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Back to school time! The bittersweet end to a memorable summer. The promise of soothing regularity. I couldn’t love it more.
I get more crazy about putting my life in order in August than I do at any other time of year. Wait for January 1, you say? That’s for the lame-os who missed the boat in fall. You’ve gotta strike while the sidewalk is hot.
Here’s what’s on my mind.
Friends
I’ve had limited contact with non-relatives in my age group for three months. I’m ready for phone time or face time with friends to talk about their problems, my problems, and our band-aid solutions to all of them. Let’s get something on the books, stat!
Pants
Why do we insist on new clothes? Our old clothes are fine! Unfortunately, we desperately want to burn them all. I came across this crowdsourced list of best travel clothes and now I’m coveting several pairs of pricey pants and… travel.
Home
There’s nothing better than a good, autumn purge-and-dump. Mmm. Combine that with a solid floor-mopping. Yowza. Top it off with a cool, cleansing breeze through open windows while the Murphy’s Oil Soap dries.
This could be a pinup calendar.
Reading
Another summer, another blown opportunity to make my kids killer readers. One teen read me a part of a book and said, “pare-oh-KEEL” for the word “parochial.” The child has since been written out of my will. But what is August if not another chance to get reading right in this place.
Recipes
I hope you haven’t read this far, because if you have, it means I’ll be giving away one of the secret, special things I cherish most. It’s my best chili recipe.
We all know chili recipes are kept close to the vest, but I really prayed on this and giving it to you is the right thing to do. Here it is, OK? I’m getting ready to give it to you. Aaarrgh, I really want to keep it for myself and just let you think your cute lil’ chili recipe is a winner, even if it’s not. Fine. Here. Have it.
This sweet potato chili recipe has fed the sick, the new moms, the visitors, the neighbors, and my dear old family for years. It does NOT disappoint. Happy fall, y’all.
Kids’ Sports Comedy
I had the delight of seeing comedian Pat McGann open for Sebastian Maniscalco a few weeks back. This bit killed me. Thanks for the invite, Wendy!
Look it Up
I still think kids should know how to look words up, don’t you? In case you’re in need of a dictionary for the budding genius in your life, here’s one from my Bookshop.
