Wednesday's Hodgpodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1.  Did you do anything 'memorable' this past weekend?

We didn’t make it to the Memorial Day Parade this year.  Not everyone was up and ready to go that early so we skipped it.  We barbequed on Monday after my husband spent the day power washing his mother’s deck.  It was a nice, quiet weekend. 

2. Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying-

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."  

Your thoughts? Do you somehow acknowledge and appreciate the freedoms you enjoy? Did your upbringing contribute to that sense of appreciation? If you're a parent, are there specific things you do to pass on this sense of responsibility and appreciation to your own children in regard to the freedoms they enjoy?

Yes, I mostly certain appreciate the freedoms we enjoy here in the USA.  I’ve always felt proud that my Dad is a Marine, even though he served before I was born.  My husband’s father served in the Army and we try to talk to our children about their grandfathers’ service often.  I hope my children learn thankfulness to those who serve so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have here.  Simply things like showing respect to those who served and saying thank-you when seeing someone in uniform go a long way. 

3. Loudest noise you've ever heard?

I don’t like loud noises but the only thing that comes to mind is fireworks, when you are up-close they can be very loud. 

4. What was the last thing you ate that might be considered 'junk food'? Did you enjoy it?

Smores, since I consider marshmallows junk food.  I used Trader Joes’ semi-sweet chocolate chips on mine and I don’t think of those as junk food.  Although graham crackers aren’t a staple around here I wouldn’t consider them junk food either.  Yes, I enjoyed it, but I was sugared out afterwards and needed something salty to balance it out ;)

5. When was the last time you were somewhere the crowd felt 'packed in like sardines'?

I hate crowds and do not like being packed in like sardines.  I really can’t think of anything so I’d have to say on an elevator.  At least that is usually a quick ride. 

6. Are you organized when it comes to packing for a trip? Do you make a list weeks in advance or toss items in last minute? Are you a carry-on only sort of packer or do you need an entire suitcase for your shoes?

Yes, I am organized when it comes to packing.  I make lots of lists and check them more than twice.  My husband always says he can relax because he knows I think of everything.  I usually have a separate bag for shoes.  Another benefit to driving to your vacation is there always seems to be room for one more bag in a minivan. 

7. What was the last sporting event you attended in person? Did your team win? Did you care?

On Saturday I attended my children’s soccer game.  Yes, they won and of course I cared.  I don’t think I’ve ever been to a professional sporting event and I don’t care about that. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

It's officially starting to feel like summer.  I have my first bug bites of the season.  Time to break out the citronella candles and my natural bug repellent spray.  Anyone have any other good tips for keeping the bugs away?

~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1.  Did you make someone laugh yesterday? Was it intentional?

Yes, and yes.  I try to make my children laugh every day. 

2. What's a simple question with a complicated answer?

What is the sky blue? 

3. Rhododendrons or azaleas...you have to choose. Are either currently blooming in your yard?

Azaleas!  There is a beautiful bright pink azalea bush that has bloomed outside my bedroom window.  For some reason the one in my backyard hasn’t bloomed yet.  On that note, I have two of the same bushes in my front yard, one on each side of the front door.  One side has bloomed and the other hasn’t.  Isn’t that strange?

4. May 21st is National Waitstaff Day. Have you ever worked as a waiter/waitress? How would you rate the experience? What was the best/worst part of the job?

No, I haven’t.  I would think the best part would be the tips and the worst would be rude customers. 

5. What fashion trend for women should be outlawed? How about one for men?

It should be outlawed for a woman’s bra straps to be shown on purpose.  I don’t care if they are skinny, brightly colored, or whatever, it is still an undergarment and not meant to be shown.  It looks absolutely ridiculous.   For men I would have to say the pants on the ground look.  You know the one where their pants are hanging down and their boxers are showing.  That too is absolutely ridiculous. 

6. Name a writer who inspires you....now tell us why.

The apostle Paul inspires me.  He calls himself the chief of sinners yet was used so mightily by God. 

7. What well known quote or saying sums up your plans for today or this week?

“Do the next thing”.  I have lots to do and if I think too much about it all I can get overwhelmed so instead I need to just keep doing the next thing and it will get done. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. When is your next big deadline? What's it for?

My next deadline is at the end of June, when the school year wraps up.  Our homeschooling paperwork is due then and I still have to give the standardized tests as well as put the rest of it together. 

2. May is National Barbecue Month. Do you prefer cooking indoors or out? What's the best thing about a barbecue? What's the last thing you cooked on an outdoor grill?

I prefer cooking outdoors.  The best thing about barbecuing in the warm months is that the house doesn’t heat up from the oven.  Our barbecue stays out all year long.  I’ve used it in the winter and been out there with an umbrella while it’s raining.  It’s been a while but I’d guess it was steak or hamburgers, two of my favorites. 

3. What is one thing on your "never again" list?

Ha!  When we were on vacation in Virginia Beach I thought it would be fun to rent one of those four person bikes.  Never again!  It was so hard to peddle.  I couldn’t wait to return it.  I guess the people I’ve seen riding one are super fit or ours was defective. 

4. What's something that annoys you about people your own age? Something you love about your generation?

It annoys me when people my age dress like they are still teenagers.  I love that overall my generation made some cool fashion statements and knows good music. 

5. Lilac, iris, hyacinth, pansy...your favorite purple flower?

I’d say lilacs are my favorite, although I usually smell them before I see them. 

6. Whats a song that always calms you down?

“Carolina In My Mind” by James Taylor.  It reminds me of driving down South on vacation and James Taylor’s voice is so soothing.  Joyce, have you listened to it lately? J

7. What's the last thing you donated?

Last Saturday we donated tons of stuff leftover from our yard sale.  There were clothes, handbags, bedding, toys, games, VCR tapes and more. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I missed the Hodgepodge last week.  I was so busy getting ready for our yard sale, I had to keep moving.  I hope you all had a Happy Mother’s Day! 

~Theresa