1. What’s one piece of advice you would you give a recent or soon-to-be graduate?

Man, we were just talking about how crazy it is that we ask 18 year olds, who are barely fully formed, to decide their career path. So maybe I’d say, take it slow, discover things you like, and don’t hang your hat on one thing. Oh, and get a skill!

2. May 15th marks the birth date of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. At this point in time are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain. 

Heart perhaps. I feel like some days, especially just due to stress and perimenopause, I feel a little dead inside. I did stumble on song today that made me feel some shred of emotion. And ok, I cried multiple times during Project Hail Mary.

3. “There’s no place like home” is an oft repeated line from Baum’s book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?

Definitely when we got back from our two week trip to Germany. I enjoyed it immensely but it was exhausting. Being home in your own bed is a special kind of treat after a long time away.

4. May is National BBQ Month…do you own a grill? Who does the grilling at your house? What’s your favorite thing to throw on the grill? What’s the last thing you grilled?

Yes we have one and my husband does the grilling. We used to make steaks a lot but lately, it’s just been brats. I’d probably cool a lot more things but he’s a little limited on what he wants. As it pertains to BBQ though, we mostly go out for it and prefer the dry style. I’ll add sauces but he likes it basic.

5. What’s a memory you replay in your head when you need a little joy?

I don’t know if there’s any one memory but sometimes I think about when the kids were itty bitty. It was crazy and I was all frazzled but it was simpler, somehow. We’d go outside and let the boys run rampant, give them a popsicle or set up the slip ‘n slide. I enjoyed their child-like love of the world. Another idea/memory I sometimes think about – and I even did it this morning – was during Covid and Ash and I would go out to eat every day for lunch, then pop into the thrift stores. Since everyone was cleaning out their houses, since everyone was home, the thrift stores were amazing for deals! The reason this was a joyous memory is because my daily life was limited to those things: do some online work in the am, have lunch, look for deals, then probably have a drink and watch movies. It was simple.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m behind on posting today but it’s because all my classes are reviewing so we go through each question and discuss. It’s a lot of work on my part, a lot of talking. I feel like I’m holding it together with tape and paperclips these days.