1. What’s something bizarre you’ve seen or heard recently? 

We ran into this old video reposted somewhere about how they originally made missiles to seek a target and they literally used a pigeon. They trained him to poke at the center of a screen and would reward him, obviously. Then they moved the target side to side and he kept at it. Then they did a simulation where he’d poke at the image of the sub or ship and then they literally put the bird inside the missile with a window and he’d keep pecking at the picture until the missile went right to the target. Super low tech but we had to start somewhere, right?

2. July 18th is National Sour Candy Day. Who knew? Do you like sour candies or other foods with ‘sour’ flavors? Kimchi, rhubarb, gooseberries, tamarind, dill pickles, sour cherries, sauerkraut, cranberries, and  grapefruit…of the sour foods listed which is your favorite?

I do! And sometimes I get a real craving for sour stuff. I like almost all sour candies but never feel like they are quite sour enough. I enjoy most of those, but kimchi is not my favorite. I just picked up a dill pickle beer and will report back. My fave is probably pickles or sauerkraut.

3. Share a favorite memory of an aunt or uncle.

My now-estranged uncle on my mom’s side was a tall quiet man and what I always remember about him is that he did demolition derbies and was always trying to get me on-board to do the powder puff one – all women. He even said he’s fix up a car for me.

4. How would you describe your ability to manage stress? 

It honestly depends on the day. Sometimes I can calm myself and methodically prioritize so I don’t get stressed and overwhelmed and then other times, I let it overtake me and I get to a bad place. Not, like, breakdown bad but just too encapsulated by the stress.

5. What do you think about when you let your mind wander? 

Usually all the stuff I have to do but sometimes I happen upon some random wonderings about the world and people. Sometimes I also happen upon memories of dreams I’ve had.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Yesterday I was in a not so good mood; not motivated at all. Luckily, I am feeling much better today. Helps that I’ve been getting decent sleep. I’ve even already made a phone call I had to, so that’s good. I have to finalize this training draft this morning then grade papers, then I leave by 4 and go to the store, as per usual. I am not as anxious about our upcoming vacation as I was Monday. I don’t know what it was but I was worried and just like, hurry up already, vaycay!