WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

I have been reading Nana from Empty Nest but Full Heart for a few weeks now and have soo enjoyed her.  She participates in Wednesday Hodgepodge which is a fun meme that just had ME written all over it, haha.  I have been waiting for an opportunity to join in, and decided to give it a whirl today.  You can join the others that have by clicking on the button above.  I have had a good time doing this, and will definitely be visiting more of the others later today.  Hope you all have a good day!

1. What is something that bothers you if it’s not done perfectly?

Hmmm, as a draining perfectionist it would be easier to answer what doesn’t bother me if not done perfectly. But I guess I would have to say…anything at all I happen to be sewing. I have been known to rip something out and do it over even if NO ONE else would ever notice or care about the small mistake. Or could it be wiping down the bathroom mirrors EVERY morning? If I see so much as one tiny speck of water or something on the mirror or countertop, I have to start over with the spray etc. Doesn’t take but a minute or two, but I can’t bear it any other way. If the pillows on the couch aren’t “plumped” just right…Boy, as I read this back I sound like a nit picking weirdo, and honestly I am not…haha

2. What is one of your best childhood memories?

I think it would have to be our many week-end trips to the mountains during the season in our lives that we owned a cabin in Big Bear. There was just soo many things about these “get-aways” that made them so special. I think it was maybe mainly the fact that no one had to hurry to get anywhere at all. A long hike was about as energetic as it got. There was no TV and we sat at the large kitchen table as a family (there were 6 of us kids) and played games and cards. My dad especially was soo different up there; relaxed and in a constant good mood. I remember lying on the floor in front of the fireplace with a good book as well. I also remember we had a hammock in the back where you could lay for hours and feel the soft breezes and listen to them as they rustled through the trees. I can still close my eyes and hear the soft sound. Taking our breakfast out on the deck to enjoy the early morning was another favorite. Blue jays and squirrels roamed freely and were so fun to watch. The air was chilly, even in the summertime, and we sit there until the sun was starting to really warm things up. All in all it was VERY simple pleasures that brought me the most joy as I think back on it.

3. Do you plan to watch the Royal Wedding and when was the last time you wore a hat?

Catching what there will sure to be plenty of…..re-caps…..is about all I have in mind, haha…I do want to see the dress and some of the hoop-la, but that’s about it. And a hat? After thinking about this for a while I guess I would have to say I have NO IDEA when the last time might be. I don’t wear hats pretty much ever. I love hats on others for sure, but something about one on my head looks ridiculous. WAIT….I just remembered when it was….Clear back in my late 30’s my hubby and I went through our country western dancing faze complete with total cowboy/cowgirl attire and I had a REALLY cute cowgirl hat I wore when we went dancing. I LOVED it. The dancing was soo much fun and such great exercise. We knew how to do them all too. Line dancing, the two step, the cowboy cha-cha, the waltz. I wonder if I could do them anymore?

4. Where do you fall in the birth order in your family? Do you think this has influenced your personality?

I am the second of six children, and yes, I think it had a GREAT deal to do with influencing my personality. I have read a few books on this subject and I think it is a very valid truth. But I think the biggest influence is just your basic inborn personality which I believe we are all born with. It certainly has proven to be true with all of my children. They were/are who they are. It becomes very important then of course to guide and direct and teach so that each becomes all that they can be, within their own personality strength and weaknesses. But now I off subject aren’t I?

5. Where do you think you spend most of your money?

I guess that would depend on rather or not we are talking about “right now” today, or as a general rule over the course of my life? Most of our money was spent on my kids as a general rule. Education, training etc. was VERY important to both my hubby and I and are kids went to private schools, college, trade schools, and had private karate lessons and various different sports/athletic lessons etc. Looking back it left little to nothing for extended family vacations or travel or for much of a wardrobe or entertainment, but I do feel it was all worth it. Today our money is spent on keeping afloat in the present time economy, and yet still managing to set enough aside to hopefully retire…someday, haha.

6. When you need to confront someone would you rather communicate in person, by phone, by email or by letter? Why?

Oh I hate a confrontation and avoid them at all costs. Just not in that inborn personality I was talking about it. But when I have found myself in this position, I have been known to write a letter or email. That way I can write and/or rewrite what I want to say in a very deliberate and careful way. My kids tease me and say, “Be careful, or you will get a “scathing” email from mom, haha.

7. Dodgeball, freeze tag, kickball or jump rope? You have to pick one.

I am wondering here if this means that I have to play or what I like to watch?? And if it means today at my age, or when I was young? Haha I guess I will go with kickball. I LOVED it as a young girl and played whenever I could. Jumping rope though was another favorite, but truthfully, there is NO WAY I could do any of them today. BUT…IF I had the ability and COULD play any of them right now, I could go for a good game of kickball.

8. Insert your own random thought here


I have been thinking AGAIN recently how we all go through the various seasons in our lives and yet mix and combine them all at the same time. For example I watch my adult kids as they raise their young families and remember well how those times in your life seem to be all consuming and important. I watch my grandkids and smile and remember the innocence of kids and the joy of childhood, and wish maybe I hadn’t been soo consumed with getting MINE to adulthood. I watch my hubby and I as we have settled into a smaller home as it is no longer necessary to house 4 children, and dream of the day he retires and we begin yet another road on our journey through life. I watch my parents as they go through old age and the unique set of challenges and trials that brings. I wait in joyful anticipation as my youngest (24) awaits the birth of her first child and know it is all just beginning for this young couple. Yes, it is all as it says in the Bible….there is a season for everything.

Mel's baby bump at 14 and half weeks!  I can see if for sure now!  Soo exciting.  She is 16 weeks tomorrow so I am sure it is even bigger.  If I had MY WAY she sould take one EVERY week so I don't miss a thing, but then she doesn't listen much to me anymore.  ; )