.

As soon as I was in the door at home Mindy pressed me for dinner details, but I had nothing to offer. I wasn’t against heading out for some food but wasn’t sure where or when. My head was still in a fog. Pressed again about 5-10 minutes alter I offered that we could go to Barley’s for a short amount of time. Mindy seemed to like that idea. I only clarified that I was only interested in going if it was the three of us. I didn’t want to take all the neighborhood kids along this time. Mindy understood and went to tell Bella about our dinner plans. Apparently Bella asked/opted to stay back with the neighbors. Mindy approved it with Chrissy.

And while it was nice, warm and sunny all afternoon, it started clouding up to our north just as Mindy I set out for Barley’s. In fact, I pointed out what looked like it could be the beginning of a tornado but it wasn’t spinning. Wasn’t storming over us.

Even though I wasn’t exactly craving beer, I still ordered a Centennial. And for the 2nd time in as many weeks, Mindy surprised me and ordered herself a IIPA – an Avery’s Maharajah. We sat/stood at the bar with a few regulars: Banker Dan, Paul, Calvin, Linda and Scott. But Calvin left shortly after we arrived citing heart issues. Said he took one of his nitroglycerin pills but it didn’t seem to work. He’s had two heart attacks in the last year.

I eventually ordered a 2nd Centennial but knew that would be my last. It actually tasted pretty good but I just wasn’t feeling it. Not sure what to eat, I eventually decided on a brisket quesadilla. And in a role reversal, mindy opted not to order anything. She was loopy from her IIPA along with the While Rajah she drank at home before leaving. However, she did eat part of my quesadilla when it arrived.

We didn’t stay too late. I’m thinking we left around 915pm. Can’t recall which one of us paid the tab. It was only $21, which is really low for us. I drove us home very eager for bed. As soon as we parked Mindy headed to the neighbors to retrieve Bella while I headed in and up to bed. I heard Bella come in crying. She went to her room upset. I went to console her. She was feeling sorry for herself and going on about not getting to enjoy a sleepover with her neighborhood peeps. I offered that she could come bed with Mindy, Eiknarf and I. She warmed to that opportunity in a hurry.

Mindy offered that Bella could sleep at the foot of the bed. We watched TV together with me quickly falling asleep. I needed rest badly. Not only was I still trying to recover from my illness but I had to get up no later than 7am to ensure I had enough time to run before leaving for WV Saturday morning at 10am.