Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.  In the USA this coming Sunday millions will be watching as the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49's in the Superbowl.  What was the last event you attended that could be described as super?

I would have to chose my youngest daughter's graduation from college.  That was super for me!  Now if I can get daughter #1 through pharmacy school !

2.  Share something you're a fan of these days?

Fan of Relay for Life!  Until recently, I didn't realized how much money is spent on research and how far cancer research has come!  On a sadder note, I just found out a few days ago-a dear friend and colleague was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Three years ago, this lady's husband was diagnosed with cancer and had many rounds of chemotherapy and now this!  Prayers for her and her family is greatly needed. I HATE the C Word!

3. How do you feel about wings?  In case anyone is confused, I'm talking the edible appetizer kind.  What's your preferred seasoning on a wing-hot, mild, teryiaki, sweet and sour, other?  Do you make your own or is there a favorite place you like to go for wings?

The hotter the wings the better!  Yeah-pile on the hot sauce with a cool beverage!  Favorite places to go for wings: 

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My mouth  is watering now for these....and all I have brought for my lunch is..yogurt.

4.  As long as we're talking sports today...have you followed the Lance Armstrong story?  Did you watch his interview with Oprah and if so what was your reaction to his confession and subsequent remarks?
  

I hated to hear him admit to using performance enhancing drugs like so many of our 'star' athletes.  

5.  What's a question you hate to be asked?  

When are you going to retire?  I wish I could now but like so many of us-I am working for INSURANCE!!!

6. The coaches in this Sunday's big game happen to be real life brothers.  Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49er's and his older brother John Harbaugh coaches the Baltimore Ravens.  Were you and your sibling(s) competitive?  In what way? Are you still?  If you're an only child how did you handle competition growing up?

I have a younger brother, and we weren't competitive.  I think I have a little competitiveness in me.

7.  What's your favorite game involving a ball and when did you last play?
  

Volleyball is my favorite game-I hope daughter doesn't read this!  I last played volleyball this summer.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Today is my daddy's birthday.  He would have been 76 years old.  My daddy was cheated-he died when he was 47 years old with lung cancer.  There is that C word again.

Weekend Rewind

Weekend Rewind....

Old Man Winter-gave us another 'no school day' in our county on Friday.  An ice storm hit our area and Brrrr... it was cold.  It may not seem so cold to others, but our winters have been mild for the past couple of years and as a matter of fact,  just a few weeks ago, the temperatures were in the 70's so Brrr...double Brrr. for me.  The forecast for the upcoming week has the temperatures in the 60's so...and up and down roller coaster for sure.

Hub went to the sitter to get grandson on Friday, and he spent the night with us.  He amazes me so much-especially with his technology skills.  I let him use my I Pad and he has his own folder for his games.  I learned a new lesson.  I purchased a game for him-typed in password and all-but didn't realize once I typed in the password, he was able to just hit install and....he had purchased more games!  Yep-Wow-there should be something to shut the 'thing' off so no one could just hit install without typing in password.  Maybe there is but as of right now I don't know-if you do-Please let me know.  As of right now, I know I have a somewhat large bill for Angry Bird games. Ouch!

Grandson is addicted to Angry Birds and loves knocking the towers over.  After many minutes of tediously building the tower, Kaboom-it is destroyed in literally seconds.  Hub had to be encouraged to try his skill at building.  I wish I could have thought of this game-definitely retirement could be in my future then!

Went to watch a college basketball game on Saturday. #2 daughter's boyfriend was playing only a few minutes from home, so we were able to go and see the game.

My cousin came with her boys.

As you can see  both the little guys have their own I Pad and this kept both boys settled during the game.  I was thinking back when my girls were this age-gosh how did I keep them settled? Of course I know the answer to this-which was simply -if you don't behave, then to the bathroom we will go.  Times sure have changed.  They did watch some of the game especially Nate-I just simply took the I Pad and reminded him of the bathroom trip,

Then he was allowed to go on the court and shoot the basketball a while.

This morning in Wee Worship, I had 12 little ones.  We made our special hats after the lesson on how important we are to God.  Shew--some days they do wire me out, but I love every minute of it!

Enjoy your week and Enjoy Life...

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. The popular saying, 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly. Is he right?

Not in my opinion.  No one should be deceitful just to  get what one wants. 
Fair--is not everyone have the same
Fair--is everyone having what they work for

2. Are you a cereal eater? What's your favorite kind?

Special K-berry flavor.  As a matter of fact, this was my dinner last night after going to Zumba.


3. A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the gun blows bubbles). She did not have the gun with her at school.

A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record. The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts? (If you missed the story click here for details).

My first reaction-how was this incident reported-who heard the whole conversation?  I completely understand a school must follow policy with all that has happened recently in schools.
Parents need to talk with their children (no matter the age of the child) and explain the seriousness of any statements related to violence. 

Some may think this was taken too seriously-a five year old being punished-but when do we not take incidents seriously?   Do we need to have a 'one size fits all' policy? or just take each incident separately? 

Many five-year old do have an imagination and are just playing but how can one be so certain?  I would be highly upset if the child was questioned/interrogated without a parent there.

4. Whatever happened to_____________________________?

Good- ole- clean television shows!  Every television show (local channels) seems to be related to sex or have curse words in them.  Remember the good shows--I Love Lucy- heck they were really married and they still slept in separate beds and Lucy's P.J's were not one bit seductive.

5. January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil. Do you like your handwriting? Do you prefer to print or write in cursive? This date was chosen because its the birth date of John Hancock. What's the last thing you signed your name to?

In my state, we no longer teach cursive handwriting as we did many years ago.  Students are not required to write in cursive which I think is very sad.  I remember loving to write in cursive and practicing my fancy signature.  All is written on computers, and I cringe to write this because students are also allowed to use spell check.  I use spell check but that is after learning to spell some everyday words!
 My last signature was on a check.

6. Speaking of John Hancock...ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?

Have never been to Philadelphia-really no desire to go.

7. Share something funny you've heard a child say.
Teaching 3 & 4 year olds on Sunday mornings can be a real eye opener.  I was teaching a lesson and said to the children -let's yell -before I could finish the sentence the children began yelling-piercing screams. Oh My!!  

8. Insert your own random thought here

Why do I keep hitting the publish button instead of the save button?  and I don't know how to fix the problem once I hit the wrong button!

Weekend Rewind

Weekend Rewind

A longer weekend.....Yeah!

Schools in my area were closed due to flooding then a snowstorm hit.

By Thursday morning, we had six inches of rain.  The weather report kept telling us the temperatures were going to drop and the rain would turn to snow.  Yeah, right?  That was my thinking.  One has to remember the weather report was usually wrong, and I took the report with a grain of salt.  The temperature on Thursday morning was very warm and the rain was falling.  I kept checking the basement for water and thankfully never saw any.  Sadly, this wasn't true for many of my neighbors.  

Around 4 that evening, #2 daughter starts jumping up and down--ice pellets were falling from the sky.  Within a few minutes, the temperature had dropped drastically and an ice storm was happening.  Just a few minutes later, it had all turned to snow.  #1 daughter was in a town 20 minutes away --she was on her rotation-a mental hospital to be exact.  She couldn't get home.  Her father went to drive her home.  He was unable to get on the hill at the hospital.  A co-worker was able to take her to a nearby store where her dad was waiting on her.  A 20 minute drive home turned into a three hour drive.  I, being at home, was walking the floor and calling ever so often.  How did my parents keep their sanity without cell phones?  A joy of relief when hub and #2 daughter arrived safely home!

This is what I woke up to Friday morning.  A beautiful six/seven inches of snow. 

  After eating a huge breakfast, there is something about snow that makes me want to cook, we headed outside for some snow play.

One is never too old to play in the snow.  I was able to catch both daughters (ages 25 & 23) making a snowman.

They worked tediously trying to build a snowman.

Then 'little man' wanted to run and play plus throw some snowballs.

 Making a few snow angles...

Nate decided he wanted to try and mow.

No way was the lawn mower going or making bubbles!

A perfect snow day...

There are still many people in my area without power.  Hopefully by Tuesday evening all power will be restored.  I am sure these people didn't enjoy the snow like I did.

Saturday was spent watching my cousin play AAU Basketball.  It just seems like yesterday, I was watching #2 daughter play AAU.  Time sure doesn't wait on us.


A gorgeous, cloudless sky with plenty of sunshine has melted most of the snow.  Little Man shed a few tears on Sunday because of the sun melting the snow.  I had to do some explaining -the sun needs to melt the snow so we can go swimming when it gets warmer-this worked.

Have a great week and Enjoy Life no matter what curve balls life throws at us.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Row, Row, Row your boat,

gently down the road,

merrily, merrily,merrily, 

down my street.

With all the rain we are having, I feel like this is what I will need in a few minutes.  We have already had 9 inches or rain according to my neighbor across the street.  Schools were closed yesterday and today due to flooding.  Temperatures are expected to drop and the rain change to snow.  I can deal with the snow better than the rain.  After a few rainy days, I begin to feel gloomy.  Anxious to see some snow-I would love to 'play in the snow' for a few hours.

So far, and I repeat, So far-I have been very lucky.  Many of my friends have water in their basement and their roads are flooded.  I have been lucky not having any of these hardships and very thankful.

Since I didn't have school yesterday, I went to Lynchburg with #2 daughter.  She has been accepted into Lynchburg College Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program.  She was so excited and very impressed with the college's program.  She also has an interview with another college on Feb. 1st.  Then the choice will be up to her to make which college she wants.

We did have a beautiful weekend prior to all the rain we are experiencing now. Temperatures were in the 70's; such a gorgeous weekend.

We took grandson to the park.

Hub enjoyed reminiscing about what all he did growing up close to this same river.

I kept saying how it felt so strange being in the 70's in the middle of January.  The trees with no leaves just didn't look 'right'.   Truly thinking of getting ready to mow the lawn if this type of weather kept it.
Little did I know the change that was going to take place.

From rain/flooding

to ice

to snow..

All of this type of weather happened today.
The calendar does say January, right?

Wednesday hodgepodge

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English...here's the list for 2013-

fiscal cliff, kick the can down the road, double down, job creators/creation, passion/passionate, yolo (an acronym for you only live once), spoiler alert, bucket list, trending, superfood, boneless wings, and guru

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why. Go here to read more about how the words were chosen.

Banish-kick the can down the road because I am just tried of seeing us delay on making decisions. 

2. When was the last time you rode a train? Where did you go?
Many years ago at an amusement park in Florida. 

3. Bagels-yay or nay? Favorite 'flavor'? Favorite topping?
They are okay-favorite topping cream cheese and I also like to spread peanut butter on top of them.

4. 'Tis the season of awards shows...if you could star in a movie already made which one would you choose?
"My Fair Lady"along with Audrey Hepburn.

5. The move towards single gender classrooms has been making the news in recent months....what say you? Do you think kids perform better if seperated by gender and are taught differently or is that discrimination? If you're a parent, is this something you'd support in regard to your own children?

I don't really think separating by gender is a good idea.  All students should be/need to be taught differently-based on thier strengths and weaknesses.  I could go on and on about this....

6. What's your favorite thing about staying in a hotel?
Having a little bit of rest and not feeling guilty that I should be doing something.  At home, I never just sit and watch television/movie or just read-I feel like I need to be doing something else.


7. Do you have a 'word' for 2013? What's the story behind your choice?
No 'word'  The only word coming to my mind is rain wash-because of the weather we are having in my neck of the woods.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
It has been raining and raining and raining.  I think I may need a canoe for my mode of transportation.  Shower taken and heard our school system is on a two hour delay.

Wednesday hodgepodge

1. What is ONE thing or area in your home or life you hope to report is completely organized when 2013 draws to a close?  Do you  have a plan to make it happen? 

Drawing a blank on this one.

2. What's the worst uniform you've ever had to wear for a job?
When in college, I worked in a factory during the summer.  Wearing a hard hat and steel-toe shoes was not my kind of fashion statement.

3. What was your last kitchen 'mishap'?  This question comes to you courtesy ofBetty who blogs over at A Glimpse Into Midlife...everyone go say hi to Betty!
While eating dinner a few weeks ago, I accidentally started spitting out my drink.  I can't remember which daughter said what, but what was said was exactly at the same time I was drinking and then.....I headed to the sink to keep from getting tea all over the kitchen.

4. How do you protect yourself from other people's negativity?
By simply tuning that person out.

5. Who in your family do you most resemble (physically)? If you have children, who do people say they favor? Do you agree? 
I do believe I am the 'black sheep' in my family when it comes to many things, including any type of resemblance. My aunt, who is 2 years older, is often mistaken for my brother's sister.

Daughter #2 is often told she looks and acts so much like me.  Sometimes I see her cringe when these remarks are said, and other times I see her smile.

6. January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day...will you be celebrating?

No -but does sound like a great way to unwind.

7.  Some of the 'world's best winter festivals' are - Mardi Gras (New Orleans),Quebec Winter Festival (Canada), Sundance Film Festival (Park City, Utah),  Rio Carnivale (Brazil), Sapporo Snow Festival (Japan), VeniceCarnivale (Italy) and the Harbin Ice Festival (Northern China).  Of those listed (and if cost were not a factor) which would you most like to attend and why?

Venice Carnivale in Italy because I would love to travel to Italy one day.

8.  Insert your own random thought.

Sometimes I just don't understand people.  It has been one of those days.

Weekend Rewind.,,,

Weekend Rewind..



A cloudy, rainy Sunday here in my part of the world.  I would like to see some snow, but not just yet because I would love to finish this semester of school before missing any snow days.

A quiet weekend for me.

 

Hub and I went out for pizza on Friday.   However, when we arrived at the pizza place, both of us ended up ordering sub sandwiches instead.  Go figure! 

 

On Saturday we traveled to Roanoke to watch #2daughter's boyfriend play basketball.  Enjoyed the ride and the basketball game.

Not meaning to arise much curiosity, but hub and I have taken a big risk-but I like to refer to it as an adventure.   We haven't told many people about it -well, because of the reaction from some people and just trying to keep a secret.  Me-I am feeling a little nervous about the whole thing, but also excited-does this make sense?  Soon a post will follow and I will let all know about this.  As for now, I need to quit rambling....right?

I made it through the first of many Wee Worship (3 & 4 year olds).  Now, I only have, lets see 51 more Sundays to go.  Whew!  Any suggesstions for games, crafts, websites for me to use would be greatly appreciated.

Have a great week! and Enjoy Life