1. It’s National Splurge Day…what’s something you might splurge on today? What have you splurged on recently? 

Tuesday we went out to eat at our favorite Mexican spot. For a while, we were going every Tuesday for the 5 dollar taco special but we haven’t been in probably 3 weeks now. I don’t know if that counts as a splurge. Recently, I guess I purchased a new one gallon jug with bung and some yeast to make another batch of mead. I was feeling good about the compliments I got on my first one so, here we go.

2. Do you have a beach bag? What’s in it? Is a trip to the beach on your summer bucket list? Do you have a summer bucket list? 

Kind of? I know what I typically put in one and have a canvas bag from the Orlando Omni that I like to use. It has the usual sunscreen, extra goggles, and then on the day of, I add towels and changes of clothes. We went to the beach but it was not a nice day and we didn’t stay long. I’d like to say we’d go again but I doubt it. The lake this weekend will have to suffice. In terms of a summer bucket list, the only thing on it is to get a new job!

3. What’s a song that makes you think of a summer past? What comes to mind when you hear it? What memories does it stir up for you? 

So I am only going back two summers. I was in a similar boat: job shopping. The online classes had dwindled so I was in need of something else. I was stressed and sad and constantly nervous. For some reason, I really got into the song below and it makes me think of this one evening when I took my daughter and her friend up to this one playground and as they played, I listened to this song and finally felt a sense of peace. It reminds me now that things work out the way they’re supposed to. And even though I am leaving this job that fixed the problem then, I had to go through it to learn.

4. Sushi-yay or nay? Have you actually tried it? If you love it what’s your go-to order? 

I love sushi! I remember when I first got into it; my sister met this girl in middle school and they got obsessed with making it at home. Not sure they ever really liked it but when we started going for hibachi at Kobe, I ordered it and began experimenting. I didn’t love all of it at first but it became a thing I loved. Now, I will pick it up at Fresh market sometimes but love to go to Kiku with friends and my oldest and I go out often. My other two nor my husband will touch it though. I got my mom on board a few years ago too so that’s something we can do together. My go-to is always spicy tuna or a dragon roll of some sort. If it has mango or eel, I’m in. Below, some photos of faves.

5. I own a ridiculous amount of ____________________________________. 

Hmm, band and/or black t-shirts, probably.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I mentioned Monday that I hadn’t much thought about vacation but now that I am starting to, I am getting more excited – mostly for a break from work. As I took my daughter to camp on Tuesday I was thinking about stuff I need to get done in the house and thought, “Wow, I could use a day off alone at home to do all this.” That probably won’t be coming soon but at least we’ll be gone for a good two weeks. I am excited to see “the west” – Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque, Denver, St. Louis, Little Rock, then back to Pensacola and home. Whew! Gonna be a lot of driving but seeing a lot of cool stuff. And we’re going to a Six Flags and doing white water rafting!

Last night was nice; Ash and I met for Mexican right after work then we decided we’d drink a few beers, I’d make the kids food, then we’d wait until 9 and get in the pool to tread water. We put on a movie called The Brass Teapot, which was a bit slow for working out but not bad overall. Kind of a good message. But the treading was rough! I didn’t think it would be so hard to do for an hour and a half but it was! But it was nice too; felt good. I was exhausted after but I slept well, so that counts for something!