Hi to my blogger and Facebook friends! Here are the questions, courtesy of Joyce, to ponder on this September 11th.
1. Are you ready for some football? Are you a fan? If you are not a fan, what do you do while the rest of America watches Saturday, Sunday, Monday night, and now Thursday night?
I LOVE football! It's my favorite sport to watch and I always look forward to this time of year when the college and pro seasons start. I grew up in a huge football-loving state, Ohio, which even has the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I learned the rules of the game early on. As a member of my high school marching band I went to all the games, home and away. Later, when I was in college in Baltimore I worked for a season in the pressbox for the Colts (yes, they were STILL in Baltimore then.)
Once my daughters got into high school we went to all the Sparta High School games at home and even some away. We were lucky to be there when the team won the state championship (played in the Giants stadium at the Meadowlands). It was VERY exciting!
I continued to follow teams and loved watching, and THEN my oldest daughter got to the University of South Carolina and I became a HUGE Gamecock fan! It didn't hurt that the tailgating was so, so fun and that the weather is great for football in the south. I also love the "good natured" rivalries between Carolina and Clemson, and with the other SEC teams.
I still follow the NY Jets and Giants - and now support the Carolina Panthers.
So, yes, I love football, college and pro... it's a good time of year!!
2. What's something I'll always find in your closet?
I'm a bit confused by this question. Which closet? In my linen closet you will find towels and sheets. In my own clothes closet you will find clothes, shoes, handbags, etc. I don't think I keep anything "unusual". Sorry.
3. Share one of your earliest memories.
This is an interesting question because sometimes actually remembering, or looking at an old picture, or being told by an older relative what happened, can get mixed up. I don't think I actually remember when I was a toddler. Maybe it would be when I first went to kindergarten and I remember that my mother bought a little rug for me, to keep in class for "rest time". We kids would lay out our little rugs and the teacher would turn off the lights in the classroom (it wasn't pitch dark) and we had "rest time" for ten minutes or so. I can picture that rug in my head...so I know it's a memory. There are no pictures of it.
4. What circus act best describes your week so far?
Ok, the "easy" answers are a three ring circus, or a juggling act, or something like that. But, not really. I haven't had any lions to tame, or had to fly in the air without a net! It's been an un-circus like week so far.
5. What's a food you disliked as a child but you love now?
I know there were some green veggies I tried to hide on my plate thinking if I put my glass in front of it, and covered it with my spoon and fork then my mom would not notice! ha!! I love most green vegetables today. I don't think we had asparagus (Dad only liked the "basic" veggies...peas, green beans - so that's what mom prepared) and I love it now!
6. Describe your summer in three words.
enjoyable - eventful - thankful
7. Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001? Will you do something special to mark te day this year?
I wrote a blog post about it last night because I realized the anniversay date was approaching. So, I guess that is how I have "marked" the day this year...with the blog post. Feel free to read it. As I wrote in the post, I was living in a town in New Jersey only an hour outside of New York City. The events of that day effected me greatly. What I did not write about is how we went into the city 3 days later because we had Broadway show tickets. It was Friday, and the theatres reopened that night and the mayor was encouraging everyone to come back into the city. So, we did. When we drove to the Lincoln Tunnel we saw the black smoke still billowing upwards where the towers had stood. The city was still quite empty. It was eerie. We stayed in the theatre district that night - we didn't head south and I doubt we could have gotten down close anyway. This was when family & friends were still searching for loved ones and hanging pictures everywhere. I remember the actors coming out after the performance thanking everyone for attending and we all stood together and sang "God Bless America."
8. Random thought.
It's hard to have a random thought after remembering that day. I guess my thought is that we people are resilient. It's best to remember how people came together afterwards and helped each other. How after the worst thing happened, the best in people also showed up.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
9 - 11
Tomorrow is the anniversary of that day in 2001, September 11th, when the terrorists hijacked and flew planes into the World Trade Center, into the Pentagon, and took down the plane in PA. It is a day when we remember all the innocent people who lost their lives and the families they left behind. It is a day when we honor those firefighters, the police officers, and the civilians who ran "in" to danger to help, and did incredibly courageous acts. Some of them didn't make it "out."
It was an awful day for America. A surprise attack on the United States. On our turf. It was something not done here since Pearl Harbor.
On that date we put politics aside because we all felt very vulnerable and scared. We were unsure who was attacking us and why. And how it could happen. It had started out as such a beautiful early fall day in the east with a clear sky overhead (we later learned one of the planes flew through that sky directly over our town on it's way towards the World Trade Center.).
I lived in Sparta, New Jersey, a small city just about an hour away from New York City. It was a town close enough that some of our citizens commuted into NYC for work each day. On that Sept. 11th I was with a group of women and we were having our first "Sparta Friends and Neighbors"club meeting of the new year. All of a sudden during the meeting cellphones started ringing. One by one. After a few calls were answered we realized what was happening. We stopped and most went home to check in with loved ones, and to turn on their TV's. We were all in shock. It's one of those times when you always remember where you were when you got the news. And, since we all lived so close to NYC, we worried about who might have been there that we knew personally.
I will admit it was a time in my life that I felt very nervous, and I felt my bubble of a happy life was shaken up. I felt so sad in the following weeks. The local NJ newspaper ran the obituaries of all those who died. Pages and pages of them. There were pictures of young fathers, many were businessmen or were fire and police men. It was incredibly sad.
I was mentally, emotionally, and physically effected.
Today, as I remember back and remember that day, I think about all the people around the world that live in places that go through the same sadness and the fear that I felt - because they too live in place where war and terrrorist acts happen by their homes. There are so many families today that experience the same pain of these senseless killings.
What happened on Sept. 11th here put us in the same boat as others in the world. Not a good boat. But, I for one know how they feel. Let's pray for peace around the world. Pray for safety. Pray for those affected by the acts of terrorists everywhere.
It was an awful day for America. A surprise attack on the United States. On our turf. It was something not done here since Pearl Harbor.
On that date we put politics aside because we all felt very vulnerable and scared. We were unsure who was attacking us and why. And how it could happen. It had started out as such a beautiful early fall day in the east with a clear sky overhead (we later learned one of the planes flew through that sky directly over our town on it's way towards the World Trade Center.).
I lived in Sparta, New Jersey, a small city just about an hour away from New York City. It was a town close enough that some of our citizens commuted into NYC for work each day. On that Sept. 11th I was with a group of women and we were having our first "Sparta Friends and Neighbors"club meeting of the new year. All of a sudden during the meeting cellphones started ringing. One by one. After a few calls were answered we realized what was happening. We stopped and most went home to check in with loved ones, and to turn on their TV's. We were all in shock. It's one of those times when you always remember where you were when you got the news. And, since we all lived so close to NYC, we worried about who might have been there that we knew personally.
I will admit it was a time in my life that I felt very nervous, and I felt my bubble of a happy life was shaken up. I felt so sad in the following weeks. The local NJ newspaper ran the obituaries of all those who died. Pages and pages of them. There were pictures of young fathers, many were businessmen or were fire and police men. It was incredibly sad.
I was mentally, emotionally, and physically effected.
Today, as I remember back and remember that day, I think about all the people around the world that live in places that go through the same sadness and the fear that I felt - because they too live in place where war and terrrorist acts happen by their homes. There are so many families today that experience the same pain of these senseless killings.
What happened on Sept. 11th here put us in the same boat as others in the world. Not a good boat. But, I for one know how they feel. Let's pray for peace around the world. Pray for safety. Pray for those affected by the acts of terrorists everywhere.
Friday, September 7, 2012
A birthday blog
Last month I was inspired to write about my best girlfriend on her birthday. It seemed fitting at that point to remember back to some of the fun things we have shared together over the years.
Today is my (only) brother's birthday. My "older" brother that is! (by just a couple of years...) He's not on the computer much if it's not work related and he is not a Facebook person. But, I will write a little tribute to him here anyway. Hopefully his wife will show him.
My brother is and has always been a very sincere, and very "mild mannered" person. He doesn't care much about being macho - but that's not saying that he is not. He knows his way around any car, and has a big interest in many sports. He is very "handy" with all things at home. In fact, the guy practically built a house he used to live in, and he has put in great upgrades to the one he lives in now. The guy can learn something, apply it, and the job turns out beautifully.
Some people say he's quiet. He doesn't speak LOUD and he doesn't use foul language. He goes with the flow when it's the right thing to do and never makes a stink when things don't go his way.
My brother is a good role model. I don't know if he considers himself one. Probably not - because that's how he is. But, when it comes to how a male should go through this world he sets a very good example.
He cares about his wife and daughter. He's even learned to love his pets! (Ha! That's something I didn't think he would do when he was young.)
Growing up, my brother and I "played" together - mostly physical activities like bandminton in the backyard, shooting "round the world" in basketball, and skateboarding down our driveway or around the furnace in the basement of our childhood home. I do remember playing board games together: Stratego and Risk. Eventually, there came a time when I was the dopey little sister - and that was normal. I remember a time where mom & dad told him he had to drive me to the away high school football game. Oh - he didn't want to do it! When we parked outside the grandstands he told me to go off and find my friends, and that we would meet back at the car after the game. In other words: SCRAM and I don't know you til I have to drive you home! ha!!
Well, at least now I think he will claim me as his sister!
Happy birthday brother! We live miles & miles away but we still see each other at least a few times each year. Sorry I'm not there to celebrate and share some cake (darn!). Enjoy your birthday!
Love ya...your LITTLE sister
Today is my (only) brother's birthday. My "older" brother that is! (by just a couple of years...) He's not on the computer much if it's not work related and he is not a Facebook person. But, I will write a little tribute to him here anyway. Hopefully his wife will show him.
My brother is and has always been a very sincere, and very "mild mannered" person. He doesn't care much about being macho - but that's not saying that he is not. He knows his way around any car, and has a big interest in many sports. He is very "handy" with all things at home. In fact, the guy practically built a house he used to live in, and he has put in great upgrades to the one he lives in now. The guy can learn something, apply it, and the job turns out beautifully.
Some people say he's quiet. He doesn't speak LOUD and he doesn't use foul language. He goes with the flow when it's the right thing to do and never makes a stink when things don't go his way.
My brother is a good role model. I don't know if he considers himself one. Probably not - because that's how he is. But, when it comes to how a male should go through this world he sets a very good example.
He cares about his wife and daughter. He's even learned to love his pets! (Ha! That's something I didn't think he would do when he was young.)
Growing up, my brother and I "played" together - mostly physical activities like bandminton in the backyard, shooting "round the world" in basketball, and skateboarding down our driveway or around the furnace in the basement of our childhood home. I do remember playing board games together: Stratego and Risk. Eventually, there came a time when I was the dopey little sister - and that was normal. I remember a time where mom & dad told him he had to drive me to the away high school football game. Oh - he didn't want to do it! When we parked outside the grandstands he told me to go off and find my friends, and that we would meet back at the car after the game. In other words: SCRAM and I don't know you til I have to drive you home! ha!!
Well, at least now I think he will claim me as his sister!
Happy birthday brother! We live miles & miles away but we still see each other at least a few times each year. Sorry I'm not there to celebrate and share some cake (darn!). Enjoy your birthday!
Love ya...your LITTLE sister
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
A little bit of this, a little bit of that...
Hi everyone! I know some of you have told me you can't leave a comment after reading my blog - and sometimes you actually want to say something! ( : I don't know why (I'm still a blog newbie) but if you are having trouble, you may leave a comment at my email at mfabiansc@hotmail.com. Some can leave it on FB too.
This week's Hodgepodge questions deal with a little bit of everything. Gee, I guess that's why it's called the "Hodgepodge!"
1. In your opinion, what's the most important job in the world? Oh - and parenting is a "given" so besides parenting, what's the most important job?
Most important job??? My first thought (after parenting of course) is teaching. The teaching profession is challenging, and too often under-rated, but it is the job that gives each and everyone of us the opportunity to learn, grow, and hopefully have happy lives. Teaching is a general term because it covers pre-K through graduate programs...and too many subjects to even think about listing here. But, without organized, structured learning centers with valuable teachers, we would all be lost.
2. Share a favorite memory from a childhood birthday.
When I grew up birthdays were celebrated, but the big lavish parties of today were certainly not the "usual." Most of my birthdays included a nice dinner at home with my family, and a homemade birthday cake, and a couple of gifts from my parents. I do remember my 10th birthday party though because it was the only one I had where I invited school friends over for the afternoon and we played some games, I opened presents, and we ate lunch followed by cake - of course. I remember my mother telling me that turning 10 was a special number.
3. Peanut butter- crunchy or smooth?
I always buy Jif smooth. I like my peanut butter smooth...and if I want nuts I prefer to buy a jar of nuts. (I don't mix them! )
4. William Butler Yeats is credited as saying "Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that, but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing." Your thought?
Growth can bring happiness, but happiness can be experienced many ways... so I disagree with Mr. Yeats' statement. I think a person can be happy when simply doing a fun activity, or a job they enjoy. Although learning something new (and therefore growing) can sometimes bring happiness on - it can also bring on other feelings...like anxiety! So growing = happiness is not always a true sentiment in my book.
5. What's something that makes you cringe?
Snakes!
6. Name a song that always puts you in a good mood?
Oh - a lot of the uptempo, fun country songs put me in a good mood! One of my favorites is "Country Girl Shake It For Me" by Luke Bryan.
7. The answer is yes. What's the question?
"Do you love me?"
8. My random thought:
My answers above were short this time. I guess they were not as "thought provoking" for me as some past Hodgepodge questions have been - and that's ok. I also want to say that I just came back from a Bible Study where the following thought was expressed by someone, and I think it's good for everyone to keep in mind right now:
Republicans often say that Democrats want to just give money away, without the needy even having to earn it. Democrats often say the Republicans are money hungry and just don't care about the poor and needy. We have heard the stereotyped comments. Neither is true.
In reality, we ALL want to make sure ALL of us have a place to live, clothes on our back, and food in the belly. Both parties agree on this. Just the beliefs of HOW we try and achieve it is different. But, in the meantime, as we talk, and filibuster, and belittle each other, the needy are still there. There are still Americans waiting for a place to live, some clothes on their back, and good food in their bellies.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
This week's Hodgepodge questions deal with a little bit of everything. Gee, I guess that's why it's called the "Hodgepodge!"
1. In your opinion, what's the most important job in the world? Oh - and parenting is a "given" so besides parenting, what's the most important job?
Most important job??? My first thought (after parenting of course) is teaching. The teaching profession is challenging, and too often under-rated, but it is the job that gives each and everyone of us the opportunity to learn, grow, and hopefully have happy lives. Teaching is a general term because it covers pre-K through graduate programs...and too many subjects to even think about listing here. But, without organized, structured learning centers with valuable teachers, we would all be lost.
2. Share a favorite memory from a childhood birthday.
When I grew up birthdays were celebrated, but the big lavish parties of today were certainly not the "usual." Most of my birthdays included a nice dinner at home with my family, and a homemade birthday cake, and a couple of gifts from my parents. I do remember my 10th birthday party though because it was the only one I had where I invited school friends over for the afternoon and we played some games, I opened presents, and we ate lunch followed by cake - of course. I remember my mother telling me that turning 10 was a special number.
3. Peanut butter- crunchy or smooth?
I always buy Jif smooth. I like my peanut butter smooth...and if I want nuts I prefer to buy a jar of nuts. (I don't mix them! )
4. William Butler Yeats is credited as saying "Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that, but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing." Your thought?
Growth can bring happiness, but happiness can be experienced many ways... so I disagree with Mr. Yeats' statement. I think a person can be happy when simply doing a fun activity, or a job they enjoy. Although learning something new (and therefore growing) can sometimes bring happiness on - it can also bring on other feelings...like anxiety! So growing = happiness is not always a true sentiment in my book.
5. What's something that makes you cringe?
Snakes!
6. Name a song that always puts you in a good mood?
Oh - a lot of the uptempo, fun country songs put me in a good mood! One of my favorites is "Country Girl Shake It For Me" by Luke Bryan.
7. The answer is yes. What's the question?
"Do you love me?"
8. My random thought:
My answers above were short this time. I guess they were not as "thought provoking" for me as some past Hodgepodge questions have been - and that's ok. I also want to say that I just came back from a Bible Study where the following thought was expressed by someone, and I think it's good for everyone to keep in mind right now:
Republicans often say that Democrats want to just give money away, without the needy even having to earn it. Democrats often say the Republicans are money hungry and just don't care about the poor and needy. We have heard the stereotyped comments. Neither is true.
In reality, we ALL want to make sure ALL of us have a place to live, clothes on our back, and food in the belly. Both parties agree on this. Just the beliefs of HOW we try and achieve it is different. But, in the meantime, as we talk, and filibuster, and belittle each other, the needy are still there. There are still Americans waiting for a place to live, some clothes on their back, and good food in their bellies.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Friday, August 31, 2012
A few things I'm thinking about.
When I started blogging I had hopes of writing often, not just once a week responding to the questions of the Hodgepodge. In the beginning I had more things "pent up" to say. But, recently I struggle with what to write about that could be interesting to anyone to read.
Here's a little list of things that have been running around in my brain (in no particular order.)
1. I love/hate politics. We are in the midst of this crazy presidential race - and regardless of who I talk to - NOBODY, and I mean NOBODY likes the way our politicans act, or believe anything that they say. Yet...everyone I talk to still has a "strong leaning" in terms of what political party they support, and people certainly have an opinion on how to keep this country going.
I wonder what it will take to turn off the mud slinging? Will the politicans and their camps ever see that we normal Americans find them so embarrassing? And, that they have turned what used to be a respected way to give of yourself into a huge circus left only for those who get off on hearing themselves talk?
Maybe the apathy/disdain of the youngest voting generation will do it. Perhaps one day we will have an election and nobody will turn up to vote! ha! That will show them.
2. I checked out the headlines this morning on a site - I clicked on it thinking it was HLN but it was for Nancy Grace. The top 5 headlines were about children killed, by parents or abducted. It turned my stomach. How can someone like Nancy Grace make a living off of people's pain and sensational and horrific deaths? I know, I know. She thinks she is doing a service. (She's also getting a very large paycheck.) I just don't get why people watch her show.
3. Lighter thought: I start my morning just about each and every day with a cup of coffee and some country music. Both give me a jolt to get going!
4. I messed up on some dates for a church event in October. It will work out fine....BUT I swear that sometimes I scare myself with how I can not keep dates, or names, straight in my brain. I worry it's alzheimers but I think I have always been scatterbrained with this. So, I apologize for the confusion and need to be more careful in the future.
I tell myself it's because I'm left-handed (right-brained) which means I'm more artistic and less analytical. I do think it's true. I love the arts... all of them. And I just don't have the interest to keep numbers in my brain. In and out... I don't retain it.
5. I love my pets! Every morning I walk my pug and have one or two kitties following me along the way. I love them and they love me. Unconditional (well, I have to feed them! ha).
6. I'm helping daughter #2 move AGAIN this weekend. If she's reading this, how many times have you moved in your still young life?? ( : Don't worry. I'm looking forward to it and seeing the new place. Dinner's on me!
My coffee is gone - and it's time to get going...
Happy Friday to all who have stuck with me and read down to this point!
Have a safe holiday weekend!
Here's a little list of things that have been running around in my brain (in no particular order.)
1. I love/hate politics. We are in the midst of this crazy presidential race - and regardless of who I talk to - NOBODY, and I mean NOBODY likes the way our politicans act, or believe anything that they say. Yet...everyone I talk to still has a "strong leaning" in terms of what political party they support, and people certainly have an opinion on how to keep this country going.
I wonder what it will take to turn off the mud slinging? Will the politicans and their camps ever see that we normal Americans find them so embarrassing? And, that they have turned what used to be a respected way to give of yourself into a huge circus left only for those who get off on hearing themselves talk?
Maybe the apathy/disdain of the youngest voting generation will do it. Perhaps one day we will have an election and nobody will turn up to vote! ha! That will show them.
2. I checked out the headlines this morning on a site - I clicked on it thinking it was HLN but it was for Nancy Grace. The top 5 headlines were about children killed, by parents or abducted. It turned my stomach. How can someone like Nancy Grace make a living off of people's pain and sensational and horrific deaths? I know, I know. She thinks she is doing a service. (She's also getting a very large paycheck.) I just don't get why people watch her show.
3. Lighter thought: I start my morning just about each and every day with a cup of coffee and some country music. Both give me a jolt to get going!
4. I messed up on some dates for a church event in October. It will work out fine....BUT I swear that sometimes I scare myself with how I can not keep dates, or names, straight in my brain. I worry it's alzheimers but I think I have always been scatterbrained with this. So, I apologize for the confusion and need to be more careful in the future.
I tell myself it's because I'm left-handed (right-brained) which means I'm more artistic and less analytical. I do think it's true. I love the arts... all of them. And I just don't have the interest to keep numbers in my brain. In and out... I don't retain it.
5. I love my pets! Every morning I walk my pug and have one or two kitties following me along the way. I love them and they love me. Unconditional (well, I have to feed them! ha).
6. I'm helping daughter #2 move AGAIN this weekend. If she's reading this, how many times have you moved in your still young life?? ( : Don't worry. I'm looking forward to it and seeing the new place. Dinner's on me!
My coffee is gone - and it's time to get going...
Happy Friday to all who have stuck with me and read down to this point!
Have a safe holiday weekend!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Thoughtful Hodgepodge questions
This week's Hodgepodge questions are making my brain sizzle. After some thoughtful time, here are my answers to Joyce's questions. How would you answer them?
1. Americans will celebrate Labor Day this coming weekend. Do you know what we're actually celebrating? (Without consulting Google or Wikipedia, ahem). What's a project you're currently "laboring" over?
Ok. I hope I don't look too stupid right off the bat here. I believe Labor Day was created as a national holiday to honor the hard working people of our country who "labored" during the wars years. It was considered a day to rest but also a day to celebrate the sweat that was required to keep the country strong. Am I close??
My project: I continue to labor for the women "laboring" at our nearby hospital who do not have a support system and are in need of basic items for their infant. With the help of my church, I have set up a layette program and each week I "deliver" (get it?) 4 or 5 baby layette baskets to the hospital. The nurses distribute them to new mothers in need. The baskets have a few onesies, a receiving blanket, baby wash & shampoo, baby wipes, diapers, and other items that I find or are donated: pacifers, hats, bath towels and washcloths, and a little stuffed animal. I try to put a handwritten note in each too.
(Donations are ALWAYS accepted. Email me for details.)
2. Labor Day also signals the unofficial end of summer for most of us. What summer food will you miss the most?
I think I will miss the great, ripe, juicy tomatos that I have been getting from local produce stands. Lately I have been making tomato & cheese sandwiches for lunch...AND having a few tomato slices with my dinner.
3. A well known proverb states "It's easier to seek forgiveness than to ask for permission." Your thoughts?
Well known? Not for me Joyce. Hmmm. I think the proverb says to me that it is easier to seek forgiveness from God. All we have to do is ASK and it is forgiven. Thank you God. It's a lot harder to ask the person you offended or hurt for forgiveness, especially if you ask them face to face. It can put a lump in your throat and you might need a bit of a push to say you were wrong and to ask for forgiveness.
4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic. Which hat would like to wear?
Again, after some thought, I would like to be a film critic. Why? I think so many movies that are made today are "pointless" and too violent. I wish Hollywood would try harder to make a movie that has a reason and that will live more than 4 weeks in the theatres. I admit I am not a sci-fi person. I am not into fast action, car chasing, blow everything up movies. I like good writing, I like a touching comedy, or a historically true re-enactment. Special effects don't impress me. (Computers can do anything now.) I have gotten much more careful with my movie dollars because I know that is what speaks to the film industry. But, saying that, there is nothing better than the experience of seeing a good movie on a big screen as an "event".
5. When you were a kid, who (besides your parents) was your favorite adult?
Again, I had to ponder this question and it makes me sad that an adult name didn't come right to my mind. I can think of some adults in my childhood that I thought were kind, but I can't think of one special person who made a difference in my life. Sad. I HOPE I can be a special adult in someone's life (besides my own daughters.) I think that is important to me. I think children need loving adults in this crazy world. "It takes a village." I want to be a role model and I want to show my love and care about all children.
6. The astronaut, Neil Armstrong, passed away last week. He was regarded as a hero by many generations of people all around the world. Do we still have modern day heroes? What makes someone a hero?
Another thought-provoking question! I can remember where I was watching Neil take his step off the ladder on to the moon's surface that July evening. I think Neil Armstrong was considered a hero by many because he was commited to the cause - and not afraid to do it. Obviously he trained and trained, and was prepared, and yes, was the right man at the right time in the NASA program. But, since his historic "first step for mankind" he stayed humble and he considered space exploration his cause. He was not pompous. Today it is hard to find a person so devoted to doing something they believe in without looking like it's to make themselves look good. That's one of the big problems with our politicans today. They seem to be more interested in impressing themselves and looking good than in making a difference for the people of the country.
In that light, a modern hero? I think it's the person, the "unnamed" everyman out there, using their life to better their environment, who care for the people around them, and go about that business without looking for applause.
7. I never get tired of ______________________ .
My first thought: food! I never get tired of my favorite coffee drink, Cafe Francais. I never get tired of peanut butter. Of mexican food. And, pizza!
I also never get tired of summertime, I never tire of music, or times with friends and family... or...evenings on the porch with wine... or reading a good book....
8. My random thought:
Thinking about hurricanes. I hope and pray Isaac doesn't do much damage to the lives & homes of all the people in the gulf region. It's getting to mid - hurricane season and I wonder what is coming next. I live in a region that doesn't get hit by hurricanes that often (coastal SC) but we have had some major ones before I moved here. In my 6 years of living along the coast I have had few scares and no need to evacuate. I think my "good luck" with hurricanes can't last forever. I have a plan ready if needed, but I still worry about my pets and the damage that might happen.
1. Americans will celebrate Labor Day this coming weekend. Do you know what we're actually celebrating? (Without consulting Google or Wikipedia, ahem). What's a project you're currently "laboring" over?
Ok. I hope I don't look too stupid right off the bat here. I believe Labor Day was created as a national holiday to honor the hard working people of our country who "labored" during the wars years. It was considered a day to rest but also a day to celebrate the sweat that was required to keep the country strong. Am I close??
My project: I continue to labor for the women "laboring" at our nearby hospital who do not have a support system and are in need of basic items for their infant. With the help of my church, I have set up a layette program and each week I "deliver" (get it?) 4 or 5 baby layette baskets to the hospital. The nurses distribute them to new mothers in need. The baskets have a few onesies, a receiving blanket, baby wash & shampoo, baby wipes, diapers, and other items that I find or are donated: pacifers, hats, bath towels and washcloths, and a little stuffed animal. I try to put a handwritten note in each too.
(Donations are ALWAYS accepted. Email me for details.)
2. Labor Day also signals the unofficial end of summer for most of us. What summer food will you miss the most?
I think I will miss the great, ripe, juicy tomatos that I have been getting from local produce stands. Lately I have been making tomato & cheese sandwiches for lunch...AND having a few tomato slices with my dinner.
3. A well known proverb states "It's easier to seek forgiveness than to ask for permission." Your thoughts?
Well known? Not for me Joyce. Hmmm. I think the proverb says to me that it is easier to seek forgiveness from God. All we have to do is ASK and it is forgiven. Thank you God. It's a lot harder to ask the person you offended or hurt for forgiveness, especially if you ask them face to face. It can put a lump in your throat and you might need a bit of a push to say you were wrong and to ask for forgiveness.
4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic. Which hat would like to wear?
Again, after some thought, I would like to be a film critic. Why? I think so many movies that are made today are "pointless" and too violent. I wish Hollywood would try harder to make a movie that has a reason and that will live more than 4 weeks in the theatres. I admit I am not a sci-fi person. I am not into fast action, car chasing, blow everything up movies. I like good writing, I like a touching comedy, or a historically true re-enactment. Special effects don't impress me. (Computers can do anything now.) I have gotten much more careful with my movie dollars because I know that is what speaks to the film industry. But, saying that, there is nothing better than the experience of seeing a good movie on a big screen as an "event".
5. When you were a kid, who (besides your parents) was your favorite adult?
Again, I had to ponder this question and it makes me sad that an adult name didn't come right to my mind. I can think of some adults in my childhood that I thought were kind, but I can't think of one special person who made a difference in my life. Sad. I HOPE I can be a special adult in someone's life (besides my own daughters.) I think that is important to me. I think children need loving adults in this crazy world. "It takes a village." I want to be a role model and I want to show my love and care about all children.
6. The astronaut, Neil Armstrong, passed away last week. He was regarded as a hero by many generations of people all around the world. Do we still have modern day heroes? What makes someone a hero?
Another thought-provoking question! I can remember where I was watching Neil take his step off the ladder on to the moon's surface that July evening. I think Neil Armstrong was considered a hero by many because he was commited to the cause - and not afraid to do it. Obviously he trained and trained, and was prepared, and yes, was the right man at the right time in the NASA program. But, since his historic "first step for mankind" he stayed humble and he considered space exploration his cause. He was not pompous. Today it is hard to find a person so devoted to doing something they believe in without looking like it's to make themselves look good. That's one of the big problems with our politicans today. They seem to be more interested in impressing themselves and looking good than in making a difference for the people of the country.
In that light, a modern hero? I think it's the person, the "unnamed" everyman out there, using their life to better their environment, who care for the people around them, and go about that business without looking for applause.
7. I never get tired of ______________________ .
My first thought: food! I never get tired of my favorite coffee drink, Cafe Francais. I never get tired of peanut butter. Of mexican food. And, pizza!
I also never get tired of summertime, I never tire of music, or times with friends and family... or...evenings on the porch with wine... or reading a good book....
8. My random thought:
Thinking about hurricanes. I hope and pray Isaac doesn't do much damage to the lives & homes of all the people in the gulf region. It's getting to mid - hurricane season and I wonder what is coming next. I live in a region that doesn't get hit by hurricanes that often (coastal SC) but we have had some major ones before I moved here. In my 6 years of living along the coast I have had few scares and no need to evacuate. I think my "good luck" with hurricanes can't last forever. I have a plan ready if needed, but I still worry about my pets and the damage that might happen.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Travels and home...
There's a change in the air this week. I know it's August but our high temps for the day are now "only" in the 80's. A sign of the ending of summer? It's funny that hubby and I sat out on the porch last evening and we said it seemed cool out. Ha!
Joyce's first question in this week's Hodgepodge is about a place that stays warm year round!
1. Aloha! On August 21, 1959 Hawaii officially became a US state. Have you ever been? Upon arrival would you prefer an orchid or a hibiscus to tuck behind your ear?
I have been to Hawaii twice. Both times I went to the island of Maui. My first trip was for my honeymoon...which on the surface sounds like what a great place to get away after a wedding. BUT, unfortunately on the way to Hawaii my hubby started feeling sick. He continued to be ill and by the time we arrived he was downright really sick! I won't go into all the details but I will say that the poor guy had a spinal tap done at Maui Memorial Hospital, and although he didn't have to stay in the hospital he was not able to enjoy any (and I mean ANY) aspects of our honeymoon! I dragged him out of the hotel room for 1 photograph. It was a long 7 days. We had booked the trip using non-refundable and changeable vouchers. Thank God my husband slowly got better once we got home (it was a virus that took a good month for complete recovery) and our marriage survived the scary start.
Our second trip to Hawaii was with a group from Coca-cola when hubby worked for them out on the west coast. That time we were healthy (I was pregnant with our first) and we enjoyed sightseeing and wonderful dinners, etc. It made up for the first experience.
I would love an orchid tucked in behind my ear. We have hibiscus here - so getting an orchid is a bit more rare and beautiful.
2. Since we are talking tropical...what's your favorite food made with pineapple?
I love pineapple upside-down cake...but I never have it. This answer goes with question #4 because my mother used to make it when I was a kid. It was from a mix but it was WONDERFUL! I don't think the mix is available anymore. It came with the batter mix, then brown sugar to sprinkle on, and a small can of pineapple. Has anybody seen it lately?
3. Do you believe in soul mates?
I believe in two people who find each other and are "meant to be together"... if that's what defines a soul mate. I have always thought that God had a hand in putting together my hubby and me. We are NOT alike in everything...so that doesn't make a soul mate. But, we do have the same direction and we have the same desire in life. We want to go through the life adventure together. He is my soul mate.
4. Share a memory about the house you grew up in.
I am definitely hearing the Miranda Lambert song "The House that Built Me" in this question!
I grew up in a few houses so I don't have the ONE house with memories. We did a little moving when I was a kid. I went to 2 elementary schools, 2 junior high, and 2 high schools. One memory of the house in Cleveland Heights is the backyard, which wasn't large but big enough to keep a badminton net up all summer long. We played badmintion ALOT. I think it was mostly my brother and me. He and I also shot baskets on our driveway. The garage was detached from the house and Dad had hung a backboard on it. We played many, many games of "Round the World."
5. Are you comfortable with silence?
Absolutely! Sometimes I love it. But, it's not really total silence...because that's when I hear the birds, or other small sounds that can often go unnoticed.
6. You spot a giant spider on your bedroom wall....what's your next move? (All spiders are giant, right?)
I am not afraid of spiders. So, depending on where the spider is...if it's easy to reach I will probably take a tissue and get it and squish it. If it's too high to reach I will leave it alone - or get a broom and knock it down. So, call me if you need a spider "removed." Now, snakes....that's different!?! EEEK!
7. My idea of fun does NOT include __________.
It is not fun to do something, anything, which might hurt another person - phyiscally or emotionally. Count me out.
8. Random thought.
I am interested to hear what people think of posting pictures and fun times on Facebook. My hubby and I had a discussion about it this morning. I am pretty much into "journaling" life on FB and I post a lot of pictures there. I do not do it in any way, shape, or form to "brag" but he thinks people perceive it that way. I love using FB to "share" with my family and friends who do not live near by. I use it so my daughters can see what we are doing. I love to take pictures and "tag" family and friends. But, what do you think? Am I showing off when I do this?
Joyce's first question in this week's Hodgepodge is about a place that stays warm year round!
1. Aloha! On August 21, 1959 Hawaii officially became a US state. Have you ever been? Upon arrival would you prefer an orchid or a hibiscus to tuck behind your ear?
I have been to Hawaii twice. Both times I went to the island of Maui. My first trip was for my honeymoon...which on the surface sounds like what a great place to get away after a wedding. BUT, unfortunately on the way to Hawaii my hubby started feeling sick. He continued to be ill and by the time we arrived he was downright really sick! I won't go into all the details but I will say that the poor guy had a spinal tap done at Maui Memorial Hospital, and although he didn't have to stay in the hospital he was not able to enjoy any (and I mean ANY) aspects of our honeymoon! I dragged him out of the hotel room for 1 photograph. It was a long 7 days. We had booked the trip using non-refundable and changeable vouchers. Thank God my husband slowly got better once we got home (it was a virus that took a good month for complete recovery) and our marriage survived the scary start.
Our second trip to Hawaii was with a group from Coca-cola when hubby worked for them out on the west coast. That time we were healthy (I was pregnant with our first) and we enjoyed sightseeing and wonderful dinners, etc. It made up for the first experience.
I would love an orchid tucked in behind my ear. We have hibiscus here - so getting an orchid is a bit more rare and beautiful.
2. Since we are talking tropical...what's your favorite food made with pineapple?
I love pineapple upside-down cake...but I never have it. This answer goes with question #4 because my mother used to make it when I was a kid. It was from a mix but it was WONDERFUL! I don't think the mix is available anymore. It came with the batter mix, then brown sugar to sprinkle on, and a small can of pineapple. Has anybody seen it lately?
3. Do you believe in soul mates?
I believe in two people who find each other and are "meant to be together"... if that's what defines a soul mate. I have always thought that God had a hand in putting together my hubby and me. We are NOT alike in everything...so that doesn't make a soul mate. But, we do have the same direction and we have the same desire in life. We want to go through the life adventure together. He is my soul mate.
4. Share a memory about the house you grew up in.
I am definitely hearing the Miranda Lambert song "The House that Built Me" in this question!
I grew up in a few houses so I don't have the ONE house with memories. We did a little moving when I was a kid. I went to 2 elementary schools, 2 junior high, and 2 high schools. One memory of the house in Cleveland Heights is the backyard, which wasn't large but big enough to keep a badminton net up all summer long. We played badmintion ALOT. I think it was mostly my brother and me. He and I also shot baskets on our driveway. The garage was detached from the house and Dad had hung a backboard on it. We played many, many games of "Round the World."
5. Are you comfortable with silence?
Absolutely! Sometimes I love it. But, it's not really total silence...because that's when I hear the birds, or other small sounds that can often go unnoticed.
6. You spot a giant spider on your bedroom wall....what's your next move? (All spiders are giant, right?)
I am not afraid of spiders. So, depending on where the spider is...if it's easy to reach I will probably take a tissue and get it and squish it. If it's too high to reach I will leave it alone - or get a broom and knock it down. So, call me if you need a spider "removed." Now, snakes....that's different!?! EEEK!
7. My idea of fun does NOT include __________.
It is not fun to do something, anything, which might hurt another person - phyiscally or emotionally. Count me out.
8. Random thought.
I am interested to hear what people think of posting pictures and fun times on Facebook. My hubby and I had a discussion about it this morning. I am pretty much into "journaling" life on FB and I post a lot of pictures there. I do not do it in any way, shape, or form to "brag" but he thinks people perceive it that way. I love using FB to "share" with my family and friends who do not live near by. I use it so my daughters can see what we are doing. I love to take pictures and "tag" family and friends. But, what do you think? Am I showing off when I do this?
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