Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Americans will celebrate Labor Day this coming weekend. Do you know what we're actually celebrating? (without consulting your friends Google or wikipedia, ahem) What's a project you're currently 'laboring' over?

Labor Day is recognized as a day of rest-recognizing the contributions the workers have made to America and Canada.  President Cleveland had some doings in this-
Right now, not laboring over a project.  Now that is hard to believe.

2. Labor Day also signals the unofficial end of summer for most of us...what summer food will you miss the most? If you're in the southern hemisphere feel free to substitute winter for summer.

Watermelon and cantaloupe.

3. A well known proverb states, 'It's easier to seek forgiveness than ask permission.' Your thoughts?

This depends on the situation-if I know it is the best thing for a student I go ahead and do it then ask for forgiveness--"The shoe doesn't fit all."   In other situations, if I have to ask permission am I doing the right thing?  

4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic....which hat would you most like to wear?

Book critic-

5. When you were a kid, who (besides your parents) was your favorite adult?

My grandparents.  As a matter of fact, I was very close to my dad's mother.  She bought my wedding dress and as Dad was walking me down the aisle, I gave her a rose from my bouquet. 

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?

Yes,we  still have modern day heroes; some are just not recognized as heroes today.  A hero is a person who stands up for you when others don't and gives you strength to go on when the chips are down.

7. I never get tired of __________________.

Reading a good book, learning new things, taking vacations, being with family, reunions, meeting new people, and the list can go on.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
We have a three day weekend and it is payday!!

Weekend Rewind....

  Weekend Rewind

Friday night we kept grandson because his father is the "Voice of the Warriors" on the radio.  Started to go the game but since this was the first football game of the season and playing a big rivalry chose to stay home and listen to the radio.  Good choice!  Heard the football stadium was packed! and I was able to do some relaxing from  the comfort of my couch (well some with a 4 yr, old) and still be at the game (in spirit).

Saturday we took grandson to the  Back to School Bash sponsored by a local church. Even though he is not in school, he still enjoyed the inflatables!  I am so thankful our community churches still have these events. There is something to say about living in a small town. The weather was perfect picture day.

Hub has never played Corn Holes.  I enjoy playing so I had to talk him into a game.

Of course, he WON!!  I told him it was beginner's luck.  I feel a Corn Hole Tournament at my house soon!

Feeling a little better about school.  I was exhausted last week. Getting back in the groove is so hard and I had bus duty all week--.   Felling much better tonight-actually looking forward to going back tomorrow.

I usually tell a few co-workers--"Enough is Enough."  This year I am saying "Enjoy the Ride."  Everyday brings so many opportunities, promises, and blessings.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

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?

An orchid.

2. Since we're talking tropical...what's your favorite food or beverage made with pineapple?

Fresh pineapple-but if I can't have this, I love pineapple on pizza.

3. Do you believe in soul mates? Explain.

Haven't really thought about this-until now and I really don't know.  Should you keep on searching for that perfect someone like searching for a needle in a haystack?  I do believe relationships just don't happen-it takes work.
I have found my wonderful soul mate!

4. Share a memory about the house you grew up in.

My front porch-where all the kids gathered and just talked to the wee hours in the morning.

5. Are you comfortable with silence?

Yes?  Of course, this is something I am not used to hearing.

6. You spot a giant spider on your bedroom wall...what's your next move? (all spiders are giant, right?)

After screaming to the top of my lungs, finding something to kill it with.

7. My idea of fun does NOT include ______________.

Standing in long lines trying to get on a ride at Disney World.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Having a hard time adjusting to school.  Hopefully will get better soon!

Weekend-Rewind

Zapped!  Totally Zapped!

School began Thursday for the students in my county.  Prior to this, teachers had been in meetings,  tidying up our rooms, etc. for a week.

The night before school starts, I am just as anxious about the school year as the students.  I lay awake wondering what my classes will be like, if I can get the standardized testing up to par, how many students will actually enjoy my classes, etc.

Friday evening I was totally out of it.  I came home exhausted.  I just sat out back in front of our fireplace and relaxed.  By 10:00 I had pj's on and began watching television.  Hub woke me up around 11 and I stumbled to bed.  Sleeping till 8:00 the next morning is so uncharacteristic of me!!  Teaching for only two days had me drained!  Students say it is hard to get back in the routine-well it is just as hard for teachers.
Thankful for only a two day week,

Saturday was just a lazy day-nothing plan.  Daughter #1 enjoyed our walk around town and just hanging out.  The weather seemed more like early fall than summer--blue jeans, t-shirt, and a light jacket-my kind of weather.


Sundays always go by too fast. Two young men from our church will be heading to Afghanistan on Tuesday-
-prayers needed for them and their families. Morning church service, lesson plans (I always put off till the last minute), and dinner-where did the Sunday go?  At least I have my energy level back and am ready for a full week of school!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. I included this quote (attributed to William H. Danforth) in my blog post yesterday... "The best cure for a sluggish mind is to disturb it's routine." When was the last time you 'disturbed your routine' and how'd you do it?

A believer in keeping the mind active.  Crossword puzzles, brain teasers, and book clubs are just a few ways to keep the mind active.

2. What's your favorite fried food indulgence?

My favorite is sweet potato fries-absolutely love these.

Second favorite is Apple Fritters-

3. Did you have an allowance as a kid? What did you do with it? Do you give your own kids an allowance?

No allowance as a child from my parents but I do remember a chore list.  My two daughters had an allowance which I believe helped them to manage their expenses at college along with a chore list.

4.  What's something you wish you knew more about?

Technology-when I have mastered one piece of technology something better/faster comes along and then it is back to the beginning for me.

5. Is there anything you feel too old to do anymore? If so, what?

Even though my mind says I am not to old, my body says "Yes" you are too old to keep up with the younger generation!

6. What's a song you think has a great first line?

Chirs Tomlin's " I Will Rise"

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

http://youtu.be/9yvfso4Q8xg

7. Who are you writing to/for when you create a blog post? In other words...as you write, who is the audience in your head?

No particular audience-sometimes just writing for myself and my daughters.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Upset--#2 daughter with a GPA of 3.911 and playing a college sport did not get into physical therapy school :(  When your children are upset and there are not comforting words or even an explanation to this, I am extremely sad.  She did receive the e-mail saying she received 2 out of 3 excellents Go figure!

Weekend-Rewind

I have put some miles on this past week.  I feel 'jet legged'-I hope this is the right terminology.

 We had a condo reserved for this past week and went Sunday to Pigeon Forge.  Hub and I took grandson along with his mother and #2 daughter.  Daughter #1 on rotations and couldn't go.

First stop-Blue Moose.  If you ever travel to Pigeon Forge must stop and eat at the Blue Moose.

A hit with the grandson as well.

Second stop-The Aquarium-  One of my favorites.

Grandson was so fascinated with the crabs--
I loved the.....

I could watch these 'little fellows' for hours and hours.

Hub enjoyed sitting and watching more than walking and looking.

Third stop-The pool....

Four generations..Charlie's mom, Charlie, #2 daughter, and grandson.  Thankful every day for my mother-in-law; she is truly one special lady.

We had to head home Wednesday.  School began for me on Thursday.

The first days of school are hectic so the first day is really, really hectic.  Surprised when I got home because hub informed me WE were going back to Pigeon Forge on Friday.  Daughter #1 didn't have to go on her rotation Friday or Saturday and she wanted to go to the condo and do some shopping.  I did what any mother would do-get ready to return to Pigeon Forge.   After school on Friday, I headed back to Pigeon Forge only to return home Saturday evening.  Whew--over 600 miles of driving and riding.  So today I feel like I have been run over by a truck.

Tomorrow is another teacher workday full of meetings and trying to get my room organized for parents tomorrow night.  Where did summer go?

My grandson said this to me on Tuesday while swimming.....

"Mam Mow, this is the life."  How true!  I need some of this R & R  right about now!  Where oh Where did the Summer Go?
Enjoy your week ahead.

Wednesday Hogepodge

1. I'm joining my daughter1 in the 101 in 1001 challenge. Essentially you create a list of 101 things you hope to do or accomplish in the next 1001 days. What's one thing you'd put on your list?


Learn to make a fabulous dinner and invite friends over to enjoy it.  Not the best cook, and when we do invite friends over I always order food!  

2. How many remote controls do you have in your house? What's one item in your home you wish could be operated by remote control?

Six remote controls inside the house and two remote controls outside in our little private fireplace. 

A remote control to clean the bathrooms would be at the top of my wish list!

3. What does having it all mean to you? Is it attainable?

Having it all means being content with your life.   In order to be content, one must be happy, healthy, and have a relationship with Jesus.  It is all attainable except health.  But if one is unhealthy and the outlook for your health looks gloomy then look on the bright side which is you can be happy and healthy on earth or be happy and healthy in heaven-so you can have the better of both worlds.
Having it all does not necessary mean material 'stuff' or being free from debt -though this would be nice.  If this question was asked to me 10 years ago, I am sure my answer would be different.  Having it all has changed with each phase of my life.  I feel like I am rambling on this...so ahem...

4. What's your favorite movie soundtrack?

Favorite is 'Saturday Night Fever.'  I remember as a college student going to a night club and hearing this great music and all of my friends and I hitting the dance floor.  Now these were 'the days.'

5.Describe the best view you've seen from a rooftop.

1987 was actually on top of the house hub and I was first building.  We built in the country and I loved the view of the mountains.  Since then we have moved and remodeled 3 other times.

6. What's your least favorite thing about summer?

The gnats and mosquitoes have been terrible.  This is due to the extreme heat and drought we had earlier.

7. Our weekly Hodgepodge falls on the first day of August. In ten words or less sum up your July.

Enjoyed the ride before it came to a screeching stop. I have to go to school today and then school begins August 9th.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Have a great rest of the week.