Hodgepodge and I are Back!

I have so been MIA for so long. I wanted to pick up my laptop and write, but something has kept me from it. Was it procrastination? Being away too long? Thinking I have nothing to say (yeah right!)? I don't have that answer. All I know is today I am determined to crank out a heartfelt post. 

Ahhhh, a deep breath and a happy sigh of contentment...and let's begin....

 

1. What's changed in your life, home, or community since your last birthday? 

Well, since my birthday is in February, I have a whole year of change. 

1. I have seen my dad battle another cancer (it was removed and he is on chemo pills with great prognosis)

 

2. I have a new principal at school so a breath of fresh air has swirled a little bit and given me a little pep in my step. Well, at least I don't lay in bed begging not to go to work today. LOL 

3. I am getting married in October!! Finally, I know. It took a while for all parties to be ready and comfortable. It will be a simple wedding with family and very close friends. Hoping to blog about it all soon.

2. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like/listen to classical music? If so what's a favorite piece and/or who is a favorite composer? 

I am not a big classical music lover, unless it is classic rock! LOL I do love to hear Pachabel's Canon in D minor. I also love to listen to a piece of music with a flute in it. No specific piece or composer though.

3. Besides The Bible, what's a book that has positively changed your life, relationships, career, or perspective? How so? 

The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer. It made me change my perception of what I put out in the world. I have become more positive in my thoughts and actions. One of my mottos is "Positive out brings positive back". 

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4. I read (here) these ten hobbies will make you smarter...play a musical instrument, read voraciously, meditate regularly, work out your brain (puzzles, sudoku, board games, etc), exercise often, learn a new language, write your feelings down (blog, journal, just write), travel to new places, cook different kinds of meals, participate in sports actively

Are any on this list your current hobbies? Which hobby on the list would you be most inclined to try? 

I definitely believe in keeping your mind active. I think it also helps stave off Alzheimer. With this in mind, I do puzzles such as sudoku and word searches. I travel more because I enjoy it. Also I am an avid reader, mostly romances but that is between you and me!

5. What sports traditions does your family have? 

Our tradition is to not watch/follow sports. We are not big sports fans. Oh, I enjoyed playing basketball and my folks would watch me play but that was it. 

6. In a few words, weigh in on the current football/National Anthem brouhaha. Keep it family friendly please. 

I am on the fence. Yes it is freedom of speech (to me) but it is a respect issue. You at least stand and pay respects for our freedoms in our country and those who have made and who will keep those freedoms for us.

There are other ways to protest and make an impact. Yes this type of protest has gotten a lot of attention, which I am sure is what he wants. I just do not know if this type of protest will get the results. That is what a protest is about, right? Change?  

7. Where do you have loads of patience, and where do you most lack patience? 

Nope! I am pretty much patience-less (if that is a word). I can not stand waiting in line or being around a large crowd of people. I am very demanding of my time. I want what I want when I want it. 

I do have patience with my dad though and anyone who is elderly.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I went to the Dallas Pinners Conference! It was cool to walk around the vendors and check out the different things offered. Because I was late in registering, I decided not to sign up for any classes. The ones I wanted were already on stand by. I will be going back if it comes around. If you have questions about it, I would love to let you know my thoughts!

Summer Hodgepodge

Let's get started on our Wednesday Hodgepodge from Joyce at From This Side of the Pond. Jump on in and join us! We don't bite, I promise!






1. It's officially summer (in the northern hemisphere anyway). Which summer month is best and why?

Living in Texas, there is no better summer month. It is either hot, hotter or we are living next door to Satan. With that in mind, May or September/October. The are the beginning and ending (roughly) of summer and not triple digits. You can actually go outside and enjoy!

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2. Can you swim? How did you learn? June 27th is National Sunglasses Day. How many pair do you own?

I grew up a fish. I was always found at the pool in the summer. I am sure I took classes, because my dad is not a great swimmer. He won't drown, and he survived the Navy. Mom was a fish and loved to swim laps. Maybe I got it from her. As an adult, I don't swim anymore. I guess it is more about how I look than anything else. As for sunglasses, I have four or five pair in the car. One is prescription and the others are for whatever I am in the mood for (while wearing my contacts). 

3. What characteristic do you judge most harshly in yourself? How about in others?

I think I read somewhere, that what we judge in others is something lacking in ours. With that in mind, I have no willpower so I totally judge women based on body (mostly thinner looking women). I think it also stems back to childhood and being compared to others. This is probably why I do it. At work I judge others by their kissing ass attitude or tooting their horn/look at me. I definitely do not have this and it totally bothers me to see others do it!

4. Robert Frost wrote the now well known poem entitled The Road Not Taken. What's a road (literal or figurative) you've always wanted to travel, and where do you hope it takes you? 

 Literally, too many places to name, but anything dealing with nature, waterfalls, wildlife, trees, etc. I think our next trip will be to Oregon which is totally new to both LT and I. Lot's of roads to explore!

Figuratively, knowledge for work. I am in the process of reading some books from well know educators (8 in total). My path I am cutting is to make me a leader, a go to person, and someone who will help students not only in the present, but give them a better future. Basically I want to turn the entitled kids of today into gritty adults that work and strive for what they want/need and will be successful.

5. Popsicles-yay or nay? If you answered yay, what's your favorite flavor? 

Nay, not a real big fan of ice in any form. I'd rather have a Fudgsicle or ice cream. Upon looking up how to spell Fudgsicle, I see that Popsicle makes them, so yay I 'll eat one.

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6. Brexit-on a scale of 1-10 how knowledgeable are you on what's involved here? (1=very knowledgeable and 10=what's Brexit) Is this news you'll follow or is it something you think won't impact your life in any way shape or form?

10. Not gonna lie. I know what happened (because I looked up EU) but that is about it. Not gonna lie, but I don't really watch the news. LT is a news hound and that is the only reason I know what is going on in the world. 

7. Share a favorite song on your summer play list.

If you know me, you know I love music. I have a gazillion playlists, but nothing specific for summer. So I will chose a song (or 3) that reminds me of summer or has summer in the title!  

Summer Lovin' from Grease
Summer of 69 from Bryan Adams
Boys of Summer by Don Henley
 

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Fourth of July is fast approaching and we have the families from Oklahoma arriving tomorrow. I am hoping to take the grand-niece and nephew the Perot Museum or Tyler Zoo. Knowing them, they want the pool at my sister's house and won't get out until it is time to eat, sleep or use the bathroom!

This photo of Perot Museum of Nature and Science is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Hello Hodgepodge!

I have missed you!!

If you want to see what I have been up to, check out my post from yesterday. Otherwise, Let's Do This! To check out this wonderful woman who keeps us in questions, pop over to Joyce's page From This Side of the Pond and link up with us!

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why? 

Lake Crescent within Olympic National Park in Washington State. The lake is so clear! 

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink? 

Fruity drink, fruity drink, hmmm.. Wine. It's made of grapes and grapes are fruit, right? I have always loved a good cabernet sauvignon blanc but I am in love with pinot grigio right now. Of course, I rarely drink, but there it is!
 

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simplify your life. They were-

clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?

Honestly, I don't do these. Maybe the email one, but that is for school so not sure if it counts. Currently, though, I am looking at unsubscribing to websites, create a morning routine (mine works only during school then it goes away on weekends and summer), and re-evaluate and working on keeping the things I enjoy a priority.

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school? 

OK, I graduated in 1988. (On a side note, my graduating class was 18 with 5 of them girls!) I am sure that I probably worked and then moved up to were I went to college for a year before I met my ex.
 

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite? 

I really can't say not a fan because I don't do them. I have signed up for some, but then life happened or I forgot and didn't watch them. The ones I have been interested in are medical or technology for school.
 

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?

I think dad's have it harder today because of expectations put on by society. My dad was of the era he worked and mama stayed home and took care of the kids. Personally, I do not have children, but I would want LT to be a hands on dad. It helps to form bonds with the kids and be a role model (hopefully a positive model).

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?

I am a mini me of my dad. We have the same sense of humor and I have picked up many of his mannerisms and sayings. He has taught me and shown by example work ethic, standing up for yourself, and taking care of business. The main similarities are humor and we look alike! I take after my dad.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
 I am glad school is out and the summer is here. Needing a little relaxation. Also very glad I got back on my blog! I have been missing it!

It's Alive!!

Upon waking up on Saturday morning, I would walk into the living room where my Dad would be reading the paper. He would see me and begin the process....

"It walks, it talks, it slithers on it's belly like a reptile!"

Yep, that is how I used to be greeted in the morning by my dad. It has been so long since I have been able to blog. School became all consuming and the time I did have after was divided between LT and my Dad.

But I am now in summer school and I am hoping I can make more time for this little project. I have always enjoyed blogging. Isn't it funny. When things pile up and you have to prioritize your day, your favorite things, the things that bring you joy, are the things you push off to the side and walk away from.

Well, peeps, I am hoping to be back and focus on my joys in life and not be mired in the stresses.

Speaking of stresses here is an update of some things going on in my life, just to catch you up.

1. School is over and I am grading summer school students. Bad news is they cut the pay in half. BOO!

2. Dad is doing better. Had a few medical issues/emergencies that we dealt with/dealing with but everything seems to be working out.

3. I have scaled back my travel to Oklahoma to about once a month to see Dad. I am trying to do better on calling him more. I always called Mama about everyday so it is weird to try to do it with Dad-just not every day, maybe once or twice a week.

4.  THE WEDDING DATE HAS BEEN SET! I REPEAT: THE WEDDING DATE HAS BEEN SET! We are look at a fall wedding in October in Oklahoma. So excited! I know, about time right? I am not giving details, because that is fodder for a post!

5. My principal has resigned and going to another district. While at first it is a cause for celebration, I am hesitant because what are we going to get? Sometimes its better the devil you know instead of the devil you don't.

Well, my lovies, I guess it is time to get back to the grind. I will leave you with this picture. It is of Gavin waiting patiently for me to get up in the morning so he can take over my spot in bed! May your spot in life stay warm and cozy!

I am so cute, how can I get in trouble?

Rockin' Hodgepodge

Let's see what Joyce has brought us for this week's Hodgepodge.

I now y'all have missed having me around, giving advice, telling stories, and laughing at myself.

 

1. What does retirement mean to you? Are you planning for it, not thinking about it, looking forward to it, or dreading it?

Retirement. That is the dream I am living towards right now. LT is about 2 years from his "20 years" on the job and can officially retire but plans to go to 25 or 30 if possible. I am 9 years from the first chance to retire but will bring in nothing. That means I will have to go longer. Sad face! As for what we want to do (hopefully) is to travel and enjoy life. We don't want to be tied down by house payments, etc.

2. It's International Guitar Month...do you play? Does anyone in your family play? What's a song you especially like to hear played on the guitar or a favorite song featuring the guitar?

LT plays a mean bass guitar! I love when he gives me concerts! We have both been so busy with work I haven't been able to rock out to his playing but love when he does anything from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers or Shinedown.

3. What's your comfort food?

Anything? LOL Really I love food. Sickness calls for mashed potatoes, a crappy day at work calls for Mexican. I would say the most comfort food that soothes my baby soul is mama's meatloaf.

4. What's one activity or area of your life where you absolutely never procrastinate?

Getting a new book for my Kindle Paper White before I finish another so I always have a book on deck to be read. You see what I did with that baseball reference because it was opening season Monday!

5. Who does the grocery shopping in your house? Does your local store bag the groceries for you or is it a do-it-yourself kind of place? Do you like someone packing your groceries? We do the grocery shopping together, but to be honest, we eat out almost all the time. It is just LT and I and it's cheaper and quicker for us to eat out. But I have been thinking we need to start cooking at home a couple of nights a week.

6. What's the coolest thing you've seen in nature?

One thing is the Redwood trees in the Redwood Forest. 

The second is this tree we saw at the beach in Washington

7. Share a favorite quote about home.

 I have this hanging in our house (and I made it!): 

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong; Do everything in love"

 -1 Corinthians 16:13-14

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 A couple of weeks ago I went to Oklahoma. Daddy and his girls went to Yukon, OK and ate at this place called Fat Elvus. It was the bomb! Check out the photos...

The walls were covered in record album covers and of course a velvet Elvis!

You had to use the Superhero bathroom!

And while you are doing your business, cardboard Elvis kept you company!

Love to see Wonder Woman representing!

Round 2 of Blogging and a Hodgepodge

I know, I know, I have been MIA for so long! I tell ya, I just can't get all my crap together at once. It seems somethings gotta give and it has been the blog. Right now blogging is like dieting, when you get off the wagon, just jump back on and keep going. 

So I am trying to ease back in and what better why than with Joyce's Hodgepodge! So let's see if I can crank out a thoughtful, inspiring, oh who are we kidding, I am hoping to finish this post! LOL

1. March is National Women's History Month. In that vein, who are three women who've been influential in your life? How so? 

Well, my mom. She had a quiet strength and was always there. I knew I could count on her for support, advice, or a recipe with only three things in my house! Man I miss her.

My oldest sister. She is the one who helped and supported me when I decided to move to Texas. She encouraged me to get my degree and start teaching. She is always lifting me up with positive pep talk.

I really don't have a third, but maybe my dad's aunt who lived in Montana and I met once. Her whole demeanor was that of a lady: the way she looked, talked, moved. That had always stuck with me and it has been almost 30 years.

Now who are 3 women idols I have: Nancy Reagan, Lady Diana, and Jackie Kennedy are three off the top of my head...all classy ladies.

 

2. In what ways do you think women have it easier than men? 

Emotions. I think men are taught either by dad or by observation to not show emotions. Women have it easier to be allowed to  (and expected to) have emotions. 

Of course I turn my LT to fight my small battles against spiders, geckos and snakes. And to be my muscles when I can't.

3. What do you need most right now: faith, love, hope, or peace? 

 We can all use all of these all the time, right. But for right now, to chose, this very moment: hope.  

4. Do you have a collection? If so, what do you collect and why? 

I had a teacup and saucer collection a long time ago. I had to stop because I was running out of room and didn't want to buy more shelving! It just started. I can't remember when, but probably on vacations I'd pick one up. Then my mom to an estate sale for an elderly lady she knew. She had to do a phone bid, but she got me Mrs. Walker's tea cup collection. It was small but it was over 40 years old at the time. Her son would purchase them on trips around the world. It just holds a special place and memories come back as well as smiles when I use them.

5. Plaids, checks, polka dots, stripes...your favorite?

Depends. On my body...solid black. In my house, stripes (not circus stripes either) but if I was to do some kind of DIY, arty fartsy thing, any and all would be used. My fav is probably stripes.

6. In what ways are you the same as your childhood self? 

I am still a person that can entertain themselves. I grew up an only child (my 2 sisters are 9 and 10 yrs older than me). So I have been used to it being just me. Another thing is I still have a child like behavior in a sense. Things like my sense of humor, acting goofy, coloring, reading children's books.

7. You're a contestant on the TV game show Jeopardy. What category will you ace?  

 It is too early in the morning to think of this! Ummmm let's see.... maybe a questions about the TV series The Big Bang Theory. I am sure there is something else, but that's all I got this morning.

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8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I am on my Spring Break this week. Yay! I'll run up and spend some time with Dad while LT holds down the fort. Heck, Dad and I may shoot up to Kansas for a weekend. I don't know when or what I will be doing for lesson plans next week. Guess I will put it on the back burner until Sunday night! LOL Yep, I put the "pro" in procrastinator!

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Informational Hodgepodge

I'll be honest, I have been falling down on the job at this blogging. I need to get my mojo back on and get to it. If you responded to me last week, I SWEAR I will reply to you this week. Thanks for being patient! Joyce has done it again. Haven't joined up? Get your booty over and get started! Let's see what I can figure out to write. LOL

1. When did you last 'skate on thin ice', 'skate over the details', 'encounter a cheapskate', or just plain skate?

Yesterday. I had a "surprise" observation from my principal. I felt like I skated on thin ice and skated over the details while teaching. Come to find out i did really well on my observation...at least better than I thought I did!

2.  What would you say is the biggest problem of people your age?

Well, I am glad I am older than this generation and I can go on and on about them. But as for my generation? HMMMMM. I graduated in 1988. (I wanted to help you out on the year, but don't try to figure out my age). Maybe the biggest problem is not planning well for the future. We are not at retirement age. We see 50 in the horizon but think we have plenty of time to start saving. 

3. What's your favorite accessory? Is it something you wear every day, often, or only on special occasions?

Every day I wear my engagement ring and my FitBit. I love it when I finally make my steps and my FitBit vibrates on my wrist. I usually do a little dance.

For special occasions, I will wear a normal watch with my Tiffany's bracelet I got while in New York one year. Also if my fingers are feeling rather thin, I will wear my Mama's wedding ring.
 

4.  January 20th is National Cheese Lover's Day Are you a lover of cheese? What's your favorite dish made with cheese? Last thing you ate that contained some kind of cheese?

Cheese can be like bacon, makes everything taste better, but I don't celebrate it.

My favorite dish made with cheese would be Mexican (any and all). I even like Mac n Cheese!

The last thing I ate with cheese was last night at Newk's. I had a cobb salad with cheddar cheese.

5. What's something guaranteed to make you roll your eyes?

Maybe the ignorance spouted out of the mouths of teenagers. They think they know things and totally believe in what they read on the internet. One moment was when I over heard teenagers talking about aliens. Now I am not saying there is not life out there, but the things they see and read on internet they take a gospel!

6. Your favorite book series?

I am a romance lover, but needs to have comedy in it. Here are three of my favorites (as in I read them over and over)

1. Miss Fortune Series by Jana DeLeon
2. Wicked Witches of the Midwest by Amanda M. Lee
3. Bobby Faye series by Toni McGee Causey

7. Why did you choose your profession?

I never went to school to be a teacher. I wanted to do something in history. I majored in both history and English. When I moved to Texas, I was hired to be a paraprofessional in a middle school. The state of Texas paid my way to become a teacher (I fit the criteria). When I started to work at the alternative school while finishing my degree is where I knew I had found my niche. I love working with at risk kids! Took a while to find it but, boom there it was.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Tomorrow, Jan 21 is my dad's 82 birthday. He and mama were born on the same day, four years apart. This will be his first birthday without her. He is a man who doesn't share emotions so I am not sure what he is truly thinking. We are gathering together as a family to celebrate him and hopefully easy any pain he may be hiding. 

Another random thought....I love my little white rat. He is definitely like a child to me. This morning, this is how I found him in bed. I have no idea how that blanket got on him! (FYI: He has to sleep in bed with his head on the side of the bed and his stinky booty touching me. He takes up my whole side of the bed and I sleep in the middle. Thankful we have a king size bed!