Tuesday, January 13, 2015

First Hodgepodge of 2015

I'm happy to report the hodgepodge questions are back, and that our leader Joyce's daughter's wedding in early January was a smashing success and a beautiful day!  Joyce has posted some pictures and stories about the big day that I have been enjoying very much.  Especially, since you know "our" wedding (really my daughter's but I'm pretty immersed in it) is only a few months away.

I will have separate posts soon about our wedding preparation.  But, in the meantime, here are the Hodgepodge questions and my answers.

1.  What's the best advice for a newly married couple?  I'm asking for a friend. 

I think my best advice is to be realistic.  After the exciting, fairy-tale wedding day it's important to realize that real life together is a day to day "challenge" and that there will be wonderful times together but also times when you may question this new union.  Hopefully a couple won't question it too much - because then perhaps the marriage should not have happened.  And, really, when the down days come along the two should be their first advocate for each other. It is them against the world.

Saying that, I want to add that including God in marriage is important too.  Vows said in front of God, and with God's help, will bond a couple.   I believe there is a deeper connection, and hopefully a stronger love when God is in the marriage too.

2.  What were you doing on December 31st, 1999?  And, did you or your family make preparations for Y2K?

I remember that New Year's Eve very well.  We were here at the beach - but not living here full-time yet. We had come down for Christmas and New Year's to spend it with hubby's mother.  We stayed in New Year's Eve  and went to bed early because hubby, our two daughter's, and I, set the alarm... and got up before sunrise.  We threw on jackets and went out on to the sandy beach to watch the very first sunrise of the new millineum come over the Atlantic Ocean.  We made mimosas and toasted to the new year!  

I took pictures that morning and made a collage that hangs in our hallway today. 

Did we make preparations for Y2K?    No.  I think we felt pretty confident that the world was not going to come unglued because the numbers changed on the computers!    But, boy, what a big deal some people made of it!

3.  According to Global Language Monitor, the most used word of 2014 isn't a word. It's the heart emoji.  Huh?  What do you think was the most used word? 

First, let me say that I think it's pretty nice that the most used "thing" was a heart, a representation of love!  I'm a big emoji user when texting... I tend to use a smiley face a lot.  Followed by the thumbs-up symbol/emoji.

The most used word?   Well, on TV it was probably "terrorist" and isn't that sad?     But, in every day language I think the word "awesome" is used too much, and I am including myself in over-using it.   Instead of the word being used for absolutely amazing things or experiences, it is now used for saying "yes, I like that!"

4.  Speaking of words, it's that time again. Time for Lake Superior University to present a list of words they'd like to see banished (for over-use, mis-use, and general uselessness) in 2015.  This year's top vote getters are - 

bae (before everyone else), polar vortex, hack, skill set, swag, curate/curated, friend-raising, enhanced interrogation, cra-cra (as in crazy), takeaway, and -nation (a suffering sports suffix.) 

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why?  Is there a word not on the list you would like to add?

Where have I been? I've never heard of bae.   The other words and phrases don't upset me EXCEPT "enhanced interrogation"....  which really is a "nicer" way of saying torturing.  I'm not for it.  I think our country should be above those tactics.   Many of use claim to be moral, and that we live as a follower of Jesus (who was totally non-violent and against abuse)  but yet think "enhanced interogation" is okay.   I do not.

5.  January is National Tea Month.  Are you a fan?  Do you like flavored teas?  How do you take your tea? Have a favorite cup or teapot? 

When it comes to hot beverages I am a coffee drinker all the way!  I do not drink hot tea.

But, I drink sweet tea when I want something cool and refreshing!

6.  Whatever happened to ________________?

the band Devo?   to neru jackets?  to Ben Murphy (actor on "Alias Smith & Jones")?  I thought he was adorable.  

Sorry, that's all I can come up with for this question.

7.  What is one book on your must-read list this winter. 

 I have just started "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr.  I am going on a cruise later next week for 5 days and plan to take it along and read it then - sitting on a chaise-lounge, in the Caribbean, in the warmth...      are you jealous??   ( :

8.  My random thought. 

Yesterday I had "one of those days" and I wrote about it in the post right before this.  It has to do with doctor's office visits, and with prescription refills.   If you have a moment, read it. I'd like to hear your thoughts on being a "client" at a doctor's office.  How do you feel?  How are you treated?

Have a safe, healthy week ahead bloggers!  See you back here next week. 

3 comments:

  1. I used to love Alias Smith and Jones. Haven't thought about that in ages, but now I might have to google him and see what happened to him after the show. I have All the Light We Cannot See on my list too. My sister in law absolutely loved it, and it was at the top of all the must-read lists last year. Enjoy your getaway. I could use a beach vacation right about now : )

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  2. Enjoy your cruise! I like the memory you made w/your family on January 1, 2000.

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  3. I enjoyed reading your Y2K memories, and how neat that you thought to preserve them, too!

    I read your post, yesterday, about your experience at the doctor's office. Sadly, it seems yours is not an unusual scenario in today's world of healthcare.


    Gone are the days of short waits, easily acquired appointments (and prescriptions), and the feeling that doctors really care about us. We can thank the government's involvement in the healthcare industry for these changes.

    Many doctors are now on hospital payrolls, instead of depending on their patients for livelihood. Therefore, it doesn't matter how many patients they see anymore, they get paid, regardless.

    Everyone is so impersonal, these days. The doctors, here, don't even make rounds to visit their own patients in the hospital! There's a staff physician who does it for them. Ridiculous!

    My husband's worked in the healthcare for over 40 years, and I've had chronic health issues for 20, so I speak from experience from both sides. We both hate the direction healthcare has taken! I'm afraid it's only going to continue to get worse! Hang on for the bumpy ride :(

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