Recent discoveries

I've discovered that I don't mind the days getting shorter, even though it means taking the kids to school in the morning while it's still dark.

I've discovered that daughter H has a stronger sense of self at 13 than I have at 45. And I am totally okay with that.

I've discovered that son C has developed a coffee habit. For 15.5 years I managed to keep him caffeine-free, and then the stupid high school went and installed a coffee shop in the new cafeteria annex. Thanks a whole hell of a lot, SCHOOL.

I've discovered that I do like oatmeal after all, as long as it's sweetened with brown sugar and has plenty of shredded unsweetened coconut stirred in. And isn't baked.

I've discovered that a bit of Dijon mustard and honey with apple cider vinegar and olive oil, shaken together in a little lidded jar, makes a quick and super yummy homemade salad dressing.

I've discovered, or rather remembered, that walnuts are delicious. Husband P is allergic to them and anyway pecan is the king nut here in Texas, but I bought some walnuts when I was on the paleo diet and have been sneaking them out of the freezer and devouring them by the handful.

I've discovered that a lot of pretty good music came out in the '90s when I was too busy getting married and having babies to notice. (I'm looking at you, Smashing Pumpkins.)

I've discovered that I actually enjoy walking the dog, as long as it's early in the morning and we're on the quiet back roads rather than the main roads (or the park or the greenbelt) of our neighborhood. Because I am JUST. THAT. ANTISOCIAL.

I've discovered that after months of walking instead, I don't really miss running all that much.

I've discovered that all it takes is a good soaking rain and a couple of weeks with no triple-digit temperatures to restore my will to live.