Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A "Super" Hodgepodge!

 Here are the questions and my answers.

1. In the USA this coming Sunday millions will be watching as the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.  What was the last event you attended that could be described as super?

In December I went on a whirlwind weekend to Las Vegas and saw Tim McGraw and Faith Hill together in their "Soul To Soul 2" concert series.  It was SUPER in many ways - super time with family, super food, and super hotel - and super-dooper concert by Tim and Faith!

Before that a REALLY super event I attended  - twice now (and I am going again this June) is the CMA Music Festival in Nashville.  Yes, it's SUPER fantastic!!!

2. Share something you're a fan of these days?

Besides my on-going love for my family, my friends, my church,  country music, and this beautiful area where I live - I am a fan of football!  This Sunday is the last game of the season - and it makes me a little sad to have football be over for awhile.  I prefer SEC college football but I like watching the pros play too.  After this Sunday I will have to wait until the end of August for the excitment to start up again.  ) :

3. How do you feel about wings (the edible appetizer kind)?  What is your preferred seasoning: hot, mild, teriyiaki, sweet & sour, other?  Do you make your own or is there a favorite place you like to go for wings?

I do enjoy wings I just don't eat them often.  Yes, they are definitely yummy to gnaw on...and it takes a while to munch away before getting full, I just prefer other "game day food".   I have never baked my own wings.  We have a restaurant/bar just five minutes from us called "Carolina Wings" so I could get them there.  But, I never had.  Everytime I have eaten at "Carolina Wings" I have ordered something else!  Go figure.

4. As long as we're talking sports today... have you followed the Lance Armstrong story?  Did you watch his interview with Oprah and if so, what was your reaction to his confession and his subsequent remarks?

I have been very aware of the whole illegal doping problem in the competitive bicyling world, and I know about Lance Armstrong in particular.  I did watch both nights of Oprah's interview with Lance.   My thoughts?  I think Lance had no moral delimna going on in his head when he was doping...and was/is only sad that he got caught and had to give up his titles and leave his own foundation.  Had he been able to get away with it, he would have continued to "live the lie" and been fine.  Yes, he's remorseful now. And, yes, he has God and his family & friends to answer to, to say he is sorry and to ask for forgiveness.  I hope everything he has gone through has made him a "freer" man, and maybe one day it will make him a happier man.   I don't know though.

5. What's a question you hate to be asked?

What is your job?       I have struggled with that question ever since I left the "business world" and left working outside the home...and that was a long, long, long time ago.  I always feel myself trying to come up with an answer that sounds like what I do is "good enough" and I know it's my own shortcoming.  I should be proud of my years as a mother to my daughters (and I am very proud of them!!), and I should be proud of the ways I spend my days now, volunteering and enjoying life.   But I still worry what people think of me and I worry that I don't make a difference in the world.

6.  The coaches in Sunday's big game happen to be real life brothers.  Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49ers and his brother John coaches the Baltimore Ravens.  Were you and your sibling(s) competitive? In what way?  Are you still?

First, let me say I think it's pretty cool that two brothers are coaching the top two teams this year!  It's another wonderful football family, like the Mannings!    I don't feel my siblings and I were competitive when we were growing up.  My sister is 5 years older so she and I were always in different schools, and had different friends and interests.  My brother is 3 years older, and being different sexes we had different interests too.   I have never felt like I had to compete to win our parents attention - or to succeed in something I liked.   I will say though, that even after all these years I still feel my "birth order" and feel like the baby...which is both good and bad.  

7. What's your favorite game involving a ball and when did you last play?

My favorite game to watch is definitely football!  My favorite game to play is golf, even though I'm not good at it.  I played a week ago Thursday, and I am going out later today to play again.  I don't expect a great score but I enjoy being outdoors, and getting a bit of exercise.

8. My random thought for this week: 

January went by fast....yeah!  I'm not a big fan of January and February.  I like warm weather, and even though this past January has been an unseasonably nice one, I still count the days until we get consistent warm days! 

I'd love to hear your responses about the game questions above, and what you find SUPER in your life!  So, send me a note.  Oh, and who are you rooting for on Sunday?   I'm hoping the Ravens win.  I used to live in Baltimore and have a warm spot in my heart for "Charm City".  I watched a piece on Ray Lewis last night and the guy is too cocky for me, but I know he would love to go out with a big Super Bowl win.   Most of all, I want an exciting game to watch!  And clever commercials too!!!    Do you think Beyonce will lip-sync at halftime?  How could she possibly after the huge bruhaha over lip-syncing at the inauguration?!?!







Friday, January 25, 2013

It's JUST the weather.

Here we are closing in on the end of January.  It's the season of winter so it's supposed to be cold.  I know, I know.  Isn't that what we are to expect?  Of course!

But, my question is if it's "just" the weather WHY does it effect everything we do?  Is there anybody out there who thinks weather is not a factor in how you live your life?  Really?    I'm wondering.

Yes, cold weather certainly makes a difference in how I live my life.  When it turns cold I go outside as little as possible and I run out...and then run back in.  Grab the paper on the driveway, put the trash out fast.  Go from house to car - car to store - store to house.   Gone are the days of piddling in the yard, or taking the dog on a nice, long walk. Gone is sitting out back with a glass of wine and a good book.  Gone is golfing, or boating... or gardening.   Gone is hearing the birds. All these are favorites of mine. 

I know I live in a holding pattern until the warmth returns.  I try to find things to do to fill my "indoors days."   Reading, cleaning out drawers and closets,  and such.  

I admire (or think they are crazy) people who live north and in much colder climates.  It takes a different attitude to keep on going, to not let cold (and heaven help them, snow and sleet) stop them from living life.   I think "thank goodness they like cold weather, or we'd all be cramped into the southern states."  I love my little piece of paradise here - so you'll don't have to come! HA!!! 

So, I'll wait.  I will continue to clean and read - and write blogs - and wait til I can get outdoors again.   It won't be too long, especially here.   Come on Spring!  

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Communicating...

I was very impressed with the Inauguration yesterday.  I know it's not one of Joyce's Hodgepodge questions, but if you watched the ceremony and festivities on TV, what part was your favorite?

Our Hodgepodge leader Joyce has laryngitis but she can still type!  Thank goodness!  (Feel better Joyce!) So, here are the weekly Hodgepodge questions and my answers.  As always, I'd love to hear your answers and opinions.

1. The popular saying 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly.  Is he right?

No!  I believe that this saying gives people the freedom, or right, to say anything, or worse to behave anyway they want to, all because they are emotional.  It gives people permission to act anyway they want thinking they are doing it out of love or because they are upset.   Rational people know that it isn't a smart thing to do, and sometimes it's even against the law.  Even if a person has been treated horribly by someone else God tells us it's better to turn the other cheek... and to pray for them.

2. Are you a cereal eater?  What's your favorite kind?

I do not eat cereal for breakfast.  But, I keep it in the house for family and guests.  I will on occasion eat cereal if I haven't been to the store and there's nothing else in the cupboard to eat.   If that's the case, I usually mix a couple of kinds: a Special K with a granola.  And, I will add some cranberries on top for sweetness.

3.  A five year old in PA was recently given a ten day suspension for talking with a friend about shooting another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the gun blows bubbles.) She did not have the gun with her at school.  A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record.  The suspension was later reduced to 2 days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file.   Your thoughts?

Oh my!  Well, we are living in a world frightened by guns - with good reason.  I guess my first question is 'why did the toy manufactor feel it was okay to make a Hello Kitty bubble GUN?'  Did it look like a gun?  (I know, free enterprise... ) Next question: 'Why did the parents buy a small child something that looks and acts like a gun?'   I think the psychological evaluation should have really been given to the parents! ha!!  Because, really, how can a 5 year old know about using a gun to shoot a person??   And, of course, the parents are suing...   why am I not surprised. 

4.  Whatever happened to ______________? 

Common sense? A slower pace?  Pop rocks?  Neru jackets? 


5.  January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reaquaint yourself with a pen and pencil.  Do you like your handwriting?  Do you prefer to print or write in cursive?  This date was chosen because it's the birth date of John  Hancock.  What's the last thing you signed your name to?

My handwriting is fine. It's legible - and, yes,  I write okay even being a leftie!  I use cursive when I want what I am writing to be more formal/traditional...example: when writing a thank-you note.  I can write cursive faster than I can print.  The last thing I signed my name to was the credit card machine at the Piggly Wiggly on Sunday afternoon. 

6.  Speaking of John  Hancock...ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?

Yes, I have been to Philadelphia a few times.  It's been a long time though - and this answer is for my best girlfriend Sue, who lives there -  I swould like to go back sometime to see her!!!  I don't have a desire to see the city again, but I would love to spend more time hanging with my dear friend!   

7. Share something funny you've heard a child say.

 As Art Linkletter used to say 'Children say the darnest things!!'    (Gee, that makes me think of #3 above. Yikes.)   Well, when one of my daughters was young we family members were together playing Pic-tionary.   She was only 4 or 5 years old and my sister was drawing something that nobody was identifying.  Out of the blue my daughter yelled "liposuction!!!"         

8. My random thought.

One of my new year's resolutions was to give Twitter a try.  So, I have started to tweet and I am enjoying following others, mostly country music people, TV stars, and athletes.  I only have 18 people following me...and that's ok.  I don't have too much that is profound to tweet and I use Facebook more often.  I'm wondering: do you tweet?   Which social outlet do you prefer? 

Have a great week everyone!   





Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Appearance vs. comfort

As some of you know my hubby is living here at home 24/7 now after years of commuting between states for work.  It's been a pretty good adjustment for me. I was quite used to having MY time (my remote, my dinner food, my hours, etc.) Monday through Friday.  But, we get along well - thankfully. I guess that's why we are still married after 27 years.

But, sometimes my blog is a nice place to rant a little...  and so I will use it today to get out a bit of frustration.  I'm sure I am not alone in this.  In the whole realm of things it's pretty insignificant, but it's disturbing to me none the less...

I take pride in the "look" of my home.  I like the way I have decorated the interior. I'm not a professional decorator but I like to think I have some skill in putting rooms together.   I enjoy a pretty house, one that is pleasing to the eye.  I like to come in the door after being out for awhile and find everything more or less in it's place at home.  

So, I have been challenged since hubby is home all the time now.  He tends to re-arrange furniture and things solely on function, with no thought of appearance.  I get it.  He wants the table with the light and a place for his drink right next to his favorite chair - with the ottoman in front of it.  He drops his shoes there when he puts his feet up.   He is thinking totally about ease, and comfort. 

Home is a place to relax.  I want that for him.  Really I do!

So, in my mind I have this constant battle about HIS home and HIS comfort vs. MY home and MY appearance issues.  I think about "what if somebody unexpectedly knocked on the door and we invited them in?"   What would they see?  

Yes, you can tell me I'm being too particular, too concerned about "appearances".  I agree with you.  But, it's still there. I find myself "following up" after him.  Putting thing back in place, straightening, and closing doors (kitchen cupboards and closets.)  

I guess it's the difference between the sexes.  I guess it's the difference between what makes a person "relaxed" too.  I'm more relaxed/content when I see everything in place.  I am a visual person.  So, I look around and think "that looks good."

Ok. I have given in and allowed recliners to come into the house.  I am not a fan of them - visually.  I'm trying!  Really I am!!!!

So, now you all think I'm pretty petty.  I have my moments - and my issues.  I confess it. 

Aaaaaah.  Rant is done.  Nothing is different.  But, I feel better.  Thank you blog.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

It's time for the Hodgepodge!

I can't believe it's January 15th already.  January is half over. It was a month ago today that I was with my family in Las Vegas getting ready to see Tim McGraw & Faith Hill in concert.  What a fun weekend it was! 

But, now, it's a new month - and a new year - and a new weekly Hodgepodge! Here are the questions and my answers.

1Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English...here's the list for 2013 -  fiscal cliff, kick the can down the road, double down, job creators/creations, passion/passionate, yolo (you only live once), spoiler alert, bucket list, trending, superfood, boneless wing, and guru.    Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why?

Some of the words/phrases above I really like... but the one phrase I'd love to see gone is 'fiscal cliff'...and I want it gone because I don't want to keep hearing how the US is teetering on a financial depression. I watched President Obama's press conference yesterday and I agree with what he said when he said that the US must pay its debts, even if it means money going out that it above the fiscal ceiling.  I also agree that our Congress has to learn to work and enact laws before we all get into a panic situation.   I want to see the phrase 'fiscal cliff' gone because I want our country to live with smart, secure laws to prevent the situation from happening.

PS:  There are boneless wings?  I didn't know.

2.  When was the last time you rode on a train?

I am guessing Joyce's question here does not include the airport shuttle train....or a subway train.   I have only ridden once on what I consider a real train and that was when I was in my 20's and I took the Amtrak from Baltimore to Miami.  Sounds fun...   but it was LONG!  I was surprised how often the train stopped. Many, many small towns have train stations and we stopped at all of them! Ha!  It was an interesting experience to do...once.

3. Bagels - yay or nay?  Favorite flavor?  Favorite topping?

Yes, I like bagels and would get them from time to time when I lived in New Jersey.  That part of the country has the best bagels. I don't eat them often since moving.  My favorite flavor:  cinnamon and raison. Topping?  Lots of cream cheese slathered on top of the warm bagel.   So, maybe it's a good thing I don't eat them often!  ha! 

4. Tis the season of awards shows...if you could star in a movie already made which one would you choose?

Wow!  Interesting question.  If I'm going to dream, let me dream big!  I think it would be a musical because if I'm dreaming than I'm an excellent singer and dancer!  And, I get the romantic, handsome guy!  What movie has that?   Perhaps I'd be the female star in "Grease" or in "Sound of Music"...    yep, that would be nice! ( :

5. The move towards single gender classrooms has been making the news in recent months...what say you? do you think kids perform better if separated by gender and are taught differently or is that discrimination?  If you're a parent, is this something you'd support in regard to your own children?

I think each unique child learns/performs in their own way. I don't think it's a gender difference. I know of girls that are studious and sit still but I also know some that need alternative options for the classroom. I know boys that excel in a "normal classroom" but others that need a different setup.  So, it's a student by student decision - and it should come from the parents & teachers together.   Yes, I would place my children into alternative teaching classrooms if I thought it would be the best way for them to learn.  Of course.

6. What's your favorite thing about staying in a hotel?

Just one thing?    Well, if I'm saying what I like then it's got to be from a 4 star hotel - with a wonderful king size bed with one of those great comforters on it!  I love them!!  I love a really fancy, clean bathroom too!   Mini-bars are nice too!

7. Do you have a 'word' for 2013?  What's the story behind your choice?

This is a bloggers question.  I have noticed some of my blogging friends have picked a word - to use, or to live by this year. I have not picked one....til now.   How about grace?  Yes - I thi k that's an appropriate word for the year.  God loves me and never gives up on me - with His grace.  I should offer grace to those I know, or don't know and meet along my way each day. 

8. My random thought.

I am excited for "American Idol" starting back up tomorrow night!  I have watched AI since the beginning and still consider it the best of the talent shows on TV.  Some megastars have been discovered from the show. My favorites:  Carrie Underwood, Kris Allen, Phillip Phillips.    It's the one show I have picked up the phone and voted on.  I especially look forward to seeing new judge Keith Urban!!  He's one of my favorite musicians - the guy is a triple threat:  writer, singer, musician.  And, he's cute.  I can't wait how he deals with the diva ladies he is sitting with on the panel!  

Have a good week friends! 





Tuesday, January 8, 2013

A true Hodgepodge of questions.

Hodgepodge time.  It's a truly diverse set of questions this week.

1. What is one thing or area in your home or life you hope to report is completely organized when 2013 draws to a close?  Do you have plans to make it happen?

I can't think of anything major that needs done.  There are always some closets and the garage to get better organized.  That's an ongoing project.  I should probably buy more clear storage bins to keep items in for safe keeping.  Question:  What should I do with my hundreds of VHS movies?  They are taking up closet space because I can't bear to just toss them.  But, really, does anybody really want them anymore? 

2. What's the worst uniform you've ever had to wear for a job?

I have only held two jobs that required a uniform.  Back in high school I worked for a time at the local Burger king, and then at the Ponderosa Steakhouse.  Neither of those uniforms were very attractive.  ha

3.  What was you last kitchen 'mishap'?

Well, being that I don't cook a lot, and that I am not an adventurous cook, I'd have to think back a long way to come up with a 'mishap'...something that totally turned out bad and unedible.   I do remember making sugar cookies one Christmas and instead of putting in flour I reached for the sugar bag  and put in sugar, on top of sugar.  They "crystalized."

4. How do you protect yourself from other people's negativity?

If possible I stay away from them.  Life is too short to be around complainers and moaners.  If I have no choice and have to be around a negative person I try to let what they say roll off my back (that doesn't always work) and sometimes I try to have a more positive comeback.   "Smother them with kindness."

5.  Who in your family do you most resemble (physically)?  If you have children, who do people say they favor?  Do you agree?

Isn't it interesting as we age we see our parents in the mirror??   For me, my coloring is like my mother's side of the family. But, I definitely see my dad in my face too.   As for my daughters, I have one with hubby's coloring (brown eyes & brown hair) and one with my coloring (blonde & blue eyes).   People say my oldest daughter looks a lot like my sister when my sis was her age...and in childhood pictures. My younger daughter was very similiar to me as a child.   Poor kid! ha!!!

6. January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day....will you be celebrating?

Not big on bubble baths so, no, I will not celebrate and this date will pass by without any hoopla!

7. Some of the world's best winter festivals are - Mardi Gras, Quebec Winter Festival, Sundance film Festival, Rio Carnivale, Sapporr Snow Festival, Venice Carnivale, and the Harbin Ice Festival. Of these listed (and if cost were not a factor) which would you most like to attend, and why?

Which is warmest?   I am not a cold weather and snow festival girl!   So, I'd want to go where the weather was at least bearable....which I suppose might be New Orleans or Rio.  

8.  My random thought.

College football ended last night for the season.  ) :   This makes me sad.  The SEC showed they were a huge powerhouse again this year and Alabama dominated last night's game. And, congrats to "my" Carolina Gamecock player J. Clowney who was named Player of the Year!  

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Hodgepodge #1 in 2013

Wow!  The Hodgepodge questions arrived and it's time to start a new year with Joyce and all the bloggers out there.

1.How did you ring in the new year?

I had good intentions of staying up and watching the ball drop in Times Square, and seeing the musical performances. BUT....  I had two glasses of chardonnay and some Hopping John and I could not even keep my eyes open to watch Clemson vs. LSU.   So, at midnight I was in bed fast asleep.  Exciting, huh?

2. What is one thing you look forward to in 2013?

Just ONE thing?   Then I will answer broadly:  SUMMER!   I love that time of year.  I love living at the beach, and boating, celebrating the 4th of July with a group here, and I love going to Nashville for the CMA Festival... all summer events! 

3. Steven Spielberg is quoted as saying "All of us every single year, we're a different person. I don't think we're the same person all our lives."  What say you?

I will have to disagree with Mr. Spielberg.   I think we each have a core personality/belief system/morale makeup.  Yes, we can "choose" to change and better ourselves...but I don't think we can totally become a different person.  Thankfully!  We are all unique...and we can continue to learn and grow as we age and live on earth.  But, a completely different person each year?   No, I don't believe that.

4. The pantone color of the year for 2013 is green. Like or dislike?  Do you already own something this color?  Will you add something in this shade to your home or wardrobe for 2013?

I never heard of the "pantone color" before so it doesn't make much difference to me.  That being said, I happen to like the color green a lot.  I have several sweaters and jackets in various colors of green.  I guess to match my green eyes!?!

5. Speaking of emerald...what's your favorite gemstone? 

I do not have a "favorite" gemstone BUT I do wear a ring all the time that my hubby gave me on our 20th anniversary.  It has an emerald in the middle - because emerald is the gemstone for the month of May, which is the month we married.  And, it has a little cluster of diamonds on both sides - to represent our two daughters.   Sweet!

6. Share a favorite book or movie from 2012.

I am in a book club and have read several really interesting books this past yearBut, I think the one book that has really stuck with me is "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak.  I loved the way Mr. Zusak wrote about the innocent children in such a turbulent time during the war, and how they escaped into books, and the love of reading was such a wonderful diversion for them.  The characters were fascinating.  The "action" too.   I highly recommend this book! 

7. What is something you want to tell yourself at the start of this brand new year?

Enjoy the small stuff all the time!  Find the beauty in each day! 

8. My random thought.

Another year come and gone.  They go by quickly.  I celebrate the passing of time (except when it comes to the effects of it on my body. ha!)  I look forward to the unknown and pray that any challenges I may face will not get me down. I thank God for each day and ask Him to help me through any hard times.    Happy New Year everyone!!