Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What makes you stand to your feet and cheer?

Depending on where I am---If watching a sporting event, I stand, yell, clap, and cheer loudly especially if watching my daughter play basketball.

 If I am listening to a speaker and the speaker is saying what I want to hear; I stand and cheer.

If I am in church and someone sings a moving song, I do stand and then clap after the song.

2. What's your favorite patriotic song?

 "God Bless the USA

by Lee Greenwood

3. Do you believe that opposites attract? If you have a significant other are you opposites?

 My hub and I are opposite!!  He goes to bed early (well to sleep early while watching TV).  I on the other hand, am a night owl.  He gets up early; I like to sleep in.  He doesn't like to travel; I love to travel.  He stays calm in situations; I panic.  When angry, he thinks before he speaks; I don't.  He bites his tongue; I don't.  At times, I wish I was more like him!!!!

4. You're going to get a behind the scenes look someplace...where would you like that someplace to be?

London -William and Kate specifically.

5. How far would you have to travel to ride a carousel (merry-go-round)?

Not far-just last week a carnival was only about 10 minutes from my house.  Living in a small town does have some advantages.

Me and Nate

6. When was the last time you saw fireworks? What was the occasion? Do you enjoy fireworks?

Last year--Fourth of July!!! I enjoy fireworks very much--a beautiful sight.

7. Of all the 'beauty products' you own, what item do you consider to be the most overpriced?

Lip products and foundations.  Of course, these are the two products I would never leave the house without putting on first.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!!!!

Tammy

New York Adventure

Loved New York City!!!! and I am a Yankee Fan!!!! this was the main reason I went to watch the Yankees!!!

Charlie was skeptical about the trip.  Like I have mentioned so many times, he does not like to travel or even leave his town!!!  He is very content being at home and never leaving. On the other hand, I love to travel and see places I have never seen before.

Happy being at home and never leaving.

 I do believe the only reason he was a little 'fired-up' about the trip was because of the car he was looking to purchase while there.  We went on a tour bus which made me happy.

We were able to tour the city while there.  On Thursday and Friday we toured the city.

Time Square

I was able to do some shopping!!!!!!!  I just ran out of money and time!!!!

Next on to the ballgame.  Growing up I lived in Baltimore before moving to Virginia so I loved going to watch the Orioles play.  I became a Yankee fan years ago because of the pitcher--honestly I can't remember his name but I thought he was the cutest man alive!!!  So I became a Yankee fan which is unheard of in my part of the state!!!!

I enjoyed the game even though the Yankees lost on Friday night.

The Yankees played Saturday but this was the day Charlie had planned on meeting the car saleswoman and looking at the VW convertible.  Telephone conversations had been on going since he found the car on the internet and had arranged to meet on Saturday after making a deposit.  I agreed to give up the Yankee ballgame for a VW convertible. First-the saleswoman was one hour late!!! and she didn't bring the car.  The saleswoman said she would be taking us to the car lot.  Okay, no big deal.  WRONG!!  I rode up front and Charlie rode in the back and believe me I was hanging on for dear life.  She drove like a maniac. She called her boss and was speaking to him on the way.  I asked her why she was speaking in Arabic and not English.  No response.  We arrived at this place-which wasn't a car lot.  I don't know what you would call it but it didn't look like a car lot to me. There was this itsy tiny building. and we went in.  The owner was there but the car we had made a deposit on wasn't.  The owner explained he was having someone check it out for us.  I had to go outside because the smell in that room was giving me a headache-some type of incense they were burning.  As I was standing outside I see the VW but it was not like the picture or the information they had given Charlie.  The top was painted black-just freshly painted.  I know that it was just freshly painted because when I put my hand on it; the top was wet.  Now this car was supposed to be in mint condition.  No way!!  

Charlie explained to the owner I wanted a beige top not a black top.  They could keep our deposit; and we would be on our merry way.  Now I have been in many sale situations (Charlie loves to trade/buy vehicles at least every year) and I have always been kinda pressured to buy-but not this guy.  He said his saleswoman would drive us back to our hotel and he would give us our deposit back.  Huh? So we went back inside the building and he wrote us a check; of course I wanted cash but I really wanted to get the H--- out of there.  The saleswoman drove us back in the VW; Charlie up front and me in the back.  She got lost taking us back to the hotel and we drove and drove and drove and drove.  Finally, I said let's stop and ask directions.  Well she stopped all right at a Dunkin Doughnuts to go in and get her some coffee and doughnuts.  Charlie finally told her to stop at this station and he went and asked for directions.  We made it back 3 hrs. later.  I was so happy to see our hotel.
So I took a little walk to ease my frustrations.

We collected our thoughts on this bench.

After gaining our composure, we were still upset about the entire ordeal. So.......

I had a few of these and.....

Charlie a few of these!!!!

I had missed the Yankee game for this!!!!!  So relieved it was over.  I honestly believe it was not a car dealer but some type of money laundry or drug laundry and they were using the car dealer place as a cover up.

We were able to laugh about it later that night and on the way home.

My first trip to New York was an adventurous one!!!

But one day I will go back-on my agenda and not Charlie's.

I will do more sightseeing and maybe take in a play.

Tammy

1. Summer's here-whoohoo! What's your favorite sight, sound, AND smell associated with summer.
My favorite sight of summer would have to be seeing flowers everywhere and the fireworks on the Fourth of July; my favorite sound would be the laughter of children playing outside and hearing fireworks.  Aw..the smell --barbecuing on the grill-any type of food.  I am soo blessed having a hub who loves to grill!!!!!

2. Fireflies or lightning bugs...what are they called in your neck of the woods?

Lightning bugs.  I remember as a child trying to catch lightning bugs in a jar.  My whole neighborhood would be on a lightning bug hunt!!!  Do kids do this today?

3. What is something from the past week that reminded you of your childhood?
Saturday we went to meet #2daughter's new college basketball coach.  All the girls were acting silly and just having a good time.  I remember my college days-just acting silly and having a Great Time!!!!

4. Define 'the good life'.
The good life would be no health problems and peace.

5. Tell us what we'd see if you took a snapshot of your desk/work space?

My desk would be a total disaster until the end of the day.  I keep paperwork all piled up-and sorted-work to do now, papers graded, and a Do Now folder.  There is a difference between do no and Do Now folders.  The Do Now means just that Do Now before leaving school, and the do now is get this done before tomorrow.  Did I mention all folders are colored coded.

6. Peaches or watermelon...yes, you have to choose.

Definitely watermelon.  I love this so much I can eat the rind-shocking to some!!! and it is fun just spitting the seeds out!!  We had a contest at school-years ago-who could spit the seeds the farthest!

Of course, now that I am  getting older, I tend to stay up half the night using the bathroom--too much water!!

7. Ever been skinny dippin'? Is that too much for the Wednesday Hodgepodge? Rest assured we won't need details...unless of course you feel you must but remember, this is a family friendly blog so keep it G rated.
Only once when recently married.  My hub and I had a pool in the back yard and late one night we went skinny dippin.

8.  Random thoughts.
My husband's cousin, who was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle, had his doctor appointment today.  His leg is -femur is completely shattered-and will have to take shock treatments to see if the bone will fuse back together.  If insurance will not cover the cost-Dr. want to start the treatments soon, he will have to wait 3 months!!!  Unbelievable!!!!  I explained to his wife when Charlie was scheduled for a scan due to his colon cancer the insurance company told me this was experimental!!!  Boy did I give them a mouthful!!!  I mean what is experimental about having colon cancer??????  Personally, insurance companies are ........you may fill in the blank!!!!!!!

Have a great day!!!! and Enjoy Life!!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy

I just can't seem to find the time to stop and smell the roses!!!!

Hub wanted to keep his grandson on Friday.  We had a few errands to run and we took him along.  He spent the night with us; and he was very tired and went to bed around 10 that evening.  His father came and got him Saturday morning.

Saturday we had to go and meet #2 daughter's new basketball coach.

 Some of the players wanted to have a little get together and meet this new coach.  The weather was horrible-windy, stormy, tree limbs blowing all over the interstate.  Scary!!!  On the way we (hub, #2 daughter, and myself) trying to get some calmness in the stormy weather decided we wouldn't stay very long at the cook-out.  We would just mingle a little and leave.  Arriving safely, we were happy to see #1 daughter who had decided to meet us there since she wouldn't be able to come home for Father's Day.  A nice surprise.  The weather was a little rainy, but nothing like we had driven in.  Cook-out became cook-in and all was well.  Our just staying a little while turned into 5 hours!!!  The new basketball coach is from South Dakota and was well pleased with the girls that were able to come.  

Hub wanted to cook-out yesterday for Father's Day.  No way could this happen-stormy weather again.  So he decided he wanted to go to Cracker Barrel and eat.  This was okay with us.  After eating, the sun popped out at 7 or shall I say started to set!!!!   We all took a little stroll around the block.  My mind started thinking of things I needed to do before heading out Thursday to New York-clean, pack, finish errands, etc.  I think best while walking. I was then told by hub that grandson would be staying a few nights and days with us since we were leaving. Ok, I will just get everything done. After our stroll, I wanted to watch Miss USA Pageant and hub said he needed to get on the computer.  Hmmm...he very seldom uses the computer.  During a commercial I peeked to see what he was doing-just looking at vehicles.  Later, I learned he has been talking to an auto dealer and since we will be only 15 minutes away from this auto dealership; we might just drive back a VW convertible while in New York!!!  You have go to be kidding me, right!!! 

 He says if I like it this will be my anniversary present-which happens to be today!!!!

This morning, I got up extra-early to begin the dreaded date with my house!!!!  I can't remember the last time I cleaned house; I have a person who cleans for me, but being OCD in this department, I sometimes clean before she comes--I know this is terrible!!!!!  BUT I did tell her since I am out of school, I would give her a call in August.  Why is it when you get up early and try to get things done, the phone rings and you talk for hours!!!!  This is exactly what happened.   

 But heck, it is still stormy outside (I wonder where the sun is)??? Hours  later......the housework is done  and one load of laundry is finished.!!!! The sun is now out-so guess what-the laundry can wait till tomorrow!!!!!

I should finish the laundry....but all well!!!!
Tomorrow will be interesting...laundry, taking grandson to library, and finishing errands!!!  I wonder what hub will try to buy tonight!!!!!!!

Tammy

Today I am Thankful for........

the cool morning we are experiencing

ears to hear the birds singing

#1 daughter arriving back to pharmacy school safely

hearing the laughter of #2 daughter

making it through the last couple of weeks of school in this extreme heat with no AC

my beautiful family

a grandson (step-son's 2 yr.old) who makes me laugh no matter how bad a day I have had

friends-who are there for you

healing and recovery of my husband's cousin who was injured in a motorcycle accident

listening to #2 daughter's beautiful singing voice

living in a country where I am free to worship God

Have a great day and enjoy life!!!

Tammy

First Day of Vacation

My first day of vacation started today.
Last week the temperature was in the mid to high 90's.  With a room full of 8th graders it was very hot in our classrooms; we have no AC on our part of the wing.  We managed to make it through; no choice in this matter.

Teachers had to work until yesterday, and today I started my VACATION!!!!

I woke up at 6:00--why?  I think our bodies become adjusted to our routine and no matter how we say we are going to sleep in; we can't.  At 7:15, I decided to give up and just get up.  I did enjoy my coffee and reading the newspaper without being rushed.

After relaxing for a few hours, I decided to do some exercising with my WII-Fit.  I mentally prepared myself and was all pumped up.  Oh No, the board wasn't working.  I kept trying to see what was wrong--Ding!! the batteries had gone bad.  Searching through every nook and corner trying to find batteries; I finally gave up and asked husband if we had any batteries.  We had batteries but not the right size.  Go figure-this is what usually happens, right?  I could have easily gone to the store, but didn't want to go without a shower and make-up, and if I take a shower and put on make-up why exercise.  A stroll around the block would be nice. Oh No--husband is mowing and I don't know what is going on but my allergies are killing me.  I have never had allergies; I can't even get my contacts in!!!!  So forget walking.

Um....what next.  Read--yeah, I need to finish my book. I love to read so no problem here. Then the phone rings--and you know some people you just can't get off the phone with.  When I finally got off the phone, husband is through cutting the grass and has already showered, and he says we need to go somewhere.  

Finally, I get back home.  I grab my reader and head to the front porch to read.  OMG-the temperature is dropping and it is raining!!!  I get cold, yep cold.  What happened it is 67 degrees!!!!!  So I come in and fix me another cup of coffee and begin to read.  Only this time my husband is on the computer searching for a vehicle.  Look at this one, look at this one, look here, what do you think of this one.  :( I put my reader away.

Next question?  What are we having for dinner?  Uh-Oh-forgot about that.  

My thoughts-empty plate!!!!!!  Since I am not known for my cooking expertise, no problem hub will think of something to have :)

I think I will grab my reader while he cooks :) :)

After dinner, I will put on sweats and a sweatshirt and go for a walk to ease my stressful day! LOL!!

I wonder what I will do tomorrow??????  

Have a nice day.

Tammy

It's time for...........




1. What is one thing on your bucket list? If you don't have a bucket list let's pretend you do.

How about 5 things:
1.  Travel--I love to travel but husband hates it.  Anywhere is fine with me-Italy would be the choice of places.2.  View the famous Northern Lights
3.  Ride in a hot air balloon
4.  Build a home for Habitat for Humanity
5.  Learn a different language-preferably French


2. What makes a good dad?
Characteristics of a good dad:  loving, putting family first, spending time with his children, having a positive influence, being faithful, and not only teach-but show.  I think my husband is a G-R-E-A-T dad.  He puts his children first and schedules everything else around their schedule.  So many times the girls call home and say, "Let me speak to Dad."  Why?  My answer would be "No" or find a solution to it, but he jumps at their beckon call.

Charlie with his two favorite girls!!!

3. Are you afraid of insects? Which ones?

I am not really afraid of insects unless I see one that is poisonous.  Usually I just step on insects and go on.

4. We're barbecuing...what's on the grill at your house?
Chicken--My husband loves to cook, and he is great at it.  Glad for this because I am no cook by no means!!!  We are also going to barbecue shrimp--this is great!!!!


5. Do you believe that playing is more important than winning?

She is a 'shorty' but with a lot of hussle.

Being a mother of a girl basketball player, I believe playing is more important than winning.  It doesn't matter how much time my daughter gets to play or if there or games she never gets in to play, I just go and watch.  This year will be the last time she plays basketball-she will be a senior in college and if nothing happens I plan on going to all of her games.  Just watching the team in the huddle, warming up before a game, the look in her teammate's faces will be just a few things I will miss.  I can't tell you how many points my daughter has scored or any fancy shots she takes (my husband can, though) or even the final score of a game.  I just go and yell (sometimes a little too loud) and enjoy my daughter and her team's performance.  Winning is a thrill, but playing is important.  I think I am rambling on this......

6. Do you tan? Use self tanners? Visit tanning salons? See your dermatologist at least once a year?
When younger, I loved to lay in the sun.  Then started going to tanning salons, then I bought a tanning bed.  Now I don't bother with either.  I get too hot.  I have never been to a dermatologist.


7. Five years ago I would never imagine that today I would be called Mamow right now.  My step-son has a 2 yr. old.

8.  Random thought.

Summer vacation starts tomorrow!!!!!  YIPPEE.......

Too Many Thoughts.......

Too many thoughts going on in my head.

#1 Daughter left Saturday to head back to pharmacy school.  Sad to see her leave, but I kept reminding her the end was in sight.  She wasn't too thrilled about leaving, especially leaving boyfriend.  OMG--I had forgotten how hard it was to return to college and leave boyfriend behind.  I thought the world was ending!!!! Daughter called late Saturday night, and she had forgotten her white coat.  Now this is like a basketball player forgetting his/her basketball shoes or a golfer forgetting his/her golf clubs.  So yesterday after church my husband and I took her white coat to her--driving through storms after storms.

Thought one.....was I that way while in college-forgetting things after being home for awhile?

I have been planning this trip to New York for a while.  I am looking forward to going with husband even though I don't think he really wants to go.  You see, hub is not the traveling man.....His response to travel is why should I want to go there-I haven't lost anything there.  Anyways---#2 Daughter is singing "How Great Thou Art" on June 26th-You GUESSED -we will be in New York.  Daughter has tried to change the date, but with her schedule this is the only time she is available.  We have heard her sing this before and the church is going to record her singing, but...

Thought two...should I cancel trip?  I know hub will be truly disappointed not hearing her sing as well as I but......

Today was our first teacher work day.  Boy some people must have had a terrible, horrible weekend.  They wear their feeling on their sleeve!!!  We all have much work to do and rush around like crazy, but the least you can do is pretend to be happy. 

Thought three....why on earth do people have to take their frustrations out on co-workers?

 My husband's cousin, the one who had the motorcycle accident last week, is doing much better.  He is still in excruciating pain, but he is happy to be home.  Last night while visiting him, his wife was concerned about insurance.  Apparently the person who hit him has only 30 thousand worth of coverage.  This is very little considering med-flight, surgery, etc.  My husband ,who sold his insurance company two years ago, was able to give some pointers about insurance.  This seemed to give her some peace of mind until I asked if the person who had caused the accident called to check on her husband since he wasn't injured and refused any treatment.  Of course, this person hasn't.  If this had been me-I would have sleepless nights, and I  would  have somehow found out how to contact this family and offered my condolences.

Thought four....is people not very thoughtful anymore?

 It is very hard to concentrate on school work, with these thoughts going on in my head.  I get one piece of paperwork finished, and then I start thinking again. Tried listening to music, but this hasn't helped me today.  This I find strange because music is how I can focus.  I guess I will be here longer than expeted.

Thought five....how do men stay focused?  

Thought six...these are thoughts....are they?

Does anyone else have any thoughts are the subjects?

Tammy



Thankful Thursday

I am linking up with Thankful Thursday--

Thankful for---

tommorrow being  the last school day for students
AC when I get home
two beautiful daughters
a husband who loves to cook
rain this afternoon after being in the high 90's all week
tomorrow is Friday
people who take the blame when they are in the wrong

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Answers to Joyce's Hodgepodge   joyce-fromthissideofthepond.blogspot.com


1. Do you and your family enjoy camping? What do you enjoy most/like the least when it comes to family camping? When was the last time you camped?
  As a little girl, I remember going camping with my family and our next door neighbor.  I can remeber cooking hotdogs on a fire, fishing, and doing plenty of running.  At night, I remeber sitting on my daddy's lap watching the fire.  I liked to play in the fire and my grandmother would say-if you play in the fire, you will pee in the bed, so I wold throw my stick down and go back on sit on daddy's lap.  I don't remember how we slept-if we had sleeping bags or what, but I do remember waking up in the mornings froze to death!!!!
Now that I am older, I am definitely not a camper.  I need my bed, a shower, and most importantly electricity. My husband is not a camper, so we have never been on a camping trip as a family.  Now I feel sorry for my daughters because they have not experienced what I did as a young child. 




2. Did you attend a summer camp when you were a kid? Is that a happy or not so happy memory?
When I was in the fourth grade, I attended a summer church camp.  I can remember it being very hot, someone crying (homesick) and sitting around the campfire at night singing.  I think this was somewhat a happy memory.




3. Over the course of your life, what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else?

Honestly, I don't know.  Maybe the well-being of family members. 



4. Which of the seven natural wonders of the world would you most like to see? There are many lists of 'wonders' but this is the standard natural wonder list-Mount Everest, The Great Barrier Reef, The Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls, The Harbor of Rio de Janerio, Paricutan Volcano and The Northern Lights.


I would have to go with The Northern Lights.  What an amazing sight this would be to see.




5. What was your first real job?
My first real job was teaching emotionally disturbed teenagers.  I was so excited to finish college and get offerred a teaching job.  This was both challenging and rewarding.  I taught ED students for two years.  Then I taught fourth grade, high school Englilsh and Algebra I and currently teaching eighth graders---what was I thinking????????  Each teaching assignment was a little closer to home.
My first teahing job was a 90 mile drive.  Now it takes me less than five minutes to drive to school which sometimes doesn't give me enough time to clear my head before entering the house.  I had to establish a rule--give me five minutes before talking to me-just 5 minutes to settle down and then the other part of my day would start.  This works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




6. Lemonade or Sweet tea...which do you prefer on a hot summer day?

Sweet tea

7. What is something that always brings a smile to your face?

My daughters always bring a smile to my face.  Both are doing college rotations and they have been home for 7 weeks.  #1 daughter has to leave Saturday and #2 daughter will leave shortly afterwards.  I have still been in school (3 days left yeah) and after a hard, hot day at school, I look forward to them telling me about their day.  Of course they try to out do each other--drama queens if you want to say that, but I have really enjoyed our conversations.  Since I get home before they do-they say Mom give me 5 minutes before you start questioning us about our day!!!!  Lesson learned from me.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We had our church picnic Sunday at a park close by.  The weather was beautiful!!!  I remember having picnics as a child, but seldom do now.

I have never seen so much food!!!!

The water was inviting.

Have a great day!!!  Please remember Charlie's cousin who was involved in a motorcycle accident in your prayers.  He is improving everyday!!! 



 I AM your Deliverer, I AM your Healer, I AM your Peace, I AM your Joy, I AM your Friend..Call on Me anytime and I Will be there for you. Love, Jesus