Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Travels and home...

There's a change in the air this week.  I know it's August but our high temps for the day are now "only" in the 80's.  A sign of the ending of summer?  It's funny that hubby and I sat out on the porch last evening and we said it seemed cool out.  Ha! 

Joyce's first question in this week's Hodgepodge is about a place that stays warm year round!

1. Aloha!  On August 21, 1959 Hawaii officially became a US state.  Have you ever been?  Upon arrival would you prefer an orchid or a hibiscus to tuck behind your ear?

I have been to Hawaii twice. Both times I went to the island of Maui.  My first trip was for my honeymoon...which on the surface sounds like what a great place to get away after a wedding.  BUT, unfortunately on the way to Hawaii my hubby started feeling sick.  He continued to be ill and by the time we arrived he was downright really sick!  I won't go into all the details but I will say that the poor guy had a spinal tap done at Maui Memorial Hospital, and although he didn't have to stay in the hospital  he was not able to enjoy any (and I mean ANY) aspects of our honeymoon!   I dragged him out of the hotel room for 1 photograph.  It was a long 7 days.  We had booked the trip using non-refundable and changeable vouchers.  Thank God my husband slowly got better once we got home (it was a virus that took a good month for complete recovery) and our marriage survived the scary start.

Our second trip to Hawaii was with a group from Coca-cola when hubby worked for them out on the west coast.  That time we were healthy (I was pregnant with our first) and we enjoyed sightseeing and wonderful dinners, etc.  It made up for the first experience.

I would love an orchid tucked in behind my ear.  We have hibiscus here - so getting an orchid is a bit more rare and beautiful.

2. Since we are talking tropical...what's your favorite food made with pineapple?

I love pineapple upside-down cake...but I never have it.  This answer goes with question #4 because my mother used to make it when I was a kid.  It was from a mix but it was WONDERFUL!  I don't think the mix is available anymore.  It came with the batter mix, then brown sugar to sprinkle on, and a small can of pineapple.  Has anybody seen it lately?

3. Do you believe in soul mates?

I believe in two people who find each other and are "meant to be together"... if that's what defines a soul mate.  I have always thought that God had a hand in putting together my hubby and me.   We are NOT alike in everything...so that doesn't make a soul mate.  But, we do have the same direction and we have the same desire in life.  We want to go through the life adventure together.  He is my soul mate.

4. Share a memory about the house you grew up in.

I am definitely hearing the Miranda Lambert song "The House that Built Me" in this question!  

I grew up in a few houses so I don't have the ONE house with memories.  We did a little moving when I was a kid. I went to 2 elementary schools, 2 junior high, and 2 high schools.    One memory of the house in Cleveland Heights is the backyard, which wasn't large but big enough to keep a badminton net up all summer long.  We played badmintion ALOT.  I think it was mostly my brother and me.  He and I also shot baskets on our driveway.  The garage was detached from the house and Dad had hung a backboard on it.  We played many, many games of "Round the World." 

5. Are you comfortable with silence?

Absolutely!  Sometimes I love it.  But, it's not really total silence...because that's when I hear the birds, or other small sounds that can often go unnoticed.  

6. You spot a giant spider on your bedroom wall....what's your next move?  (All spiders are giant, right?) 

I am not afraid of spiders.  So, depending on where the spider is...if it's easy to reach I will probably take a tissue and get it and squish it.  If it's too high to reach I will leave it alone - or get a broom and knock it down.   So, call me if you need a spider "removed."  Now, snakes....that's different!?!  EEEK!

7. My idea of fun does NOT include __________.  

It is not fun to do something, anything, which might hurt another person - phyiscally or emotionally.  Count me out.

8. Random thought.

I am interested to hear what people think of posting pictures and fun times on Facebook.  My hubby and I had a discussion about it this morning.  I am pretty much into "journaling" life on FB and I post a lot of pictures there.  I do not do it in any way, shape, or form to "brag" but he thinks people perceive it that way.  I love using FB to "share" with my family and friends who do not live near by.  I use it so my daughters can see what we are doing.  I love to take pictures and "tag" family and friends.   But, what do you think?  Am I showing off when I do this?  


9 comments:

  1. I don't think you are 'showing off' when you post pictures. I love seeing them! I do think most of us put our best side forward on FB. That can be a pitfall because perhaps we all think that others have a 'better life' because we are just seeing the good side. I try not to post negative stuff (although I'm sure I sometimes do), but when I post about my quilts or accomplishments that could be perceived as showing off. Trust me, there's a lot of BS that I try to just keep quiet about! And, BTW, I *do not* believe in soul mates! :-) and I am very comfortable in silence.

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  2. Thanks Martha. I love seeing your quilts and don't think you are showing off! As a friend, I am happy for your awards - and I also know you work hard and have "a gift" on top of it. Keep the pics coming!

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  3. First, I never visit here until I've already hit my HP post to publish because often we have some similar answers and I don't want to be tempted to change mine : ) In fact as I was writing mine I was singing that Miranda Lambert song!

    Secondly, I really enjoy seeing family pics, activities, travels etc on facebook. I like keeping up with my friends that way and also with their kids and lives, and photos make it easy and fun. It helps me feel connected. I've seen your fb pics-doesn't seem like bragging to me.

    Sounds like quite the honeymoon : )

    If you're on pinterest there are several versions floating around of pineapple upside down cake. I don't know if they make the mix anymore but I think its pretty easy to recreate. There's a cute version made in muffin tins that I'd like to try. A pineapple ring fits perfectly in the bottom of the tin.

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  4. nice post thanks for sharing...i found your blog thrue the hodgepodge...looking for to visit more...blessings from holland...

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  5. Marla, Thanks so much for stopping by. Its always fun to meet new blogging friends.

    Wow! what a tough start to your marriage and in Hawaii nonetheless. That is pitiful! Glad you all got a second chance at visiting Hawaii.

    No, I do not think that you are showing off by posting pictures on FB. I do know what your husband is talking about though and I do feel that there are certain folks that do take it "over the top" and almost ruin the effect of the photos and stories they tell and show. I love sharing my life on FB and put a lot of photos too but do try and do it in a thoughtful and sensitive way so that none is miscommunicated.

    Blessings to you!

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  6. Oh, my, what a memorable honeymoon! Good thing he made it through the wedding before he got sick :)

    As to the facebook question...I know several friends/family members who use FB to fill their need to be the center of attention and the flaunt to the world things that should really be kept personal (not saying that is what you are doing, just my observation of my FB friends). I am wondering when you 'tag' people in pictures, are they in that particular picture or are you just 'tagging' them so they will be sure to see the picture? To me the difference is if the person is actually in the picture - they would most likely want to see it and remember the fun time you all had. If the person is not in the picture and is just being tagged so they will view the picture, I (personally) could see how that could be taken by someone as showing off...I don't know. My hubby and I have gone back and forth about even keeping our facebook accounts for several reasons, so I may not be the right person to answer this question for you - just my two cents :) In the end I guess you have to weigh if it really matters to you what other people think and if that is worth changing how you send out information on FB. Happy Wednesday!

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  7. Thanks for stopping over. Do you know you are a no-reply for comments? Actually I do love summer, I was just tired of my background. September will be here soon!

    That is some story about Hawaii. I like seeing photos on FB. I don't put many there but only because I do them on my blog. When I am out and doing something I will take a picture then share it on FB.

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  8. I have friends who post lots of personal pictures and I don't see it as bragging. They are mostly keeping up with friends and family. I myself post mostly those little joke graphics. Once in a while I throw in something personal but mostly I just add my own funny comments to the graphics. I say if it makes you happy and its not hurting anyone else, keep doing it.

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  9. One of the joys of Facebook is the opportunity to connect and reconnect with friends and family both new and old - which means there are many across the miles. Pix on FB are a great way to stay connected or give your friends a chance to catch up. Anyway who doesn't want to take the time to view what you've posted can just scroll by - but then it's their loss! : )

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