1. “Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Elaborate. 

Of course but then again, I am a teacher so I am OFF. In January, I am trying to recover from the Christmas break and pick back up the momentum. I did see a funny meme that said, “July, can you channel your inner January and last approximately 89 days?” Ha ha, yeah, January usually drags and I want July to do the same! I have to say though, while I have some “lazy” moments now, I keep busy. I do house things and try not to waste any days.

2. What’s a telltale sign you’re upset?

I’ll be quiet and probably leave a room. But not always; depending on my mood I will speak up.

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? What do you see as a benefit? How about something relating to AI you see as a negative?

I was VERY reluctant to use it. Up until teaching high school, I only used it to draw photos because I mean, I can’t draw very well but the digital pictures it could come up with for events on Facebook and stuff was useful. When I started to realize that using either Claude or Gemini could easily draft a quiz or test for me, based on a pretty complicated prompt, I was in. It definitely does still scare and worry me; I constantly tell my students not to outsource their thinking. But for some things, it can be useful.

4. You’re invited to a summer pot luck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing?

For me, rule number one is not to bring dessert; everyone gravitates towards that because it’s typically easier. I’ll most likely bring an appetizer or side My go-tos are: sausage balls with a sweet thai chili mayo or I’ll bring guacamole. I have also brought mac and cheese or mashed potatoes, depending on the type of food.

5. It wouldn’t be summer without___________________.

Spying the fireflies. Even though I don’t see them much this month, late May and June are perfect for them. I also love seeing rabbits and owls.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Plodding along through these last few weeks of freedom. The kids and I walked about 1.3 miles this morning then I took Dakota on to camp. I normally go to the store after but I have a doc appointment close to noon so I’ll go after. I am trying to carve out time to make nice dinners for the kids (since Ash and I eat keto during the week, I have to make two separate things) but they can never agree. Last night we revisited an old favorite: ham and cheese crescents. Tonight my oldest requested this cheesy taco potato thing. Hopefully it’ll make at least 2/3 of them happy. They all have strong opinions about food.

I can’t tell if I want plans or not, for the rest of my summer break. I feel like I’m wasting time at the same time as savoring it. We are free this coming Friday but I think plans are materializing for Saturday (a friend’s birthday) and we have folks coming over Sunday for World Cup. Next week is busy: trivia, a meeting on Friday, a baby shower. The following weekend, my daughter is having her birthday party. Since she is turning 13, my husband relented and is letting her have 10 kids over, as well as two people spend the night. It’s a lot but hey, you cannot stop the march of time!