Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's a winter memory you treasure (can be from any winter in your lifetime)? 

My senior year in high school; we missed the entire month of January.  I kept snowing and was so cold.  In February, we returned to school and EVEN attended school on Saturday.  One Saturday while in school, some boy had put a snowball down a girl's shirt and of course she screamed.  During lunch a bunch of  girls, including myself, went and got a bunch of snow and put it in a lunch container.  During Government class, we began throwing snowballs at the ball who had done the snowball earlier.  The entire class was throwing snowballs.  The teacher didn't think this was appropriate behavior for Seniors, so we all kinda got in trouble.  

2. Tell us about the last time or a recent time you were caught up in red tape. Does it send your frustration level off the charts or is it something you've come to expect when dealing with any sort of bureaucracy?

I am going to be caught up in red tape as soon as we get back in school.  There was some paperwork that should have been completed on a special education student by January 18th.  We were to return to school on January 6th.  School was closed from January 6-14 the due to snow.  I was at school on January 15th (two hour delay).  This was a hectic day because we were told by the higher ups to set up Chromebooks and have assignments posted for three days on our classroom page.  Since I only teach Monday-Wednesday, I am part-time only, I worked on this after school.  Yesterday, we had a virtual learning day and today (Tuesday) was virtual learning.  SO...I know I will be in red tape when I return!!  I can hear my supervisor yelling for not having this completed, BUT I didn't take any work home with my over Christmas break and NOW the weather is the problem.  I frustration is off the chart because I know what is coming. 

3. Do you eat/like fish? Do you cook fish at home? What's your favorite fish dish? Ever been ice fishing? 

I like to eat fish, and yes, I do cook it at home, and yes, my house does smell!  Favorite fish dinner is salmon or just plain ole fish with batter.

Never have been ice fishing and I don't think this is something I would want to do.

4. Did you watch any of the US President's Inauguration coverage on Monday, Jan 20? On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being not at all and 10 being very very) how interested are you in politics in general? Do you follow/keep up with/ get involved with local politics? 

Yes, since we were virtual yesterday, I was able to watch most of the Inauguration.  And I think the ladies were dressed very elegantly.  My dad was very interested in politics and was a campaign manager for a Congressman years ago.  Quick as I was eligible to vote, my dad took me and had me register for a specific political party!  I am probably a 8 or 9 when it comes to politics in general.  

Hub was involved in local politics.  He was on the school board for 8 years and town council for 5.   He probably would have  continued in politics if he hadn't passed away from cancer.  I do keep up with our local politics.

5. What's the coziest thing you own and what makes it so? 

Sweatpants and a fleece shirt!  I also have a pair of fleece socks. It has been extremely cold the past couple of days here and this has been my OOTD!! I think jeans are cold when wearing outside.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

If we don't get back to school soon, I am going broke!!!  I read a lot and yesterday was really the first time I have watched TV in a while.  So, I have been shopping!!!

Oldest grandson was able to have his birthday party on Saturday with about 30 people.

Have a great rest of the week, Enjoy Life, and stay warm if you are in my neck of the woods!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.  It's been said January is 'the month of opportunity, inspiration, and change." Which of the three do you need most right now? Elaborate. 

Definitely inspiration.  I get the January 'blues'.  January is a cold, dark month for me.  I feel sad after the holidays and there is nothing to do.  Most people get inspired to clean out their closets or cabinets, especially during snow days, but not me at all!  

I love to sit outside or just go for a walk and I can't do that in January.  BUT, I have ordered me a treadmill and it is suppose to come soon!  So fingers crossed, the treadmill will help chase the blues away.

2. Do you consider opportunity as something that comes to you or something you create for yourself? 

Both

Opportunities can come to you.  One just can't pass them by when they come.

One can work and create opportunities for themselves.

3. The British Museum opened on this date (January 15th) back in 1759. Do you like visiting museums? Do you have a favorite? 

I enjoy going to museums but can't remember the last time I have visited one.  

4. It's National Oatmeal Month (yes, apparently it gets a whole month as opposed to a single day). Do you like oatmeal? How often do you eat a bowl of oatmeal? How do you like yours? What about an oatmeal cookie? Is that a sweet treat you enjoy? 

I like oatmeal, the flavored packs, peach cream is my favorite. Usually have a bowl of oatmeal every other night especially in the winter.

An oatmeal cookie with raisins I can eat every day!

5.What's something useful you learned in high school? 

Etiquette skills.  I remember having to take a class on etiquette. The class consisted on how to set a table properly, which utensils to use, how to shake hands properly, and how to introduce yourself and others.  So sad these type of classes aren't taught today.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

School was closed all last week.  January 6-10.  The snow started on Sunday evening and the temps plummeted. Then on Friday, January we had 7 more inches of snow!  The kids are so bored they are doing challenges....go outside in shorts, no shoes, and short sleeve shirts and lay down in the snow and make snow angels!!  Yep, the challenges are being posted on Facebook. I said it is time to open school.  AND we have been closed Monday and Tuesday.  As I am writing this Tuesday afternoon, who knows if we go to school tomorrow.

My oldest grandson, Blake, turns SEVEN today.  The years go by so fast with grandkids.  This boy reminds me so much of my precious Amanda.  He has her beautiful blue eyes and the sweetest, kindest heart ever.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

Wednesday Hodgepdge

1. What's one thing you want to get done before the calendar flips to a new year?

I have absolutely no idea!!!  I still have Christmas and daughter's birthday (Dec. 26) to get through!  

I guess, I really need to get my car serviced before the end of the year.

2. What's something that brought a smile to your face this year?

Always my grandsons!!  They make all my worries disappear.

3. What do you like on a cracker? Do you have a favorite cracker variety? 

My favorite topping to put on a cracker is homemade pimento cheese.  I have found a little store (Mennonite) a few miles from me.  They make the best homemade pimento cheese.

My favorite cracker variety is Club or Graham Crackers.

4. Do you have plans for ringing in the new year in a fun or special way? Are you typically awake at midnight on the last day of the year? 

I usually have plans to ring in the new year.  I make a trip to see an ole college friend and we barely make it to midnight. My mom is very sick and probably will not have any special plans this year.

5. What are three words that describe your 2024? 

Drought!!  I love working in my garden and watching it produce.  This year, no rain!!  Even though I watered my garden daily, it wasn't the same as having rain. 

Transitions This is all related to work/school.  I have often said, our work family IS LIKE FAMILY.  I was very close to a colleague.  As a matter of fact, he would call me his "work wife."  This year, he left our school system and found another job closer to his home.  This was good for him, but sad for me.  Then, the first of October our principal left for personal reasons.  These type of transitions were hard to adjust to.

Sadness   This summer, my daughter's dog, a Boxer was very sick.  They had taken him to the Vet at Va Tech, and we all knew time was coming near.   When Champ, the Boxer, passed, my grandsons were so upset.  It was gut wrenching hearing and seeing them cry.

Then Hurricane Helene hit.  So much devastation just a couple of miles from me. There are still many people who are homeless and living in tents.

A couple of weeks ago, one of my students lost their mother unexpectedly.  Such sadness.

The first six months my words would be:

Cheerful  all was going smooth

Reader I finished 15 books before summer

Entertainer  I hosted many guests from March to June and loved every minute of it!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Last Friday, I took the boys to Tweetsie Railroad in Boone, N.C.  They had a great time and was in awe while riding the train.   I do get them gifts, but I also like to plan adventures with them at Christmas.  

The Grinch met me at school yesterday.

Wishing all a Merry Christmas!!!  

Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's the best $5 gift to give someone? 

On goodness!  This is hard to answer!!!  Maybe a small make-up bag (not a fancy one) stuffed with a small tube of chapstick or small hand lotion.  This might be a little over $5.00.

2. What's your favorite way to relax/unwind during the busy holiday season? 

My favorite way to relax/unwind is to sit by the fire with a good book and a glass of wine.

3. How do you feel about gingerbread? Love  tube it or no thanks? Are gingerbread houses a part of your holiday tradition? If you said yes, how does that look? Do you like ginger flavor in other kinds of dishes? 

Not a fan of gingerbread at all nor do I like ginger flavor in other dishes.  

I usually purchase the grandsons a gingerbread house kit and they with their Mama build it.

4. December 5th is National Blue Jeans Day...will you be celebrating? Do you have a favorite brand? A favorite pair? Do you have a hard time parting with a favorite pair of jeans? Blue jeans-joggers-leggings-yoga pants...which one do you wear most often? 

Definitely be wearing blue jeans on December 5th.  We have dress-up days at school.  My favorite brands are Kancan Jeans or Judy Blue Jeans.  I really don't have a hard time parting with a favorite pair.

I wear leggings a lot to school.  I make sure my tops are nice and covers my bottom!!  Personally, I prefer leggings to jeans especially the butter-soft leggings.

5. As we head into this holiday season what's your biggest priority or goal for the end of the year? 

Positive self-talk and to wake up being grateful.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I am answering the questions, on Tuesday evening.  We were closed due to snow and the bitter cold.  Just last week the temps were very mild and now snowy and temps in the teens.  GEEZ!!  This woke me up!!

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving.  My church packs and delivers meals on Thanksgiving Day.  This is something we have been doing for at least 20+ years.  My son-in-law and I delivered 106 meals and that is not counting the other people who were there to deliver.  The number keeps raising every year, but I am so thankful we can still do this.