Questions & Answers....Hodgepodge

1. Do you think the world became a more dangerous place on September 11, 2001 or did we just become more aware of the danger? How has your own life changed as a result of that day?

A little of both-I have become more aware of my surroundings when traveling to large cities then before 9-11.  The world has become more dangerous; I don't know if it is because of 9-1-11 or have we just forgotten our morals and values.



2. Did you think your parents were too strict when you were growing up? How about in hindsight?

NO!!!  What is wrong with today's generation is they believe they do no wrong and they have an excuse for everything that happens to them!  I could go on and on and on....but better not.  As I reminisce, my parents were strict, but I appreciated all they did for me.

3. Share one random but candid fact about yourself.

I am painfully--HONEST!



4. Would your nearest and dearest describe you as simple or far too complicated?

My dearest said-and I quote--"in between."  He says I am not too simple or overly complicated. Hum....I was wanting an exact answer from him.



5. What is your favorite stadium or carnival food?

Stadium food--this would be popcorn.  I just realized that very few times do I eat popcorn at home.  I jokingly tell Charlie (hub) when Emily begins playing basketball, we go on a corn feed diet-mainly me.  Of course, Charlie eats the famous hot dogs or pizza.  I prefer popcorn-easy for me to handle as I yell at the referees-which I am really going to try not to do this year.



6. Tornado, hurricane, earthquake...how many of these natural disasters have you experienced? Which event do you think would be the scariest?

This year, I have experienced a tornado--April 28, 2011.  I don't know if you can say I really experienced this or not--the tornado happened 4 miles from my house.  Charlie and I decided, when the electricity went off that night, like two fools to go upstairs to bed. He and I slept through the tornado.  The next morning when my neighbor came over did I realize the damage that had happened.  You talk about being scared.....I kept thinking that could have been Charlie and I thrown from our bed.  Believe me the next time ( and I hope there will never be a next time) the tronado warnings happen, Charlie and I will not go upstairs.

 Just last week, my principal came to my classroom and asked if I had felt anything. "Felt what?" I replied.  He informed me there was an eathquake "up the road." "Huh?" He explained to me there had been an earthquake earlier and it had been reported to him earlier that some people had noticed their desks moving and tables moving.  I just replied--"I never felt a thing."

An earthquake struck Virginia

Again, I can't say I really experienced this--

The scariest disaster would be a hurricane.  I am not a big fan of the water-almost drowned years ago, so not a water person.

7. Labor Day weekend is approaching so a work related question seems appropriate. Growing up, did your parents assign you regular chores? Were you paid for doing those chores? If you're a parent do you assign chores to your own children? Why or why not?

Growing up, I had chores before and after school.  Paid----No way but if I did not do my chores-well-I knew I would get some form of a consequence.  My daughters had chores to do.  Having some form of responsibility (around the house, etc.) made my daughters realize-life is not always fair and work is not always fun and games. Today many children do not have chores and if they do have chores I often hear parents say-"I can't make Johnny do anything."  I reply--"Now Johnny is 13 and you are 30 or 40 something and....who is  older?"  It pains me so to hear parents pay children for good grades-what happens when they don't make good grades?  Children today do no have any intrinsic values and this begins at home.



That last question was inspired by a post Mindee wrote on Monday. Everyone go say hi to Mindee-she blogs at Our Front Door and she's funny.





8. Insert your own random thought here.

Hope all survived Irene and all is well.  Since school has begun, I haven't had much time to blog.

Hodgepodge

1. What is something that bothers you if it's not done perfectly?
Just one----remember I think I am OCD when it comes to neatness around the house---so if a bed is not make perfectly, I have to remake it.  Yes, sometimes when I visit my daughters' apartment or condo-I give the clean inspection.



2. Do you think a 6th sense exists? Explain.

Sometimes I just have a 'gut' feeling that something isn't just right and I call this intuition.  Is it a 6th sense? Maybe...I don't think, or maybe I just can't remember-but I don't think I experienced a 'gut' feeling before having children.  Now, I get all nervous and I tell my daughters this isn't going to be good before an event happens.  I even tell my husband I feel like something is going to happen-a bad feeling-when life is going good.  Sometimes the feeling turns out to be true.

3. Do you say your goodbyes slowly, quickly, or not at all?

Goodbyes are said with a kiss and done quickly.  Usually I don't say goodbye--it is ---"I'll see you later." I like the sound of this better.

4. On a scale of 1-10, with ten being hot hot hot, what level of spice do you like in your food? What's your favorite 'spicy' dish?

Somewhat a spicy girl.  On a scale of one to ten, I would be a 7.  Seven is closer to 10-but not to close.  I like jalapenos, hot wings, and spicy Mexican food.  Even though I like spicy food, it doesn't always like me.



5. What is one of your all time favorite commercial jingles?


Hooray for Valleydale, Hooray for Valleydale   The legendary Valleydale Meats commercial -- featuring marching pigs!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rehlpyIGAbU&feature=player_detailpage

6. Plane, train, boat or auto...your preferred method of travel?
Not a fan of the water so boat travel would be out-though I would like to go on a cruise.  I have never traveled by train but would like to one day.  As for plane or automobile-one is as good as the other although I sometimes feel safer in a plane.

7. What is something you take for granted?
I take many 'things' for granted--the sun shining, a bed to sleep in, clothes to wear, a shower that works, my house, the freedoms I have, etc.  I can't just choose one-There are numerous 'things' I take for granted daily.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Husband went for his blood work last week and his results today were good.  Praise God! He will see the cancer doctor in three weeks.
Can someone explain to me (not too good with directions-so make it simple) how to post a you-tube without posting the URL.
Have a great day!

Lessons I Learned

.Children-teenagers...or young adults......

Take a moment and remember what they have taught you. I just did.

1.  Everyday is a new day.

I beat my head up when I make a mistake.I relive the incident over and over and over and over. I have made a mistake and I can't quit thinking about. Now this mistake hurt no one and no blood or anything like that was involved-just a simple mistake on my part. 

"Get over it Mom" daughters say.  

Sleepless nights of rolling, tumbling, and keeping husband awake doesn't help.  With dawn approaching, I get that pit in my stomach again-ready to face the day

and you know what? 

Today is a brand new day and the mistake I had made earlier-no one remembers it-but me.  So my evening of worry and sleepless night was a waste. Every day is a new day and I knew that.  I just need to practice this more.

2.  Patience

Oh Man----I don't even have patience at a drive-thru.  If you hear someone blowing a horn at McDonald's or some other fast food drive thru-it's me. When it comes to technology--not one ounce of patience.  I want it to pop up or do what I want it to do --let's just say NOW!!!!  

"Give it time Mom"another saying from daughters.

Honestly, now one must admit, I have seen teenagers and young adults have more patience with the use of technology than I ever could.  There have been many moments I wanted to throw my camera or cell phone away-I also talk to my cell phone-calling it dumb.  Don't believe I have witnessed a young adult actually talking to a cell phone.  Too many times to mention how I wanted to throw away my computer because it was too slow for me or I couldn't figure out how to do something on it.

Patience, patience, patience---One would think the older I get the more patience I would have-but not with some things.

3.  Don't sweat it.

I forgot to put something away so I naturally jump up and do it, I forgot to get the towels out of the dryer and  the dryer buzzed about 2 minutes ago, or I forgot, I forgot, and it goes on and on.

"Mom-relax and take a chill pill."  another saying from daughters.

I am learning everyday.  Now I just need to practice these more!

Forty Fabulous-Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Using what's in your frig right now what sort of meal would you be able to make for guests who are knocking at the front door this very minute?
Salad and squash.  Hey, school has started back and with all the other 'things' on my plate I haven't been to the grocery market.



2. What is something about yourself that you hope will change but that probably never will?

Bluntness-frank, free-spoken, outspoken, plainspoken, point-blank.  My daughters tease me by saying if you don't want to know the truth don't ask Mom because she tells it like it is.  Honestly, I have tried choosing my words carefully when asked my opinion or a question about something, but I speak before thinking.

3. What's something about yourself that you hope will never change?
My love of learning.   I want to never quit learning.


4. Do you usually send serious or funny greeting cards? Why?

This depends on the circumstance and the person. If the person is a serious person, then of course I send a serious card. On the other hand if the person, likes jokes then a funny card.

5. Bird watching, shell gathering, or star gazing- your choice for whiling away the hours?

Star gazing-The night is so peaceful and I usually walk on the back deck and just look up at the stars.  Most nights I talk to the stars-wishing my dad was still living (even after 27 yrs. I miss him dearly), problems I am experiencing, and etc.  This is so relaxing to me.

6. Do you double or triple check things? If so, what?

Definitely triple check----I am scared of not waking up on time so all alarm clocks and cell phones are tripled checked  before going to bed.  Being married to an insurance man for 30 years, I triple check the oven, curling iron, and hair dryer before leaving the house of the mornings.

7. What's your favorite place for people watching?
Sitting on my front porch unless I am at the beach-where I would love to be right now.


8. Insert your own random thought here
As we begin another school year-I pray for all people who are involved with students.  I am looking forward to a great school year.  Since tomorrow is the first day of school for students-I guess I won't sleep tonight.  I get as excited as the students do.

Daughter Time

Date with #1 daughter Friday was fabulous.  I have been in school this week so she and I planned a date Friday.  We went to see The Help.
After being in meetings all day, I needed a moment-so I took the VW convertible.

  The ticket line wasn't too bad for the seven o' clock showing-maybe a 40 minute wait.  The movie was awesome as the book.  Parts of the movie brought a tear to my eye and Amanda leans over to ask, "Mom are you crying?"  Of course, "Yes."

When I got home, husband had grandson on his lap fast asleep.  He had tried to wait up,but just couldn't.  I am trying to get  him use to a big bed, so husband laid him down and I put up the bed rails.  Being overly protective, I slept with him.  I had forgotten how no matter how tired one is, I still woke up every few minutes to make sure I was not rolling on him.  Aw....just listening to him breathe was so peaceful.  Now that both daughters are in their 20's, I forgot about how sweet a child's breathing was.

Sunday is a day of praise and worship.  What a great song I heard--"Cry Out to Jesus" of course #2 daughter sung this as special music.  I must say she brought a tears to my eyes. Just in the past couple of months have I really-and I mean really listened to the words of contemporary gospel music.  Eye-opener-just sit back and listen to the words-a powerful message can be heard.

#1 Daughter had to leave and head back to pharmacy school.  Like I had mentioned earlier, this past week was her only summer vacation and I was in school.  We planned on following her for an hour and then find a place to get a quick dinner.  Her car was packed and ready!!!

Don't need much for a week--except her pillow-a must!!

I decided to ride with Amanda  and husband and #2 daughter rode together.  The clouds started rolling in and getting dark.

We ate at Bonanza--not much choice when you follow her back to pharmacy school.  As we began eating the rain, thunder, lightning, and wind put on a show for us.  I could tell #1 daughter needed to head out and get back to school.  I told her to go ahead and leave--she had a few errands to run before getting back.  We got in all our hugs and kisses and........:( the time had come to say good-bye.

Hub, daughter #2, and I finished eating and headed out.  We headed into the storm.

Why does it seem like when you don't want your daughter to leave, it storms......sad enough.  The closer we got to home, the cooler I was getting.  Now this is strange for me--with my hot flashes and all.  I glanced at the temp. in the van and saw.......

It was in the mid-eighties when we left.  No wonder I was getting chilly.  But it was a welcome chill for me.

We drove through the storms (seemed like on after an other) and made it home.

The house seemed empty and lonely with daughter #2 gone.  As I was looking out the window I saw...

How beautiful.  How can anyone ever question-God?  

Daughter #2 called and had made it safely to her apartment.  Sigh of relief!!

I truly enjoyed having you home, Amanda for this short week.  My only regret is.....the week went by way, way too fast.

I enjoyed each moment spending time with you.  I love you with all my heart and so proud of all your accomplishments.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. If you could work for any one government agency which would you choose and why?

Department of Education---if this is one?? or a different level.  Why the DOE----they need someone with common sense and has worked with different levels of children.  Maybe then the DOE can understand one size does not fit all!!!

Working for the FBI would be interesting to me.  I like to solve mysteries and puzzle.

2. How difficult is it for you to forgive someone who refuses to apologize?
At first it is difficult for me to forgive-too much anger and hurt feelings when someone refuses to apologize.  After a sleepless night, I remind myself that I forgive not for them but for me.  It is easier to forgive than to hang on to so much anger and hurt.

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” ~Mahatma GandhiI 

3. What is your favorite meatless supper?

On a summer evening, cornbread muffins and homegrown tomatoes.  On a cool evening-chicken noodle soup.  Remember-I am not known as a chef!!!

4. Wednesday August 10th is National Lazy Day...will you be celebrating? If so, tell us how so we can be lazy too.

Not celebrating! First day of school for teachers.

5. As a child did you have any special back to school traditions and if so, what were they? If you're a parent did you carry on those traditions with your own children?

Aw-yes.  I can remember going shopping and buying fall clothes, shoes, paper, notebooks, and fancy ink pens.  Then wearing the new clothes on the first day of school and burning up!!!!  As I got older, new clothes waited until cooler weather came.
My girls went shopping for school supplies but not clothes. In fact, they still shop for school supplies--new furniture, towels, bed linen, appliances, etc. Hopefully, this will end soon!!

6. Write a summer tongue twister.

Sizzling, scorching summer
Slipping, swaying, spinning by
Sigh.......
Stop--Slowdown Summer

7. Would you be interested in observing a surgery or do you turn away when the nurse brings out the needle?

My first major was pre-med.  I can't stand to look at a  needle-I nearly faint.  Glad I changed majors.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Officially, tomorrow is the first day of school for teachers.  So many changes this year and yet so little time to prepare for the next generation of students who pass through my room.

Dinner is Up

#1 Daughter wanted to try a new recipe -she had actually learned this from one of her friends at pharmacy school.  Since I am not known as a chef in my house, I gave her the green light.

What are you planning of fixing?  She replied, "Sarah's Chicken and Rice."  I replied, "I have never had Sarah's Chicken and Rice."  To which she replied--"Mom you have had chicken and rice before."

"Yep, but never heard of Sarah's Chicken and Rice."  Then the laughter started....Sarah was her

friend who had given her the recipe.  Duh on me.

\

She went to the store and bought the ingredients and began.

First, she cut the chicken.

This took the longest or it seemed like it to me as I watched.

Then she mixed other ingredients in with the chicken-don't know what they were:(

This smelled good...but it wasn't cooked yet.

She started the rice.

Then began cooking the chicken.

Gosh-it smelled better than before.

I could tell she was a little nervous because she kept saying I hope we would like it.  It it tasted as good as it smelled---no problem.  However, if we didn't like it we still had salads to eat--I prepared the salad:)

Ta Da.........

It was delicious!!!!!!!!!

Dinner was a huge hit!!!!!  

Thanks Amanda for this wonderful dish!!!!!

Tammy

For The Life of Me.......

I usually don't write about this--but I just can't understand for the life of me one thing.  Why do people have children and don't want to spend time with them or even be a parent at all?
Charlie and I went to Pigeon Forge this past week.  Just a little down time for me before school starts back.  Both daughters were still in college for the summer.  Daughter #1 ended her class Friday and Daughter #2 ended her class Thursday....so we said okay girls Dad and I will go and you all can go the next week because I will be in school.  They both jumped at the chance of this--what 23 and 21 yr.old wouldn't?

Charlie and I headed out Sunday.  We just took our time and enjoyed the drive.  Later that evening we ate at our favorite place...The Blue Moose.  Yummy....if you ever go...check this place out.

They have the coldest beer in town-still in frosted mugs with bits of ice floating on top.  Nothing fancy just a relaxing atmosphere.

Then we walked the food and beverage off--a little sightseeing along the way.

Beautiful pic of the Ole Mill.
Peaceful and relaxation soon ended.......
Tuesday my hub gets a call from his son (34 yr. old) and he has a 2 yr. old--full custody of his child.  The son was going to come on Wednesday but didn't want to--so we headed half-way and picked up Nate (2 yr. old) and took him with us.  My husband son's boss had given him Wednesday-Monday off with pay--just take the time and enjoy time spent with your son.
Nate had a good time---riding cars, trains, swimming, and eating.

Now, I love Nate with all my heart.  During the summer, I keep him 3 days during the week and every weekend.  When I am in school, he is at my house every day and then Charlie and I keep him every weekend.  Charlie's son takes him to the babysitter when I am in school form 9 till 5:30 and then like I said, brings him to our house till around 7:30 or 8:00.
Of course the son complains about being a single parent and I say--how are you so much a single parent?  You probably spend at the most 2-3 hours with him--of course he replies he is with him at night when he sleeps.  You got to be kidding me!!!!!  Then I explain he was old enough to know what he was doing--and should have thought before hand.
I have tried and tried talking and telling him he should bond with his child.  Charlie and I are not the parents, only grandparents!
Many friends of ours can't believe how much time we keep Nate.  But....I feel sorry for him because I feel he is just dropped off.  I do believe I am raising him and that's okay....but some days I am really tired and it is hard after teaching all day to come home to a 2 yr. old.
For the life of me--I just can't understand how someone can have a child and not want to spend some time with the child.
I just had to get this off my chest.