Listened as The Scientist ping-ponged scientific terms and other scholarly discussions with the host of a BBQ we attended. Received multiple questions from others within earshot of these exchanges asking if I understood any of it and was it always like this. That would be hard no and yes, respectively.

Felt decidedly left out in the best possible way as everyone at same said BBQ lamented their COVID illness stories and The Scientist and I were the only ones that could not relate.

Accidentally inked my face while talking with my hands during a work meeting prompting a colleague to hand me a Wet One like the well prepared mom she is much to the delight of everyone in attendance.

Came home to find a very brave prairie dog camped on my driveway refusing to move despite my rapidly approaching car. Eventually I won this particular turf war and he went back to destroying my yard.

Received yet another notice that my identity has been compromised due to the hacking of my former mortgage company. Good news though, I have identity monitoring until at least age 60 through a variety of companies.

Continued to have birthday present drama with Brian as he claims not to need anything. Finally received an exasperated, “What I really need is a ladder! And I doubt you’ll be the person to get that for me.” After mildly panicking about how I’d figure THAT out, I confessed that I had hoped he’d request a shirt, beer, or something that would at least fit in my very compact car.

Came thisclose to hitting what turned out to be Brian’s bosses/bestie’s car while attempting to park in the very small lot of a popular eatery basically on the campus of MSU. How did I know it was his? Because he watched the debacle progress (and my panic upon realizing I was essentially stuck) as he was approached. Was given an amused, “Whatcha doin?” Begged him not to tell Brian and then made him leave so I could steal his much better spot.

Went down memory lane as my mom produced a framed note I wrote as a kid begging my parents to play Monopoly with me. My takeaway as an adult? I was a terrible negotiator.

Ooohed and awwed like everyone else upon seeing the images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Universe escapism at its finest right there.

Worked hard to ignore the fact that our community is once again in high transmission. One can only handle so much and this ostrich is checking out.

Me? I’m just enjoying an impromptu after work ice cream date with my mom.