A Salty Island Hodgepodge

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1. "The cure for anything is salt water-tears, sweat, or the sea." (Isak Dinesan) Would you agree? Of the three, which has 'cured' you most recently?

Yes, I'd agree.  For me the sea is the cure to being stressed.  The sea is calming and helps me put things in perspective.  I look out at God's amazing creation and can't help but remember that He holds it all in His hands and is in control of all things.  It is my favorite place to be and thankfully I live just minutes away from the water.  Here are a couple of my favorite views:

2. What's something you can't eat without salt? Do you normally salt your food a lot, a little, or not at all?

I can't think of something I can't eat without salt.  I usually don't cook with salt since my mother-in-law can't have it because of high blood pressure.  There are some foods I add a little salt to and other foods where I don't miss it. 

3. Sands of time, bury your head in the sand, built on sand, or draw a line in the sand...which sandy phrase could best be applied to something in your life right now? 

Bury your head in the sand.  I don't think it is my head that is in the sand and I'll leave it at that ;)

4. A favorite book, movie, or song with an island setting or theme? 

"Islands in The Stream" by Dolly Pardon and Kenny Rogers.  It brings back fun memories of being in Florida and singing it at Karaoke at one of the theme parks.  That was the same night I saw Bobby Brown walking around (he was part of New Edition back in the 80s).  I thought that was the coolest!

5. Yesterday-did you run your day or did it run you? How so?

I ran my day because for part of it I did nothing and needed that break.

6. You're on an island holiday. Will I most likely find you parked in a beach chair, shopping in town, on the back of a jet ski, or snorkeling off the back of a catamaran?

I'd be parked in a beach chair with my toes in the sand, drying off from a swim.  I've always wanted to jet ski but haven't done that yet. 

7. What do you think we humans most take for granted?

Sadly, each other. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I usually avoid political talk but... is anyone else embarrassed for our country?  I am all for free speech but I think the way some of the protesters and marchers are acting crosses the line.  When adults model kicking and screaming when they don't get their way should we be surprised when the young people do the same?  Shameful.  Despite that I think the new president is off to a great start.

ASAP Hodgepodge

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1. ASAP typically stands for 'as soon as possible'. What else could it stand for in your life right now?

 

Always Speak After Prayer.  I have been in some challenging situations recently and I think it would benefit me greatly to pray before opening my mouth. 

2. Are you the last person to speak up in a group or the first to have an idea? Why do you suppose that is? Is it a good thing or no?

I think it depends on what the topic is.  If it is something I am comfortable with I will usually speak up right away.  If it is something I am not confident about I will wait and listen.  I think it is a good thing. 

3. What do you remember best about being 12? 

 

Wanting to be with my friends all the time, thinking that the most important thing to do was to hang out with them. 

4. January 18th is National Winnie the Pooh Day. Which character do you relate to the most, and why? If you're stumped go here for inspiration. 

 

I took the quiz and I agree.

 

 

5. What's an app you use that helps simplify or make life easier for you in some way? 

I just recently got my first smartphone and am still exploring apps.  I use The Weather Channel to help when choosing what to wear. 

 

6. San Francisco (CA), San Diego (CA), San Juan (PR) San Antonio (TX) Sanibel (FL)...you have an all expenses paid long weekend to one of these destinations. Which one do you choose and why?

I would pick Sanibel, Florida because I'd be close enough to visit my aunt or have her come join us.  I've been to San Juan and it is beautiful and the weather gorgous; I've been to Texas and it is way too hot for me; haven't been to California yet but don't really have a desire to go.  I'm an east coast girl, through and through. 

 

7. Share with us a song that makes you feel nostalgic? For what? 

"Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams makes me feel nostalgic for the days of summer when I was a teenager and didn't carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. 

 

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

 

On January 2nd, I started a whole30.  Basically I only eat meat, veggies, some fruit, nuts and healthy oils.  I've done it a few times before and it is a great way to reset your metabolism and get rid of cravings.  I also added in Intermittent Fasting (I try not to eat anything after 7 p.m. and don't eat breakfast until somewhere between 9 and 11).  So far I have lost 16 lbs.  I have a way to go still but it feels good to be back on track.  If you are interested you can learn more about whole30 here:

www.whole30.com

 

 

 

Hands Up For The New Year Hodgepodge

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1. Share one favorite moment/memory from your Christmas holiday.

Gathering with my family for Christmas dinner, sitting around the table talking and playing games, relaxing and enjoying their company. 

2. What was the best thing you ate over the holidays? Was it homemade or store bought? If it was homemade did you make it?

Homemade stuffed shells that I made for Christmas Eve, along with meatballs, salad and Italian bread from the best bakery which happens to be in my town :)  I usually do not eat them because of the cheese but this year I decided to enjoy.  Plus I know I'd be starting a Whole30 in January to reset and get back on track. 

3. What was one of the most beautiful things you saw over the holidays?

My Christmas tree.  I still have it up and it is so beautiful when it is lit. 

4. What does fresh start mean to you?

No looking back, making changes and forging ahead with a brand new resolve.

5. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very positive and 1 being not so great) how would you rate 2016 in terms of personal achievement and well being? Explain. 

I would say a 7.  What did I achieve?  Not much, except I spent the year living in our new home caring for my elderly mother-in-law while homeschooling my children, running the household and trying to love others.  Actually that is a lot to me.  My thyroid stayed in normal range after being diagnosed with Graves Disease a few years ago, there is no trace of it now.  In the Spring my dizziness acted up and made everyday things a bit more challenging.  Still, I am thankful. 

6. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse, or just general uselessness. Go here to read more about how the words were chosen or, if you're like me, to find out what in the world the word or phrase even means or the context in which it's used. There were quite a few on this year's list I'd never heard before.

Here's the 2017 list of banished words-

You, Sir-focus-Bete Noire-Town Hall Meeting-Post Truth-guesstimate-831-historic-manicured-echo chamber-on fleek-bigly-ghost-Dadbod-listicle-get your dander up-selfie drone-frankenfruit-disruption

Which word on the list would you most like to see banished in 2017? What word or phrase would you add to the list?

I haven't heard of many of these.  I can't think of a word that I'd like to add to the list but I'm sure I will when I read other Hodgepodgers' answers. 

7. Large or small, light or deep, share with us one goal you have for the new year. 

To get back to clean eating, be stronger and in better shape.

8. Insert your own random thought here.