#dash: sloan benowitz

[oliverxsutton]

Oh, that's something different then, but I'm sure they'd talk your ear off then, huh? They can be talkative, usually around the younger age. Teenagers are a little trickier to get through to, I think. I agree--there's something about being innocent and not worrying about much. That age is so vulnerable and impressionable so it's important to help them as much as we can. I'm glad to hear it! It's been a good one as well, I've been working on grading essays for the past week and a half.

Children always are creative, I think that's why I love working with them when I can. I mean I don't because I'm usually working with them for broken bones or issues that aren't ideal, but they always have such good spirits and keep me laughing. Sometimes it's a little sad that we lose that naivety, don't you think? Love that timeless loved characters always make their way into new generations. My holidays were good, was nice to have a break but I hit the ground running once the new year started so I've been incredibly busy. How has the start of your new year been?

[alicezhaox]

We've got a busy flurry of things happening. I always something new to look through when I am working. Well, I am glad I kept pushing to keep the paper copies around. I feel there is some kind of authenticity to it. And to make sure that the paper is some kind of recycled material helps too. Good! I'm glad to hear it. We all need a break sometimes. Did you end up taking some art home? I bought a couple of pieces, now the hard part is to hang it up! I need to go back to the hardware store to buy supplies. You looked stunning, by the way!

Always good when the paper has busy days. I've always appreciated more physical copies of things than digital. I'll have to check it out if you have more articles coming out, congratulations. I can imagine having more and more is always an exciting, but tasking job. Not overworking myself, or well, I am but I'm good, I'm kind of engrained in the life. I'm hoping there'll be some of the artwork that catches my eye, my office could really use some sprucing up, far too plain. Hopefully it won't turn into a bidding war for anyone but I don't doubt local artists would be excited for that! Have you found your dress yet?

[xjoellasuh]

"You're supposed to be telling me to be a grown up and make grown up life choices, Sloan!" Jo giggled. "A dog and a cat. But they get along, right? Kind of?" she twirled her hair in her finger. "We do. And one day we're gonna make it big," she smirked. "Another dog would be fun. They're gentle souls. On the other hand... cats have attitudes that make you question everything. They judge you on the way you eat ice cream in your pjs and socks on a Friday night. Well, if we can't adopt one yet, we might as well play with them, right?"

"You should adopt another cat." Sloan smiled, "Part of me would love to get another cat. I have a cat, and a dog. Ginny my dog, Whiskey my cat. But I don't know how they'd react to another pet in the house." Plus with her schedule she wasn't sure in attempts to get the new member acclimated if it'd be fair. "Childless cat lady's run the world." she chuckled. "I mean... maybe they'd prefer having someone to split up debates we secretly don't know they're having. I suppose I could go the way of another dog too, but that seems like more work... it's so hard isn't it?"

[bryanxlawrence]

It’s become more and more trendy lately! Which I’m actually glad about. So it helps me figure things out a bit. I do want to stick to some authentic flavors like the ones I found in old recipe books that were given to me from my bio family by my social worker. So it’s kind of an investigation into my past. Sweet potatoes, ah, yes. That’s a classic! I’m convinced we’re in some kind of time warp that makes things go way faster than needed.

Fusions is always a good I love seeing a mix of different foods coming together and making more delicious food. I'm huge on the baked macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes. Then again I actually do love turkey, oh and sweet potatoes. I guess you could say the whole meal is pretty much a favorite. It really has to think we're just about two weeks from Christmas and three weeks from a whole new year? How?

[oliverxsutton]

They are very creative. We don't give them enough credit for that. Their minds work in a different way and they typically aren't wrong for it. Just another perspective. We do, probably because we continue to understand what is around us? We lose that some of that hopeful naivety. He does! So kids most likely heard about him from somewhere, I'm not too surprised about that part. How were your holidays?

I can see where it becomes an interesting discussion, and kids just have the best imagination. They just are so creative and able to think outside of the box and really make you think. As we get older we start to see things a little more black and white. Think it's important that they continue to show us to really keep our minds open. Mean he also comes from a book and movie that has transcended multiple generations and still somehow each new generation finds ways that it's important to them.

[oliverxsutton]

Oh, me too. I like to encourage the critical thinking because then it becomes an interesting discussion as well. They have their wits about them and I want them to stay curious, otherwise they'll lose interest. And I don't claim to be the most interesting person either, but I can at least try to meet them halfway. Exactly, they just say what's on their minds. He's very wise, I think that's also what makes him such a classic character that fans love.

I love when a kid really makes me think. They always seem so proud and if that's the case, seeing them happy is always worth it. Even if it is the craziest things or questions that they make up. Brutally honest but with heart behind it. They don't really mean any hard they're just curious little sponges. Is he? I feel like he'd be a pretty cool guy.

[alicezhaox]

I can imagine! The paper has been busy too. I'm working on some more articles coming up as well. Still, as long as you're doing well and not overworking yourself. I'm looking forward to it too! It feels like a while since we've had a big party, but I know this one will be fun and I'm looking forward to seeing all the artwork on display and for sale as well.

Once the beginning of the year started it's been an incredibly busy few weeks in the hospital and even with regular appointments. So I'll admit I haven't had time for any post holiday blues, which is probably a good thing, but definitely feeling a bit overtired. I will say I'm looking forward to this upcoming gala because I love a good reason to put on a dress and get all dressed up. Are you going to be going?

[alicezhaox]

It’s gone by so fast! I don’t even know if I’m ready for the new year. It’s here already, so I best be ready to go. There’s just still so much to do and be ready for. I had just a small celebration, so it was very lowkey and quiet but still nice! And had some time off from work as well. How was your holiday?

There's always something so fun about getting dressed up for a holiday. Not that I want to rush through the holiday but I officially have the next two weeks off starting today and I want to soak up every moment of Christmas before the New Year. Have you gotten everything all set for the holiday, if you celebrate? I feel like I'm so behind but I'm putting on my Christmas movies and hoping I'll finish up wrapping today.

[alicezhaox]

“Maybe once or twice,” Alice said with soft laughter. “That’s why I’m glad the party is for a weekend, that way we can come back for more,” she said with a nod. “This is Audrey,” she smiled. “She’s my little sidekick for today. This is her first beach bash. First a lot of things, actually…” she chuckled. “But we’re absolutely loving being at the beach!”

Glancing at the woman she laughed, "Has anyone ever told you that you are a smart woman?" When she said to have one dish from each truck, "I suppose I can make that happen over the next few days, not have to do all of it in one day." she said as she shifted to see the little girl with her. "Who's this little cutie you've got with you?" she cooed at the little girl who couldn't even be a year old but seemed so happy.

[alicezhaox]

Alice loved the events in town, and even more so now that she could share it with her daughter. Audrey was barely one but she could tell the infant already loved being around people. Now back at work, Alice would make the most of this event and take part in one of her favorite things—tasting the food. She glanced around. “Try a bit of everything, of course. One dish from each truck.”

Who: Alice Zhao & Sloan Benowitz ( @alicezhaox )

Where: End of Summer Beach Bash Food Trucks

When: August 23, 2024

One of the best things about purposely making sure to put time in to have off was getting to enjoy the events she loved. The end of summer parties that Merrock threw were notorious, in the best ways possible. So after throwing on her bathing suit and a simple tank top and shorts she gathered her sunscreen, small backpack with all the essentials, and headed down. First stop? The food trucks because it always had the best variety of what Merrock had to offer. As she got up to the area, she sighed, "How does one choose what to have when there's so much delicious smelling food?" Glancing to the woman at her side.

[alicezhaox]

How's everything been going? I am loving Creek Fest so far. It's probably one of my favorite things during the year.

[bryanxlawrence]

We usually do a fusion type of thing, since my siblings are all from different backgrounds. Tasha and I did a Friendsgiving too, so there was a little bit of everything. So I’ve been busy in the kitchen. What’s your favorite dish for thanksgiving? Or just the holidays in general? The whole year has gone by so quickly.

That's one of the good parts, if you're feeling kind of meh about things, you can make your own favorite foods to enjoy. Did you do a traditional Thanksgiving this year or did you do your speciality of a fusion type of dinner? I am officially excited for the holiday season, I worked on Thanksgiving and today but I will get to enjoy this weekend. Starting with supporting some local businesses tomorrow before taking a very easy day with a delicious dinner.

[bryanxlawrence]

It does! That’s why I love being a chef so much. Can I say both? Thanksgiving has the usual sort of feel to it when it comes to food but I’ll be honest, it’s been a while since I actually cooked a turkey. I usually make something else like spicy noodles and Mongolian beef stir fry. Christmas is when I attempt to make sugar cookies and snickerdoodles. But I am excited for the entire holiday season actually.

Food always makes people happy, at least most people. That's what I've learned, and I'm a very food driven person. Now tell me, are you more looking forward to Thanksgiving for all the delicious food, or for Christmas and all the festivities?

[bryanxlawrence]

Absolutely. Food makes the world go round, right? Makes everything a million times better in my opinion. Oh I get you there, not that I was wearing heels but Tasha had heels on and I know they aren’t the not comfy. Halloween was pretty fun as well, wasn’t it?

It was a good time, better time was the wedding that just happened. Can't complain when you have a couple feeding you good food and just attempting to have a good time all around. Think I could have danced the whole night away if it wasn't for my heels. Now I have to gear up for the craziness that Halloween is going to bring in.

[bryanxlawrence]

And I’m sure it’s not as bad as you say it is! Oh nice, well I hope you had a great time. I know I did. And thank you! I’m looking forward to doing more. We’ve been busy, but a good kind of busy, which means people are coming to eat and talking about it to their friends.

You're right, A for effort and that's always what matters most. Plus I had fun baking regardless. I've been to Creek Fest before, it's my first time there since moving back after several years away. I've been counting down to this week and enjoying every moment thus far. Congratulations on the food truck, I'm stopping by tonight to have some food and looking forward to trying it out. How's it been going?

[bryanxlawrence]

Okay, well, A for effort then, right? The bakery does have some amazing options, that's for sure. Oh, you'll love it. There's a lot to try out. It's a lot of fun!

Let's just say they aren't at the top of my list for best thing I've ever consumed. I think I'm going to stick to buying my sweet treats from the local bakery from now on. Creek Fest is a classic in the fall time, I'm looking forward to it with it being my first time since moving back to town. I don't know how much I'll get out there as far as a ton of time but I'm going to try and pop out a little each day when I can.