1. July 25th is National Merry-Go-Round Day. Do you call it a merry-go-round or a carousel? When was the last time you rode one? Did you enjoy that? Metaphorically speaking, what’s something in your life right now that feels like a merry go round? 

Merry-go-round is playground equipment; Carousel is a mechanical ride with horses. I think the last time I went on one was maybe 2021; I took my daughter on one at Busch Gardens. They’re ok; kind of boring. Which I find amusing as an answer since I don’t enjoy thrill rides at all but they are a bit too slow for me. One thing that seems to be stuck in circles I guess, right now, my eating habits are on a merry-go-round because I can’t seem to get back on the right track, but soon!

2. What word do you have a hard time pronouncing? What word do you have a hard time spelling? What’s your favorite word in another language? 

Pronouncing? Hmm, that’s tough. I know there are some that evade me most of the time but I can’t think of them. A word I have issues spelling? It feels familiar – like there’s one I know I mess up – but I can’t even think of that either! I love the French sandwich, Croque Monsieur.

3. What’s a phrase or cliche you use pretty often and find to be true?

It is what it is. Because, really, I guess it is.

4. When it comes to grocery shopping what is your most dreaded chore-menu planning, the actual shopping and paying, or the unloading/putting away? How often do you shop? Do you use any of the pick up and/or delivery services?

Hmm, I guess it’s more of the meal-planning. I write a list but then forget something, always. I don’t really mind going to the store. The worst part would be the timing. If I don’t go early, I have to accept that there will be too many people in my way. I used to shop more often when I worked from home but now, maybe 3 times a week. We did delivery for a little while back in maybe 2018 but I definitely don’t ever do it now.

5. Something you need or want to do before July comes to a close? 

Get my crap together for vacation!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Car still isn’t ready so I walked from Ash’s office to mine, which only took about 11 minutes. It’s warm though and up a steep hill, but I’m not really complaining. It’s a great way to start the day, I suppose. I was super out of it yesterday; couldn’t concentrate, felt tired and worn out. But today I am feeling much better. One thing that helps is my boss is out sick again. I don’t know what it is but I always feel like she’s judging me when she’s here. I’m sure I am imagining it and she’s just in her office minding her business. But still.

I have to finish up this training draft today, some grading, then later, I have errands for vacation: kid haircut, returning chlorine jugs and getting one more to keep the pool good while we’re gone, and my goal was to do school shopping ahead of time. If I try to do it when we get back, with only two days before it starts, it’ll be a shit show so, no thanks. I’ll just get the basics for the boys, since no lists are out, and my daughter’s is a generic. I hate buying the supplies! But it has to get done.