Troubled Time Change

I slept later than I have on a work day in a long, long time, and didn't drag my rear out of bed until almost 7am. By then Mindy was already up, out of the shower and applying make-up. Yet despite the extra sleep, my head was still in a fog as I brushed my teeth and gathered my running clothes. Slowly but surely, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen where I talked myself into doing my calisthenics.

To the livingroom I headed with a full water cup and there I whipped out 50 sit-ups. Once the sit-ups were behind me, I felt a bit more awake and perhaps even motivated to move forward. I then headed to the family room where I completed both windmills and curls before returning to the kitchen to pour some much coveted coffee.

I poured coffee then made my way to my PC where I spent the next hour, or until it was time to head to the bus stop with Bella. Sandwiched in between, Mindy left for school. She asked if I planned to work from home. No. I had told my boss Wednesday that I would be in the office on Thursday. Just as well, nephew Joe was coming over to clean sometime during the day.

I walked the pug then dressed for a run just before heading out to the bus stop with Bella that way I could do my run soon after seeing her off. I printed off a copy of the basement design along with a rough framing materials list for Kenny. As luck would have it, he didn't join Makayla at the bus stop like he has for the past few weeks.

It was a chilly 28 degrees. I wore full winter running attire. I ran just three miles, granting myself an light week. The abbreviated run went super fast and without incident. Back home I fried a few of eggs, two for me, one for the pug. Headed for a shower around 915am. I was expected to join a 10am call and planned to do so from my office. I had to step on the gas. I guess I could've taken the call from home, but was bent on heading to the office.

Was all set to head off to work by 935am. I secured the home and headed out without warming the Accord. Once again, I listened to Blue Collar Radio on my drive in. Funny! Took a while for my laptop to boot up but still had enough time to fetch fresh ice water before the 10am. The call was put together to discuss me covering a former peer's fast approaching two week vacation. Went simple enough. It was over after about 30 minutes. My boss stopped by soon after to discuss the call's topic a bit more in depth. While I had his attention, I let him know that I needed to be out at least all morning on the 28th to take Mindy in for an inpatient procedure. No squabbles.

I took care of a handful of lingering to-do's all leading up to 1pm, which came around fast especially given my later arrival into the office. My plan was to take a lunch and get a haircut, stop at Lowes, and possibly even get a carwash, which is way overdue. The Accord looks like hell!

I stopped in the Mill Run Saturday's first. Got me right in. Sweet. A heavy blonde girl cut my hair. Haven't seen her there before. And for the first time in maybe a year, I opted for the shorter #2 guard. As warmer weather nears, I like the sides a little tighter. She did as good a job as anyone has. I was pleased. In and out of there in 15 minutes. I lubed my new do once back in the car then headed across the street to Lowes.

I picked up two outdoor spot light sockets to replace two that are damaged/worn, rotted. Given that they aim up into the weather the socket tends to gather water and eventually corrodes. No doubt constant freezing and thawing help it along, too. The new sockets aren't expensive. In fact, they're less than the CFL bulbs, only about $2.50 each. While there, I checked out their 12v jumpers, comparing theirs to what I bought the day before at Home Depot. Lowe's carries Stanley. They're comparable in features and price. I like the Stanley name better than Black & Decker but opted to be happy with what I have. Perused a few more aisles then headed to self-checkout.

Decided to have the car washed before heading back to the office. Headed t the Klean-a-Kar on Hilliard Cemetery Rd. Given the lovely later winter conditions, I expected a crowd. There were three cars in front of me but they line moves fast. I opted for the cheap wash - $7. It seemed to do a good job last time, which if memory serves, was right before Xmas. However, I don't think my car has ever been this dirty.

Looked good! Stopped at the free vacuums after the wash. Aside from the tires still showing a little dirt, it left the body super clean and shiny. Always feels good to drive a clean car. Back to the office by 215pm. I spent most of the afternoon tying up loose ends. As usual, we had our weekly staff call at 415pm. It lasted about 30 minutes, which is about 15 minutes longer than normal. No biggie. I told Mindy earlier that I wanted to be home by 5pm if I could help it. That wasn't going to happen, but I did manage to leave the office by 5pm.

Was home by 515pm. Mindy and Jacob were just heading out, Mindy taking him to his first outdoor soccer practice of the season. But actually, the first three were canceled due to snow or because the field was too wet. It's like the sport that never ends. It goes on and on, my friends.

There were dinner items out near and around the stove. While Mindy was away, I snacked heavily on nuts and some salt & pepper chips. I also replaced the spark plug in the Toro mower, which I left in the garage last Sunday. The new plug made no difference. Still having trouble getting it to start and stay running. Seems now that it's a fuel issue. Perhaps there's a fuel filter that is clogged. I'll wait for another warm day before proceeding further. Worst case is I'll buy a new push mower. Seems a waste given that I use it for just the trim.

Mindy was gone for 20-25 minutes. Put some pasta on the stove once home. Made a fresh garden salad, too. She, Bella and I sat for dinner near 6pm. She dished me a large plate despite me advising she not for my already half full belly. I ate half my pasta and half my salad. I was full.

After dinner I rushed through clean-up. Bella soon headed next door to play with Lillian. Mindy played on her laptop while I played with my new Kindle Fire HD. I downloaded the free Pandora app and instantly began streaming music. Cool! Listened to that for a quite a while.

Jimaken agreed to pick Jacob up from soccer practice saving us the trouble of going after him. They showed up around 715pm, Jimaken in his new Nissan Murano. Bella excitedly ran out to check it out. Bella wanted to tune the TV to Idol, but neither I nor Mindy wanted to destroy the peaceful evening. As a compromise, we told Bella she could watch it from our room.

We've had a jug of Bodhi in our refrigerator since the week before we left for Utah. We only drank one or two pints from it. I was certain that it would be bad/flat. I decided to give it a rub and whirl before giving it the dump. After all, it's like liquid gold. I couldn't get the lid off even with the aid of a gripper thingy. Jacob asked if he could try. He was able to get it. Made the typical gassy release. Hmm? Gave it a sip. Surprisingly fresh as ever! I poured a full pint then took to the sofa.

It was only 830pm but Mindy claimed she was tired and headed up to bed. Now the only one downstairs, I tuned the TV to the Science Channel while I enjoyed my beer. Can't really remember what I watched. Once my beer was about gone, I stretched out on the sofa and fell asleep. Sleep great for about an hour. When I woke it took all the energy I could muster just to get up the stairs and ultimately into bed.