Santa Walt

Woke at 415am and tried going back to sleep. Around 445am, I realized that there wasn't any way that was going to Happen. I was wide awake. Not one to lie wastefully in bed, I went ahead and got up for keeps. After calisthenics I remembered that I'd need to manually start the coffee maker if I wanted coffee anytime soon.

Used the time to write for my blog, which is behind by a handful of days. I have to be careful or time can get away from me in a hurry. I stopped writing near 530am and resorted only to play. Checked the winning Mega Millions numbers hoping/wishing we were the big winners. Sadly, we weren't but our jackpot is just around the corner. I can feel it in my bones! We did hit three of the numbers and won a whopping $5. Wahoo! Held off on checking with work until 6am or so. It was 25 degrees. The temperature wasn't expected to move much all day, but warmer temps were on their way. In fact, Wednesday was supposed to be our last day in the freezer until Xmas Eve - mid 50s and rain coming in for the weekend.

Time to wake Mindy came quick. Headed upstairs near 610am. Back downstairs I did a thorough meditation and stretch. Dressed warmly and headed out on a run by 631am. It was breezy so it felt colder than it actually was. I ran the full 4.1 miles. Once again, the road were tricky, especially those less traveled. I opted to cut the cul-de-sacs a little short. Slick, slick, slick!!

Home near 710am, Mindy wasn't yet downstairs but on her way. I asked that she round-up the pug. While she did that, I started the Pilot. Eiknarf and I headed out a couple minutes later, her leg apparently feeling a little better, though still a slight limp. Back at the house near 725am, I sat for breakfast. After breakfast, I spun some Xmas music and played on the computer until it was time to head out to the bus stop. The bus showed up a couple minutes early this time. As such, I was back at the house by 802am where I promptly hustled off to the shower. Was downstairs again making final preparations to depart by 820am. No wasted time there. Left the house at 830am. I was working across town and took 670E. Traffic was light even through downtown. For that I was grateful.

Arrived around 855am. It was still below freezing but also sunny. And with the sunshine, it actually felt nice. Winter jade, I guess. Didn't take me too long to get settled. Our weekly 930am call was canceled. In its place we moved the monthly service review up an hour to 10am since I was out the week prior when it was originally set-up. My boss came in around 930am. Wasn't sure if he was coming in person or not. I hadn't seen him for a month. Crazy!

I checked with one of the managers asking if we were using the planned conference room. Often we don't. We were this time, which it was I prefer anyway. My boss and I headed there 5 minutes early, me untethering my laptop and taking it with. The presentation went well, though I was a little bumpy with the dialogue since I am still getting used to the new metrics we created. That's OK. They were appreciative, which is really what matters.

Finished by 1045am My boss headed out immediately after. Said he had other commitments back in Hilliard. Of course I stayed for the day. I left for lunch around 1230pm, making a run to a nearby Giant Eagle, which is at McCutcheon & Stelzer Rd. There I picked up 3 gift cards for baskets. Had no other pressing errands, so I headed back to the office. Wasn't gone even 30 minutes.

Took care of some administrative tasks and then handles a couple escalations. Hey, that's why I am there. Wrapped up just before 5pm and headed for the parking lot and then ultimately home. Called Mindy once I was safely merged onto 270W. Talked only briefly, She had things she wanted to get done before I got home. The kids, by the way, were already gone with Jimaken. We made plans to do date night at Barley's.

I arrived home around 540pm. Mindy was on the phone talking with someone. Thinking it was close to 6pm when we left for Barley's. I had to take 3 Advil just before we left to calm my chronic toothache. Just a couple more days until my scheduled root canal. Looking forward to it! That's how bad it hurts. :) Barley's sign was out. Looked as if they were closed, but I knew differently. It was crowded - very crowded, especially for a Wednesday. We parked in the back 40. Inside, I rounded up David, the new manager and let him know that the sign was out. Figured he'd want to know. Sure enough, he had no idea. Said it's his responsibility to turn it on every night. Oops! He took care of it pronto!

We eventually corralled two stools at one of the two community tables. I ordered a St Nick's nitro. Mindy eventually settled on a St Joan's. I sent David a pic if the nitro since he's expressed a great deal of interest in that brewing technology of late. Eventually ordered food. Mindy ordered a quesadilla, I think. I ordered Texas wings well done. Best ever! No kidding. I also inquired about their bulk smoked briskets. Asked about the size, which we learned is 10-12lbs. Went ahead and ordered one for Xmas Eve pick-up. I haven't had better brisket anywhere. Hard to top. We'll serve it at our Xmas Eve family event. Ordered a Centennial for a 2nd beer. Mindy had just the one.

We ended up hanging out until almost 8pm talking with our friend, Walt the balloonist, who shared pics and stories from the Macy's TG parade. He was very excited, and once again invited Mindy &I to volunteer in years to come. He also invited us to come up and stay with he and his wife at their home in Wadsworth, the same town Bob & M.A. are from. I don't think they know one another, as hard as that seems to believe. :) We packed out leftovers and headed home at 755pm.

I thought for certain the kids would beat us home but that wasn't the case. They weren't too far behind, however. Offered Jacob our leftovers. He only nibbled. Put most of them in the fridge. Mindy and Bella headed to the basement - Xmas central - working on more gift wrapping for teachers as well as a few others. She was on a roll. Even after 9pm when I was about ready to call it a night, she was still down there and busy. She wanted my help organizing/building more baskets. I begged otherwise in favor of calling it a night and heading to bed. I was tired.
Was in bed by 920pm and quickly asleep. Mindy wanted to snuggle but I was too tired to move. :)