Mosh Glass

Not for me. This is Tuesday. I went to work on the holiday. I understand this is not such a popular holiday as a day off. Some jobs allow 7 or less holidays a year and this one doesn’t often get the vote. Maybe middle of January when it’s cold and all the big holidays just passed don’t lead to need for a day off. I always feel like working in January. I dont feel it in June. At that point I want the balance of the year off. It’s retirement practice.

Today is busy. Rachel appointment at nine, doctor appointment at 2. Need my 2nd Shingles vaccine and I don’t know what else. My doctor runs my appointment schedule and I just follow along. Seems to work. I just need to remember to show up.

So nothing going at doc’s except my wife wants me to ask him questions. I never hide from the doctor, I tell him everything. She is just a worrier. I bet she doesn’t tell her doctor all. Like the fact that she is crazy.

Am at the coffee house now. Rachel was not ready for me when I arrived late. All her fault. The coffee place is relatively new. For Dixon it’s quite radical. They serve truly European style coffee. And charge for it. But anytime I am downtown I stop in and get one. Need to support the effort. Great cup of coffee and the usual Starbucks mediocre. These guys don’t have a huge bank of bottled flavorings to put in your coffee. Just like overseas. You can drink straight coffee when it tastes fantastic. I have ten minutes.

So I notice something, may not be odd, seems such. There are about 15 customers and one employee. All women. I am the only man in here. Starbucks is full of testosterone but not this place. Weird. Oh, they also sell local produce and meat. And pastries. All that crap is organic or whatever. That I hardly care about. It’s all quite pricey too. Coffee as well but man is it good.

It’s been 14 minutes. I am walking back to Rachel’s. She was ready when I got there. Rachie was so quick this time I hardly had a chance to say hello.

I did say goodbye.

Quick trip to work. Again, not much doing. Still have quite a few new house chores. I received the property inspection report and took time to review it. Surprisingly, not many problems. 3 were of semi serious nature and the seller is going to fix them. The other 20 or so items were really of a minor nature. I want to fix them. But I don’t own it yet. Maybe after they hand over the keys.

Also had a few conversations with agent Kary. About the inspection and what to do with it. Discussed where she emailed the disclosures I need to sign and have not yet seen. We found that, finally. She used a combination of two different emails. Fun fact, that actually does not work.

Next up spoke to loan broker Karstin. Same issues, disclosures I did not receive. No one seems capable of sending disclosures via email. At this point, 925pm. I did find one and sent it back. Via email. And she got it.

Spent a couple hours invoicing for year end reports. That was fun. Getting paid for them is truly fun as hell. Actually it is the only fun I get on the job.

I had a Dr appointment at 215. Missed that. I need someone to remind me of all my appointments just before they are scheduled to occur. I just can not keep them in mind. I need to reschedule.

Client Shaun dropped by and gave me 5 lbs of coffee beans. And a friend just sent me 5 lbs of coffee for the hell of it. It’s like a wealth of coffee beans.

For instance, my next appointment. Kyle. He had an appointment with me yesterday at 430 and I left early and missed it. Because I completely forgot it. Well, he came back today at 5pm for another try. And he brought goodies. A fifth of bourbon and a few bottles of hot sauce that he is making for sale to the public. I missed an appointment and was still rewarded with tribute. Awesome.

We had a nice catching up on our lives. Kyle and I used to work together. He was in the office next door, him and his dog Sasha. Sasha weighs about 150 lbs and is sweet as hell. So we had to catch up. He is suing his med insurance provider. They said he had insurance and allowed a surgery and then after denied his coverage and billed him 28k$ He is suing them.

His new company, the hit saice one, has an animated portrait of his dog on the label. Cool.

I managed to do about 70% of his personal and LLC returns before the IRS stopped me. Remember, they have not released all the forms yet and it is impossible to complete a return. The IRS is a bunch of stupid and foolish assholes. Don’t tell them, they think they are cool.

I left work at about 630. Late but I gotta give Kyle his due especially after missing the appointment yesterday. Went to Baldo’s in the way home. It’s my backup place for taco Tuesday. Lupitas, first choice, closes before I will be able to get there. That is a shame. But I still got carnitas and fish tacos and beans. So a feast was had. Also put some of the new hot sauce on my Mexican food. Sauce has great flavor but it’s white boy hot. I want Hispanic hot.

Now for the evening dose must not see TV. I could skip the show but Emily loves the TV. Loves it. So we watch. Now, we go to bed.

Today I slept late. Emily is still at the reunion and now will be till Monday. She wants me to drive two hours today to go wine tasting. I would rather stay home. Fours round trip to see the reunion it’s be damned. Not worth it. Not my side of the family. So I’m going.

But first, the big paper. Not much in it. Feature on Healdsburg, where the winery is near. So I am taking that with me to help inform the others of what is available event-wise for the day.

Other than that, and an article on indoor succulents, the paper qualifies as a doorstop. Had breakfast. He coffee. Did the dog and cat thing.

S, shower, no shave. Ready to go. I’m off on the road to the winery. Like Bob Hope.

The drive was two hours which is 30 mins more than usual. Not sure why. Traffic is slow but there is not much traffic. I always had a car in front of me and most of the drive is two lanes so I guess we will go with that.

Arrived at the winery at about 1220. It was hopping. There is some winter event going on and people go between all the wineries and drink. Duh. They have wristbands. All for free. I have a daughter that works here, all free for me. Winner.

I found the fam in the outdoor tent. Beth and Hank, Dee and Aunt JoAnn. Uncle Kenny left for home this morning for some reason. No one was letting on there. They were drinking. Wow have not seen that before. Well not since the last time I saw the fam at least. Or talked on the phone with them with whoever is drunk. They all have a habit. Just very thirsty I think.

So a wine tasting is really nothing more than an excuse to drink. Some people are quite pretentious about it. Wine. Drink it. Get drunk. Questions?

Personally, I am usually not one to pour it down in great quantity. That way I am sober and able to judge others. That makes me happy. I judge myself superior. Most of the time. I hope others do as well. Makes me feel better.

The sad thing about tasting and not drinking much, here at Marikas winery, is all the wine is free. But, that’s also a reason to ease up because getting hammered becomes that much easier when wine is free. Today they are offering free food in small quantities to the paying guests. We get that too. Not so bad. Some French onion soup, and macaroons. We also had some chorizo and nuts. Not so bad. We had brought some of our own snacks. Turns out they don’t like that. Not sure why when the food is free.

We were sitting around sipping and eating for about 2 1/2 hours. Nothing else to do I guess. If I had not gone to wine tasting I think I would have gone to work which was probably a better idea. There is always something to do there, worthwhile or not.

Everyone else left and went back to Bodega. They are going out to dinner in Bodega Bay tonight. I am going to Petaluma and picking up Marikas cat, Vlad. Marika is going to Hawaii tomorrow. So the grandkitty comes to our house.

It’s about 40 minutes to Petaluma from the winery. Drive was alternately raining and not. Fortunately everyone was driving fast as hell so I got there quick.

I got to Marika’s and walked in and the damn cat just showed up and I put him into the crate by the door. Walked the crate to the car, went back and locked the house and left for home. I’m willing to bet I was not there for even a minute.

About another hour to home, mostly uneventful, or so I thought. By this I mean when I got home I grabbed the crate from the passenger seat and took the stupid cat in the house. Let him out. Back to car to unload, and I notice the newspaper that was under the crate has a wet spot. Oh, joy, the little shit pissed in his crate and it leaked through. I hate him.

Spent the next 30 minutes cleaning my car and the crate and anything else damp or smelly. I hate that cat. I am ready to take him home. Cat pee is not ok.

Spent another hour on the phone with Marika. It turns out after we left, she got a little emotional (not because of us) and when she got to her car she completely lost it and was crying uncontrollably. Emily spoke to her. Then Emily called me and I called Marika. It took an easy 15 minutes to talk her calm. Turns out she was upset because she is leaving her job and finding something with more of a future. And leaving means she won’t see her coworkers anymore and it just got to her. I ended up being on the phone with her for an hour. Finally, she decided to go out for a drink and did not take the phone into the bar. The kid can talk.

Now it’s time for dinner. Been looking forward to it. So, what did I do. Fed all the stupid animals. Then my turn. My buddy Jim has given me some buffalo burgers and steak and few days ago. So tonight is the time for a buffalo burger. That’s right, buffalo. It’s really just a leaner form of beef, not exciting. But I got a freezer full so I have been excited to dig in. And the verdict? Tastes just like beef, like I said. Fun to try something different.

Now that all is done I get America’s Funniest Videos. It’s sunday night. After that, more bad TV. My evenings are electric.

I face timed friend Cissie during AFV and into Last Man Standing. We caught up on things and had a nice chat. Her husband is away for a few days as is my wife. So both alone. Need conversation to remember we are alive. We talked about 30 minutes. Then she took her dog out to poop and I went to do dishes.

Time now for bed. I’m tired. Too much driving.

I am going to work in spite of the MLK Day national holiday. Emily is still in Bodega so not much going on at home. Marika is on the plane going to Hawaii. We have been texting about what she sees and making mean comments. What fun! I will wear my traditional holiday garb today. Shorts and sandals. It is a beautiful day.

This morning I have an appointment with my Dixon real estate agent, Linda. As opposed to my Auburn agent, Kary. I am so wonderful I have two. Actually, each local market needs its own agent. Linda has been my agent for 20 years, and I am moving to Auburn and Linda suggested a new agent. She was correct, it helped to hire local.

But this morning it’s all about the accounting. I am here to go through her accounting in advance of preparing her corporate taxes. Usually takes an hour or so to straighten out her accounts to a point I can use the data in a mostly correct fashion. People who do their own accounting are not very good at it. They do truly screwy things, from a professional accountants point of view. I just try to be nice about it.

We also have time to catch up on things. You know, small town talk about local people. All the stuff I have “missed” since moving out of town. Linda’s assistant, Amanda, was there too. She has two kids, Peyton, the older was in Emily’s class. Amanda’s son is in her class now. Small town, you know. We are buying Girl Scout cookies from Peyton, her first year. Emily always buys far too many boxes from students and ex students. What is one more. One too many, is what. I still have cookies from two years ago in the freezer.

Off to work. Sunny day, clear roads. Nuff said.

Work has still not gotten better over the long weekend. Sad. Everyone was in the office when I got there. Nice when all show up for work on a national holiday. They do this on their own. There is no real schedule so it’s always a surprise to me. Today a pleasant one.

I got to work around noon. I was thinking of working all day. Which, in the end, was a problem.

No specific tasks today. So I used the day from Linda as a test of my just installed 2018 tax software and the Trump TC and JA passed last year. It helps to have live data to work with since it personalizes the result. And since the IRS has not finalized, and will not for weeks, the forms needed for a return, I can practice to my hearts content. Nothing else can be done. Gotta love your government and elected losers I mean leaders.

After practicing on the above return, I had little to do. Then I realized I had another clients complete tax package in hand. So I went through that one, actually two filing separately, and managed to finish them up. To the same point as above returns since, again, the POS IRS is still sitting on their hands. Pussies.

After this I decided to leave early, about 415. Nice cruise home. Charged with Marika in Hawaii. Called Emily. Couple clients even. Went to pet store too to get Jaxons overpriced special can food. Keeps him alive I guess. Keeps me broke for sure. Some day.

Ok, time to reveal. I had an in office appointment at 430 today. So I missed my meeting. Oops. Client, when I got ahold of him, was not to upset. He is a good guy. That’s the kind of client I need. Most are ok with my brain farts.

So, went home. Said hi to the wife. Spent my evening with the usual tasks. I had a really nice evening. I had marinated some sirloin strips this morning and that was dinner, along with a salad and the Chile relleno casserole. Beth has sent home some lemon squares she made. Now we have a complete meal.

The rest of the evening was bad TV and making the bed. The thrills a minute lifestyle is going to kill me one day. Though not today. I have made it to bedtime again.

I tried to sleep in this morning. It’s just me and the dogs, Emily having gone to Bodega for the weekend. I managed 730. I guess that’s good enough. It’s not like I have a choice.

Up and did the chores. Dressed and out the door. Off to Starbucks. More coffee. Just a bad habit, really, but I do it in spite of that.

No errands to run. Straight to the office. When Em is away, I work. It’s fun, office work on Saturday. Got a call from my RE agent. The seller had offered all the rugs in the house as part of the sale. They wanted several thousand, what they paid. We said no thank you. Well, they smarter up and now the price has dropped to 2780$. I did not jump at it. First, I don’t care. 2nd, see my first comment. And I know better than to jump at an offer. I told agent Kary I would discuss it with Emily. Which means I will counter.

Got to the office late morning. For a change, I have work planned. It’s mid January. I need to send out e-organizers. Clients use these to send back their tax info to me. Not too much work, but I have to update four different letters to go with the e-org. That takes awhile. I did manage it. After that all I had to to was electronically distribute a few hundred data packets and keep track of what went to who which usually involves an actual report on paper which keeps track of that. Easy peasy.

Of course I still have 20 or so analog clients. For them I send organizers on paper. And, best part, the packets I send have to be separately updated. Yay, more work. And then on Monday, Cara will collate, address envelopes, stuff and mail. Gosh I love this part of the job.

Next up, database update. I have six different tax return databases. Each year. I have to transfer 2017 to 2018. I go database by by database and mark all items transferring. Then go through a six step process to ensure all items are ranserred. And print a report so we all know what has been transferred.

Are you loving this like me?

After all that crap was done, I got more! No more of this year end doo doo. I switched to current. I have several bank reconciliations to do. I know, I live right. That took forever. I mean a long time. I felt like leaving but cleaned up my desk, and paid a few bills instead. God I love this shit.

I should mention, I had a running text thread going all day with Marika. Broken only by her occasional phone calls. I love talking to her but it did slow down the work a bit. She is trying to figure out a trip to Europe and it takes ALOT of talking and discussion. And texting. Believe me, it took all day.

I left the building. Had too before I offed myself. Sadly, all excitement was over. Drove home, at a good clip. Roads are now dry, no wind, and very few cars. It is Saturday.

Got home at 8. Dogs had not exploded which is nice. Dogs and cats were starving. Yeah right. All fat. I fed them anyway. I ate leftovers which is my favorite meal.

Now some bad tv and blogging. Same as every night. But, it’s 11 and I am getting up early. Going to the coast to join Emily and the fam. We are supposed to go wine tasting. I never do that. Well, not this week. Going to bed.

Ok. It’s 11pm. I am going to abbreviate this post. Be brief. Shorten it up. Yell cut. Got it?

This morning I have to take Em’s car to the insurance shop to replace the windshield. She took a massive rock hit right at driver face level. Smashed nicely. Replacement is free with insurance. But, this is a special one. The windshield on a Mercedes is integral to the cameras for lane departure and adaptive cruise. So, 3 hours. It would cost $1250. But I got insurance.

Got to Fairfield, 45 minutes away, early. Checked in. Sat down. Read a book and the paper for 1hr and 45 mins. Car done. I signed. I left. Drove to Em’s work and swapped cars. Very smooth.

Quick drive to work. Have I ever mentioned how much I love work?

Usual crap. Sat with Walker for quite awhile trying to work out our firms menu of services and pricing. We managed to get straight what we thought should be included. We are both working on it over the weekend.

Again, for the millionth time I worked till 615. I worked in new house things (so much crap), I worked on paperwork. I worked on bills. The usual. Even though it’s a scant 8 hours ago, I have put it all out of my mind. Like me.

Must get home by 730. Emily’s sister is coming by. So I left early enough to do that. Drive was boring and well paced.

Got a call from a client, Kyle, sales manager at a local Honda dealer. He has a car coming in, special build, that I am interested in buying. We discussed it for awhile. He needs to hold it for a few days till our house closes escrow. I can’t have a financing before the close. Not good, will hose the deal completely. Kyle promised to slow it way down once it arrives. I hope. I am buying a second commuter car for the wife since she is driving Auburn to Dixon for six months or till she finds work closer. Buying two cars would seriously screw our mortgage loan.

I got home by 730. Turns out, no Sis. Emily was just leaving and going to Bodega. She left about 5 minutes after I got there.

I made dinner and watched TV. Did some work on the computer. Blogged. Read a bit. Texted. And went to bed.

Some good news. We managed to scrape together all the cash needed to close the deal on our new home. Amazing. Remember, the lender required double the cash down than we had planned for. Things have changed from two months ago when we first shopped loans. We had planned on an asset based loan ie the lender uses your liquid assets to determine your worth. Remember the stock market? Down 30% in our portfolio since then. So, new loan terms and jumping our down payment and points. But, we are there. I found every damn dollar we have in ready cash and it is enough. Enough for a house and dinner for two. And not just McDonalds. Early February close is projected. Not sure how many crises between now and then. There has to be at least one. Sometimes I am not so sure they are not manufactured so lenders and title can raise prices and you will not complain about it. I will scream.

My sole appointment has cancelled so my day is open. Still have lots to do, I am sure tasks will show up for me as well today. I have never been without work. And to think, I used to use marketing to draw people in. Now, I wish (sort of) they would all leave me alone. Perhaps my age has made me bitter and disillusioned. Don’t be shaking your head up and down. My cynicism is my own, I don’t share.

So, here at 820am I can see my entire day. All the way to bad TV tonight. I guess that’s ok. No stress. The only tasks I cant imagine are connected to the new house. I am sure nothing bad.

Drive to work was free and easy, lull in the storm made the drive pleasant. Wet, but nice. I called Auto Vault, where I store my S2000. I need my plates off the car to switch at DMV for my new vanity plates. Well, I called every number they had with no answer. I had a wild cell number for one of the guys that work there and it worked. He actually answered. No one was in the place so I had to reschedule picking up the plates till after work.

Got to work, with no schedule to follow. One call was scheduled at 330 with my practice consultant.

So, spent the day on the usual things I forget by the time I get home. New day, same crap. I have got to start writing this shit down as it happens.

I do remember my call at least. We went over my marketing plan, services offered and pricing. Stay awake!! This is important! And boring. Sorry. Well, consultant Ciara also discussed time management skills (mine) and how I might improve them. We then had a nice discussion of selling more to current clients. For money. She is a big help.

After that I called Dad. He is involved in the house purchase, he may end up living there so we include him. We discussed the transaction and I let him know we need his trustee appointment paperwork. Lenders want every damn thing in the world. I haven’t bought a house since 2002 and the level of scrutiny on home purchases has gone up ten fold. Not sure why my dumb ass government wants to be in real estate so bad. I hate them.

Auto Vault called just to be sure I was coming. I told them I would arrive before they closed.

Time to leave. I have to go to the bank first and then to the Vault. As usual, long lines at the bank. One teller window open. I don’t know bank management, but I can identify nine angry customers. In line in front of me.

Next I go to Auto Vault. Hey, guess what, traffic is insane and it’s started to rain. Well, I did make it. 15 minutes to get on the freeway, 16 minutes to drive 9 miles, got there at 555. Time to spare!

The nice guys at Auto Vault has. It taken the plates off yet. All day they have, I called at 10am, and they do nothing till I get there. I may not know Vault management, but I know an annoyed customer.

Drive home was quick, of course, I was not in a hurry.

At home Emily already had dinner going. Isn’t that awesome? Yes it is! We are having tacos with romaine leaves instead of tortillas. She also went out of her way to make Chile relleno casserole too. Fantastic food is her specialty. Dinner was exceptional especially for a mid week night.

As I said earlier, now is the time for bad TV, right after I wash the dishes. She cooked, I washed. Fair is fair.

TV was actually ok tonight. But I need to go to bed because I have to be up early to get Emily’s car to the window shop. The insurance glass shop is an hour away and it’s raining. Long drive and its gonna take three hours to repair. So I gotta get to bed.

Well, not here. I live in the valley. But it’s snowing like hell 60 miles away. Here, lots of rain. And wind. Can’t wait to hit the highway, nothing like combining bad weather with stupid people who lack judgment of any kind. I’m gettin excited.

Still need to work on my loan crap today. Hope to get that moving again. So I can get moving again. Out of this place aka The Apartment. We do look forward to seeing it in the rear view mirror and nowhere else.

Started my day with a single phone call to a white knight to finish out my home loan process. I need help. And, strangely, it was easy. I have the info to my loan gal and we should be good. I will know by end of day.

Went to Starbucks. What for? Coffee. What did you think? It was ok. Made a few calls while parked there. A handy rest stop. From here, to work. The storm that is getting worse, I hear, is not here yet. Later in the day. So I travelled in a light rain with a light wind. So all other drivers drove wildly, of course. I kept it in control.

Today was not a very exciting day. No appointments, no calls. I got to the office near 1130. I don’t go in early. Ever. Today is no exception, obviously. I spent the time working on my move and loan for new home. Many texts and calls there. Not exciting. The rest of the day was miscellaneous office work. Spoke to a couple employees. One wants more money, one had other issues. I like to work the ones who want money real hard. If you counter them hard, they go away until they build up there confidence again. I once scared one so bad she did not try again for a year. A year during which I did not have to pay her any extra. I do this as often as I can. The money is mine, I don’t give it up easy. They want more money they should go to a bank.

Not much else of consequence all day. Boring job, pays well. I should have been a fireman.

Time to go home. Cara came into my office to warm me there were 50 – 60mph winds on the causeway. I cross the causeway on the way home every day. Today with high winds and heavy rain. It is an increase in the fun factor.

Emily called. Pizza tonight for dinner, at least if I stop and pick up a pie. I’m not a huge fan of pizza but obvs she is not making anything for dinner. And I don’t want to hear about it if I don’t. I am weak that way.

On the way home I got a text from the loan gal. She has one, we qualify, and we are good. Just need an overlarge down payment and cash for points. Then we can move. Loan terms are ok enough. I may start to get excited soon.

Pizza was average, at best, and not very good at the other end. I found it not worth bothering. I ate it anyway. Emily made a salad, which was excellent. Next time, skip pizza, eat greens. I will probably live longer too.

Now, for the best end to a rather bland day: bad TV. I am enjoying it. I got Jeopardy and Wheel. Then reruns. Oh so very lovely. Emily has fallen asleep again in her chair. Some things never change. To bed, soon

It’s getting to late January. I have had some “calls”. Pre tax appointment calls where clients and new clients just need to ask a few questions. About their taxes before coming in. Which means a flood is coming soon. I can smell it. And here I sit trying to buy a house which takes a lot of time. And then move in February. A nightmare. I hope I survive this tidal wave.

This morning I drove to my loan brokers office. We need to discuss the upcoming purchase and how we put together the financing for said purchase. She had several ideas on this. Unfortunately it is not easy or straightforward. It’s a pain. Karstin, the broker, has several ideas. She shared them with me. I do not comprehend all the things she said, do not know or understand all the rules, so I expect her to do all the work. Fortunately, she is the opposite. She will take care of me.

I left her office having set an appointment for four hours hence to discuss her progress.

Drive to work was semi exciting. There is a storm in town, and it’s raining very consistently though not heavy. Lots of water on the road which is great if you love to hydroplane. I am not a fan. I was driving about the speed limit which in the rain is a good idea. Cruising nicely and a fine overlarge high truck came barreling up behind me doing 75 to 80. Then seemed to finally notice as he crawled up my ass and fishtailed (lots of water) and caromed off the two left lanes. Back and forth went the asshole who can’t drive. He finally slowed and jumped on the gas again and took off. Stupid and ultra maroon and imbecile come to mind.

The rest of the drive was not so exciting. I just stayed away from all other drivers. They smell. Bad.

Got to work. Plenty of the usual crap to do. Only one visitor, a client bringing me $1000 cash to pay on account. This guy had disappeared two years ago when his business partner died and his business closed and the building that houses it was foreclosed on. He was gone. Owed me over $10,000. I wrote it off long ago. He showed up this week with money and a desire to pay up. So I collected $2k from him. Then did $2k worth of work to start getting his taxes caught up. So I got paid and he still owes me the same amount. I love it when things work out for me.

The rest of the day was really boring. Nothing essential and very few calls. Sounds good. I worked four hours on all crap I worked on that, here at 915, I have forgotten. Love that.

Drive home was soaking wet, worse than the drive in. But, not much traffic so that eases things up a bit. Easy cruise home, made a few calls, Rea’s a few texts, closed my eyes and listened to the rain hit the roof. Ok, no eus or texts. Just kidding.

Stopped at the carniceria, it’s Tuesday after all. Some carnitas, desebrada, frijoles and it’s a party! And dinner. Mostly dinner. I was hungry.

After dinner, for a change of pace, we went to the grocery store. And, weirdly, we hit Lucky and not Winco or Nugget. Weird to walk around a store you have never shopped in. It was so foreign. And a new weird store never has the right food you are used to. So we bought weird stuff. Mostly for Emily’s class so who cares.

We are back home. And you will never guess what we are doing. I know, you say we are watching TV. Half wrong! Emily has fallen asleep. I am watching the boob tube. Nothing special but I was laughing.

Tomorrow Marika has an interview for a real job. I am excited and hopeful. I have my fingers crossed. Cross yours.

Not. When did that ever happen?

First morning back to work from a loong vacay. Usually a bad thing. Emily was up and moving sorta quick. Out the door fast at least.

Marika and I have a doctor appointment so we hung back a little. Ate our breakfast. Off to dr. office.

On my way to the dr., driving down the freeway, I “ran into” my buddy Joe, driving his company van and going my way. We exchanged waves. Joe is a contractor. Headed to the jobsite which I found out was about 100 feet from my destination. He came by before I went and we passed the tone. Caught up.

My doc has a new Scotty dog. Her name is Fiona and I felt she was completely in love with me. Very friendly doggie. His other Scotty, Ferguson, was there too and he was in much better mood than last I saw him. Docs old Scotty died about 6 months ago. Sad. But life and Scotty’s go on.

We finished our appointment and went our separate ways. Her to Petaluma and me to Starbucks for coffee. Then to work. I got shorted on my morning coffee at home.

Today will not be too busy. I have two appointments, one at 4 and one at 5. No big tasks just a couple quick returns. But the early part of the day was spent on our mortgage app on the new house. A few emails and calls and the usual sending of documents. Mundane but the lenders seem to love the crap.

The balance of my day was spent on mundane tasks (I love it too) and going to the bank. I can not remember what the hell I did with my day. I need to remember to write this crap down when I do it.

My appointment number one was a new client, kind of confused guy I was able to eliminate taxes on his return for 2018 and that made him happy. That and he paid cash in advance. I love that.

Next appointment, a new client with an internet auto tire business. All he needed was someone, me, to prepare his first sales tax return. I see this as quick and done. I got the info and passed it off to Katrina. Done in a jiffy. Tomorrow.

Went home. Long drive in the rain. Got home, good news, Emily made soup for dinner. Was delicious as usual. Nice to not have to work after I get home. My wife is nice to me.

And, after dinner, we watched a little TV. I should say, I watched, Emily snoozed in her chair. She claims that is how she watches TV. Right.

Emily goes back to work tomorrow. She had almost a month off. I wish I had that job. So today, what is she doing? Cleaning the house and many other chores. I think it’s called nesting behavior. I call it annoying behavior. If she cleans, I clean. Way fun. It’s about 5 and the house looks nice. Cars are clean (that’s me).

I am sure dinner will be soon. I have not heard the magic words “I need to go to bed early” yet. Those are coming.

Four and a half months to summer. Not so bad.

My agent is presenting our offer to the sellers today. She went out to see them at around 4. I know a standard real estate offer allows for a seven day response but I sure would like a faster one. Like today. I know I will hear something today, I just don’t know how late and how good. We are ready to move and it is taking an inordinate amount of time to find a house we both like. There are too many factors to list. This one we both agree on. I can only hope for my outcome.

Emily went next door to see if a package delivered to us belongs next door. She has been gone 20 minutes. We don’t know our neighbor. So, I can assume he is a white slaver and Emily has been abducted or she is talking his ear off. I spoke to him once. Long conversation. I said very little. May have to make dinner on my own.

So Emily did finally make it home. Turns out the package did belong next door. Though the long tine gone was due to her talking to a different neighbor. I think Em just needed to find someone to talk to. And she did. For a long time.

I was missing a bunch of ingredients for the chicken. Emily volunteered to go to the store. While gone, I had no ingredients so I watched TV. Fair trade.

Marika showed up right about the time Emily got back from the store. I did not know this. Emily walked in with a bag and a cat carrier and says “they had cute kittens at the store, I couldn’t resist”. I just about had a coronary. She kept it going to. Until I realized she was joking. Haha she so funny. Then Marika came in, not in on the joke. She thought it was funny too. I get no respect.

With ingredients in hand I made the chicken dish. Got it in the oven. Baste in an hour. Looking tasty.

Now my go overboard wife wanted to make cookies for the other teachers for first day of school tomorrow. So we made cookies. Only a few dozen. Yes, she is crazy.

Of course, Marika and I are still trying to drop the holiday weight so the two dozen cookies she left for us does not help. I think I will put those in the freezer to make them less readily edible.

Dinner is ready. Emily has made a very beautiful avocado and endive salad. At 9pm, we finally ate dinner. My chicken dish was excellent. Really good. Hard to believe. I just picked up the recipe out of the paper this morning.

Now late in the evening, we sit in front of the boob tube. Watching quality television before bed. Or at least television.