Celebrating things we do that are a "labor of love."

Happy Hodgepodge!  Here we go...

1.  Labor Day weekend is approaching...what's something you've labored over this year?

Anything I have done has certainly been a "labor of love".  I have worked on our "riva-side" cabin and in my garden, and I have worked on the baby layette program for our local hospital.  I enjoy the physical labor out in my yard, planting flowers and pulling weeds. I enjoy the creative labor of putting together the baskets of baby essentials for new needy moms.  I also enjoy the mental labor of crosswords and "Words with Friends". 

2.  What is one word to describe your 'job' or career?

How about two words?   Eclectic doer.    (I do a variety of things, all very different - but I enjoy them all and hope that I am making a difference.)

3.  What was your worst or least favorite job ever?  Why?

I think I have written about this job before.  It was when I took a radio sales position for a station in Norfolk, VA called WRAP.  It was in the late 80's and it was when rap music was just becoming a genre of it's own.  I had just moved to Norfolk, and had been working in radio in Baltimore,  so I saw the job listing in the newspaper, went and applied, and got the job.  Here was the problem:  I was a blonde haired, white woman going into places that serve African-American radio audiences.  I felt uncomfortable on so many levels...I had never sold radio time before (commercials) and had never put together a sales package, and I had never listened to rap music, and I had never shopped in the places I made calls on. 

I quickly found that I was not cut out for the job, and as it turns out my hubby took a new career move that transferred us to California.  So, my days at WRAP came to an end quickly.  Phew.

4.  How do you measure contentment?

Good question.  Contentment is a state of mind.  Perhaps it's a lack of stress, and a lack of desire for more...and a feeling of happiness  - all rolled up in one. 

5.  Pickles - like or dislike?  What's something you eat that requires a pickle? Dill, bread and butter, sweet gherkins... what's your favorite kind of pickle?

For many years I could take or leave pickles but lately I have had a renewed interest! (No, I'm not pregnant. ha)  I like the thin sliced dills on most lunchmeat sandwiches, and I enjoy relish on burgers.  I like relish in tuna salad too.

6.  In your current house - town - state, what is it you like living close to?

Easy answer.  The ocean.   I just was at the beach yesterday evening for a loggerhead turtle nest inventory (counting the hatched eggs) and this morning took my doggie out for a walk on the beach.   I'm not one to sit in the heat of the day there - with all the vacationers. I enjoy the mornings and evenings on the beach.

7.  What is one thing on your 'want to do' list before summer draws to an official close?

Last summer we boated down to a barrier island and collected a great many conch shells and we have yet to do that this summer.  I doubt we will go before the official end of summer, but thankfully September here is gorgeous so I hope we can make a day trip down before cooler weather arrives. 

8. My random thought...

I am always a bit sad at the end of summer, but to keep myself thinking positive I happily welcome the start of football season.  The South Carolina Gamecocks take the field for the first game this Thursday at 6pm and I root them on!!  I enjoy all SEC football and watching the pros.  Do you have a favorite team?  It's always fun to know who others root for, and to have a friendly fan competition.