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Happy 75th Mom!

Slept in again until 550am. This time, however, I popped out of bed right before Mindy’s alarm sounded. I quickly brushed my teeth and gathered my running clothes before heading downstairs. For the first time in a while, there were tons of stars visible in the predawn sky. Looked really cold too. Thick frost coating everything.

I breezed through calisthenics, sit-ups, windmills, and push-ups. It was already 605am. I took Mindy coffee next. Once she was awake, I headed back downstairs for some of my own. Ahhh! It was a cold 28 degrees. I quick look at MRMs webcam revealed that they were indeed making snow despite a forecast that promises yet another weekend warm-up into the low 50s. There was a blurb on their snow report explaining the snow making process with details not familiar to most. And even though they were busy making snow, they weren’t planning to open this weekend. Saying they need a week’s worth of cold overnights’ to build a base worthy of opening. I’m sure that many misdirect their anger towards them, much like some of us hold the local weathermen in contempt when the forecast doesn’t cooperate.

Walked away from coffee and internet near 625am. I still took the time to do a thorough meditation and stretch. Just figured to get out for my run about 10 minutes later than usual. By the time I was dressed for my run Jacob was already heading out the door for school. I headed up to say goodbye to Mindy right then. It was 652am before I got out the door. I ran past Jacob and his school peeps waiting at the bus stop in the frigid cold. I was dressed for it, complete with long socks, hand and ear covers.

It was trash day, too. Our can was already at the curb, having placed it there the night before. I warmed up quickly. I was happy for the cold temps. As I passed the older gentleman I see walking almost every morning, I shared my liking of the cold. He just laughed. I ran the full 4.1 miles. As expected, Mindy was already gone. Bella was most helpful inside, organizing the pug for departure. Said she needed to call her momma and let her know that I made it back safely.

Eiknarf and I were out for about 10 minutes. Back inside I was eager to eat breakfast. Bella was interested in checking MRMs website for snow making. I showed her the live feed. She excitedly took a pic of the process with her iPhone. Mad me smile! Time was slipping away. I rushed off to the shower at 750am. I didn’t need to see Bella onto the bus since she & Makayla had a Beacon Ambassadors meeting. Instead, she headed down to Chrissy’s place shortly after I headed to the shower. She was taking them both to school early.

I was showered and back downstairs by 812am. I had a little time so I used it to edit more photos for Gloria’s album. Took care of about 20 before needing to leave for work. Our usual 10am Wednesday call was moved up to 9am. The customer wasn’t expecting me to join, knowing that my making it there and getting settled prior is next to impossible. I didn’t leave the house until 845am.

I made decent time, running into no traffic snarls whatsoever. I believe that I was there and at my desk by 910am. Tried calling my Mom to wish her a happy 75th b-day. Got her VM. My monthly presentation was moved to 2pm to accommodate their busy agenda. That left me more than four hours to take care of other pressing matters. And in the time I accomplished quite a bit. Mindy sent a text midmorning asking if we could talk. She was stressing over Xmas. I couldn’t. Just too busy. I did, however, take a few minutes to call Honda finance to figure out when Lindsey’s monthly payment info will be mailed. I was surprised to learn that they mailed it to my house. Said they mailed it on November 26th. Hmmm? I didn’t debate it. Instead, I explained that I would’ve assumed it my monthly statement which I typically ignore since my payment is set to come out automatically. Her first payment still isn’t due for another week, but didn’t want to wait until the last minute, either.

Didn’t take a lunch break of any sort, and I wasn’t hungry, either. Dealt with several issues across my entire customer base, including some for my peer, whose vacation I was covering. It was a very active day to be sure.

I prepared to depart for home at 450pm. I was on the road by 455pm and gave Mindy a call once I was on 270. We didn’t talk too long as Jimaken had just showed up to get the kids. She promised to call back once the kids were gone. I made great time around 270 not hitting the typical slow down at Hilliard-Cemetery exit. Traffic was heavy but not stifling. Mindy called back at some point. I suggested we go Xmas shopping in lieu of dinner and beers out. As tempting as dinner and beer sounded, we needed to may a dent in our remaining Xmas shopping more. I joked that the stress would otherwise remain. Mindy agreed.

Got home by 520pm. We chatted only briefly before heading off to shop. I felt really tired. Could’ve used a nap. We called Lindsey on our way to talk about the boys’ Xmas list. She indicated that her mom had their list and wasn’t sure what was already taken care of. I called Kelly next. Of course she didn’t answer so I left a VM. Instead of calling me, she apparently called Lindsey to have her relay the information back to us. Mindy & I both got a kick out of that whole thing. :)

Shopped Target for close to 2 hours. Most of the stuff on Rocky’s list wasn't happening from us.. For example, he wants a Kindle, an iTouch, a 4-wheeler, etc. We actually considered the Kindle but the fact that a credit card must be placed on the account, no thanks. Also, they don’t have an internet connection to access content. Not sure what Lindsey is thinking. We fussed over a handful of outfits for new G.D. Averie even though there really isn’t a relationship with Courtney.

Landon was the easiest. Most of the items on his list are what you might expect from a 5 year old boy. We picked up some things for the girls too. We left Target with plenty of holes still to fill even though we dumped nearly 4 bills. It was around 730pm. Both of us were hungry and tired. We briefly toyed with the idea of stopping at a restaurant for food but in the end opted for chicken & noodles at home.

Once our haul was carried our haul to the basement, I warmed chicken & noodles for both of us. While I did that, Mindy worked on sub plans since she'd be out of the classroom for a seminar all day Thursday. The kids were home around 8pm. The rest of the evening was an uneventful blur. I can't even recall what time I went to bed.