Friendship: What You Get

September Writing Challenge - Prompt #1:

Friendship

I've been very blessed in friendship throughout my life, which is a miracle because I haven't always been a good friend. I don't know why some of my friends have stuck around as long as they have. I still have several friends from childhood that I'm in regular contact with. I've also picked up a lot of new friends over the years. I've lost some, too - a few from difficult times and others from simply growing apart or changes in proximity. 

Some of my OG's

I don't know if I'm an easy person to be friends with or not (I don't know if I want to know), but here are twelve things you can expect from me as your friend: 

1. I'm almost always on time. You won't have to wait for me. 

2. Anything you need is in my car. If the straw in your gas station drink is too long, don't worry! I have scissors. Did you forget a straw to begin with? Relax, Babe. I have one in my glove box. 

3. I won’t know how to hug you. If you're aiming for a side hug, I'll get confused and go full body contact. If you try to put your head to the right of mine, I'll nearly kiss you. I'm not anti-hug (in most cases), but I will not understand the approach, and I will do it wrong. I might even think you're going to hug me when you're not, and it will get real weird. 

4. I am a safe poop friend. You never need to be embarrassed around me regarding your "situation." If you are constipated, I will roll around on the floor with you and do the recommended yoga poses to stimulate your bowels. I will then cheer for you when it works. 

Us doing poo yoga: LOTR Edition

5. Speaking of going to the bathroom, I will need to use the potty everywhere we go. I need to go before the movie, during the movie, and after the movie. I will also need to go in the store and the restaurant and possibly at the nearest Maverik. But I promise I can guide you to the "friendliest" bathrooms in all of the places I visit frequently. 

6. If you like food, I will take good care of you. I will bring you food you like, buy the treats you love to surprise you, and sneak awesome goodies into the movie theater for us. 

I'll bring a cooler of hotdogs to the high school auditorium

7. I will try my hardest to communicate with you via telepathy. 

8. I will send you weird gifts from Amazon and buy you crazy things from the thrift store. 

To: Friend

From: Britt

9. I will not know how to tell you when I need help or when I'm going though something hard. I also might not do the right things when you need help or when you are going through something hard, but I will try!

10. I will tell you way too many details before I get to the point. I also might talk your ear off about things you really aren't interested in (see a list of examples here).

11. I will twin with you. 

12. I will hide things in your house. 

So that's a small sample of what I bring to the friendship. I can't tell you everything because I still need an element of surprise, but you don't have to go into this completely ignorant now! 

September Writing Challenge

As per tradition, it's time for the September Writing Challenge. It's just a little thing I do each year where, during the month of September, I write blog posts based on a list of prompts. Sometimes I have friends join me and do this on their blogs or in their social media, so feel free to use my list or create your own! I always have 35 prompts (because sometimes I just don't feel it, so I need a few extra options). I do how ever many I want - no pressure to post daily or in any particular order (I always mix it up). Here's to Round IX!

The Prompts:

1. Friendship
2. Different
3. Focus
4. Positive
5. Doodle
6. Opportunity
7. Sometimes
8. Let it be known
9. On that topic
10. Basket
11. Revisit
12. On my nightstand
13. In my car
14. In my purse
15. Right Now
16. Words
17. Survival Mode
18. Important
19. Quirky
20. Forgotten
21. And I Quote
22. Waste
23. On the Daily
24. 11:00
25. Back in the Day
26. Recycle
27. Not Important
28. Winning
29. Outside
30. Together
31. On a Mission
32. Chaos
33. Heaven Help Us!
34. Somebody
35. Day Off

Q&A Forever

I found this post in my drafts folder. I never published it because I was going to find some kind of photo to go with is, but I still can’t post photos from my phone. This inconvenience has really put a damper on my blogging. 

Obligatory photo:

(I found this at the DI last week. It has nothing to do with this post).

Here is yet another questionnaire writing prompt. Is it weird that I’m 42 and still do these?

—————-

What’s a topic you could talk about for hours?

Any of these forty topics (and more). 

What’s something that’s made you really proud lately?

I’ve done 100 jumps (sometimes more) everyday for 46 54 days.

If you could witness any historical event, what would it be?

Any of the Jesus things. I’m just curious how I’d perceive it all. 

What’s your favorite way to spend time with friends?

Talking and laughing. Bonus if we are also eating. 

If you had unlimited time and resources, what hobby would you start?

I would buy vintage cars and old houses and (pay someone to) fix them up. 

What’s your favorite thing about your current job?

I can’t tell you. You would think I’m spoiled, and I like to keep the comforts of my job top secret.

What’s the most creative thing you’ve ever done?

One summer I held a free dance class for ages 10-14. Every week I taught the class one minute of choreography and a lesson on self-worth. 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I don’t have a specific location in mind, but I would love to live in an old church. 

What’s one thing you wish you knew how to do?

Rap battle.

If you could have any animal as a pet, which would it be?

Meerkats. I feel like you need more than one, hence the plural.

If you could instantly learn a new language, which would it be and why?

Spanish because a large majority of my community is Spanish-speaking. 

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

Went to Disney World with 11 days notice.

Questions I Answered When I Should Have Been Sleeping

What’s a compliment you’ve never forgotten?

One time, after I spoke at a Relief Society event where I don’t know any of the sisters, someone came up to me and said, “You made everyone in this room feel like we were your friends” and I thought that was really cool. 

What have you changed your mind about this year?

Nothing major. Mostly I’ve changed my mind about watching a TV show or reading a book. You know, I get two episodes or 50 pages in and change my mind! 

What’s your favorite struggle meal?

I had to google “struggle meal” because I’ve never heard that term before (I guessed correctly in what it was, but I had to make sure, lest I make a fool of myself). Perhaps spaghetti, hot dogs, or brinner (breakfast for dinner).

Describe your life philosophy in ten words or less:

Wake up and be awesome.

What’s your go to karaoke song?

I don’t know! And it has stressed me out for my entire life even though I’ve never been summoned to utilize a go to karaoke song. The fact that I don’t have one at the ready terrifies me. 

What’s something you believe that most people don’t?

Diapered kids are easier to manage than potty trained kids. 

My argument: if my kid pees in their diaper, and I’m nowhere near a bathroom, everything’s fine. If my kid needs to pee, and they’re wearing underwear, and we’re nowhere near a bathroom, we have some hard work ahead. 

What’s a relationship dealbreaker for you?

I have a hard time when people are unreliable. 

Have you ever committed a crime?

Nothing worse than breaking traffic laws. 

If you had to change your name, what would you choose?

Lillian after my great grandma. 

What’s your comfort movie or TV series?

I like to turn on Miranda when I’m sick, and then I can fade in and out of sleep while she gallops through my dreams.

What’s your weird family tradition?

Scotty's mom makes us eat spam sandwiches and roll eggs down a hill for Easter.

What arbitrary rules do you have for yourself?

I will not wear any Utah-themed clothing while traveling out of state (it helps that I don't actually own any Utah-themed clothing).

We also have a rule that we don't eat at Jack in the Box unless we are 4+ hours away from home, or it is Amber's birthday.  

What are you really bad at?

Floral arranging, sports that require me to hit a ball with a piece of equipment (tennis, golf, softball), backing into parking spaces, and cleaning.

Are you nice to everyone?

No. I'm actually kind of mean. 

What is your least favorite word?

Whatever new word the kids are using. I heard a new one today, and I can't remember what it is but it starts with a 'B' and it's a substitute for "no offense, but..." or "just being honest" or something like that. And two nights ago, I had four teenage girls at my house, and they said "brochacho" at least 800 times, and then they argued about who says "brochacho" the most and who has been using it the longest. 

If you could live inside any board game, which one would it be?

In my childhood years, I would have said The Game of Life. I loved that game so much and always daydreamed that it really was my life! 

Now I can't decide on a board game because they would all be too problematic. I wouldn't be able to feed my family in Agricola. I don't want to go to war in Risk. I can't handle the animal Rights Activists in Ark Nova. I can't live in Wingspan because birds are too noisy. 

Maybe I have to choose Mariposas because butterflies are quiet, and flowers are pretty. 

Things You Ought to Know

What advice would you give your ten year younger self?

It doesn't matter. She wouldn't listen. 

If you came across $100 unexpectedly right note, what would you do with it?

Take a few friends to lunch. Or maybe just one friend considering how much it costs to go to lunch these days. 

What is one activity that makes you feel alive?

Riding rollercoatsers.

What makes you feel appreciated?

Genuine words of affirmation.

What is one thing you’ve learned this week?

The first person to be convicted by DNA evidence was serial rapist Tommie Lee Andrews in 1987. 

What’s one word that describes you?

Hungry.

What has been your greatest accomplishment this year?

I got my annual mammogram.

What is the most memorable life advice you’ve received?

Here are three pieces of advice I've always appreciated. 

What is one thing you wish someone would do for you?

I can't say because I have really nice friends, and they’ll do whatever I say, and then I will feel guilty. It's like when I joked about giving me gift baskets, and four people gave me gift baskets!

My gift basket spoils from Christie

What do you envy about other people’s relationships?

I'm a little jealous of people who have sisters that they are close to and get along with. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have another female on this earth that's kind of like me and maybe even looks like me. 

Then again, maybe that would be too weird.  

What is a memory or secret not many people know about?

I peed the bed at camp when I was 14 because I was terrified of using the makeshift litrine. 

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would like to be less easily annoyed. That's probably my biggest character flaw. 

Cornhole is annoying

What makes you feel insecure?

My snaggletooth and my hair. I've lost a ton of hair in the past four years. 

How do you like to spend your free time?

Reading, writing, watching shows, playing board games, and doing puzzles. 

What overwhelms you?

Trying to do things at the last minute. I'm not one of those people who works well under that kind of pressure. I freeze and can't function. 

What has made you laugh this week?

Sneaking around with my friend Christie and hanging up hot dogs. 

We call this a "wienering"

What is the most recent spontaneous thing you’ve done?

Deciding on a Thursday morning to go to California and leaving that night. 

What is one thing that didn’t work out for you in the past that you’re grateful for now?

The first offer we made on a house didn't get accepted, and I am so glad it didn't! 

What is a topic you could study for hours?

I have a list of 40. 

Who was the last person you saw in person?

Zoe. She's staring at me right now. 

Have you ever told someone you loved them and not meant it?

Nope.

How long does it take you to get ready?

15-45 minutes. Longer if my kids keep interrupting me. 

Year End Musings

I enjoy the ritual of reviewing the year, so I always have a lot to blog about in December. I started this end of year prompt and never finished because, as I moved through it, I realized a lot of the questions were dumb. I don't want to waste my efforts, though, so I’m going to go ahead and post what I have.  

How you entered the year and how that outlook changed:

Outlook #1: I started the year off feeling very social. In fact, I threw myself a birthday party! And then I had this thought that I need to make a stronger effort to bring people together. I decided I would try to plan and carry out a social experience every month - it could be a one-on-one outing with a friend, a girls' night, or a dinner with family. 

I think I made it to March before I retreated back into my hole. 

Outlook #2: My relationship with Nicky was really weird for the first half of this year. I knew he would be graduating high school and leaving on a mission. I could feel him pulling away from us, making his friends the priority, and getting ready to "launch," as they say. I had to stay on the outskirts of his life for a while - be there but be out of his way. Show up but stay quiet. Every time I went somewhere to support him, Nicky would seem annoyed. He would avoid me and turn his back to me. Despite his body language and the way he would dodge me, I kept chaperoning the dances, going to his performances, and showing up where he was even though his reaction to my presence stung a bit. I just kept having the thought, "Someday he will remember you were here, and it will mean something different to him." I also had some reassurance from the Spirit that it was only a developmental phase and that when Nicky left on his mission, his perspective would change. He would appreciate and understand Scotty and me better, and he would need us more than ever but also be closer to us that ever while serving the Lord. Having that outlook helped me survive his last year of high school from the sidelines. And now that he's been on his mission for nearly half a year, I have seen the Spirit's promises in action. 

Outlook #3: At the beginning of 2025, I didn't know that we would lose Amber this year. When someone dies young and unexpectedly, you don't ever think, "This might be my last Christmas with her," or "This might be the last vacation we take together" (nor should you think that way). When you lose someone significant in your life, your outlook is never the same. 

Goals you set that you made progress on:

I only made one goal this year, and that was to sneak these signs into as many of my friends' and families' bathrooms as possible: 

I made a list of non-resolutions this year, which I define as "things I'll be happy to accomplish, but I'm not going to set it as an official goal." I did accomplish one thing from that list with certainty, and that was paying off our house. 

What about the year surprised you?

Our medical things. We've had big medical years in the past, but it's been a while, so dealing with Nicky's leg, Zoe's broken arm, and Eva's dog bite made me want to lock Daisy in a rubber room because she was the “last man standing.”

Places you visited this year:

Orlando was our big trip, and we took some smaller trips to Strawberry Reservoir, Yellowstone, and Saint George. 

What you’ve outgrown this year and are ready to leave behind:

Problems I can’t solve. 

Also, the pressure to see things as problems when they’re really not. 

—————

And this is where I quit. 

Nearing November - Writing Prompt

What comes to mind when you look at your November calendar?

“30 days hath September…”

“My favorite day of the year!” (November 1st)

“My turn to teach Relief Society”

“Oh, boy! It’s musical month! Things are about to get crazy.”

“Yay for cooler weather!”

“THANKSGIVING!”

And this…

What makes you smile in the room you’re in right now?

(My bedroom)

Our large TV. A few years ago when we finished our basement, we bought a new, bigger TV, and Scotty wanted to put the old one in our bedroom. I thought it was too big, and I discouraged it, but he did it anyway, and I LOVE IT. 

The most beautiful thing you can see outside your nearest window:

There is really nothing great outside my bedroom window. My mediocre front lawn? The really weird tree in our yard? (seriously, our front yard tree is weird). My neighbor’s Halloween inflatables? 

Things that make you feel warm and cozy right now:

My blankets.

The first positive thing that comes to mind after taking a big, deep breath:

“Oh, good. My lungs still work.”

A heart-warming story about an everyday item in a kitchen drawer:

(I didn’t pre-read these questions, and I should have know  things would get weird. They often do).

I have the most beautiful, giant whisk purchased from NPS for $1.99 ten years ago. It’s a beast. Sturdy. Reliable. Not rusty. I’ve used it to prepare food for the masses. Lemonade for the crowds. Jams for the jars. 

To own it is to be surely blessed.

Moments of quiet you experienced today between the noise and busy times:

It’s 4:00 a.m. and this is it. This is the quiet time. 

Intensely appreciate the craftsmanship of an item or appliance near you:

My bidet is in the next room… 

The story behind the closest family photo or moment to you:

Nicky’s Puerto Rican flag is folded up and tucked in a basket on my nightstand. He bought it right after he received him mission call. It hung on his wall for a few months. Now Eva is in that bedroom, and she wanted to keep the flag, but she also wanted to hang several other items on the wall, so I took the flag down (to her dismay). Now I’m keeping it safe until Nicky comes home.

A fond memory you have from a piece of clothing you are wearing:

I’m currently wearing my religious underclothing and a hot pink robe (it’s no longer 4:00 a.m. as I previously noted. Now it’s 10:30 p.m. and I just got out of the shower. I’m waiting for two of my kids to get home so I can shut down the house. Zoe is in my bed next to me watching Stuck in the Middle). 

I feel honored to wear the sacred temple garment. I love my garments. And my robe was a gift from one of my best friends for my birthday. 

Something you usually rush that you can try to give more attention to:

Where do I begin? Prayer and scripture study, of course. Spending time with my kids. All forms of exercise.

How the sky makes you feel when you look up at it:

My favorite sky feature (in addition to a colorful sunset or sunrise) is when the rays of sunlight shine through the clouds and create lines - particularly over the east mountains. I feel like those are God’s beams.

What makes you feel hopeful right now:

There’s a quote that floated around several years ago, and it’s been attributed to all sorts of people from Rob Schneider to Barbara Walters. I don’t know who (if anyone) actually said it, but it’s along the lines of, “If you turn off the news and just talk to your neighbors, you’ll find that our great country is far more harmonious than you’re being told.” There is so much in our world right now that’s ugly, but if we dial back from all forms of media and look at what’s right in front of us, in person, things feel different. We need to “see” each other, and media doesn’t work that way.

Something ordinary you pass by everyday that you can take more notice of: 

I don’t know! I’m a pretty observant person, so I feel like I already keep a good watch on everything…the daily habits of the people selling burritos on the side of the road every morning… the price of gas… the rate at which the leaves are changing colors and falling… the squirrels running along the fence line… 

I guess I could start reading the Burger King marquee because I often ignore that. 

Things around you that cost little to nothing that you are grateful for:

Good, supportive relationships. 

People who are uplifting and positive. 

Rest. 

Knowledge. 

Kind words. 

Personal revelation.

Things that would bring you inner calm right now if you needed it:

Music. A listening ear. A nice, long nap. 

And if my inner turmoil were a result of being hangry… a sandwich. 

Things right now that you’re certain of:

Today’s date is October 26.

What you love about the person you are right now: 

I have an understanding of my talents and spiritual gifts and how to use them. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve overcome a lot. I’ve adjusted my priorities. I’m happy about how I’ve grown over the years, but I still have lots of work to do!

Recount the first memory you think of when you look at your dining room table:

When I bought my last kitchen table (approximately 2010), Nicky and Daisy got ahold of a piece of styrofoam and had a hay day. It made the biggest mess, but they were so happy! 

What you love about the people you’ve spent time with today:

I’ve been writing this across the span of three days, and this question landed on Sunday, which means I spent time with a lot of people! In addition to my immediate family, I’ve spent time with my ward (congregation), notably the children since I subbed in primary today. I also went to work and happened to have one coworker there. And I visited my in-laws. What I love generally about ALL of these people is that they all enrich my life in some way. We have such good people in our ward! There are primary kids that are always happy to see me. My coworkers are all great! And my in-laws love me through my worst.

Scents or aromas that have brought you joy today:

Funny this should come up because I recently discovered that one of my best friends and I are not “scent compatible.” A few weeks ago we sniffed candles together and discussed the smells we like, and they are not the same! Then last night we went to Bath & Body Works together and further proved our scent differences.

I’m all about the fall scents - pumpkin, apples, cinnamon, and the like for now. Then after Thanksgiving, gimme all the evergreens! One of my favorite candles from B&BW (which has been discontinued) was peppermint sugar cookie. 

One of my favorite smells of all is honeysuckle, and you can never go wrong with fresh baked bread.

A Series of Days

September Writing Challenge - Prompt #31:

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Yesterday: Monday

Monday is when we get our phone call from Nicky. I am so grateful that we are able to talk to our missionaries every week now. It does create some scheduling difficulties, though. We are lucky that Puerto Rico is only a two hour time difference. I'm not sure what we would do if he were half-way across the world and we had conflicting nights and days. It’s hard enough to fit it in with just the two hours difference because Nicky usually has to call us while we’re at work or while I’m picking up the girls from school.

We had a good chat with Nicky yesterday. He’s doing well. He has been on his mission for almost three months now (he started June 30) and has been in Puerto Rico for about six weeks. Transfers are this week.

In the evening, Zoe had dance class. While she was there, Scotty and I ran over to the high school to decorate a bulletin board for the PTSA. 

We had tater tot casserole (an huge hit) and salad for dinner, and then the night dragged on forever. It was one of those days that leaves you wondering how it could still “be today.” It felt at least four hours too long!

Today: Tuesday

Today was another work day. I got everyone off to school and then worked for about five hours. On the way home I stopped at Smith & Edward’s to get a gift for someone, and they were out of my Tootsie Rolls! Maybe I shouldn’t have blogged about them because surely I’ve made them trend, and now everyone is going to Smith & Edwards’s for my viral candy. 

I ended up being late to pickup Zoe (oops!) 

I took Zoe and Eva to Target because they were feeling the need to spend their hard earned money. I purchased pharmaceuticals and Command hooks (life’s essentials). I did not buy a Stanley flask, but I sure wanted to!

We had shrimp, seasoned rice, and green beans for dinner. I was shocked that all of my girls ate the shrimp and liked it. Our house was really stinky afterward, and it took us a few hours to get rid of the smell. There might still be pockets of garlic odor trapped in some of the closets.

After dinner, Daisy drove to my mom’s without an adult for the first time! I convinced her to give it a whirl (she’s a little hesitant to drive on her own, so we are doing little steps at a time). She dropped Zoe and Eva off to play for a while. Normally they have piano lessons on Tuesdays, but their teacher is out of town. 

While they were gone, Scotty got some yard work done, and I was a bit lazy and can't account for how I spent my time. Daisy and I finished watching Back to the Frontier. I went and picked up Zoe and Eva, and then we got everything ready for tomorrow (showered kids, packed lunches, etc) and got everyone settled in bed. Eva tried to convince us that showering would interfere with her future career as an artist as it would prevent her from being able to "practice art." We were not convinced. So if she fails at life, just know that this was the turning point. 

Tomorrow: Wednesday

Tomorrow is my day off, and I have a lengthy "to do" list. To budget my time, I always keep a running list of tasks to do on my days off work. I keep "need to do's" and "want to do's" on my list so I can have some balance. Tomorrow I have some errands to run, some appointments to make, and some things to take care of around the house. Hopefully I can squeeze in this week's episode of Dancing With the Stars and a round or two of Ark Nova. It should be a good, productive day as long as I don't get too distracted. 

To Yellowstone and Beyond

September Writing Challenge - Prompt #33:

Family Time 

We used to take a lot of little road trips whenever we had the chance. When COVID hit, we had to cancel two trips - one to Moab and one to Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore (it was going to be epic). When life picked back up again, our road trips didn’t resume with as much frequency. Part of this was financial and part of it was because our kids’ extra-curricular activities (particularly Nicky’s) took up a lot of the calendar. 

This school year, I want to take advantage of more of our long weekends and get out of town a bit. As much as I love big trips to places like Orlando, I’m just as happy with shorter, closer places. I just like “going.” 

When I was putting the school schedule in the calendar a few months ago, I noted that the kids would be out of school on Friday, September 19, so I texted Scotty that we needed to find somewhere to go. We discussed a few options, and when it came down to it, I just really wanted to go to Yellowstone. Scotty researched some lodging options, and he decided to book us a little cabin at the KOA just outside of West Yellowstone. 

We left Friday morning. We stopped at Big Jud’s for lunch on the way - the place I ate before The Graduation Incident of 2017. 

They must have known I was coming because they had this sign hanging by the bathrooms:

Well-played, Big Jud’s. Well-played. 

Fortunately there were no incidents, and my avocado bacon burger was delicious!

After lunch, we drove the rest of the way to Yellowstone.

This was our first trip without Nicky. We definitely missed him. 

On Friday we went to Old Faithful and the Old Faithful Lodge (which is such a cool building). 

We pulled off the road a few times to see various hot pots and animals. Our highlight animal encounter this day was a bald eagle that we found while taking a side road. We watched him dive for a big fish, and we pretty much had him all to ourselves!

In the evening we went into West Yellowstone so our gift shop junkies (Zoe and Eva) could get their fix. 

Daisy found herself some boyfriends.

Sometime after dark we got to the KOA and checked into our little cabin and had dinner. Then we went to sleep in the creakiest beds of all time.

On Saturday morning we headed back to the park and drove around all day. We saw bison (including a mama and a baby), mountain goats, lots of elk, and the highlight of the day… a bear cub! I’ve been to Yellowstone 7-8 times in my life, and I’ve never seen a bear, so to see a bear cub was pretty exciting, and we were RIGHT THERE. It was right on the side of the road as we drove past, and a big crowd hadn’t formed around it, so it was like having VIP access. 

I didn’t get a photo of it, but here’s a screen shot from a video clip I took:

We saw lots of waterfalls, geysers, and hot pots. 

(Pretty much all of the photos look like this but with a slightly different puff of steam or waterfall in the background).

Were the girls amazing? Yes. Were they also whiney, lazy, and horrible? Yes! It was an authentic family trip, for sure. 

Other than stopping at Big Jud’s, we brought all our own food, but our girls were obsessed with the McDonald’s in West Yellowstone due to its mountain lodge aesthetic. They begged and begged to go to McDonald’s, so on our way out of West Yellowstone, we made their dreams come true. 

It was an exciting visit because they had root beer, and the Utah McDonald’s don’t have root beer (which is ludicrous- they got rid of it when Nicky was three). 

On our way home, we stopped and saw my friend Shannon, who lives just outside of Rexburg. And yes! She is a potato farmer, so thank you, Idaho stereotypes, for claiming one of my best friends! 

My girls fell in love with small town Idaho, and Zoe didn’t want to leave. She has big potato farming plans for her future and ways to open a potato buffet. 

We made it home Sunday evening. It was a short trip, but we maximized our time and got to do everything we wanted. The best part? We went over homecoming weekend, and I didn’t have to deal with school dance drama! 

Wherein I Rate The Components of Utz Pub Mix From Least Favorite to Favorite

September Writing Challenge - Prompt #1:

Life Lessons

Scotty and I used to buy Pub Mix regularly for road trips and camping. It’s been a really long time since we bought any, but over the past couple of months, I’ve eyed it at Sam’s Club as a potential summer adventure snack. There’s something that has deterred me from buying any, though:

The newly added fake Cheetos! 

Utz has changed their Pub Mix, and while I enjoy Cheetos from time to time, they do not belong in Pub Mix. I caved, though, and decided to buy some last week.

Let me tell you, I was right about those fake Cheetos. They should not be there. I shouldn’t even be calling them Cheetos, because they’re not Cheetos, but I don’t know what else to call them. They are knock-off Cheetos. They have a terrible texture and a horrible flavor. They taste stale, and I would assume their purpose is to be a cheap filler for Pub Mix. There are also way too many of them. 

They are the worst part of the Pub Mix. I ate around them and expect to throw them all in the garbage, making 30% of my Pub Mix inedible. 

Now let’s talk about pretzels. 

I like pretzels. All kinds. All shapes. 

But the pretzels in Utz Pub Mix are lacking. They have a bit of a staleness to them, like their fake Cheetos friends, and there are just way too many pretzels in the mix. I think Utz tries to hide this by offering two different shades of pretzels. 

Unlike the stale Cheetos, I’ll at least eat the pretzels. They’re not great, though. 

Then there are the rice-y things. You know… stuff like these:

I don’t know what any of these are called, but they’re alright. I think what makes them enticing, though, is their scarcity. Utz has made them so uncommon in their pub mix that it makes you excited to get one! They’re probably  not actually good, but we’ve been fooled by their rarity. 

Fortunately we have bagel chips to make up for some of the more blah ingredients. According to AI, the dark ones are Worcestershire flavored and the light ones are nacho cheese. Luckily, they actually have some crunch and don’t seem stale.

I have to say, I prefer these bagel chips to the ones in Gardetto’s. I don’t really care for the ones in Gardetto’s. But Gardetto’s has other offerings that are superior to Utz. 

The best part of Pub Mix, in my opinion, is the sesame chips.

These are the real treat! But what makes them delicious is having to wade through (and consume) all the other components co the mix. Yummy as they are, it wouldn’t be the same to have a bowl full of them. You have to eat them alongside a stale pretzel and a a nacho bagel chip to really appreciate them, much like I have noted with buttered popcorn Jelly Bellies.

Therein lies the life lesson - to truly enjoy the best parts of living, we have to have the not-so-great parts. 

Now who wants to eat all my stale Cheeto rejects? (Life lessons aside, this nonsense has no place in my snacks).