Month: December 2019

The Monday between Christmas and New Year is part of the holiday season but hardly a holiday. Emily is still on break. I don’t get break.

Today is practice for the end of the holidays. Marika and I got up at 6 and went to workout. Nothing strange there.

After workout we went straight home. I did the usual am tasks only Em is home so there is a little more to do. She always comes up with more things for me to do. Funny. But not. Eventually I got done and loaded up and off to work.

Boring drive to the office. So boring I missed my exit and had to go a weird way to the office. Took a few extra minutes but I did get to see some neighborhoods most people don’t.

At office I dumped my car load of cardboard boxes which were leftover from Christmas. My office has a large dumpster and we don’t at home. I do this every year. Ahh, tradition.

Work. Boring and obtuse. I hate my work. I want it to be gone. Someday I can retire. Just not soon enough. I worked till about six pm. Not sure what I did. I put it out of my mind.

Trip home was smooth. No problems. No stops.

Emily had dinner made a few minutes after I arrived. Marikas boyfriend Jutt is joining us. Prime rib leftovers and scallop potatoes. Nothing better exists.

Watched a little TV after eating and it was bedtime. See, not much holiday left.

I am not sure where the “Sunday is the first day of the week” came from. Today feels very last day. And it’s cold. And it’s raining like hell. 15 minutes away it’s snowing like hell. And it’s almost five so it’s getting dark. The combination is depressing, mostly.

Last night was the biggest day of the holiday season. The social event of the season. The Vivier CPA annual holiday party. Our tradition, the past 25 years is to have a lunch. We work till noon and head out to a local restaurant and eat and drink till done. On a Friday. Close to, but before Christmas. Well, 26th year of our party, and it’s all new. This year is the year of change. No lunch, dinner. No weekday, Saturday. No restaurant, my house. Mind blowing.

We had suggested to all to show up about 430 for drinks and apps till dinner around six. All were here by 5 and party on, Garth. Not surprisingly, all the employees opted for cocktails so I was busy making them for an hour. All except Walkers plus one, Diane, she opted for wine. She is a former employee but quit. Appetizers were a large charcuterie which is enough. Believe me.

From drinks we move to dinner, where my lovely bride outdid herself. She made, HER choice, individual beef Wellington’s for the 12 guests. Insane. Plus assorted sides. Who really cares about sides when Beef Wellington is the main course? No one, exactly. For the plebeian amongst us, a beef Wellington is a filet of beef spiced and seared, covered in mushroom pate, covered with pastry. Cooked quickly at high heat just to get the beef to rare. Tasty.

Of course we had several bottles of wine because you have to.

For dessert, Marika has gone to the bakery and picked up more than enough individual desserts for everyone to go home happy. And leftovers for my breakfast.

Best part of all, everyone gives me a gift. I give them gifts too, but one each. I receive four. Haha good to be me. Handmade, homemade cookies, a new fur hat, wine amongst all. Lucky me.

We don’t sit around and drink and whatever. We finished and everyone headed home. Best party of the year, great food with people you know too damn well. You should have been there.

Friday night Em and I and Marika and Jutt travelled to Port Costa for dinner at one of our favorite places, Bull Valley Roadhouse. Isolated south of the Carquinez Bridge, by a few miles, and a bit of a trip. But, food is fantastic and the pre prohibition cocktails are great. I had a couple. Dinner was a fine affair. Friendly crowd. Raining too much. I drove the almost two hours home and was nodding off the whole way. Fun.

Sunday was slower, which is good. Woke up at 845 which is def sleeping in. We had wanted to go out for breakfast but the kids did not get up early. Like out to breakfast? at 1130. I had lunch.

After lunch I returned the chairs and table I had rented for the office party. Stopped to return some stuff at Target, and bought a bottle of Rye from a local distiller for a friend. Then home and spent lots of time cleaning up and wrapping gifts. Soon, dinner. Am watching TV now and doing this blog thing. Tomorrow, back to the work week. Emily on break. Nice. 3 days to Christmas.

Dinner was homemade soup with sausage. And also very good. Had leftover wine too. And leftover desserts. Any way l look at it, dinner had new and leftover food and it was fabulous.

Emily washes the dishes which made it easier for me to watch TV. We are going to bed early tonight. Big work day tomorrow.

We are still in the holiday season. Today is only 12/29 and the holiday extends through the first. So there. Of course, I also work the next two days. That sucks.

Today was no work day. Mostly. We got up at 9am. That’s two days in a row of sleeping in. I’m excited. It’s a great start to any day.

I was ready to sit around for an hour. Drink some coffee and read the paper. That was my plan. Emily has a plan too. Go out to breakfast. I did not want to. I even suggested McDonalds. But, noooo, we had to go to a real restaurant where I was served cold food. Whatever. A one hour wait and cold food.

After brunch we had shopping. I just love going shopping. Sure. Hardware store for all items needed to finish yesterday’s pantry rehab. Just a few things. Emily decided today was the day we should get the light kits for all our ceiling fans. And a few other things we can’t live without.

We did finally get all we needed. Next up grocers and pharmacy. Just a few items and no extras. Not as obnoxious as the hardware store visit.

No more stops. We went home. We unloaded, the car, not our emotions. I got started right away on the pantry. I really want to be done with it. It’s really something Emily wanted. I don’t care either way. Just my job to implement the change.

I had very little left to finish up. I tacked a shelf support under the bottom shelf. Then attached a small piece of moulding across between the floor and bottom shelf. That finished the shelves. Next I sprayed dry silicone lubricant on the pantry door runners. Attached new guide wheels to the pantry doors and hung them. Last item, the door keeper at the bottom. I had to fashion a guide out of plastic and reinstall the keeper. And I am done. Now my OCD wife can label all the shelves. She loves labeling.

Just like yesterday, I humped all the tools and the compressor back out to the workshop. Put them all away. And with that my workday was done.

Emily finished rearranging the pantry and hall closet. I watched TV. And I sat around for a couple hours till dinner. During which time Marika came home and then let again to work out. She managed to be back home by dinner.

l suggested we have leftovers for dinner after Em got mildly upset we hadn’t planned dinner. Not sure what bothered her so much, it’s just dinner. We ended up with tamales, beans and a salad. Quite nice. Pecan pie for dessert. Emily made chocolate turnovers too.

While eating, Marika got a call from her friend Leahness. Invited her up to Auburn from Dixon. At 7 pm. Leah said she would be here by 8 with 2 year old daughter in tow.

I moved to the front room and watched the last of the 49er game. They won. Worked on Marikas jigsaw puzzle. Made a cocktail for Marika. And watched TV.

Leahness and child showed at a little after eight. Made her a drink. Fed the child candy and other junk. At about nine, Em and I went to bed. Life is thrilling.

It’s Saturday after Christmas. And I slept late. Till 9. I’m thinking that was a belated gift. Even Em slept in which helps me stay asleep.

We did finally get up. The dog and cats need feeding and they get a little insistent about it by walking on us or knocking things off the table. That tends to get us up.

We were moving slow all morning. Cleaning up. Eating. Got the paper. Drank some coffee. Usual morning. I figured today I had nothing to do. All guests gone, furniture put back, tree up till the 31st so nothing on the schedule. That is until Em said she wanted me to build out the pantry. I had promised to donor but like a day off more.

The rest of the day, about 5 hours, I cut shelves, put up braces, nailed everything down. Cleaned up the mess from all the sawing out on the porch. Cleaned up the pantry of sawdust and bits of materiel. Made a few trips to the waste bin. Done. There is more storage space than before. I am not convinced more storage is good. Just leads to storing more crap.

Once I was done I had to hump all the tools out to the workshop. The shop is out back about 100 ft from the house. And it’s dark. Enough whining, it’s just a pain.

After all the nail pounding and clean up, I spent the next hour helping Emily rearrange the what and where of all the cabinets. I would have preferred root canal. Emily is insane when cleaning or rearranging the house. I am calm if not involved. I can only say it was painful but we did finish it. It could be an improvement. I won’t know until a few months down the road and the rearranging has stuck. If it’s just a larger mess, we have lost.

it’s late, about 7, now what. Drinks. I made a couple bourbon cocktails and we watched TV till 8. Good news, we still have leftovers to reheat. Which describes exactly what we had for dinner.

Now we sit in front of the TV and wait for it to be late enough to go to bed. I think that number is 7. Emily thinks later.

This is not like last night. We went out with friends for a little wine tasting and a nice Italian dinner. Stayed out and up, late. But you can’t do that every night. Tonight we are staying in, and up till 10. Almost the same. Bedtime is a coming.

That stupid camel on TV always asks that. Well, its Christmas and hump day today. Both. I still hate the camel.

This morning we got up and had breakfast and showers and champagne and coffee. We opened our stockings. Marika ended up staying at her boyfriends last night. But she did show up this morning, prior opening gifts. By the time she got settled in, with some coffee and champagne and breakfast, 3 more showed. Em’s parents Hank and Beth and family friend Mary. Followed shortly thereafter by my sister Doriene and bro in law Vincent. See, from two to a lot. We are now a party.

As is usual, we spent as long as it takes to open a lot of gifts. Drank more champagne, a few bottles. Had more to eat. Had a Christmas morning. You know the drill.

For the most part we sat around the living room, drinking, eating and talking till late in the afternoon. I got up at some point and prepped the prime rib and put it in the oven. Set up the tables. Set the tables. Started the cocktails (it’s after 5) and then served drinks while others finished making dinner. And I drank a cocktail too.

My three oldest nephews showed up about now. Nice timing I think. Party got a little roaring what with everyone drinking too much and hangin our. After an hour plus of this the nephews had to go, just a quick stop. Marikas boyfriend showed up for dinner.

We sat down for dinner and some wine. No one was in a wine mood for most part. Prime rib was excellent. As was Yorkshire Pudding. And few other nice things. Some at the table were kinda drunk. Ok. We managed.

After eating we retired to the living room for the best part of dinner. Pie. Lemon, pecan and pumpkin. Made them myself. And they were excellent. Which I did not have to say so myself. I like pie.

our evening went in awhile longer. Till the in laws went to their hotel and the rest of us started to drop like flies. I went to bed. I was really tired. There’s a lot of work being a host. With the most.

Today I had planned on taking the day off and going nowhere. Gonna stay at the homestead and get ready for the big day tomorrow. Someone’s having a birthday!! Anyway, plans change. I still have to pick up the last gift from FedEx, as I mentioned yesterday. I am not going down the hill till the tracking says it has arrived.

I spent most of the day running errands and cleaning house. I made three pies. which is my annual duty.

About 1pm I received a text from FedEx that the package had arrived. Instead of immediately running out to Sacramento, I called my office. Katrina was in and I asked her to pick it up because she lives in Roseville, only 20 mins away. She very generously picked up the package. And FedEx checked her ID and gave her the package anyway.

I arrived at Kay’s house about 3pm. Got my package but hung around and talked to Kat and her husband Seth. Number 1 daughter Violet was there too. Had a nice visit.

I did not mention, I have garbage and boxes in the back of my car. Our can at home is full. So I asked Seth if there was any place around I could dump unfettered. He nicely directed me to the apartment complex a half block away. He dumps there often. So I did. (Though not enough room for all the cardboard.) Easy. Bye, unauthorized persons will be prosecuted, sign says. As of Thursday I am still awaiting the sheriff.

I left Katrinas house and headed back home. Still having the cardboard I took a circuitous route home. Driving behind big stores to find big garbage cans to throw the cardboard in. Struck gold at the mattress store next to Goodwill. I had forgotten they always leave the containers unlocked. So I took a dump there and drove home.

We were expecting to be alone on Christmas Eve. That’s tonight. First time since before we were married. That is a long time. Well, Marika decided to join us for dinner and then go to her boy friend’s house later. She claimed she would be back tonight.

Tradition in our house says we have Mexican food for Xmas eve dinner. Also, on taco Tuesday same. Today is both, and Emily made enchiladas and Chile relleno casserole. I made margaritas. One of the best meals ever and I did not miss any of the people who weren’t around.

Marika, as promised, left for Jutt’s house after dinner. And then there were two. We went to bed.

Christmas, tomorrow, was supposed to be just us three. Well, in the last few days we picked up a few guests. 6 more will be joining us in the morning for gifts and breakfast and champagne. And three more later in the day for drinks and food and pie. Funny how things change.

We are off to bed. Santa is coming and I don’t want to puss him off.

I like the new workouts I am doing. It’s all weight lifting of some sort or other. Not sure why we spent so much time on the other stuff but now we don’t. Good for me. Marika is still on the floor exercises, balls, kettlebells, etc. She says she isn’t strong enough. I’m not and I do this.

Today is a regular workday. So, after the workout and all the usual errands, I went to work. Only one stop at the bank for some cash for the nephews. They are spoiled little shits and I’m not sure they even appreciate what we do. But we do it. Hey, it’s Christmas.

No visitors to the office. Yay. I did as much as I could which always seems like not enough. Cara and Kat were both there. Both working tomorrow. I have to go in to Work to get one more Christmas package which is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. FedEx is not as fast as they used to be. Real problem is the company I purchased the gift from. They did not ship the goods for nine days after I ordered it. It was the 10th when I ordered so I did not expedite. And the company was mute. Merry Christmas.

Speaking of work, I left it at 530. No love lost there. I am going to the local FedEx office across the road in the mall. Seeking aforementioned package. It’s a deliver and hold thing. Problem, I have to drive across 8 lanes of traffic, through the mall lot to the FedEx. And it’s Christmas.

Starting out to Fedex not so bad. Got within sight of the corner and came to a stop. I sat a few light changes. Problem is, it’s real crowded and drivers are blocking the intersections. Have to drive in commando mode. Have to be ultra aggressive and ignore all cars and traffic signals. And be rude. What I did to cross the road was drive on the wrong side of the intersection and then cut back in to the correct side at the last minute. Everyone else can go to hell. I got over the first hurdle.

Next up, the parking lot. Not much there since it’s one lane in each direction. Came to the first intersection. Governed by stop signs. We take turns. I watched. All were taking turns. Nice. I took my turn and turned right and the car to my left decided to go in front of me. Fuck that. I dropped my clutch and pushed my car out almost in front of the intruder. He tried to scare me by acting like he was going to hit me but I just pushed in front of him. We take turns, asshole. Once in position I calmly drove toward FedEx.

So, got to FedEx. No package. Go away and come back tomorrow. Hey shithead, I live 35 miles away, I cant just come back tomorrow. But I guess I am.

Jumped on the freeway. Went home. Traffic was ok. I’m ok.

Emily spent 4 hours today shopping with Marika. I know Marika enjoys it but her enjoyment does not really show up enough for Emily to see it. So the shopping trip had a bit of acrimony. Why do I mention this when I was not there? Because I get text updates from the battlefield as I am thrust into the scree. Oh well. Two women, love them both, wish they got along.

The girls were home when I arrived. Dinner ready. Love it. We spent our evening watching TV and wrapping gifts. Lots to do before the big fellas birthday. Went to bed early.

This week has been so damn long. I have been continually one or two days ahead of the date. In my mind, at least. I am sitting here now and had to check the day and date on my phone. Why? My head was on Thursday but I’m actually in Wednesday. Not the first tine this week. Days have been long and slow. I have lots to do so it’s not boredom. It’s just weird.

Today is a day like any other. With rain. And it’s damn cold. Besides that, a day like any other.

Marika and I made it to workout in a timely manner. Trainer was not ready. Which means we had time for a decent warmup and stretch. I like that. No asshole spin instructors on Wednesday. I love that. What a putz. The gym is getting rid of all bikes in the new year. I really love that.

My workout was not difficult but exercises were all new. This really makes trainer Pam very happy. She seems to think I will have trouble with every new exercise. I started adding in more reps just to piss her off. My dear trainer has great plans for me. Next year will be awesome she claims. We shall see.

After workout, we are in two cars, we dropped Marikas car at the Honda dealer to get $200 worth of love. Then we jumped in my car and went to Safeway for donuts!! No, actually got egg whites, egg nog, heavy cream and donuts! We did. Then home.

Shower, shave and dressed. Next up, I went to the rental place for a table and three chairs. Yes, three. Don’t ask. Nothing exciting going there. Last time I went it was covered in cops. And still not exciting then.

Next up, butcher shop to order the prime rib for Christmas. 10 lbs at $24.98/lb. Ouch. Only once a year at the least.

Next up drive to work. Got a call from the office, my appointment (fuck) was there with lunch for me. Apologies, etc, be there in 30. Turns out they went for lunch. Had only brought for me. Banh mi and Vietnamese ice coffee (amazing). So, I put the pedal down and did 85mph all the way. Drove right up the ass of a highway patrol. He didn’t care. That’s weird. He likes drive up the ass? No ticket. I made it in 28 minutes. Clients just returning. I said sorry. Made amends. We went in and had a lovely meeting about there finances and retirement. Nice.

I had a client come in, no appt, immediately after first set left. And we sat and talked about his audit for over an hour. There is nothing to do to it right now. So we used the time to make him feel better. By the time he left I had used 3 hours for two appointments. Great.

from 330 till 630 I worked on the usual crap. Got some things done. Went home.

Drive was swift, no stops. Dinner was going on the table as I arrived home. Marika has been busy. Always very nice when we have dinner cooked for us.

That’s about it for the day. Emily cooked up the Crimini mushrooms for the pate for Saturday. That’s it. Watching really awful TV. I want bed.

It is Tuesday, but Tuesday is for tacos. Emily brought home pot roast from the carniceria. For me. She had Chile relleno. Hardly seems fair.

The morning:normal.

The workout seemed easy but then it snuck up on me. It became quite a pain. I am not stiff and sore at this point, stiff for sure. No pain. My trainer creates these workouts with purpose, she says. I usually tell her the exercises are weak, true or not. I’m that way. Hopefully tomorrow is tough.

We had to hurry home from the gym. Marika has a dr appointment at 1015 and I have an appointment at the house at 930. I did make one stop on the way home at the grocery store. Fortunately, there is a Starbucks inside Safeway. So groceries and coffee and then race home.

We both managed to get ready quickly though my 930 showed at 915. I answered the door half dressed. Good thing I know him. He was not shocked, scared or sickened. Much.

Marika took off and Hal and I had time to make calls to clients and discuss where we are at in cases. Who knows, we might get something done. This year.

Once done, Hal took off. I finished a few chores around the house and then I went to work.

Work. Boring and obtuse. As it often is. I fell asleep at the desk. I do hate what I do at times. Times like during the work day. Or all day. I did manage to work and get through the day.

Emily called. She was locked out of the house. Can’t find her key. It’s cold. She is not happy. Her fault. She decided to wait in her car. I had suggested finding a local bar and having a pop. She declined.

I headed home after hearing her tale of woe. Life can be harsh. Then you get locked out. The trip home was 10 miles of traffic then opened up. I had to stop at a clients grand opening. I’ve known him 25 years so it’s good to show support. He is opening a care home in Roseville. I imagine they will be very successful. And I will get paid to do the accounting. I like it.

I had to rush out to get home. Had to rescue the wife. From a warm car. The last part of the drive was very fast. Mostly light traffic but I had a heavy foot too.

Emily was warm and cozy in her car when I arrived. Not upset either. And she had Mexican food with her. Definitely need to reheat that. We unloaded the cars and schlepped our stuff into the house. Emily found her keys in the pocket of her jacket in the closet.

We had dinner. I wrapped gifts. Emily made book bags. We watched the Voice finale. Went to bed.

Again. Again. Nothing new happened this morning. As a matter of fact, this weekday workday may have been identical to almost all that came before.

Emily got up extra early this morning. So I did too. She seems to believe the weekend Tahoe traffic extends into Monday and she must get up early to avoid. I think she may be crazy. I don’t question her, there is no upside to that. She did get moving early which is good.

Marika and I got going early to our workout. Today trainer Pam took me out into the free weight and machine area. She wants to up the game a bit. I hate to say, it was not challenging. Almost easy. The aerobic exercises at the end were harder. I must talk with her. Tomorrow’s looks easy as well though it is self directed. Marika did her own workout and I didn’t see her. Tomorrow is spin class which interferes with workout room use. Good news! The gym is selling all their bikes and booting the spinners. Yay. Tomorrow’s class is only two people and they take the whole room. I say kill em.

Done. Drove home. I drank some of my new protein supplement which is supposed to help with muscle recovery. The nutritionist and my trainer both had suggested it. So far I see no difference. I will continue till it shows promise or not.

Got my self ready for work. Not tough, I’ve done it before. Got out by 1045 with gifts for Michael and Carly. We had finished wrapping it all last night. Today is the unofficial last day for ground delivery by Xmas. So off to the UPS store on my way to work.

The drive to work was a breeze. Since the rain was gone I drove the race car. I was able to get it going nicely. It’s been a couple weeks of rain since I drove it last.

Weirdly the UPS store had no customers. It’s shipping season and no one was shipping. Hurray for me, I was in and out in 5 minutes, $86 lighter for pick and ship. Ouch. Always a rip off.

Got to my office by 103 and my 1pm appt was waiting for me. He did not mind, I had called and said I would be a little late. He and I were just going over his account cuz he thought he had overpaid (he had). We did chat about recent legislation affecting his business. And complained about what morons the CA governor and legislators are. That’s a long conversation.

After client left I worked till 6pm and headed home. Nothing of great import occurred at all during the work day. Slow and steady nothing. Finished one corporate tax return.

Drive home was fast and easy. That’s strange. But welcome. I made great time. I also drove extra fast. That helped.

Marika had made lasagne for dinner tonight. With a nice salad. And some banana muffins (not dinner). That’s what happens to bananas when they go bad in our house.

After dinner Em and I wrapped gifts. I still have stockings to fill (and still do now) so I wrapped those. She took on the bigger gifts and those for my employee party on Saturday. About 90 minutes of wrapping. We did get a lot done.

I’m in bed now. Emily is snoring obnoxiously. Cat is sleeping on top of her. Good. Leave me alone. I am going to sleep.