Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. Do you believe in miracles?

Yes, I do.

2. What's a recent fad you admit to trying?

 Rainbow loom bracelets.  I do occasionally wear them and have asked my children to make them in seasonal colors for me.  

3. Peppermint-are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite food or beverage containing peppermint?

Yes, I love peppermint.  My favorite is mint chocolate chip ice cream.  Can you go wrong with chocolate and peppermint?  Peppermint bark is another favorite of mine.  I just bought some starlight mints last night to make some :)

4. Break the ice, on thin ice, as cold as ice (emotionally, not literally)...which phrase have you run into most recently? Explain.      
              
I'll say on thin ice.  I've heard some comments that have put people on thin ice recently.

  
5. Have you ever broken or spilled something in someone else's home? Still friends?

I'm sure I have.  The one I remember though is my friend spilling nail polish remover on my mother's end table and then moving the doilie to cover it.  Yes, we were still friends after that.

6.  'Tis the week before Christmas...are you feeling more like Buddy the Elf or theGrinch before his heart grew?

Buddy the Elf :)  Well, not quite that far but closer to him than the Grinch.

7. Share a favorite quote relating to Christmas.

11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
Luke 2:11-14

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am almost finished with my Christmas baking.  So far I've baked Wedding Cakes, Thumbprints, M&M and Sour Cream Cookies (about 478 cookies).  I still have raspberry bars and maple walnut balls to make.  One of my favorite things to do this time of year :)
 Merry Christmas!
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is 'selfie'. Your thoughts? When did you last take a selfie? Do you post them online somewhere?  Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens?

Well it is a cute word, isn't it?  I have had pictures taken of myself before starting a weight loss or workout program but since I didn't take them myself not sure if that counts.  I don't mind getting my picture taken as long as I am with those I love.

2. Will you send out Christmas cards this year? If so, are they ready to go? If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind?

Yes, I am planning on sending out Christmas cards this year.  No they are not ready.  I still need to take pictures for them.

3. Do you trust easily?

I think so, although maybe not with strangers.  I like to think it is being alert rather than  not trusting ;)

4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)...of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?

I love cinnamon although I tend to think of it as a fall scent.  For December I'll say peppermint.  I like peppermint tea and Burt's Bees makes my favorite lip balm which is peppermint.  I need lots of lip balm with the cold weather.

5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?

It feels like I did more listening.  Don't moms do a lot of listening?

6. What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it's back there now :  )

"Rich Girl" by Hall and Oates.  Cole on The Voice sung it last night and it has a very catchy tune.

7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why? 

To be honest I wouldn't have wanted to explore with any of them.  I am reading through US History with my children and really the traveling conditions were awful.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Have a great week :)
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. Are you settling for something?

Not that I can think of.

2.  It wasn't that long ago almost every store in the US locked doors and turned out lights on Thanksgiving Day. This year many will be open all day Thursday, giving shoppers a jump start on 'Black Friday'. In your opinion is this a good thing or a not so good thing? Will you be shopping on Thanksgiving Day?

I don't think it is a good idea.  I will not be shopping on Thanksgiving Day.  I will try to give business to those businesses choosing to stay closed on Thanksgiving Day so that their employees can spend time celebrating with their families.

3. Speaking of shopping... I saw a recent article on the twelve best shopping cities in the world. In order they are-

New York, Tokyo, London, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Vienna, Dubai, Madrid, Milan, and Seoul. 

Ever shopped in any of the cities listed? In which city would you most like to pull out the plastic or cold hard cash?

Yes, I have shopped in New York City and London.  I like to buy things in NYC from the many street vendors.  Pocketbooks and sunglasses are what I remember seeing most.  I used to frequent the city often but haven't been there in years although we are only about one hour east of The Big Apple.

Photo credit here

4.  When did you last dine by candlelight?

On Monday night my husband and I went out to dinner for our 12th wedding anniversary.  We found a great little restaurant in a quaint little seaside town and ate by candlelight.

5. What do you have too much of?

Stuff.  Just too much stuff!

6. The Hunger Games...are you a fan?  Did you read the book(s)?  Will you/have you seen the movie?  Will you/have you seen Catching Fire?  No spoilers please!

I've heard of The Hunger Games but to be honest have no clue what it is about.

7. Share your plans for Thanksgiving Day. The who, the where, the what...especially the what! As in what's for dinner?  If you're one of my International visitors, whose homeland doesn't celebrate American Thanksgiving (the whole world doesn't ya know!), then still tell us your plans for Thursday. 

I am cooking for Thanksgiving Day.  The plan is for my husband and I, along with our kids and my Mom, to bring dinner and dessert over to my in-laws.  It is difficult for my father-in-law to get around so it is just easier to go there.  They only live half a mile away so transporting all the food isn't too hard.  I am making turkey (a 21 pounder), stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, corn, cornbread, cranberry sauce.  I am making the dessert too- coconut custard pie, pumpkin pie, apple pie, along with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.  We always have after dinner mints too.  Since I am trying to stick to my eating plan I will be making a grain free stuffing for myself as well as a few treats for dessert.  I always like having a little bit of everything ;)

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Give thanks to the LORD

for He is good

His love endures forever"

Psalm 107:1

Happy Thanksgiving! 

~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. What lesson has failure taught you?

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.  

2. What decision are you glad you made?

I am glad my husband and I decided to homeschool our children.  

3. I've been a little bit surprised to see fully lit and decorated Christmas trees popping up for the past several weeks in friend's Instagram feeds. So tell the truth-is your tree up and decorated, and if so when did that happen? If not, when will you be decking the halls?

No, I still am enjoying my fall and Thanksgiving decorations.  I plan on starting to put up my Christmas decorations Thanksgiving weekend or the following Monday.  

4. Solitaire-Poker-Rummy-Hearts-Go Fish-Old Maid...which game of cards would you most like to join? 

I love to play 500 Rummy!  

5. This question comes to you courtesy of a Facebook friend, who once upon a time had a blog...When you're feeling stressed do you snack a lot or are you more the 'can't eat' type?

Unfortunately I tend to snack a lot when I am feeling stressed.  I have friends that can't eat when they are stressed and I could never relate.  

6.  Have you ever reviewed a product or service on line? Was your review favorable or less than favorable? 

Yes, I reviewed a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker for CSN and since I was given one for free it was favorable!  I wrote about it here.   I actually used it tonight to make Maple Walnut coconut milk ice cream.  Since I am now dairy free I had to find an alternative.  I mixed one can of coconut milk, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 tsp. vanilla extract in a blender.  Then I poured it into the ice cream maker and let it go for about ten minutes.  I added some chopped walnuts and let them get nice and mixed in.  Delicious!  

7. What was the best conversation you had yesterday? 

It was with my doctor.  She was reviewing my bloodwork and we were discussing what I should do about my overactive thyroid, if anything.  She said she wouldn't do anything since my numbers are moving in the right direction and some are now in range.  It was very encouraging since I have so far refused many treatments including radioactive iodine and anti-thyroid meds which are known to damage your liver.  I'm sticking to eating Paleo, taking my vitamins and supplements and will continue to be monitored.  Most importantly I am praying that God will heal my autoimmune thyroid condition.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Have a great week.  

~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. When it comes to good manners, what two top your list of most important?

Saying please and thank you.  And "uh-huh" doesn't count!  I can't stand when I say thank you and instead of "you're welcome" I get "uh-huh" or "no problem".   To me, that is so rude!  I mean isn't it nice of a store clerk to let me know it is no problem to do their job and ring up my groceries.  How kind ;)

2. Let's open a proverbial can of worms...Common Core.  Are you familiar with the term (talking education reform in the USA)?  If so, care to share your thoughts? In your opinion, what is one of the biggest issues schools (in your home country) face today?

Yes, I am familiar with Common Core.  My thoughts...ugh!  Really from what I see it is driving parents crazy and putting unnecessary stress and pressure on students.  I don't agree with what I know about the scoring either.  For example my niece had a Math test with 100 problems to complete in five minutes.  She answered them all correctly but was graded a 3 (4 being the best score).  Really?!  They weren't word problems, just simple computations so if she answered all of them correctly she could not have done any better.  What is that teaching the students?  To me, it is that your best is never good enough.  For the parents of those students, don't worry they will come out with something new in a few years and call it by a different name.  In education, everything just recycles.
I took a look at some of the Common Core, just to see what all the fuss was about and smiled when I saw that it is what we do as homeschoolers without all the fancy labels ;)  One of the biggest issues with schools today is the lack of discipline, but that is a whole different topic!

3. Name a celebrity whose fashion sense you admire and share why.

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.  She dresses elegantly,  her look is classic, and she always looks so graceful.  Her are some of my favorites:

                         Photo credit here.

4. How are you affected by the changing seasons?

I love that where I live we get to enjoy all four seasons.  There is something I love about each of them.  I love the sense of change and excitement each time the seasons change.  The changing of the seasons makes me happy :)

5. Scariest book you've ever read?

Foxe's Book of Martyrs, even though I didn't actually read it.  My husband was reading it and I was having trouble falling asleep at the time so asked him to read it aloud to me.  Well it actually gave me nightmares!  Here is part of the summary given from Christian Book Distributors:

"This unparalleled volume chronicles the tragic yet triumphant stories of men and women who faced torture and martyrdom rather than deny their vision of truth and of God."

6. What time of day are you most hungry? What's your go-to snack?

I usually get most hungry in the late afternoon.  My go-to snack is walnuts mixed with raisins.  If I'm still hungry I'll add an apple or some grapes.

7. Do you lean more towards being too needy or too independent? Which do you find harder to deal with in others?

Too independent, but I am working on it.  It used to be very difficult for me to ask for help or admit I couldn't do something but now I am learning that I can't be good at everything and do it all!  I think it is harder to deal with someone who is too independent.  For the most part people like to be needed and when someone is too independent they don't give others the opportunity to serve them.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Thanks Joyce for another great week of Hodgepodge.  Happy Wednesday!
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. What was your biggest worry five years ago?  Is it still a worry? 

That I'd always be dizzy.  No, I am thankful my dizziness has improved tremendously although it is not 100% gone...yet ;)  

2. Yesterday (October 15th) was National Grouch Day...what makes you grouchy? What cheers you up when you're feeling grouchy?

Lack of sleep makes me grouchy.  Catching up on sleep makes me happy and if I can't do that a fancy coffee drink usually helps.  I used to eat ice cream but am dairy free now.  My husband says if you want to see me smile, give me ice cream :)

3.  In one word, how does it feel to be photographed?

Nerve-wracking!

4. Besides your parents, who would you say had the greatest influence on you in choosing your life path?  Explain. 

God and His perfect plan for my life.  But if the question is asking about a human being than I would have to say my high school Social Studies teacher.  He is the reason I went on to college to become a teacher.  I wanted to change lives the way he changed mine.

5. The crisp days of autumn are here ...what's something you like to eat, but only if it's crisp?

Grapes.  I don't like soggy or mushy grapes.  I would have said apples but I like them cooked too.

6. What's the most useless object you own?

My sewing machine.  I used it a few times but I get frustrated trying to use it so it's been sitting in my basement for years.  If someone is next to me telling me what to do I can use it otherwise I am lost.

7.  Share a favorite fall memory. 

My wedding day.  We were married in the fall, actually Thanksgiving weekend.  It was a beautiful fall day and we even managed to get some beach pictures in.
See :)  



8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Did you know honey is supposed to be good for many health ailments?  I've been taking a spoonful with some cinnamon sprinkled on it and it seems to be helping with the fall cold I caught.  I read that raw, local honey is best.  It is supposed to help with seasonal allergies too.  It is easy and tastes good.  Have a great week :)
~Theresa

Wednesday Hodgepodge

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1. What's one thing you learned in September?

That I am the one with an accent ;)  We went on vacation after Labor Day and drove from NY to Florida. We stopped in just about every state between (I don't think we stopped in Delaware).  I sure did get some funny looks when I spoke.  I always look hearing other people's accents, I wonder if they like hearing mine- LOL!

2. Acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, yellow squash, zucchini squash, or blech! hold the squash... what's your favorite squash? What's your favorite way to prepare your favorite squash?

I love squash!  My favorite is spaghetti squash.  I cut it open and scoop out the seeds then brush it with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake it.  When it is tender I use a fork to scrape the squash out and serve it with my marinara sauce on top.

3. The older I get the_______________________________.

more I sound like my mother.  Seriously, sometimes I say something and can't believe how much I sound like my mother.  That isn't a bad thing, just funny.

4. What's your favorite television theme song ever?

The "Welcome Back Kotter" theme song.

I love that show and how Mr. Kotter returned to the high school he attended to teach.  I student taught in my high school and it was a great experience.
In the beginning of each episode when the theme song would play they'd show a sign that said "Welcome to Brooklyn".  I don't know if that sign is still up or where exactly it is but when we were getting onto the Verrazano Bridge this is the sign we saw:

In case anyone has trouble reading that it says "Forget About It" Brooklyn style ;)  I think all New Yorkers have a little bit of Brooklyn in them ;)

5. What do you wish you'd spent more time doing five years ago?

Enjoying every moment and not worrying.

6. What item do you most need (or want) to add to your wardrobe this fall?

I need a dress badly.  I have two weddings to attend this month and still no dress.  I ordered two online but am not crazy about them on me.  I am hoping I might change my mind by the end of the week or else I need to go shopping.

7. On October 2, 1950 the Peanuts cartoon was introduced to the world. What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?

Garfield.  It is so funny!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

It is fall, isn't it?  The weather forecast today is for temperatures in the 80s!  I am thinking of how to squeeze in one more beach day :)

~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. What's one thing that's still the same about you as when you were young?

I can't think of much for this answer but maybe I should have asked my family.  I still have a streak of stubbornness in me although I am working on that ;)

2. What's more important-history or science? Why?

History, because it we don't learn from our mistakes we will repeat them.

3. Lima, kidney, string, garbanzo, black or pinto-your favorite bean?

String beans are my favorite.  I don't mind black beans on my nachos or in my enchiladas.

4. What's something people come to your town to do?

To go to the beach or go boating.  There are quite a few town beaches as well as a state one here.  We also have a spot to launch boats from which is usually busy.  

5. When was the last time you were in a meeting? Sum it up for us in five words or less. 

A few weeks ago I was at our church's weekly prayer meeting.  I've missed it the past few weeks since we were on vacation but look forward to going again.  "Praising and petitioning our God."

6. What special event would you like a VIP pass to attend?

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I think I would like to view the floats from an office window instead of with the crowds on the street.  Since I haven't had that opportunity yet, I'll watch it on TV.

7. What's one piece of advice you'd give a writer?

Be careful what you write.  Once the words are out there you can't take them back.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I have missed playing along with the Hodgepodge the past few weeks.  We were supposed to leave for vacation the day after Labor Day but our car was still in the repair shop.  I was hit by an oil truck while at a stop sign and the back window shattered in as well as the whole back hatch being crashed in.  Thankfully no one was seriously injured.  It did aggravate my previous neck problems so I am trying to get to the chiropractor regularly.  Our car was ready on Wednesday evening so we were able to leave Thursday.  We drove down to Florida and stopped along the way there and back to see family and friends.  We were gone for two weeks.  It was a great time of rest for me and the whole family had a wonderful time.  We returned and jumped right into our fall routine.  There's nothing like autumn in NY :)

~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. Labor Day weekend (in the US of A) is approaching...what's something you've labored over this year? 

Keeping my house in order.  Isn't that something that requires constant labor?!

2. What is one word to describe your 'job' or career?

Influential.

3. What was your worst or least favorite job ever? Why?

My first teaching job.  It was great because I was officially a teacher and all the excitement that comes along with that.  But in retrospect it was not the best match.  It was an Orthodox Hebrew school and I am not Jewish.  It was a Special Education Preschool and the class I had was not properly put together.  There were babies along with toddlers, deaf children, emotionally disturbed children as well as physically disabled children.  There really were too many issues going on in one class for one teacher to handle.  Thankfully I left that job before the year was over and found a more suitable one :)  

4. How do you measure contentment?

To me, contentment is measured by the peace you have being exactly where God has placed you in the circumstances He has placed you.  

5. Pickles-like or dislike? What is something you eat that requires a pickle? Dill, bread and butter, sweet gherkins...what's your favorite kind of pickle?

I like pickles, especially on hamburgers.  Bread and butter are my favorite but I like dill as well as baby sweet gherkins.  One of the best snacks using pickles is pickles, salami and cream cheese.  You take a slice of salami and spread cream cheese on it.  Then put a pickle spear down the center and roll it up around the pickle.  It may sound like a strange combination but trust me it is delicious.

6. In your current house-town-state, what is it you like living close to?

The beach!  I love that it is just minutes from my door.  I like to go to the beach all year long, even in the snow :)

7. What is one thing on your 'want-to-do' list before summer draws to an official close?

Go for ice cream, well frozen yogurt for me, at a nearby waterside village.  It is a popular tourist spot, especially since the ferry to and from Connecticut is there, but it is always fun to walk around and look at the little shops.  Actually my husband proposed to me there thirteen years ago this week :)

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. My daughter earned her Master's Degree this past weekend...what's something you've 'mastered' in recent weeks or months?

Eating a Paleo diet and losing 15 lbs :)  My doctor put me on a Paleo diet to calm down my autoimmune thyroid condition.  I started on July 1st and have followed it strictly.  I went for blood work this morning and see my doctor next week to get the results.  Hoping it has helped.

2. What song most reminds you of your childhood?

Who Love You? By Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.  I remember listening to it in my Mom's car when I was a little girl.  I just heard it in the car today and had to crank it up and share it with my kids :)

3. What do you think about single gender groups and/or events? Should everygroup/event be open to both genders?  If not, what sort of exceptions do you think are appropriate? 

I don't think every group or event should be open to both genders.  Some examples are bridal and baby showers (I know couples' showers are becoming quite popular but I think it is a special time for women), men's breakfasts, ladies' book clubs, etc.

4. What's your favorite spice? Your favorite dish containing your favorite spice?

Cinnamon is my favorite spice.  Lately I've been eating it on my sweet potatoes since I can't have butter and it is delicious.  Cinnamon rolls are amazing too!

5.  I saw this question on Marla's facebook page and asked if I could 
steal borrow it for the Hodgepodge...thanks Marla!  

Chevron patterns are everywhere!  Do you like it or think its just a little too much? Do you own anything 'chevron'? 

I like it but don't think it is something I'd wear myself.  It is a very busy pattern but matched with a solid would look nice.  I tend to avoid very busy patterns.

6.  What's something you disliked as a child, but can fully appreciate now?

Bedtimes.  As a kid I remember not liking to go to bed because I thought I might miss something.  Now I love going to bed after a long, tiring day.

7. What can irritate you very quickly?

Rude people, especially when I am the customer.  Good customer service almost always leads to more business from me.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Have a great week :)
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week...what's one thing you could do this week to qualify as a participant?

Since I am working on cleaning out our school supply armoire and putting together our curriculum for the upcoming school year I'd say my book collection.  I was able to purchase a needed book from Ebay and that gave me the idea to list some of my books to sell.  It takes a lot of time to take photos and list items but it is a good way to make more room.  

2. It's also National Peach Month...peach pie, peach cobbler, or please pour me aBellini?  What's your peach pleasure?

Yum, I love peaches.  I know they say Georgia peaches are the best but around here it is Jersey peaches.  I like them plain but given the three choices I'd have to say peach cobbler.  It is delicious, always a hit and simple and quick to make.  

3. Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote, "Do one thing every day that scares you." Agree or disagree...explain.

It depends on what it is that scares you.  If it is something that is good for you and just requires courage then yes.  If it is something that is simply for the sake of thrill seeking then no.  

4. What's your favorite household chore?  Yes-you have to name one.

Does ironing count?  I like to iron just about everything.  Clothes look so much neater and nicer when they are ironed.  If not, then I'd say vacuuming.  If I had my choice I'd have all hardwood floors but since I don't the carpets need vacuuming quite often.  A home just doesn't look clean with a carpet that needs vacuuming.  

5. Fodors recently listed (what they've dubbed) the ten most beautiful sunset spots in America. Click here to read more and see the pretty pictures, but this is their list:

Butterfly Beach in Santa Barbara CA, Mount Haleakala in Maui HI, Old Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe NM, Laguna Beach CA, Hopi Point in Grand Canyon AZ, Four Seasons in Miami FL, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica CA, Gay Head in Martha's Vineyard MA, Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City UT, and Mallory Square in Key West Florida.

Have you seen the sun set from any of these spots?  If you could choose to watch the sun set this weekend from one spot on the Fodors List, which would you choose?  Where was the prettiest sunset you've ever seen?

No, I haven't seen any sunsets from those spots.  I'd choose Mallory Square in Key West Florida.  I've been to the Keys and it is so beautiful there.  I saw a pretty amazing sunset out of my kitchen window just the other night.  The sun was setting over the tall pine trees and the sky was shades of pink and purple.  

6. What's your favorite or most used app?  If you don't use apps how about your favorite or most visited website?

The website I visit the most is Google.  I know I need to get with the new technology but I feel like I am so many steps behind I don't know where to start!  I used to be all up on technology because I knew how to use a computer- hehe.

7. We've recently passed the halfway mark for 2013...write a seven word sentence that sums up your year thus far. 

"Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!"  

Taken from one of my favorite hymns, "Great is Thy Faithfulness".  There are so many blessings all around us each and every day.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  

Have a great week :)
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?

I think there are more humanitarian efforts today than there were when I was a kid.  It seems to me there are a lot of good causes to donate to or volunteer for.  Maybe it is because we are more aware of the problems that exist because of modern technology, but it still is nice to see such a concern for others.

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?

Very simply I'd say the breakdown of the family.

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?

If I had to pick one of the four given I'd choose starfish.  How fun it is to find a starfish in the ocean.  I remember doing that as a kid.  Have you ever heard the Starfish Poem?  It's cute.

STARFISH POEM
One day an old man was walking down the beach just before dawn.  In the distance he saw a young man picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea.  As the old man approached the young man, he asked, "Why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to be a waste of time?"  The young man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun.  The old man exclaimed, "But there must be thousands of starfish.  How can your efforts make any difference?"  The young man looked down at the starfish in his hand and as he threw it to safety in the sea, he said," It makes a difference to this one!"

If I can choose another it would be starfruit.  I haven't had one in many years but I remember as a teenager working in a fruit and vegetable market that sold them.  I learned about a lot of not so common foods that way ;)

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway.

"Home" by Phillip Phillips.



5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?

Since I am now dairy-free it's been a couple of years.  My favorite flavor is mint chocolate chip.  My second favorite is maple walnut.  I'm going to have to figure out how to make it using coconut milk and my ice cream maker.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?

By being a good example.

7. When was the last time you were without power?

Thankfully we only lost cable during Sandy.  Many in our neighborhood were without power including my elderly in-laws.  We did lose power a couple of years ago during a snowstorm but it wasn't for long.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Have a great rest of the week :)
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. July 24th is Amelia Earhart Day.  Earhart was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.  What's something you've recently accomplished solo? 

I can't think of anything for this one.  Maybe after I read everyone else's answers I'll get an idea ;)

2.  What's one product you use that never ever fails?

Magic Eraser.  It works on everything- walls, tubs, sinks, my white stove, sneakers.  I love that is doesn't smell like chemicals.  All I have to do is wet it, start wiping everything down with it and let it do its magic!

3. Have you found your place in the world? Where is it?

Right now my place in the world is at home being the best wife and mom I can be.

4.  Worst movie you ever saw?

Groundhog Day.  I can't stand that movie!  My husband loves it and can watch it over and over but when it's on I quickly find something else to do.

5. What's the last fun thing you did?

Swimming in the Long Island Sound and riding the waves with a boogie board.  I did that with my kids a couple of weeks ago as part of my birthday celebration.  It was a cloudy day and rained off and on, which made for nice waves, especially since that water is usually pretty still.

6. The month of July is named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar...ever been to Rome? What's your favorite Italian dish?

No, I've never been to Rome, but it sure does look beautiful.  My favorite Italian dish is lasagna, but only if it's homemade by me, my sister or my Mom.  Fresh lasagna noodles make a big difference in taste.  We layer homemade sauce, noodles, sausage, sauce, noodles, browned ground beef, sauce, noodles, ricotta, sauce, noodles, sauce and mozzarella.  It is delicious and tastes even better the second day.

7. What is one piece of advice you'd offer new mom Kate Middleton?

Smile when everyone gives you advice and then do what you know is best- love your baby and enjoy every second.
 
8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I think Kate Middleton looks spectaculor, especially for it only being one day since she gave birth!  She has such a lovely way about her.  Prince William did well with choosing her.  

~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!  

1. Picture postcards were first printed back in the mid-1800's and deltiology is the official name for postcard collecting. When did you last send a postcard?  Receive one? Do you save postcards sent to you? Do you collect and/or send postcards when you travel?

I sent a postcard yesterday to our friend's daughter who is serving in teen missions this summer in Russia.  I don't know the last time I received one, however I am expecting one very soon since my Mom is on vacation.  I don't save postcards that are sent to me although that would be a nice thing to collect.  I love to send postcards when I travel.

2. What treat do you most like to indulge in while on vacation?

Ice cream and fast food restaurants that we don't have here, like Hardee's.  Next time I travel down south I would like to try Chick-Fil-A.

3. Are you good at hiding your feelings?

No.  I may be good at it at first but before long my face or voice gives it away.

4. Does your town/city/county still deliver telephone books to your home? Do you check the yellow pages when searching for a local business number or has the internet replaced the phone book in your home?

Yes, we still get phone books delivered to our home.  I hardly ever use the yellow or white pages.  We have free 411, directory assistance, so I usually call there when I need a number, or I do a search on my computer.

5. Would you rather be first or last?

I don't like going first so I'd have to say last.

6. July is National Park and Recreation Month (in America, but everyone can still play along)...where and when were you last in a park?  Did you participate in any recreational activities while you were there?

I was in a town park last Friday.  We were at the beach part and I did some swimming and riding waves :)  We went there for my birthday and since the weather was cloudy/rainy it was like our own private beach.

7.  What was one of your worst ideas?

Just a few weeks ago I thought it would be a good idea to kick a soccer ball while barefoot.  The kids were playing and I thought I would give them a little challenge.  I had wedges on so kicked them off and started running on the grass.  The ball came my way and I gave it a hard kick.  I saw stars and it took just about everything in me to not cry.  My foot bruised and swelled pretty quickly.  I debated going to get it checked but since it was the weekend and I thought they wouldn't do anything since it is only a big toe, I didn't.  It still hurts and kind of has a weird white spot on it (just in case there are any medical people reading this who may know what that means ;)  that looks almost like a flat blister.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Have a great week and for anyone in a heat wave like we are, stay cool!
~Theresa