1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper what herb or spice container do you reach for most often? Is there a spice you truly dislike? What’s a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper?  

I tend to use a lot of onion and garlic powder. Not usually a lot others unless I’m making Mexican, and then in comes paprika, cumin, red pepper. And to be honest, I am not huge on cumin. And one I hate is fennel! Gross! The most recent dish I made was fajita chicken, so it called for those above.

2.  It’s been said ‘variety is the spice of life’…in what way is this true for you? Elaborate.

Oh for sure. I mean, I am pretty good at doing the same things over and over but do need some change now and then. And I think variety in people and things in life does bring depth. I tend to throw this phrase around when I find out people won’t associate with those who have differing political opinions. Echo chamber!

3. What’s something in your life that adds ‘spice’ (excitement, intensity) even if also comes with challenge or unpredictability? 

Certainly parenting. And especially now as they’ve gotten older. Having two teens and a tween is a challenge in and of itself, which definitely ramps up the intensity. Mostly I find myself helping them to navigate relationships and hurdles they encounter the older they get. And it’s a lot more complicated than when they were little and the problems were very simple.

Additionally, I think all our extracurriculars like biking and running the homebrew club thrown wrenches in all the time, especially as it pertains to scheduling. But I like those things too; if we didn’t have any of this life might be kind of boring.

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why? 

Hmm, I think I would want to be better at coding and/or math so I could go into different fields. My career choices are limited with my background in English and I am tired of not having as many options.

5. We’re halfway through the year…what’s one book, movie, or activity you’ve loved this year that you’d recommend to others? 

Hmm, well movie stuck out to me and I would recommend Ballad of Wallis Island. It was quite surprising and poignant.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I watch this channel on Youtube called Solace Fox and I was really into this video this morning about letting go; not trying to control or orchestrate everything. Once you do, you can let moments be. I think there’s truth in the idea that if you’re trying too hard, you miss opportunities; you can’t see the path for you. I stopped the video and went to my computer, opened my daily job hunt stuff. I saw an admin position in Elder Affairs and immediately remembered I know someone who works there. I applied, texted her, and she went and name dropped for me! Now I know I can’t get too far ahead but this is good. I feel good about it.

Yesterday, we didn’t have internet until maybe 2 pm. Funny part is, it was on us, not the company, which it seemed like it was. Our router didn’t turn back on after the storm. Oh well; I got it fixed! When I could not do work work, I cut overgrowth in the yard and did some cooking. It was a nice day. In the evening, Ash was going to bike but it rained. At one point, it let up so I said I’d do my biking until the rain got to me. I ended up getting in 3 miles before it poured, then I tried to wait it out but at 5 miles, I called it. Came in and did the other 15 on the stationary. Glad I did though. I think it helped me to finally get a good night’s sleep.

So yes, today I feel a little more uplifted. I’m going to focus on getting my work done, drop some things by the UPS store, then in the afternoon, make chicken alfredo, per my family’s request. Happy Wednesday!