1. What is one cliche you think is nonsense? What’s one you think holds truth? 

I had to look up a list and the only one that I read that is nonsense to me is “can’t cut the mustard” You… can’t? The one that holds truth – well, there’s a lot – but I picked, “no guts, no glory.” It takes a lot of hard work to get what you want so, yeah.

2. What’s the last thing you broke and how did it happen? 

I cannot think of something I broke recently but one thing that sticks out is this old greenish colored milkglass oval serving platter that belonged to my grandma. It was in the cabinet on top of something but I didn’t see it and took out the plate underneath and it crashed to the tile floor, shattering. I was pretty upset about that one.

3. Are you a fan of s’mores? Have you had a s’more this summer? Last thing you ate that you wanted to ask for ‘s’more of’? 

You know what? I am not. We have made them plenty of times over our fire pit and the kids love to do it but I am just not excited about them. Funny part is that I like the ingredients, just not together. Last thing I ate that I wanted ‘s’more of was the bowl I get at our Mexican place. It’s just so damned good: lettuce, refried beans, rice, pico, sour cream, guac, cheese, and a huge grilled chicken breast on top. I just want to keep eating and eating.

4. A mode of transportation you’ve never tried? Will you someday? 

Motorcycle. I’ve sat on one but never ridden but I would like to some day. Maybe when the kids are gone we’ll dump one of the cars and get a motorcycle for weekend rides.

5. Believe it or not, next week’s Hodgepodge lands in a brand new month. What’s your happiest memory from the month we’re bidding adieu? 

Is it awful that my happiest moment was when I got a second section to teach? Money makes the world go ’round, sadly. But if I had to pick another, it was the walk I took on Wednesday, the first week I was away from the old job. I really enjoyed that day. I saw the kids off to school then did that walk just for me. The weather was nice and I walked about two miles. Very lovely.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Dakota has her first middle school cross country meet today and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling a little emotional about it. All of my kids ran (mostly because Ash and I got into it around 2009 so they were prime time for running with us) and I guess I just look at it like such a good basis for learning. They all learned how to persevere and do something healthy for themselves. Someday they’ll look back and see all that.

I’ll post a pic of her on her first day too but for now, there’s the boys.

This morning, I have to also squeeze in a run but she asked for pancakes and I didn’t take my readers off as I went into the pantry so I caught my toes on the door as I opened it. Ow! I am hoping it’s not too bad once I’m out there running but, ugh. I have some stuff to do for my courses today but one school just started, one school just ended, and both TSC and FGC are in week two so we aren’t doing too much yet. Maybe I can work in the yard some and get some other house things done. That would be nice!