After Christmas Sale

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.

What Day is it?

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.

On the Eve of Christmas

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.

Monday. Fo Real

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.

Mid Week

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.

Pot Roast de Mexico

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.

Monday is my Funday

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.

Weekend

Forgive me father I have not blogged in 3 days. I was busy those two unblogged day’s but my memory is crap so if I’m lucky I will remember something good form Friday or Saturday. Today is the lords day.

Good news, today we got to sleep in. All the way to 8am. Such a treat. I’m still really tired but I can’t blame it on no sleep.

Marika stayed out last night. She told us she was too tired to drive home. I say too drunk. Potato, potahto. She slept in at a friends.

We slept in but we are leaving for Sonoma at ten. Lunch with the out laws at noon. I have not seen them since they arrived in CA in late October. Maybe it’s about time.

our morning did not include the usual Sunday things like reading the paper over breakfast and coffee. We managed to get cleaned up and dressed and out the door by 10. Stopped for coffee. Hey, good news, I am trying caffeinated coffee here and there to see if I can handle it. Today, I had some. Much better than decaf.

Great news again, no traffic at all the whole drive. Not normal but I am fine with it.

Sonoma was not too crowded. I could tell because we found parking on the plaza 50 feet from where we were going. That’s proof positive. Hank and Beth also had great parking.

I would like to report lunch was incredible. Only it wasn’t. Emily ordered the truffle fries as an appetizer. They were fine. $17 for a large order. Should I feel violated? I do. Food was ok. I’m not over selling it, am I? Beth and Hank paid for lunch, which is great, they are nice, but I still feel a little ripped off.

After lunch we did a little shopping. I still need to finish Emily’s stocking and did had something to pick up that was a secret. It’s for me. I like secrets and not telling anyone what I bought. It’s a solid plan.

We did very little shopping. That’s fine. We transferred a few things to their car, gifts and such. Not sure who they were for. Emily handles that stuff. Once it was done we all headed home.

Again, great drive with little traffic to speak of. We stopped at the outlets in Vacaville, not sure why, but prob Xmas shopping. We went to two furniture stores. I’m confused. Then to Pier One where we bought nothing. Back on the road. All the way to Auburn with no stops.

We did stop for a salad and pizza for dinner. It’s almost 6 and no one wants to make dinner.

Marika was home when we arrived. Lots in the car to unload. Ya, I know I said not much purchased but we did pick up a lot from the in laws.

Our dinner was better than lunch. Sad. The remainder of the evening Emily wrapped gifts, I did dishes and laundry. I normal Sunday. Marika went out with a friend to a local bar. The only one open late on Sunday in Auburn. Good call.

We got finished up and went to bed. I changed the sheets. See, I am good for something.

Big Money Thursday

Got up early this am on Marikas direct order. She has places to go today and needs to get moving early. So I got up late, actually, slept thru the alarm. Still woke her early.

Managed to get everything done this morning even though I got up late. And the kid and I made it to workout early too. Our workout was several two person exercises as well as a few of the usual. We work out in the back room usually. But the bikers are in Tuesday and Thursday at 8 and disrupt our workout. And they are assholes about too. We had to move to the tiny room in back to finish. The trainer told me they are kicking out all the bikers soon and selling the spin bikes. I like it.

On the way home, after workout, we got coffee. I am still on decaf so coffee doesn’t do anything for me, I just like the flavor and heat. And then I can fantasize it’s real coffee.

We got home and the kid taxes thru getting ready and took off. I have a little more time to get ready and used it. I have an appointment at midday and at the end of the day.

The drive to work was boring. I nodded off twice on the drive. But, managed to arrive in one piece. Just as I arrived, even before I sat down, Walker called me into his office to discuss fees with a new client. She had found me on Yelp and really needs help. Her company will be a real boost for me, she paid me $2k today and will owe another $6k for the work she needs. And for the future she will be about $7500 per year. Love it.

Almost immediately after I left Walkers office my first appointment was in. Same as other new client today, needs help with back taxes. He will be paying $2500. So far so good.

most of the balance of the day was the usual crap. Went to the bank too.

last appointment was late, arrived at almost 6pm. This couple were a referral so I had to be extra nice. We chatted for a few minutes, they were quite friendly. I shared a couple shots of tequila with them. I keep a bottle handy. And for the third time today, another new client with back taxes. It’s like a theme. Not sure I have ever before signed three clients in one day. And right before Christmas. Very nice.

Left the office after 7 and headed home. Nothing goin on. Emily texted me to pick up dinner on my way thru town. Marika was on the thread and they each gave me a dinner order.

Had to go to my 2nd choice cuz the 1st was already closed. No matter, we all got food.

Marika was not home when I arrived. She had texted she wanted dinner but then never showed up. She is a few miles away now, 2 1/2 hours later.

I am going to bed. She can figure things out when she gets here

Pizza Wednesday

No such thing but Marika made it for dinner. Cauliflower crust. Excellent.

Alarm went off at 515, Em got up at 545. I think she missed the reason for the alarm.

Everyone got going early and left on time. Weird.

The workout was not very difficult. But, here 14 hours later, I have some sore spots. I can’t tell Pam, I will just tell her it was weak. I like annoying her.

Back home I had lots to do before going to work. Hell, I had lots to do on my way to work. So much at home I did not leave till 11.

Left at 11, went for gas. Need a new gas cap, it wore out??! Did not know that could happen. Lights up the warning lights something fierce. Next stop at the UPS store. Must mail Xmas gifts for Cissie. On time for a change. Very expensive, as usual. Stopped at Starbucks for coffee.

Finally got to the office. Wow, was it fun! No. I worked, that’s never fun. I did manage to go through a stack of fed and state tax notices for clients. Usually takes a letter, after figuring out what’s wrong (usu nothing) and then mail the whole thing off. Took about four hours with all the normal interruptions. Not much else of consequence was accomplished.

Trip home was normal and soaked with rain. Winter is here. No stops on the way home except for traffic. Which was plentiful.

My lovely daughter made pizza for dinner. Cauliflower crust. Excellent. I had to make a salad since she didn’t. The salad was great too. I used my muscles to open a bottle of wine to add to the meal. And catch a light buzz. That’s good too.

I’m watching TV now. Last Man Standing. My fave. Endless reruns, I know them all, but I still like the show. Marika is sitting on the couch with me, using me as a footrest. It’s a small couch.

it’s 10pm which is bed time. Em went off 20 mins ago. I am beat and nodding off. Time for bed.