Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. George Washington-Abraham Lincoln-Thomas Jefferson...who would you most like to meet and why?

Abraham Lincoln---to hear his speech-Gettysburg Address

2. What's your favorite chain restaurant?
Olive Garden--tend to eat most of the salad and fill up on the bread/wine before eating the main course.

3. I spied this question on the Bears at Home blog last week and she gave me permission to

steal
borrow it-

When you look back on your life, do you imagine you'll think about the goals you failed to meet with regret? Or will you look at what you accomplished and say: it was good?

I quit saying should've, would've, could've a long time ago with regard to goals I wanted to attain--I was a pre-med major before I might hub and then my plans changed. My goal was to become a brain surgeon.
Most definitely look back on the goals I have accomplished.

4. Grapefruit-take 'em or leave 'em? Given the choice between an orange and a grapefruit which would you choose? Would you prefer it served as is or squeezed into juice?

Orange-served as is-especially when I am battling a cold and scratchy throat-like now.
In the summertime, I enjoy grapefruit-as is-a cool refreshing snack-skip the sugar-please.

5. When was the last time you cleaned out a closet? Is there a closet in your home that currently needs cleaning? What are you waiting for?

Last week! Yeah for me.  A church close by has what you call 'Wee Cycle'-children's clothes from newborn to size 14.  All one needs to do is take (clean-spotless-neatly pressed) clothes on hangers.  The church sells them for you.  It is a nice way to get rid of children's clothes.

6. You get to have lunch with three famous people...who would you like to see round your table?
1.  Jesus Christ and his Disciples

2.  Michele Obama

3.  Simon Cowell-if you consider him famous

7. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your ability to parallel park?

The easiest question so far....a big, fat 0-not even close to a 1.  If I have to parallel park, I won't.  I drive around (no matter how long it takes) to find a spot I don't have to parallel park in,.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Wishing I could get rid of this nasty cold and scratch throat.  Ugh!!

Very quiet in the blogosphere....

Hubs says you complain when you have too much on your plate and when it is too quiet for you.  

I know..,,ahem...

I have been pretty busy -but now that I have a few days of an 'empty calendar' I just don't know what to do with myself.  Does anyone else feel the same way?  

I took grandson to church Sunday night.  The children are learning to play the bells.

Believe it or not--they sound pretty good.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What is something you are loving right now?
I have to admit, the 'winter weather pattern.'  Yes, I love the hear-Smyth County Schools closed, which I haven't heard but twice-but I am loving the thought of actually having and experiencing a spring break.  Plans on in the making--road trip for hub and I, relaxing, reading, and maybe a little 'spring cleaning.' 

2. Paris, Venice, New York, and Rome are considered four of the most romantic cities in the world. Which one would you most like to visit?

Venice-- travel in an iconic gundula, taste the Venetian cuisine with a glass (okay-maybe two glasses) of Venetian Vino.  Since hubs hates to travel-won't even ride on an airplane--I can still dream.

3. Are you a romantic?

I don't think of myself as a romantic but neither is hubs.  I guess this is why we are perfect together!!!

4. What's your favorite love story made for the Big Screen?

Love Story--staring Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw---this is the first one that came to my mind.  I remember seeing this with my mom and using an entire box of Kleenex.  My ole time favorite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWlNhHGUfDU&feature=related
and then there is......
Pretty Woman--staring Julie Roberts and Richard Gere-who is super handsome I might add, is still a favorite-the perfect way 'love life' should end.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v9gK_SedsE

5. Everyone loves Pooh bear and friends...which character are you most like and why? Click here for help in answering this question.

6. What's the best chocolate something you've ever eaten?

Let's see-how about:
M & M's


Chocolate covered strawberries

Chocolate Candy--Hershey Kisses and Hershey

7. Share a favorite quote about love.

"Life without love is like a tree without blossom and fruit."  Kahlil Gibran
"What force is more potent than love?"  Igor Stravinsky

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Happy Valentine's Day to all!

No matter how old a child gets......

No matter how old a child gets, he/she still wants parents around. 

First let me explain.....

Thursday was a long day for me.  First I had bus duty all week-morning duty (7:30).  Then we had parent-teacher conferences that night.  Emily had a basketball game in Ohio and she knew we would not be able to come.  She was fine with this-at this age and towards the end of the season-most are.  During parent-teacher conferences, I was made aware of some horrible news.  The chancellor at UVA-Wise had died suddenly.
I couldn't believe it.  I quickly checked my phone and I had a message from Emily.  She really liked the chancellor and had been at his house many times.  She even has a picture of her sitting in his chair with her feet on his desk.  At first I was appalled-asking her if she remembered her manners, but she told me Chancellor Pryor had taken the picture.  I knew Emily was crying where I heard her voice and I knew she needed me and I knew I couldn't get to her being 7 hours away and....and.....I called her.  No answer but I left a voice message-giving her my love and support and I would see her Saturday.  Was glad to hear her voice later that night; she was still sad. The bus ride back to college was a long, long ride for the basketball team.

Saturday couldn't get here soon enough.  Hub and I drove to Kentucky to check on daughter--emotionally-- and watch her play.

  As soon as we stepped into the gym, the trainer came and said Emily was one sick girl.  The trainer said she thought it was the stomach virus--yuck was my reply. Em had been given some medicine and seemed to be feeling a little better.  When the team came on the court, I could tell Em didn't feel great.

The coach allowed her to come home with us.  She slept all the way home and when we finally got home she just laid down on the couch and slept.

She was one sick 'puppy.'
Thankfully she is feeling much better today!  Thankfully this 'bug' lasted only 24 hrs.  which is long enough.

No matter how old our children get-they still want their parents when they are

sick.  

She is headed back to school.  Please keep these students in your prayers.  Tomorrow is the service for Chancellor Pryor and I know my daughter is hurting for his family.

Ground Hog's Day......Prediction

Today  is Ground Hog's Day...... 

Usually I am thinking --okay enough cold and snow.  However, this year I am wondering where the cold and snow is!  We are certainly experiencing 'spring-like' weather in my 'neck of the woods.'  As a matter of fact, we haven't had a full week of cool weather.  One day it may be in the 40's and the rest of the week 60's.  

 According to folklore, if the ground hog sees its shadow as it emerges from its burrow one can expect six more weeks of winter weather.  If the ground hog does not see its shadow, winter-like weather will end.  The weather forecast is predicting rain-thunderstorms actually with temps in the 50's.  So will winter-weather end soon-my thought......winter hasn't begun here. I am predicting an early spring with a weather forecast like this.

I have taught for 30 years-giving away my age-, and never have I had a spring break.  Spring break is taken away due to snow make up days.  This year, spring break will be 10 days! Yippee!!!  I must admit I am excited and making plans.....

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. It's that most wonderful time of the year...tax season! Do you complete your own returns or farm that job out to the professionals?

Farm out to professionals!!



2. This next question comes from Kansas Bob...he posed it in his response to something I asked in an earlier Wednesday post and I asked him if I could add it to the Hodgepodge some day. Today's the day....





Which do you think has changed you more-love or pain?

Pain--- I don't see the world through 'rose colored glasses' anymore.  Pain has also made me appreciate life more.


3. Tangerine Tango has been named color of the year for 2012. Your thoughts? Would I find this color anywhere in your house? How about in your closet? If not, will you be adding this color to your life in some way in 2012? If you're not sure what tangerine tango looks like click here.

I like the color-yes definitely find it in my closet!  As for the house, probably in the future.



4. Are you a collector? What do you collect and does it get admired, used, and/or dusted regularly?
Not much of a collector now a days.  About 15 years ago, I was a doll collector--antique ones-porcelain.




5. February is National Heart Month...besides a green salad what is one tasty heart healthy dish you like to prepare?

Oatmeal---great heart healthy dish and one can also have a chewy oatmeal raisin cookie!!




6. When was the last time you had car trouble?

Two weeks ago in my daughter's car.  I had driven her car to Wal-Mart and the trip ended up costing me $500.00!!  The trouble was the key---imagine that-every time I tried to start the car it was like I was stealing the vehicle!!  Today's technology!!!!

7. Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less? Is that a good trend?

I feel I am always more demanding on myself.  A good trend-probably not-but too difficult for me to change now.




8  Insert your own random thought here.

Sure enjoying the spring like temperatures.  Yesterday, I had 'spring fever'---being a teacher-this is hard to imagine when it is February and no snow predicted and warm temperatures.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Thanks to Joyce for the questions.  Grab the button and hop on over  and join the fun.

1. The NFL playoffs were held this past weekend and this year'sSuperbowl lineup will feature The New York Giants versus The New England Patriots. How do you define 'patriot'?

The dictionary and definition we teach students:  one who loves, supports, and defends one's country.  A vague definition, don't you think?  To me the word 'patriot'   is someone who goes the extra mile to defend our freedoms, and one who strives to uphold the ideals we hold so true.   'Patriot' is also a devotion to a cause that will benefit society.

2. What's something in your life right now that feels like a 'giant'?

Just hearing the "C' (cancer) word will always be a 'giant'-once you have had experience with it.

3. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to being 18?

I was 17 when I graduated from high school; I turned 18 in July.  I remember being excited about going away (leaving home) to college.

4. Coconut-mashed potatoes-vanilla ice cream-mayonnaise...which white food would be the hardest to give up?

This is an easy one for me!!   Not a fan of  any of these!   

5. Describe an incident or a day you remember as the coldest you've ever experienced?

A hard one for me to remember since we are experiencing temperatures way  above normal.

6. You're hosting a brunch...what's your favorite dish to prepare and serve?

Some type of casserole-hash brown probably, many breadfstuffs, and lots and lots of fruit.

7. How do you combat negative thinking?

I have a five minute devotion book I read every morning.  This helps me get through the day.  I also hum a favorite song....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Charlie is snoring-a sound I love to hear right now.  He had his colonoscopy this morning, and the doctor was pleased with his findings-only 3 polyps.  Praise The Lord!!