Is The Year Really Almost Over?

Wow, can't believe we are almost done with 2016. So much has happened and I haven't shared any of it with you...YET! Now that today is my last day at school, I have two weeks off to become a blogging machine!

Sneak peaks of what are to come include (and in no particular order): concerts, family gatherings, weather, Gavin's health, word of the year, and a wedding!

If you follow me on Instagram, you will have seen some of my photos and known what is going on in my world.

Until the next blog, which should be tomorrow, I bid you a very...

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Voting Thoughts

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Today is the day we Americans decide who are are going to choose to lead our country. Heavy stuff! I have been MIA for a while now on my blog and decided THIS is the best time to get on the ole blog-a-roo and reconnect. Can I pick my days or what!

This blog is not going to be about WHO to vote for in this election. If you have been on any social media, you have been verbally and visually thrown up on by everyone else dictating where your vote should be cast.

Instead, I am just going to share some thoughts on this subject. Let me decide for myself. I am an adult and have computer and research skills. I can analyze and decipher who will get my vote based on my beliefs and views. I do not need your articles or memes to sway my vote or to influence me. If anything else, you are causing me to NOT vote for your candidate!

A long long time ago, I listened to Larry North, the fitness guru, speak. One thing I took away was to choose the better bad. When trying to be healthy, Mr. North said you should choose the better bad. We have to all make choices in life, some good and some bad. So I have taken this advice and put it to work in my everyday life and choices.

Circling back around, according to my social media, both candidates are bad for America. Ok, thanks for the update. So going back to Larry North's philosophy, I am going to choose what I feel is the better bad.

America is about the people. It says so in its documents! So, we the people need to get out and vote for the candidate we feel will lead us in the direction we want to the country to go.

I tell my students: If you do not vote, you do not have the right to gripe and complain about what is going on in the country because you did not exercise your right to vote and have a voice. No voice then, no voice now. Harsh? Maybe, but it is my belief and I want them to start thinking (at the age of 17-18) how important it is to cast your vote.

As for me, I will be voting for.... Did you really think I would tell you?  Silly people!

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!