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

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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

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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

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. What's something people might ask you for help with?

Making phone calls or organizing something. 

2. What's something you might ask someone else for help with?

Sewing, or anything that involves spatial relationships.  I would much rather have someone show me how to do something than to have to follow printed instructions with illustrations.  

3.  Did your family take summer vacations when you were a child? If so, where did you go? If you're a parent, did/do you plan summer vacations with your own family? Did/do they resemble those you took as a child?

We went on a few vacations but it wasn't something that was automatically planned each summer.  The ones I remember are Hershey Park, Howe Caverns, upstate NY, and to visit my grandparents and aunt in Florida.  Yes, I am the planner for any vacation we take as a family and yes they resemble the ones I took as a child.

4.   Pool-lake-ocean...which one is most appealing to you on a hot summer day?

The ocean, then a pool.  It is always cooler at the ocean and the water is so refreshing.  I love the waves too.     I don't mind floating around in a pool either ;)  

5.  Have you ever justified using the expression, 'you gotta be cruel to be kind'?  Was it really necessary or were you rationalizing?

Not that I can think of.  I am sure I did quite a few cruel things when I was younger but I don't think I would have thought they were kind.

6.  The Journal of Psychology recently mentioned the results of a survey identifying the ten most hated foods as-liver, lima beans, mayonnaise, mushrooms, eggs, okra, beets, brussel sprouts, tuna, and gelatin.  Of those foods, how many do you actually hate? Anything you'd add to the list? 

I'd say six, although I have to admit I've never had liver, lima beans or okra that I can remember.  I didn't count mayonnaise but it grosses me out unless it is mixed with something or spread thinly on bread.  My husband can eat it off the spoon and it totally grosses me out!  When I was a teenager I had to eat beets on a crazy diet I tried and I almost made myself sick trying.   

7. What's your favorite book or movie set in a beach or lake town?

I'm going with "Flipper", a family favorite.  Plus I love dolphins.  I once swam with them in the Florida Keys, although it was nothing like the way Sandy swims with Flipper.  

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Have a great week!
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. What's one simple small pleasure on your summer 'to-do' list? 

Sitting at the beach with my toes in the sand, listening to the waves come in and the seagulls overhead.

2. Do you have strong feelings or opinions regarding the immigration debate in your home country? Feel free to share your thoughts, but please play nice.

Well, I think immigration is fine if it is done the way it used to be.  Many came through Ellis Island, learned the language, had a sponsor, worked hard and became part of our society.  I don't agree with those who want to come here and not become part of our society.

3.  What's something in your home or wardrobe that could be described as 'star spangled'?

We have a big, beautiful American flag flying on the front of our house.  I also put flags in my vase in the living room.  We all have Old Navy flag shirts too.

4.  Is your house set up for a party?

No.  I still have to do my weekly cleaning ;)  

5. What one never-before-visited city in America, would you most like to see?

Newport, Rhode Island.  I'm an east coast girl and have been to many cities up and down the coast but have only drove through Rhode Island.  I prefer beach cities too :)  

6. Your favorite red food? White food? Blue food?

I will have to choose healthy foods since my doctor put me on a Paleo diet in hopes of calming down my autoimmune thyroid condition.  Red- watermelon, white- grapes, blue- blueberries.  If I were to choose something I can't eat it would be a rainbow ice.

7. What freedom do you value the most, and why?

Freedom of religion.  I am thankful for a country where I am not thrown in jail for carrying a bible.
 
8.  Insert your own random thought here.  

Happy 4th of July!  
~Theresa