Stop & smell the roses. It's summertime!

Sum - sum - summertime!!   It's here! And, it's hot!  So, Joyce has some questions about the lazy days of summer in this week's Hodgepodge.  Read on.

1. June 23rd is National Pink Day.  What's your favorite something pink?

Daughter #2 got me a pink ball cap last year when she went to the Wells Fargo Golf Tournament in Charlotte.  I wear it just about every time I am boating, or somewhere and time I need to hold down my hair. I pull my hair back into a ponytail, pop on the cap, and I'm ready to go. 

2.  What did you enjoy most about gym classes when you were in school?  How about the least? 

The best part about gym class was the break it provided in the school day.  It was a chance to "chill with friends" and not THINK! lol    If you are asking which activity I liked the most, then I'd say it was volleyball.  A fun team sport. 

The least favorite part?  I think I am with most girls saying that it was changing in the locker room!  Especially during the awkward middle school and early high school years.   Also, changing BACK in to regular clothes after sweating.  We only had 7 or 8 minutes to change, and get on to the next class.  No time to cool down or shower.....AND I was too modest back then to get naked around the other girls.  (I'm still modest!) 

3.  What memory is brought to mind by the smell of roses? 

When I was in college I worked at a florist part-time.  It was a wonderful job to have - the people were very nice, and the hours were good (except occasionally before the holidays - but that was to be expected).  Plus, I worked with flowers - so how awesome is that!   When I specifically think about roses I recall boxing many, many dozens of roses in preparation for Valentine's Day! I was not an arrangement designer.  I worked the front desk - and did other prep work for them.  I worked the evening before Valentine's Day... folding the boxes, trimming the roses (of extra leaves), and cutting the bottoms of the stems so they would fit into the boxes.  Each stem went into a water tube.  Boxes were piled high in the cooler - some were orders placed ahead of time, and some were for those last minute guys running in to get their sweethearts some roses!   It was a fascinating job!

4.  Do you prefer to read or write? 

Well, I'm BETTER at reading!  I love to read and I am happy that I belong to a Book Club.  But, at times I like to write - and that's why I blog.  I am not very good at writing but I like that I can put down my thoughts. It's then up to others to decide whether I'm worth reading! 

5.  Sam Keen is quoted as saying 'deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.' Would you agree? Is laziness ever respectable? How will you be lazy this summer? 

I think there are two thoughts about laziness.  There is the laziness that comes from having a "do nothing" attitude and society frowns on people who do not have a drive - for financial success and betterment.  Society stereotypes people who live off the system as being lazy.    But, there is another definition - and I think it is taking a break from the business of a normal life, and choosing to be lazy.  This kind of laziness is good for the soul - and physically gives our bodies needed breaks from stress.   So, yes, laziness can be respectable.  

I have a less crowded calendar in summer.  Some of my activities do not meet over June, July and August.  So, yes, I have more free time...to "vacation" or chill out.  I don't like to be 'lazy' for long.  But I also don't like to be a crazed woman with too much to do!  

6.  The Florida Keys, Disney World, or a resort along the Gulf Coast... which Florida destination would you choose (and why) if the trip were today?  

I would choose a spot along the gulf coast.  I have been to Disney World, and I have been to the Florida Keys.  I have not spent much time on Florida's west coast so I think I would like a "lazy" getaway there for a few days.  To tell you the truth I would prefer it mid-winter...not now.  Florida is better in the winter months.

7.   What question do you hate to answer? 

My husband calls on the phone and asks "what are you doing?"   It's usually just a conversation starter - but sometimes I think he's checking up on me.  If I say "reading a book" or "on the computer" I feel like I'm not WORKING on something like I should be.  In reality I know he is not checking on me, or judging me, but still I feel like I have to have a good answer!     Next time I should say "solving the world's problems!! "     ha

8.  My random thought. 

Oh what a week it has been for living here in South Carolina!  I don't need to recap it all... I am sure you know.   Of the 50 states I feel like MY state has been in the news too much lately!  I pray that nothing more happens here.   Take down the flag already!   Get over it.   Pray for peace.   Live IN peace!  

See you next time...