About to turn to June….

Following a holiday weekend, it's hard to get back on track, isn't it?  It's the last Tuesday in May already.  And since it's Tuesday it's time for the weekly Hodgepodge questions followed by my answers.  As always, feel free to comment here or on Facebook.

1.  What news story are you following right now? 

Well, I don't think anyone can turn on a news program without hearing about the shootings in Santa Barbara, California.   it's another tragic example of how a young man with emotional and mental problems was not helped and set out on a course of destruction.   It's hard to understand why they need to kill others before taking their own lives.   It's just too hard to figure out what goes on in a mind that isn't working right.

Many of you know I am an advocate for tighter gun laws.  That's one step to help reduce ALL shootings.  It certainly would help reduce the number of "accidental shootings" by careless parents, especially deaths of children.   Gun locks, waiting periods, required classes, etc.  All are needed.   I could go on and on on this subject because I feel very passionate about it.   I can't believe how we allow innocent people here in the US to get killed by gun violence.

In saying this, I try to balance my news watching with lighter TV fare.  I have learned that watching all these 24 hour news stations can bring on depression and a skewed view of this world.   I only watch news briefly in the morning, and then perhaps at 6:00 and 6:30pm.  I read the newspaper each morning - and see news online too.  That's enough.

2.  What's the last thing you wanted but didn't get? 

I know this is going to sound unreal, but I can't think of anything. I have been sitting here trying to think of an answer.   If I wanted something and didn't get it, I have learned to accept the outcome and move on.   In general I have a blessed life, and certainly have more than enough material things.  Best of all I have a loving family and a wonderful set of friends.  Life is good! (I need to buy the t-shirt! ha!!)

3.  May 28th is National Hamburger Day… when did you last have a hamburger?  Other than your own kitchen or BBQ grill, where is your favorite place to go for a hamburger?  And, for all you non-meat eaters out there… what is the one side dish you hope is on the menu? 

I last had a hamburger one day last week as I was out running errands for a good part of the day. I went to the drive-thru at Sonic and got one.  I like their burgers more than other places.   I never order a hamburger at a restaurant that is not "fast food" because there are usually so many other choices I prefer.  But, occasionally, I will pick one up if I 'm out - and Sonic and Wendy's are my favorite spots.  

I don't care about the side dish, but I do like tomato, lettuce, mayo, and pickle on my hamburger.   That's a meal right there!

4.  How have your priorities changed over time? 

Oh, what a question!  I think most of us who are in our "middle years" will say our priorities have shifted from "upgrading" life to "enjoying the moment" still with some concern of our future comfort. Yes, we need to be financially set for the later years, but right now it's all about being happy in this part of life.  We are old enough to know life is fleeting.  There's so much that's wonderful about it.  As I answered in  #2, it's not so much the material things as much as the relationships and events.  And, knowing that God is there in everything.  He makes the good moments better, and brings us through the bad ones.  

5.  What's a favorite memory with your grandparents? 

Unfortunately my one set of grandparents died when I was very little.  My other set, my mother's parents, were a few hours or more away from where I lived growing up.  But, we would get together with them on holidays.  I remember how my grandfather would walk into a room, put his hand in his pocket and bring out coins for us kids, toss them on the floor & we would scramble for them… and he and I sat at his kitchen table and worked on crosswords.  He first introduced me to crosswords and I am still addicted to them.

My grandmother was sweet, and a good cook.  She made "homemade" dishes that are all but never done anymore…homemade noodles, and homemade ice cream and syrup.   Yum!

6.  On a scale of 1 - 10 (with 10 being fantastic), how good are you at multi-tasking?  Share an example. 

I do not think I'm very good at multi-tasking.  I know generally in life we all have to do it…but I prefer to focus on one thing at a time.  If I am "multi-tasking" it's out of need, and I don't think I am as good at each particular job that gets done.   I focus better with only one job at a time.

So, rating myself: I give me a 3.   Here's how bad I am. I can not even read a book while listening to music or with the TV on.  I can not focus as well.  I also have been know to start a cleaning job, then move into another room…and get involved in something else. (Well, maybe that's more just to put off cleaning!)

7.  How would you summarize your highs and lows for the month of May? 

Lots of highs!!  Little lows.    Here's just a few of the "highs" this month:  Daughter #1 graduated from NC State Grad program.  2 weeks later she and her boyfriend got engaged!  Yesterday was my hubby and my 30th wedding anniversary!   We had celebrations for all of these events… plus, we celebrated my sis-in-law's birthday, and spent time on our boat…and enjoyed the beautiful weather we have now.   I have started adding more flowers to garden spots…and have golfed a little, read, etc.

May did not personally bring me any specific lows - so I thank God for that.

May has been a wonderful month!

8. My random thought. 

So, now I head into June.  It will be exciting too.  I leave next week for Nashville and the 5 day CMA Festival.   My daughter #2 and I are going to the CMT Award Show (televised live) the first evening we get there…then daughter #1 and her fiancé will join us for the rest of the days.

I have wedding plans to start thinking about with daughter #1.   The two want to get married here at the beach - which I am certainly happy about!  Next April or May.  I have offered to search out reception spots for them.  They want something "rustic" vs.  "formal".  I'm with them on that… but it's a challenge.  We have some lovely plantations in this area that allow wedding receptions so I plan to research them.   I'm open to other ideas.  So, any of my local friends:  know of a place I should check out?

Have a great week all - as May comes to a close.   I'll see you here in June!