Sometimes your choices are limited. Sometimes they’re basically nonexistent. Sometimes you live in a town where their definition of cuisine ranges between a Waffle House and another Waffle House. July’s VAMP is all about the limited options we have in life. Or it’s about whatever the hell you want it to be because you know what, these themes are meant to get those fingers of your typey-typing on those keyboards, so fire ‘em up, would ya?

Sometimes you tear it up in a good way. Tear up the dance floor. Tear up the day, productivity-wise. Tear up a paycheck after a mobile deposit. (So satisfying.)

But then there are times when you get torn up. You go through it. You maybe don’t come out the other side. Or if you do, you’re a changed person.

What does “Tore Up” mean to you? We desperately want to know. So think up a true story, drop your name in the hat, and let’s tear this up.

There’s a first time for everything, ain’t there? Rodeos don’t exactly hold a monopoly on first-time experiences. Maybe it was your first time trying soft-serve ice cream. Or trying soft-serve ice cream in the middle of an existential crisis. Or having an existential crisis in the middle of a rodeo at which they served soft-serve ice cream.

You know what, let’s leave it to you to figure out the “first time” of it all. Send us your stories on experiencing life one first at a time.

When was the last time you actively pursued a goal? Even if that goal was mustering up the willpower to not eat all of the remaining Wheat Thins in the pantry because you know if you do, it’ll just lead to a passive aggressive argument with your (INSERT COHABITATION PARTNER HERE).

Seriously though, September’s VAMP is all about the indecisive ones. The procrastinators. So like … all of us.

But ”Fish or Cut Bait” is also about clearing the way for others. Learning to let go. Contributing to a shared goal.

Or it’s just some phrase old guys use to confuse children. Either way, hop in the boat and let’s do this.

Please take a deep breath. We are going to get through this holiday season together.

To be honest, though, this month’s VAMP doesn’t have to be about gathering around the dinner table and praying to whatever god you do or do not believe in that politics doesn’t get brought up.

But it’s not NOT about that either.

Bring us your stories on the guests that cross our paths. The people who come in and out of our lives, be they invited or otherwise.