Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. How do you define beauty? 

Beauty is kindness, compassionate, and the way someone makes me feel.  Beauty is also a sunrise, sunset, and laughter.  

Many people associate the word 'beauty' with appearance, but appearance can change, but a person's character rarely changes. 

2. Have you ever taken a trip by train? If so where did you go and what did you think of the experience? If not do you have any desire to do so? Where would you like to go? (You might find inspiration here-The Best Train Trips in The World)

 I have never taken a trip by train.  But, I would love to.  I would love to travel from the east to the west coast.  I think traveling by train would be a way to really see the scenery. This has always been on my bucket list. 

3. Shell shocked, bombshell, bandshell, shellacking, in a nutshell, walking on eggshells...choose one and tell us why you chose it, or how it relates to your life in some way currently.

Definitely eggshells!!!  We have had a lot of changes this year in my school district and my school.  I was really close to a teacher, but the changes have really upset her.  I have tried helping by showing another easy way, but she refuses.  Every-time I try to help, the same reaction.  I have had to walk on eggshells around her by not offering any advice.

4. Tacos, pistachios, oysters, clams, eggs...your favorite food on the list that comes in/with a shell? 

OYSTERS!!!!!  I love oysters, but dang they are too expensive in the market.

5. Are birthdays a big deal in your house? Is your own birthday a big deal in some way? Elaborate. 

Birthdays just to be a big deal when the girls were younger, but not now.  Daughter tries to have some type of surprise for the grandsons...not necessarily a party, but a small trip planned.  Last year, she took them to Charlotte to see Cooper Flagg play

My birthday is no longer a big deal.  I am just thankful for another trip around the sun.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Have a great week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?  On a scale of 1-10 how much of a fan are you? (10 is never miss a game and 1 is I'm just here for the snacks). Who's your team? If you're playing along today, but live outside the US feel free to sub your feelings about futbol for the more American sport of football. 

10 all the way!!!!  Go Vols!  I am in a football pool and usually pick by the colors of the team.  Out of 20 teams I went 17-3 last week; this week 15-5!!  

I need to learn the game of futbol--twins first match is this Saturday and I know nothing about this sport. 

2. What's something you currently have a game plan for managing? 

I plan the week ahead on a Sunday evening.  All clothes are laid out for the work week.  I take a look at my calendars (one hand written and one on my phone) and decide what absolutely needs my attention.  I know schedules will change, especially grandsons games, but it is okay.  I have some quiet time for just me in the mornings before leaving for school. 

My word for 2026 was 'boundaries'.   My game plan isn't just saying "no"  It's about deciding what I will carry and what I won't.  It is about protecting my peace, and letting my faith guide those decisions.

3. Do you like chicken wings? Hot, mild, or some other flavor? What's a must have food for you on a tailgate menu? I know tailgating isn't as big of a thing outside the US of A as it is inside the US of A, but you can also answer the question this way-what's a must have food for you at a sporting event viewing party? 

I like semi-hot wings.  Tailgate party needs to include wings, loaded nachos, chips and salsa, football shape cookies and beverages!!!

4. Teams typically have strict playbooks they follow. What is one unwritten rule or piece of advice in your 'life playbook' you think everyone should know?

Be kind, honest, and do your part.  Then let go of what isn't mine to carry.  I can love people without taking responsibility for their choices.

5. This is the week we remember and mourn all that was lost and changed on September 11, 2001. I always include a spot for bloggers to share anything they'd like to share about 9/11. Share as much or as little as you like. 

I was teaching school and getting ready to leave for a conference in Roanoke.  When my principal heard about this, he had all TVs in the school turned off.  Teachers were trying to find out what was going on.  I still had to leave for my conference.  When my colleagues and I arrived at our hotel, the lobby was packed and I mean packed. Due to air space being cancelled so many people were left with no where to go.  All restaurants were closed in the area, and the quietness of the night was eerie.

September 11, 2001, is important to remember, but I remember the humanity that emerged in the middle of this tragedy. So many lives were changed that day.  But the courage, compassion, and willingness to help each other became just as much a part of the story as the devastation.  Even in the darkest moments; kindness and unity matter.  

6.Insert your own random thought here. 

I put out some fall decorations in this 90 degree heat!!  The AC was running, but I was burning a fall candle!!!!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing? 

I really wanted to give my house a good ole fashion deep cleaning!!  It is difficulty when you are in charge of outside sprucing up, also.

I looked back on my calendar to see what was the reason I never got around to the deep cleaning.  Well, I was at a ballpark watching grandson play till Father's Day, next in charge of the snacks and decorations for Friends of the Library meeting,  helped with a Foam Party, had an Apple Festival meeting,  had a couple of Bible Group meetings,  helped with the Petting Zoo, got in some Professional Development, met with Supervisor because a parent has filed a complaint to the Department of Education (met last week on this and no real conclusion), kept grandsons, met friends for dinner, and went on a short trip.  Also got in my dentist, dermatologist, and doctor appointments.  I really didn't have much time to deep clean my house considering school ended June 2nd and started back August August 3rd.

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be? 

I sat in the middle.  Kids in front were called on to answer and kids in back seemed to get in trouble; being in the middle was kinda looked over!  

If I could take on class just for fun it would be English because I didn't really appreciate English class while I was in high school.

BUT I would love to take Home Economics (Now called FACS--Family and Consumer Science)  maybe then I could learn not to get so nervous when trying to bake/cook something.

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher (this can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just classroom teachers)? 

First, PATIENCE is a MUST!!!  There are days I want to pull my hair out!  Teachers need to be approachable and encouraging so students feel comfortable asking questions or expressing their ideas..and boy have I heard some interesting ideas!  To me the biggest challenge is differentiating.  Students are on so many different levels and teachers are expected to teach at all levels with classroom full of 25 to 30 students.  Other characteristics I would include would be: good listener, dependable, a good role model, loving and compassionate.

4.  September 2nd is National Grits Day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so how do you like yours? Would people describe you as 'having grit'? 

Late Hub absolutely loved grits.  He always ordered them if offered at a restaurant and smoother them with butter and salt; me not a fan at all. 

I think people would describe me as 'having grit'.  To me, grit' is more like preserving when things get difficult, getting back up on your feet after something has knocked you down, and I stick with what matters to me.  This year, BOUNDARIES was my word for the year and having grit' I was able to say this is what I need and I am going to honor it and keep moving forward.

5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy? 

Dancing.  I love listening to music and find myself dancing by myself.  Also, I think, you are never too old or too young to enjoy a trip with your friends...just enjoy the laughter and the memories.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We entered the 'ber' months yesterday.  SHEW!!!  It is still scorching hot. I am ready for a little cooler weather maybe around 75 to 80 would feel great!!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!