Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. Did you make resolutions or set goals for the year we're waving goodbye? How did that work out for you? Will you set any goals for this new year, new season, or new month? Share one or two if you'd like to share. 

Evidently, I didn't set any goals...cause I can't remember.  

I am going to set goals this year.  First, I am going to quit the negative talk I say to myself, and I am going to wake up and set a positive tone for the day.  I read somewhere if you do this, your day will be better.  I am gonna give it a shot.

2. When did you have the most fun this year? 

First, it would definitely have to be on my 7 day cruise!  My first cruise ever and I loved every second of it.  At first, I was skeptical because I am not a water person at all.  After a few minutes of knowing the ship was moving I was okay.  Meeting so  many new people and becoming friends was definitely a highlight.

Second, was my trip to Bath County.  A few friends and I rented a cabin.  I soaked in the hot springs and this was amazing.  The cabin had a little fire pit so at night we sat out by the fire pit, had a few beverages, talked and laughed and roasted S'mores.  Just a little, fun, get-away.

3. What's a song or song lyric you'll associate with 2025? Tell us why. 

"I Knew You Were Trouble When You Walked In" by Taylor Swift

It is a white elephant I don't want to discuss right now, maybe one day I will share.

4. Best (or a favorite) bite of something delicious you tasted this year? 

A friend introduced me to Snickers Dip.  It was delicious!!!

5. What do you want to do more of in the new year? Less of? 

I want to do more volunteering in the new year.  I didn't participate in any volunteering this year...the backpack program, food banks, etc.

Also, I want to wake up earlier to read my devotional before heading to school.

I want to do less scrolling on my phone.  At night, I tend to scroll more on my phone...tik tok, Facebook, IG, etc.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Being off for break has really through me for a loop.  On Sunday night, I called my cousin to ask if she had seen the e-mail we received from the principal.  Teachers have a professional development meeting Monday, Jan. 5th before students return Jan. 6th.  The e-mail said to bring our laptop.  My laptop is at school but I have one at home.  My cousin asked why I was so concerned about it now!!!  Duh...I have another week before being concerned.  We both got a good laugh and my cousin called some friends, SO, my phone rang all that evening with laughter!!

Wishing All a Very Happy New Year!!

Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's one thing on your to-do list that you want to get done, need to get done, or that must get done before the year ends? 

Really nothing.  I guess I am lucky in this regard.

2.  December 17th is National Maple Syrup Day...are you a fan? Do you like maple flavor in other food items such as candy, cookies, donuts, oatmeal, hot toddies, coffee? 

Yes, a fan.  Maple flavor donuts are my favorite, but I also like maple flavor candy and cookies.

3. Time magazine names a person of the year every year.  The tradition started back in 1927 with a 'man of the year' but has since changed to recognize not only an individual, but also to consider the impact of a group, movement, or idea that most influenced the year. The selection is not always someone or something good (think Hitler in 1938 and Stalin twice). 

This year they've named The AI Architects as their 'person of the year'. What say you? Is this a good choice, an obvious choice, a logical choice? Who do you think should have been named person of the year? 

Naming the AI Architects as 'person of the year' shows that the world has entered the age of applied AI.  The AI Architects is one person but a team effort of researchers and developers.  

Let me just say, I do not agree with this selection. An obvious choice because the way technology is affecting our world.  And people like Sam Altman and Elon Musk is a why they (AI Architects) were chosen. I think AI will eventually eliminate millions of jobs across white-collar workers.  I think the chatbots have contributed to our mental health crisis.  Teaching middle school, I have already seen the danger this has had on females.  Heck, it takes me a few minutes or longer see if a photo I am looking at is 'real' or AI.  And students are using this feature to write their essays!!! 

I would have named Pope Leo XIV as Person of the Year.  He was the first American Pope and his election was a major global religious event.

4. What's a city, state, or country you've visited that you never care to visit again? Tell us why. 

Newark, New Jersey

Back in 2012, I finally got hub to go to New York.  On the way to New York, I found out the reason it didn't take much persuasion for him to go.  He had purchased a Volkswagen (one I had wanted, beige with a tan top that you could let down).  Hub had bought this vehicle on-line and had given the man a deposit.  We spent a few days in New York going to the Empire State Building (which I also found out that hub was terrified of heights), Statue of Liberty, and a Yankee's Game' I am a Yankee fan.  The day came when we were to go and pick up the car.  How do you know where it is was my question to hub.  Only for him to reply someone was coming to our hotel and get us. 

A lady did come.  We got in the car with her and there was incense burning in the floor board.  We chatted (only after I heard her chatting on the phone).  She was from the Middle East and was speaking Aramaic.  We pulled up to this very, very tiny fenced in lot.  Then we went inside and I told hub I smelled marijuana and he just shrugged it off.  I asked the lady where was the vehicle I had came after.  She replied they were washing it, and this seemed like no big deal to me. Hub and I walked around the small lot which had only about 4 cars in the entire lot!!  Finally, the Volkswagen arrives, but the top is no longer tan, it is jet black.  I go and stand beside the vehicle and put my hand on the top.  My hand is jet black.  They had painted the  top.  RED FLAG!!!  Hub explained to the man that I really wanted the tan top so the deal was off and could he have his deposit back.  He writes him a check (I kept thinking this check wasn't real).  Anyway, he tells the lady who picked us up to take us back to the hotel.   On the way back to the hotel, (incense still burning strong) she pulls into a doughnut place.  We all get out of the vehicle.  The lady orders her a doughnut and a drink (I am thinking to go of course) AND she sits down at a small table to eat and drink.  We get back in the car and then she says, "I really don't know how to get you guys back" and she asks hubs for directions!!!  Hub has never been to Newark or New York EVER!!  I kept thinking I was DOOMED!!  I don't remember how we made it back, but we did!!!

That was my first and last encounter with Newark.  I don't ever want to go back!!

5. Next Sunday (December 21st) marks the first day of winter (or the opposite if you're living down under). What's one thing you love about this new season? 

Right now, I dread the winter.  We have already had snow and ice.  The temperature was in the single digits Sunday night and the wind chill factor was well below zero. School was closed last week for a couple of days and the days we were able to go, we went on a delay schedule!!  I love watching it snow, but we haven't hit winter yet and I am ready for the warmer temps.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Monday night was my Ladies Bible Study Group.  We decided to meet an hour early due to the cold.  I love this group of ladies.  Our devotion centered on HOPE.   Worldly hope is based on certain outcomes.  Hope in Jesus is based on the unchanging character and faithfulness of Jesus.  Waiting patiently through trials and sickness is definitely difficult, but having hope in Jesus one knows the glorious outcome is certain.  We know the final chapter!!  Our group is trying to decide on a book for our next meetings.  Any suggestions?

Have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Enjoy Life this season!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you struggle with the commercialization of the holiday season? What helps you keep your focus when the season’s busyness and commercialism start to take over? 

I don't really struggle, but I don't like all the commercialization.  I don't like seeing Christmas stuff out with Halloween decorations or Thanksgiving.  Again, I think Thanksgiving gets a bad rap.  Sales start too early making the season seem rushed.

Traditional activities help me to keep the true meaning of Christmas.  Reading the Christmas Story, singing Christmas Carols, attending church services, and displaying the Nativity Scene help me to remain focused . 

2. What's one small thing you want to savor before the year ends? 

First, I need to declutter negative thoughts!

I want to be able to give myself permission to feel good in the small moments.  Sometimes, I still feel guilty.  I want to savor the good memories and fun times I did have.  I will savor the fun time I had on my cruise.

3. December 9th is National Christmas Card Day. Do you still send Christmas cards? If so does yours include a photo or is it a more traditional card, or maybe homemade? How do you feel about the tradition of exchanging cards at the holidays? If Hanukkah is the holiday you celebrate in December do you send cards to mark the occasion? 

I still send Christmas cards; no photo included.  I don't send as many as I use to, though.I usually send cards to my close-knit friends and family who lives far away.

People have gotten out of the tradition of sending Christmas cards.

4. What's your least favorite holiday related task? What's your favorite? 

5. Let's do a little holiday this or that? 

• shopping or wrapping
• baking or decorating
• eggnog or wassail
• real tree or artificial
• turkey or ham
• white lights or colored lights 
• ugly sweaters or matching pjs
• peppermint or cinnamon 
• presents Christmas Eve or presents Christmas Day

 Shopping, decorating, neither eggnog or wassail, artificial tree but I love a real tree but too difficult for me to have a real tree, ham, white lights (I love sitting in my room with just the Christmas lights on), matching PJs, peppermint, both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My grandson, Blake, (the one with the big grin and red hat) was in the Christmas Parade Saturday night.  The 8 and under football team for Abingdon was in the Championship Football game so the team was able to ride in the parade. It was a cold and damp evening.  Parade started at 6pm.  I met daughter in a parking lot, walked 4 miles, and kept up with the twins while daughter kept up with the dog!  I was determined to see Blake on the float and take a picture. AND I DID!!!

Emily sent me this later that night!

Which I quickly responded, Well, at my age of 66, I am glad I can still SPRINT!!!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What does it mean to have ,the 'holiday spirit'? On a scale of 1-10 how is yours this year? (10=off the charts, 1=still looking for it)

I would say I am a 4.  I am trying but since my oldest daughter passed away it is so difficult to get in the 'holiday spirit'.  And her birthday is also in December.  A heart-breaking month for me.

2. What's your favorite character from a (December) holiday-themed movie, book, or TV special? Tell us why. 

Imogene Herdman.  

Imogene is bossy, loud, and she smokes. She plays Mary in the play, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The Herdman's were unruly children who had never heard the Christmas Story nor had they every been to church. The rehearsals are completely chaos with these children.

The night of the play, the townspeople are surprised.  They bring to the play, the 'real life' happenings.  Imogene doesn't lay Baby Jesus in a manager, she insists on holding him.  She coddles the baby as if it is her own.  Tears drip from her eyes.  Imogene does what mothers do; we love and coddle our newborns. 

Imogene, though she is perceived as an unruly, worst child can still find the true meaning of Christmas.  She transformed prejudice into understanding.

3. Do you like gingerbread? Are gingerbread houses part of your holiday tradition? 

I do not care for the taste of gingerbread.  When the girls were  younger, gingerbread houses were a tradition.  Daughter carries this tradition on with her boys.

4. Much of our vocabulary is determined by where we live or where we grew up. What say you-

sprinkles or jimmies? lightning bugs or fireflies? soda or pop? sneakers, trainers, or tennis shoes? sub, hoagie, grinder, or hero? freeway, highway, or motorway? frosting or icing? sauce or gravy?

Being from the South it is:  jimmies, fireflies, pop, tennis shoes, sub, highway, icing, and gravy.

When I lived in Baltimore it was soda.

5. Share a favorite holiday memory from your childhood. 

We never decorated for Christmas until after the first week of December.  

Going to the mountains early in the morning with family and picking out a Christmas Tree was so fun.  Dad would chop it down and somehow attached it to our vehicle.  Once home, the tree was positioned directly in front of our picture window.  Dad was always a pro positioning it just right so it wasn't moved a thousand times.   The tree sat in a stand that contained water.  Decorations were brought out and the tree decorating began.  Oh, those tangled lights!!!  And Lord help us if a bulb wasn't working.  But Dad was to the rescue.  We spent hours decorating the tree and laughing.  Christmas music was always playing in the background on a huge floor stereo. We only took a break from decorating when changing the Christmas albums.  When the tree was finished, we ate a light lunch.  After lunch, it was time to decorate the outside!  Bright lights were strung across the front of our house.  Big, huge plastic candles lined our sidewalk.  Then Mom would always decorate the door with some type of paper and hang a wreath on the door.  

Afterwards, we all would go to a little restaurant to eat.  So many people would be there and conversations were all about decorating.

Coming home, we would look at each house with the decorations brightly shining.  My little neighborhood said we lit up the entire town

These were the best memories ever.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.  

This Thanksgiving, was the first Thanksgiving I was kinda all by myself.  And I hated it!!  Daughter was out of town with her in-laws, so it was just me.  Early on Thanksgiving, I went to help out at church.  The church I attend, fixes and delivers meals to families in need.  I arrived at church by 8am and began delivering meals (300) later.  Completely finished with this task by 11.  I came home and had a pity party. AND asking God why?  Around 4pm a neighbor  called and invited me for turkey dinner.  This was such a blessing to me and I am so grateful for this kind neighbor.  Which got me to thinking????  Next year, I am going to invite people, who may have no place to go for Thanksgiving  to my house.  OR better yet, have a place where they can go for a meal and WE ALL CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING TOGETHER.  Holidays are not all joyful and if I can do this small gesture, I can make peoples' Thanksgiving a little better.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you feel like you have a 'full plate' at the moment? In what way? 

No, not at the moment.  School ended Tuesday, and I will be able to get a lot done.  

2. How did you learn to cook? If you have children did you teach or encourage them to cook? Do you like to follow a recipe or is your cooking style more 'let's wing it'.  

I didn't learn to cook.  Back in the day, I took a Home Economics class in school and that was the only teaching experience I had.  My job growing up was to wash the dishes (no dishwasher) and make sure the kitchen was tidy after each meal.  My late hub loved to cook and I cleaned so this worked out great.  Now, with just me here at home, I seldom cook anything. I try to follow a recipe but never turns out the way I wanted it.

My girls learned to cook from my mother-in-law.  My daughter loves to cook.  Sometimes she just 'wings it' and other times follows a recipe.

3. Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate. 

I might have done this in the past but honestly, I don't think I ever have.  I don't believe in not following through in a commitment.  

4. When did you last say 'the more the merrier' and mean it? 

Just last week, I said 'the more the merrier'; I was getting another student added to my class. (insert sarcasm)  Did I mean it?  Of course not.  I can't think the last time I said this phrase and meant it.

5. Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S. 

Tables are full with 

Hearty stomachs.

Abundance of laughter fills the air while

Nostalgic memories floods my mind.

Kindness is sometimes unnoticed but

Sincere gratitude is what we all could offer.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

This will be my first Thanksgiving that I will be by myself.  Daughter and her family are traveling.  I will go to church and help deliver food, but the evening I am dreading. 

Have a great rest of the week and Happy Thanksgiving

Enjoy Life

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Let's do our gratitude question first this week...what's the best thing about your home, and have you taken time to enjoy it lately? 

I love sitting outside!! So, I love my side porch and my back deck.  Usually I am reading a book or in deep thought about something I plan on doing while sitting outside. When sitting on my back deck, I am watching the grands play or breaking up a fight!!

When the weather gets cooler, I am grateful for my sun room.  And when it begins to snow, I can look out and see how white the world has become.

2. Do you like squash? Of the varieties listed, which one's your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Is squash of some sort on your Thanksgiving menu?? 

acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti, zucchini, crookneck (yellow squash), patty pan

I do like squash. I grew crookneck squash in my garden and some years I can't give enough of it away!!!  Mainly, I just steam my squash or fry it with a little oil.  I have tried butternut squash, but I am not a fan.

Squash will not be on my Thanksgiving menu.  I usually go to my cousin's house for Thanksgiving and she doesn't like squash.  However, there will be green beans from my garden that she canned.

3. Last time you were 'squashed in' somewhere, or felt squashed? 

In September, I went to Hot Springs, Virginia.  There was more than one vehicle there, but we all wanted to ride together.  Why??? I don't really know.  I remember when growing up having three people in the rear seat was no bid deal.  Now, it is a big deal with three people in the rear.  Definitely was squashed on our outings with three adults in the back.

4. Have you ever played squash? What about other 'racquet sports' such as racquetball, tennis, pickleball, badminton, table tennis (ping pong)? Are these sports something you enjoy? 

I had to look up the game squash, never heard of it.  I have never played squash, racquetball, or pickleball (this is becoming a big sport in me area).  I have played badminton and table tennis.  Badminton is more enjoyable for me than table tennis.  

5. Something in today's society or culture that feels like a 'racket' to you? If you don't like that one, tell us about a place you've been recently where there was a lot of 'racket'. 

I have two answers for this.  First,would be healthcare.  The high cost of healthcare and prescription drugs is sky rocketing. A single medical event can cause a financial burden.

Coming in second would have to be grocery stores. Just the other day, I spend over $100 and was able to carry the two bags out in my hand!! I feel like this is a system designed to get the maximum amount of money from us.  We all need food to survive. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Monday was a MONDAY!!!!   

After church on Sunday, daughter and her family came to the house.  We ate a quick, not so healthy lunch.  The boys played for a little bit and then went home with their dad.  Daughter and I went Christmas shopping.  I cannot remember my pin # for my card and I have always used the bypass pin button.  Well, FYI, you can't do this at Target!!  After the third attempt I gave up and just used cash.  Yes, I still carry cash!  I got home around 8pm and began getting school items ready for the next day.  

I set my alarm for 5:30 during school days.  As I went into the kitchen to pour me a cup of coffee, I heard water. The water was coming from the boys' bathroom.  The toilet was running and running and wouldn't stop!!  I tried turning off the valve, but no luck.  I called my cousin (actually hub's cousin) and he said he would be out later that afternoon.  When I explained to him it had been running all night, he said he would be right on out.  The flapper had broken off and he was able to replace it.  SHEW!!  a relief. 

After school, I stopped to get gas.  My card wouldn't work!  WHAT????  Again, I had some cash on me.  After getting gas, I went to the bank.  My card was locked because I had tried using it at Target and kept pushing in the wrong pin number.  This did not take long at all at the bank.  THANKFUL for that.

By the time, I had gotten home it was time to head back out to my Bible Study Group.  I told the ladies that night what all had happened and I needed this Bible Study Group tonight probably more than they did.

Tuesday was a much better day!!  Hoping today will be same.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What does patriotism mean to you? 

Patriotism is showing respect.  Respecting our flag by taking care of our flag when displaying it and when taking it down and saying the pledge with gratitude.  Standing up for the singing/playing of our National Anthem (this burns me up when I see people not standing).  Supporting our military is another way I show patriotism; I do send care packages to those in the military.  We need to ALWAYS show respect for our veterans.

I think one shows patriotism by also voting, obeying the law, respecting authority, and by being a good citizen.

2. September-October-November...your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere use these months but sub spring for the word fall. 

September is my favorite fall month.  The days are still very warm, but the night is getting a little cooler.  The trees are holding on to their leaves.  September is the beginning of the fall festivities.  September helps me to get in a better routine and there is still a few extra daylight hours left in the day!

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word)  in the title or lyrics?

The only song I can think of is the theme song to the Golden Girls..."Thank you for being a friend."

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What's the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and _____________________ . 

Oh, and you can't say jelly. 

Most definitely a huge fan of peanut butter.  I eat a package of nabs. but most people call them crackers.  Every night ,I eat an apple dipped in peanut butter.  

Peanut butter and banana sandwich.

5. This week's gratitude question-What event from this past year are you most grateful for? 

Celebrating my aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary.  My aunt is only one year older than me ;we are more like sisters.  She got married while still in high school.

I am so grateful for these two people in my life.  It probably isn't the most event I am grateful for, but it was the first event that popped in my mind.

I forgot about my cruise!!  I went on a cruise for the very first time in June!!  I would go again... So grateful for the friends who went with me.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Last Tuesday, the boys and I had a Mamaw Day.  

One has to have breakfast first.  Cracker Barrel it was!!

Next...

We had to go and exercise our right to vote.

Then it was time for a little 'free time'

Of course, we had to cuddle Bentley

All this 'free time' made us hungry...

No judging, but the doughnuts were amazing.

In the blink of an eye, it was time to take the boys home.

This was a GREAT Mamaw Day!!!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!!