The older kid just turned 16!! And it's got us nostalgic again. We're talking about birthdays we've celebrated and all the gifts and parties and cakes we've gotten to enjoy. Aaand a few embarrassments we've suffered in the name of birthdays, too. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

Get it? It's time to go back to school! But it seems like getting ready for another new school year is just that now-- it's just another school year. Remember when it used to be a big deal? Getting all the coolest gear to show off to your friends, and picking out the perfect outfit to really stand out on that first day? We're talking about that! It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

Four years ago, we ran out of Jimmy Dean Pure Pork Sausage, and life would never be the same again. That's one way of saying we're talking about our lost favorite Big Jym. It's hard to lose someone you're so close to, and it doesn't really get much easier over time. He was a friend, companion, and brother to so many, so we're taking the time to talk about some of the fondest - and goofiest - memories of him. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to (or, in this case, about) them.

Rule #2 has always been what? NOTHING PERSONAL! Because for some reason these days all people do is take everything personally. Every differing opinion is a personal attack or flagrantly offensive. "Oh, I didn't like that movie," and "Oh, I don't like wearing shorts," and of course "Actually I act according to my own conscience." We're not hear to change people's minds, and we're certainly not here to make anyone feel bad. But eventually, shouldn't everyone take responsibility for their own sensitivities? That's what we're talking about. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

Maybe we need to *TW* this one? We're checking in to the Hotel Mental Health (such a lovely place, such a lovely face). It's been a real trip these past few weeks, and while we've been navigating it all, the big question is, "you good?" So we're taking the time to ask each other, and ourselves, and to play in this safe space for a bit. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.