Niko was off from school Wednesday through Friday, for no particular reason. I guess that is how the schools in Minnesota function. He does get time off like this throughout the year, in addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. But no Spring Break like in Texas.
Nina worked most of her hours on Monday and Tuesday, so she could be off with him. She got her job back as a remote stylist at DailyLook a few months ago. I, on the other hand, had to work at work and do work things like work emails and work meetings and make work decisions, and work with tech support as I lost access to Outlook and Teams on my iPhone. It’s not that I am up all nigh along checking my work emails and messages (although, some teammates do). It’s more of a convenience. During our move from Texas to Minnesota, I took that time off (but, I told my boss that I would check my emails and messages a few times on my laptop). Well, I did that once as my laptop decided it didn’t want to work anymore. I ended up getting a new one after we moved. And, of course during that time, something needed my attention and my boss was texting me. Fortunately, it was an easy task and I told him who we needed to contact to get a report. It was after that when I decided to get those work apps on my iPhone.
Nina and Niko didn’t really have anything planned out, but she did offer the pool and Home Depot so Niko could see live paint samples for his bedroom. Eventually, the house will get painted to our specifications.
I was looking forward to not having a 6:01 am wake-up alarm for Niko on those days off. Yeah, on weekdays, my watch vibrates and I roll out of bed immediately and walk maybe less than 10 steps to Niko’s bedroom where I open his door and say good morning. Takes him a few minutes to get up and come down. On days off, I change the alarm to 7:30 am; which gives me time to have breakfast and be logged on around 8:00 am. On the weekends, Niko is awake before me and I am up with him as he is not quiet; the iPad is on loud mode, the lights go on, and he talks to the cat and sometimes, the cat talks back. It’s always been that way for Niko and me in the middle of the night or the morning as this allows Nina to get an extra hour or two of sleep – as she is not the best sleeper and it takes time for her to fall asleep, so allowing her some extra sleep is the best thing I can do for her overall well-being. Hey, on some weekends lately, and if they are good, I can get a quick nap in and that refreshes me.
On Wednesday, he watched YouTube Kids videos and learned how to solve a Rubik’s Cube – that is pretty awesome for a 9-year-old! He told me he analyzes the cube and then performs something called an algorithm, and less than 5 minutes later, it’s solved. He also hung out in his bedroom jamming to music and playing with some new lights that can react to volume and he can also control them through an app.
On Thursday, I took him for a quick errand to the UPS Store. And, to bribe him for coming with me, I offered to get him lunch at a burrito restaurant or Dairy Queen – both are next to the UPS Store. We walked into the burrito place, but he was too distracted with his cube and the complexity of the menu to order. I told him, the menu is easy and they even explain how it works. I could’ve been very happy with a bowl of plain white rice with chicken, fajita veggies, lettuce, and a little of pico. So, we went to Dairy Queen for burgers, fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, a chocolate shake for him, and a soda for me. He really enjoyed it, and I was like yeah, it’s OK and told him, they are more popular for their ice cream and treats! But, we had a pleasant time out in the world.
On Friday, we did a whole lot of nothing. Unless you count me making Mac and Cheese for Niko and me for lunch! After our cheesy lunch, the three of us took a walk on the walking trail behind our house; my second walk of the day. It was absolutely perfect weather, and the leaves are changing colors and falling.
On Saturday, we wanted to go to a fiber festival. Not fiber for Internet, but for Nina so she could buy thread things to make things for us. But Niko didn’t want to go. I did have something else up my sleeve for us, and it was very local and very close. At 11 am, Niko and I attended an open house at the Fire Department. They had fire truck rides (which we did), a LifeLink helicopter (which we got to see land), several police cars (Niko got to sit in the back of one), a burn demonstration, a fire hose demonstration (which Niko got to participate in), and free pizza from Dominoes and drinks from the local grocery store (Niko didn’t want to wait in that line). We had an enjoyable time. After, we stopped at the middle school as there was a craft and vendor show going on, but we didn’t care about that – we wanted food!
For our food choices, it was easy as there was only one with food and two with desserts. Niko got a baked potato with butter, cheese, and bacon and I got two chicken tacos with cheese and lettuce. For dessert, Niko got two warm apple pie rolls, because that is how we roll!
Today, I am planning on taking Niko to the pool.
