What inspires you? What makes you laugh? Some of today's questions.

Hello friends! 

I never know how many people stop by and read this each week, but if you are checking in, then "thank you" and take a moment to respond. I love to read your answers too!

Here are today's Hodgepodge questions with my answers...

1.  Did you make someone laugh yesterday?  Was it intentional? 

I certainly hope I did!  I try to laugh each day, and I hope I also make others laugh.   I got to "toddler-sit" yesterday morning and the little guy made me laugh - and smile a lot. 

I get laughs and share them on Facebook each day.  I love some of the jokes and cartoons that get circulated online.  I also watch clips of some of my favorite shows from the day before... I usually watch Jimmy Fallon "funny moments" the day after his show.  I also still laugh out loud at some bits on "The Daily Show" - and now on "The Nightly Show."

You got to laugh everyday!  Make it happen! 

2.  What's a simple question with a complicated answer?

Why can't we all just get along?

3.  Rhododendrons or azaleas...  you have to choose.  Are either currently blooming in your yard? 

I will go with azaleas.  They are magnificent when they bloom - so bold, and full!  We have beautiful varieties here in my little part of the world.  I like that I have several types in my yard,  and that they bloom at different times, so I have color often.   Here's a picture of some in bloom in my backyard right now.

4.  May 21st is National Waitstaff Day. Have you ever worked as a waiter/waitress?  How would you rate the experience?  What was the best/worst part of the job? 

I have never worked as a waitress in a restaurant.  I worked as a fast food employee in high school, first at Burger King, and then at Ponderosa Steakhouse.    That was close enough for me to get an idea of the work that waitstaff does, and the little pay they receive!  

I also know through other experiences of dealing with the public that it is NOT easy!  You get all types of people for sure!  Some customers are appreciative, but some are bossy, or down right mean! Also, some have special requests, and others have issues with food quality or something beyond the waitstaff's control.   It's a "thankless" job most times.   Little pay - and relying/living on tips.  

Since today is National Waitstaff Day maybe we can all throw a few more bucks their way if eating out for lunch or dinner!

5.  What fashion trend for women should be outlawed?  How about for men? 

I first immediately thought of what to outlaw for men: speedos!!   I live at the beach and let me tell you there is nothing attractive about a man in a speedo, even a man that is fit (not over-weight. )  Those tiny pieces of lycra and spandex hide nothing.  Oh my!

As for women, I would like to outlaw low riding jeans.   Here's the thing with them:  if you have a little pouch of a stomach, or some fleshy hips, it hangs over the jeans.  If you don't have a thin model's body it looks like you were squeezed into the pants.  Also, I think they create stomach aches!  It's not normal to have tight-fitting clothes around the lower belly.  It's just not.   So, for both the look and for comfort, I say burn 'em all!! 

6.  Name a writer who inspires you...  now tell us why. 

Can I say that most writers inspire me?   I have always wished I could be a writer who can put down words and sentences to inspire others, or going back to question 1, to make someone laugh.  It's such an art - such a talent!   So, I admire writers that can do this...that can get you so caught up in a book you can't put it down.  Or a writer who can see something in everyday life and make it special, that can describe it in such a way you can "touch" it.   I love a writer who can weave a story and make you hurry to get to the end, but then be disappointed when the book ends.  

Fiction writers... Pat Conroy, Robin Cook, John Grisham.  I just finished "Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes (it's for Book Club tonight) and it's a great read about two people struggling with very different issues, but learning to lean on each other... and to see the best in each other.  I can't wait til tonight's discussion!    I love historical books too... time period books that teach the reader about a place and time, to experience life then. 

I really can not name ONE writer!  The whole ART of writing is amazing.  Poets.  And of course, lyricists!!  Those who put beautiful words, inspiring words, to music - that is the best!!  

7.  What well known quote or saying sum up your plans for today or this week?  

If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all.  And so today I still have a dream.

- Martin Luther King Jr.

8. My random thought.

It's easy to feel up and happy in May.  The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming! The days are sunny and longer, and the evenings are soft and breezy.  What a lovely month of the year!

You can throw open the doors and windows.  Take a walk, or ride a bike.  Play golf, enjoy any sport outdoors! 

Enjoy it!!!     Have a great week ahead!