Now Doesn't that Look Refreshing?

I was up shortly after Mindy and quickly downstairs engaged in calisthenics. It was a push-up day, and I opted to do them outside on the deck. It was clear and chilly, about 50 degrees. It was monthly presentation day so I planned on working across town and wanted to be there no later than about 930am. To that end, I was mindful of my morning playtime.

As a result, I walked the pug and completed meditation and stretching even before Mindy left for school. Actually, I was in the middle of my stretching routine when she left. A few minutes later I was out the door for a run. Despite and rain free forecast, clouds moved in turning our sunny forecast gray. I ran the full 4.1 miles.

Back at home near 810am, I headed out to water all the deck flowers since most were all but completely dry. Outside for about 10 minutes, made breakfast and packed a lunch. It was near 840 when I rushed off to the shower. Waiting at my washbowl was a greeting card from Mindy commemorating the nine year anniversary of the day we met, Saturday, September 17, 2005 - Bob & Mary's block party. Who says you can't have cheap sex on the first date and remain strong nine years later? Oh wait, maybe we didn't have cheap sex. :)

Headed out the door near 910am. Before getting on the freeway I needed to stop for gas. About as low as it’s been in a year, only $3.02 per gallon.

Arrived across town near 930am. The thick cloud cover that moved in earlier was already starting to thin. It was still a little on the chilly side but shaping up to be a nice day. One of the customer’s directors was leaving as I was walking in. Shared that he wouldn’t make the 1030am presentation. Ahead of my presentation, I procured a projector and took care of a couple quick issues.

All set up by 1025am. I like to be ready! A smaller than normal crowd, both in person as well as on the bridge. Presentation went well. Took the allotted hour to get through it all. Took care of a couple hot issues then sent myself a Lowes list via text and headed off to run errands around 1245pm. At Lowes I bought a new flower pot for our snake plant that’s grown considerably, now going on its 4th pot in seven years. The one I bought is a bit more decorative too. I also picked up a sconce light for the basement stairs, some new drip pans for our old range (giving it to Ashley), and looked unsuccessfully for some grout to match our existing floor tile.

Headed back to the office arriving near 150pm. Quickly back into work mode. Had a face to face meeting on my calendar for 3pm at another campus building, which I’d have to drive to. However, just before I was set to pack up and head over, I got a meeting cancelation notice. Sweet! I felt like I got some time back in my day. I used the time wisely to study for that certification I need to get before year’s end.

Left for home around 430pm. Called Mindy once safely merged onto 270. She was just leaving school. She sounded disappointed when I shared that I was happy to simply stay home and relax. I also thanked her for the card commemorating the 9 year anniversary of the day we met, Saturday, September 17, 2005. I had admittedly overlooked the date, though had remembered a few days prior. I guess I was consumed with my own birthday.  Not wanting to disappoint, I offered that we go wherever she wanted, and she suggested CBC. Got home near 5pm. The kids were soon off with Jimaken and Mindy and I on our way to CBC, but not before placing our garbage can at the curb. Guessing we arrived near 540pm and parked in the main lot.

Inside, the bar was near capacity but a few stools remained in my favorite corner. While Mindy chatted it up with a couple of the servers, I settled into my stool. Kate and Julie were working the bar. No Bodhi. Fine with me, I was happy to try something different. I eventually settled on their new hoppy red ale. Very tasty! Mindy went with a Pumking from Southern Tier.

We shared some risotto balls and bread and later order entrees. Mindy went with the special – crunchy fried chicken dish, and I ordered spinach artichoke dip. I had a 2nd Red ale too. Mindy wanted just the one Pumking though they’re about 8.5% abv. Despite ordering just the one, Julie or Kate, can’t remember which, brought her a Buffalo Bill’s pumpkin ale, which is touted as America’s first. I can vouch for that moniker as Glenn introduced it to me 11 or 12 years ago.

We left for home near 8pm arriving no more than 15 minutes later. I quickly changed into my PJs and brushed my teeth.