Just a Spoonful of Applesauce Helps the Medicine Go Down

                                                         I think Makayla missed Jacob!

I was up on time and engaged in exercise a few minutes later. I was quite happy about having the second half of the day scheduled off, especially given the exceptional weather forecast. And since I'd be working that morning, I'd be following my routine like normal.

Sit-ups and curls were out of the way quickly. Coffee and PC time were next. There were a number of seemingly distant lightning flashes but no rain or thunder. A check of the radar revealed a narrow band of storms already to our east. Just a slight chance of more storms during the day, but otherwise partly cloudy skies and low 70s.

I was a couple minutes behind the pace I set earlier in the week, but still completed meditation and stretching before delivering Mindy's coffee, and set out on my run closer to 635am. Immediately out the door, though dark, I could tell that it was clear to west but cloudy overhead and to the east. The half moon was visible as well. I expected it would clear out even more during my run. I ran the full 4.1 miles skipping the fleece entirely. I wore two wicking shirts instead, and even that was a tad too much.

The storm system moving to the east must've stalled out because the clouds seemed to be standing still and some of the lower layer even moving to the west a little.  Bottom line, it never did clear. I finished my run near 715am and walked the dog before heading in to enjoy my breakfast. Mindy asked if I was still expecting to be home to intercept the kids off the bus so she could go to psycho physical therapy. Yes. My plan was to head downtown for the customer presentation and then head back home where I planned to work until 2pm. Mindy and I helped Bella taker her initial dosage of Focalin. It comes in a capsule and Bella was a little spooked about trying to swallow a pill, something she's never been able to successfully do. She even teared up. I can relate. When I was a kid  I couldn't do it either. It was important that she take the medicine. We insisted she try, and try she did. It ended up floating in her bottled water. :)

Good thing we had a plan 'b', which was to break open the capsule and pour it over a teaspoon of applesauce. I fished the capsule from the water bottle then handed it to Mindy to break open. Some capsules aren't meant to be broken open. Bella took it easily that way. Once the medicine was down, Mindy left for school and I headed up for a shower.

Back downstairs preparing for the bus stop by755a. e headed out a little early since the bus has been showing up a few minutes ahead of schedule of late. Once at the bus stop, Bella whispered in my ear that she didn't want me to say anything to anyone about her taking Focalin. I promised I wouldn't.

It was fairly warm but also cloudy. I planned to drive the Accord after two sunny BM'er days in a row. I'd be driving downtown and didn't think it wise to drive and park the BM'er down there anyhow. I left the house at 825am and took 70/670 east. Traffic was just starting to back-up as I neared the Neil Ave. exit, my exit. I pulled in the parking garage a tad earlier than usual. I think it was about 845am. I parked on the 7th level. Called my peer as I made my way to the lobby. He was a few minutes behind me. I didn't have to wait but 2 or 3 minutes.

Compared to the other monthly meeting that I host, this one was is always a bit more contentious, and with my piece was last, I feel that they're often in a bad mood by then. This time, however, it went pretty well. Over all, we went bit longer than we usually do, the entire meeting lasting about 80 minutes long. Two of my peers and I walked out together and stopped to chat in the garage before heading to our cars. I planned on working from home for the rest of the day figuring that would give me the best chance of truly having the afternoon off after my 130pm conference call.

I arrived home near 11am and quickly logged onto the intranet and got myself a little snack. Unfortunately, there was a significant issue impacting my newest customer. Hopes of having the afternoon to myself quickly went awry. I joined a call with my boss and others at 140pm, or ten minutes late. The outcome of the call wasn't what we hoped, but closer to what I expected. Bella & Jacob were home off the bus around 4pm as expected. Bella was quick to share how well her school day went and how much work she accomplished. She was proud of herself and gave credit to the Focalin. Our concern that it might dampen her personality were put to bed right there. She was very animated. She spent a few minutes on my lap telling me all about it.

 An issue I was following for my newest customer ended up consuming the rest of my day, and even spilled over into the late evening hours despite Mindy and I heading to CBC for dinner after Jimaken picked up the kids just after 530pm. 

I worked via my Blackberry during dinner, a couple times Mindy asking if I was listening or paying attention to her. I had a couple Bodhi's and a plate of wings while Mindy enjoyed wine and the dinner special, crab encrusted tilapia. We were back at home by 759pm. Jimaken and kids were already there awaiting our return.

As a family we tuned into American Idol elimination night, though I kept in touch with work until after 10pm. The contestant I would've sent home was. Bella and I were the last to bed. She was already up there but busy playing with Barbie's. I put Eiknarf in Jacob's room then tucked Bella into bed.