It’s been another glorious week of laziness. As a part-time couch potato, I watched the season finales of both Outlander and Vikings. When my wife got home from work we occupied our evenings with The Americans. Meanwhile, The Curse of Oak Island once again led to few discoveries, as it approaches the end of another season. I also watched I.U. lose their seventh straight Big Ten game on the big screen at Buffalo Wild Wings, just so you know I did leave the house. I then had our traditional “Leadership” lunch there on Friday.

While I wasn’t watching TV or sleeping, I dreamed of travel. Once again I referred to the 1000 Places to See Before You Die calendar, noting that I hadn’t yet been to Belgium (except the airport), the Galapagos Islands, Ethiopia, Turkey, or Bolivia. We have been to Naples (both Florida and Italy) to prevent a total destination shut-out this week. We do leave for Phoenix in another week, signaling the end of my lazy, homebody streak. There’s another potentially painful I.U. basketball game this afternoon before we take-in tonight’s feature film, The Favourite, using one of our many Fandango gift cards from Christmas. Last night’s dinner at nearby Bethany’s Table was another gift from my wife’s staff. Even this week’s “Date Night” was economical at Nek Won Korean Restaurant. Every dollar saved is a dollar to spend on travel.

Tomorrow is the Super Bowl and thinking ahead I tried to make plans to go to next year’s big game in Miami. This was a fruitless attempt to accomplish at least one joint bucket list goal. Even a year in advance, lodging is hard to come by. Tickets, on the other hand, we think we can buy though my wife’s work. I guess we’ll wait to secure the seats first and then look for an Airbnb. Travel to Florida will also give me a chance to see my son and his family for a few days. My wife, unfortunately, will need to get back for budget meetings. This year we’ll eat wings in the living room and watch the Tom Brady show unfold.

I did get my aging car serviced this week at Jiffy Lube, but there were mysterious issues in getting my emissions clearance for Oregon plates. I will still have to go to the dreaded DMV next week. I hope this does not mean expensive electronic repairs to my car or more discussions about a new one. It seems like a shame to invest in a different car when I drive so few miles every week. I only fill-up about once every month and a half. I also worked on Turbotax, trying to reduce my IRS payout in April. This is a pending expense concern along with medical bills, mother-in-law care, and perhaps a wedding.

The most constructive thing I do every day is my morning run. In defense of any perceived laziness, “The Streak” now stands at 3,668 consecutive days and counting. I also take the dogs out at least six times a day, so I do have important responsibilities. Our pups were happy this morning since the rain held off and we were able to get in a “Schnauzerthon.” However, snow is in the cards over the next few days and none of us will be happy with that possibility. Looking ahead, more laziness is in the forecast for next week, along with thoughts of what would have been both my mom and dad’s 98th birthdays. They were never lazy. I miss you!