You'll Die Reading This

Not because it's funny or interesting, but because it's a retardedly long recap of my weekend that is long overdue, so much so that nobody probably even gives two shits anymore. That is, if you even did in the beginning.

FRIDAY
One of my dad's good LSU buddies and fellow Martini Tour member has started this awesome little wine tasting venue that is now being franchised out and guess what...there is one in Grapevine! On the grand opening weekend, I ventured out to visit with Newf and to sample several delicious wines. I told him I couldn't wait to bring my girlfriends back for a visit and with the 'go ahead' from Robyn, I began planning her birthday party there.

(Please forgive my hair. I had just returned home from my week on the beach and my flight left at 6am! I practically drove straight to the wine bar.)

Friday night, the girls and I joined Robyn at Tastings for her little celebration. I only had about a half-glass full of a red selection, while the others enjoyed sampling the different labels, since I didn't want to be tired and hungover for my race at 7:30 the next morning.

SATURDAY
Saturday morning was the Tour De Fleurs 10K, and I was super pumped about it. Really, I was. I even busted out my new running shoes just for the event. Being that I had put over 150 miles on my old shoes from last season alone, before I even started this season's running, it was definitely time for some new wheels.
I had everyones packets in my car and woke up extra early so that I could ensure being there early enough to give everyone their runner's bibs. So leaving my house at 6:30, it was still dark out and I didn't hit any traffic, I was doing good. I realized that my gas light is on, but it said I had plenty to make it to the race, so I didn't hesitate continuing on. I realized my fuel supply was depleting rather quickly, and I started to get nervous, so I gave Kacy a call, letting her know that I'd be there in a few minutes. I pulled over in the middle of little Mexico (I didn't have any choice,) in the morning darkness, began pumping the gas and realized, "Holy Crap! I have a flat tire!" Seriously? I gave Kacy another call, only to learn that everyone was there and waiting on me, but problem was, I HAVE THEIR PACKETS. Tammi so generously fought the crowd waiting to park and came to meet me. I gave her everyones racing info, but declined her offer to transport me back to the race site. I didn't feel comfortable leaving my car at the shady gas station with all my stuff in it, so there I was with the sun just coming up, sat there with my doors locked while a few non-English speaking immigrants walked around my car, deciding what to do.

I normally would have asked someone for help, but it just didn't look like the safest of places to be making friends with some stranger. It was barely light out and deserted, and I totally didn't feel like being on the missing persons list that day, so I sat on hold with AAA forever. Realizing it could take forever, and since I've assisted in changing a tire before, I figured I'd hang up and try it. But then the fear of being outside in that area alone and not in a position to protect myself set in and I then opted for the next option. It was just hitting 7:00, opening time for Firestone, and so conveniently, there was one caddy-cornered from where I was. I called them and explained I was just across the street, but I couldn't even drive the teeniest distance to their shop, but wondered if someone could come help me.

"I'm sorry ma'am, we can't send anyone to help you. It's not covered in our policy."

"WHAT? I'm sitting here looking through your window watching you talk to me, that's how close I am.. And you can't help?!?!"

"No, I'm sorry. But feel free to stop on by when you get that spare on there!"

So I hung up, severely pissed off, sat in my car for a few more minutes when I looked through my rear view mirror and saw a cop turning the corner. I watched him drive down about a block and a half to a 7-Eleven several parking lots away, and that's when I decided to take action. I sprinted across the parking lot and sat waiting for him to exit his car. I think I surprised the crap out of him, or maybe scared him, or both - but I could at least trust him.

"Hey!"

"Um, Hi...."

"Whatcha doin?"

"Oh just getting a little snack."

"Awesome. Well, when you're done - you want to change a tire?"

"Um...well, hmmm, dang...okay."

I waited patiently for him to purchase his crackers and beverage of choice and then pointed down the street to where my car was and said I'd meet him there. He offered me a ride and I first declined, but then realized it'd be totally awesome to get in the front seat and see all their toys. Not so much. He opened the back door and motioned for me to get in. I felt like such a criminal and was slightly embarrassed that someone I knew might recognize me in the back of a cop car. Oh, who was I kidding? My kind totally don't hang out in that area! But dang it, why didn't I get a picture???

Sweet man, he totally helped me out, regardless of just getting his morning started and having a new crisp uniform on - straight from the dry-cleaners. Poor thing, I swear he was about the slap the shit out of me for talking so much and asking so many questions. Little did he know that I had just had my special caffeine kick for the morning, with the intentions of running it off, but since that didn't happen, my brain and mouth were moving a mile a minute. Totally unlike me, right? Riiiiiggggghhtttt?

I did get to learn a few things about my special new friend though...

• He too is a coonass, originally from the 9th ward. For all yous igdnut peoples, refer back to Hurricane 'Katrinka.'
• He went to college in New York, however if he had stayed in the swamps, he would have attended LSU. I knew I picked the perfect person to change my tire.
• He was just starting his morning, heading to patrol Parkland Hospital. They had a prisoner swallow a copious amount of cocaine to avoid getting caught (didn't work so well) and he flat-lined, so Officer D. had to go keep an eye on him.
• He's been shot at point blank and been involved in two shoot-outs. How cool! You know, in that adrenaline kind of way.
• He doesn't know what happened to the show Dallas SWAT.
• He's been in the police department for 9 years.
• He doesn't want the hangers that are in the back of my car.
• He's a genuine character and declined my offer to buy him breakfast, get his uniform dry-cleaned or buy him his own hand sanitizer.
• He definitely wanted me to just shut the hell up, because seriously, who talks that much at 7 am?
• He thinks that Firestone sucks and wanted me to tell them that.
• He also said someone else sucked, but I can't remember who. Oh wait, it was AAA for not answering promptly. He sure is passionate about customer service!

Once it was all fixed up, I headed over to Firestone and got my new wheel and then headed to the hospital to sit with my dad. He was in great spirits, with minimal pain and had even done some morning exercises by the time I got there. We watched ESPN Game Day, with live coverage from the LSU vs Auburn game. Mom and I returned later that night to watch the game with him. Mom and I shared his hospital bed, munching on pizza and cinnamon sticks, while he kicked back in the chair...the nurses were sure confused. After a nail-biting second half, LSU finally pulled through and we were able to leave with daddy in a good mood...and ready for a nap.

SUNDAY
Sunday was pretty uneventful. Church. Hospital. Nap. Errands. Nap. Football. Scott & Abby had just gotten their new puppy a few days before, so I went to hang out with the new pup and watch the Cowboys game in McKinney at their house. Yes, I know what you're thinking...that family has another animal!?!?! Abby decided to rescue another puppy, an 8-week old German Short-Haired Pointer named Rowan. You see, the day Abby and Scott returned from their wedding/honeymoon, they were super excited to get Abby's two dogs out of the kennel. The dogs were extremely happy to be home and played so nicely at home that night. Tragically, the next morning, S&A woke up to terrible squealing and noticed that Rosie had viciously attacked Ginger for no apparent reason. Ginger's injuries were severe and they ended up having to put her down. Rosie was also put down due to her aggression. Both Abby and Scott were devastated and that is not how they wanted to begin their new life together, so they're very thankful to have this new puppy in their home.

After the game, I headed to the E.P. to spend the night at my parents' house, so that I could help my mom take care of my dad and Claire the next day. It was going to be hard for her to juggle helping my dad move around while Claire had her needs too, so I decided to work from home that day and help out as much as I could.

MONDAY
Being the nice sister I am, I volunteered to do night duty with the Bobble-head, and was quite surprised (and thankful) that she didn't want to eat until 5am. I loved getting to share this time with her. She's so dang happy in the morning!
I had a little bit of work to do at the office while my mom went to the hospital to pick up my dad, so I had the Biggins with me in tow. On my way home, I called Robyn to ask if she wanted to meet us for a quick bite to eat, and coincidentally, she had her niece up at work too. We stopped for lunch and a play date before heading home.
We arrived home to greet mom and dad, but we were super impressed with the ease in which daddy was moving. He climbed the stairs all by himself, well with crutches, but still ... for being 3 days out of surgery, I think that's pretty dang good. His recovery is going so well and the doctor says to give it 8 weeks and then he can return playing a round of 18 holes. Amazing!

Whew, that was a busy few days!!!