HPW #117 and mail call.

Well today's mail call was pretty good. I got the free record coasters I ordered from Black and Mild and the prize pack of Progresso soups that I won. See pictures at the bottom.  So glad today is Wednesday and prayer meeting church. I love going to Church.


1.  Do you play games of luck/chance for money? Have you ever played bingo for money?  Visited a casino?  Placed a bet on a horse? Bought a lottery ticket?
I don't but only because they don't interest me. Its not something that God has ever convicted me of. I am just too frugal to spend the money when there isn't a sure pay off. Gambling doesn't interest me much. I have bingo'ed and won while there and it was fun but just not me. The only casino I have been to was on a gambling boat and that was tons of fun but that was due to the boat not the gambling since that bored me. It was great fun being on deck watching dolphins and such. I have never bet on a horse but my bucket list includes a trip to the Kentucky Derby. A woman I worked for years ago used to go when she was younger and I try to always watch it. I have bought many a ticket.

2. Will you be preparing and/or dining on the traditional corned beef and cabbage meal this St. Patrick's Day?  Mashed-baked-hash browned-french fried...your favorite way to have potatoes?
We aren't corned beef people but we do usually have green food.  Such as mashed potatoes with herbs to make them green, shamrock punch, key lime whipped pie,

3. What's the last thing you felt 'green with envy' over?
A little article I saw on Facebook about the sweetest couple.  I want a love like that.

4. What's at the end of your rainbow?
 I answered this question yesterday on another meme. The home of the Leprechauns in a magic clover world with gold pieces all around.

5. March 12th marks the anniversary of the death of Anne Frank (June 12, 1929 -March, 1945).  Anne's diary spent detailing her time spent hiding from the Nazis ranks as one of the best selling books of all time.  Besides your blog, do you keep any sort of diary or journal? Was this a habit you developed as a child or is journaling something new for you?
I probably have a couple dozen journals I have started over the years. I write for a few months and then forget to. I do like to read back over them though. I started when I was a teen.

 6. What's an item in your home or closet that contains every color of the rainbow.
 I can't think of a single thing off the top of my head.

7.  Write a limerick with you as the subject. You can do it!! Just remember this is a family friendly blog...don't make me get out my wooden spoon. 
 There once was a girl
who loved watching mail unfurl
so she tried to win a prize
by trying blogs on for size
when she won she danced a twirl.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
I love getting wonderful things in the mail.

HPW

1. My real life friends came through with another question this week so thank you real life friends.  When you've eaten in a restaurant do you complete their comment card? Do you take online surveys highlighted at the bottom of store receipts?

If I got really good or really bad service I will fill out the card or if they offer me something free for doing it. Sometimes I feel out the online surveys but most times I don't. Yet I know a lot of people who have won simply because most people don't take the time so I always mean to do better.

2. The (US) ban on women in combat was lifted at the end of January.  It will probably be next year before specifics are worked out but it's been reported over 200,000 front line positions will eventually open up to women.  Your thoughts? 

I respect any woman who wants to be involved. I personally don't feel that the front line is any place for a woman but if thats what floats your boat go for it.

3. In looking back at all the blog posts you've written, what's your favorite post title?

I don't normally have cute fun titles since I am not very creative so I pick this one 8 yr old Explains God


4. What's worse-overly permissive parents or overly protective parents? Did your own parents lean toward the permissive or the protective category? If you're a parent where do you fall?

I feel that overly permissive parents are way worse. Children don't learn self control. I have seen way too many times the results. If you don't correct and train them while they are little you have no chance when they reach their teen years and beyond.  People are not doing their children any favors by letting them by with everything. Other children don't want to be their friends and family doesn't want to be around them. My parents were in the I could care less phase. My mother tended to be very strict but that was because she just didn't want to bother with anything not out of any desire to shape me life.  I am in the overprotective category myself.

5.  Candlelight-moonlight-firelight-bright lights in the big city....which one's your favorite?

 oh its so hard to choose. I love night and the moon when the sky is clear and you can see all the stars but I also love candlelight and I love fire. I remember playing around bonfires growing up and have never lost my thrill. I can't say I am a fan of big city lights simply because I don't like big cities. I do like to be outside of town up high and looking into the lights. They are awful pretty that way.


6. Dr. Seuss's birthday was celebrated on Saturday. What's a favorite book you remember (Seuss or otherwise) from your childhood?  Did books play an important role in your growing up years?  Explain.
  
I have always been a reader. I actually taught myself to read before school started then I taught all the kids in the neighborhood to read. But I can't really remember any books before I was in 5th grade. The first book I really remember was called My Enemy the Queen by Victoria Holt. I bought it at a school book fair and read it over and over for years. Looking at it now though I can't imagine why they had it at the school fair since in no way shape or form is it a children's book.

7. To quote Dr. Seuss...

"From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere." 

from One fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Share something funny you've recently read, seen, or heard.

I actually  wrote a post earlier today that had 2 funny stories included. Check it out and pick which one is your favorite.


8.   Insert your own random thought here.

The big thing this week seems to be the Bible on the History Channel. I watched it Sunday night but wasn't that impressed. It was ok but I don't think it was factual enough for me. I was shocked later to talk about it with some friends to discover how little they actually knew about the Bible. I mean people who are church going born again Christians and they didn't know a lot of the stuff being portrayed. I don't know everything but I have read the book over and over again and remember most of the big stories.  Did you watch it, are you going to watch it, and how did you feel about it?

Final Hodgepodge for February

Its hard to believe its already the end of February. Today would have been my favorite cousin's birthday. He was killed in 1983. Hes been gone longer than he was here and yet he is still so vivid in my mind. I can still see him the last time I saw him alive. He was laying on the couch at his place with his daughter laying on his chest and he was watching Fall Guy. For years I wouldn't watch Fall Guy because it hurt to picture it. I think of all the things I would have said if I had known that time would be for all time. What words would you say to your loved ones today if  you knew this was the last time?  Ok on to the hodgepodge.

1. When were you last facing an ocean?  In ONE word describe how you felt when you faced that ocean.

I can't remember the exact year but I think it was probably 2000. My aunt, her husband and another aunt had went to Ocean Isle Beach in NC and I went with them. We stayed at the Islander Inn which I don't know about it today but years ago it was very nice. One of my favorite things was the heated indoor pool. It was actually March when we went so it was too cold to swim except in the heated pool.  I used to get up at sunrise to walk the beach and watch the sun come up over the ocean.   Awestruck is the one word that described how I felt. 

2. What are three sounds you hate to hear?

Fingers on a blackboard sound, yelling as in arguing, constant droning of the tv.  

3. This question comes to you courtesy of some real life friends. Hi real life friends! When you shop for clothes do you try everything on in the store or do you buy, try on at home, and then return what you don't like or what doesn't fit?

I know this isn't natural for women as they say but I hate to shop so I will almost always try on the clothes there just so I don't have to make another trip back. If its something I buy all the time and I am sure of  the size and look then I won't bother. 


4.  February 26th is National Pistachio Day...are you a fan of the little green nut?  Do you use them in cooking and baking or prefer to eat them right out of the shell?

I have never tried a pistachio. I used to be engaged to a man who's dad loved them and we would buy them for him all the time but I just never tried them. I have IBS so nuts aren't my friends. Years ago I tried pistachio pudding and it just didn't appeal to me so that probably figured into my not wanting to try pistachios. 

5. When did you last have to compromise with someone? Were you happy to reach a compromise or slightly irritated it came to that?

Honestly nothing comes to mind. 

6.  Have you ever written a letter to an elected official?  Did you get a response?

Yes and yes. 

7.  We 'March' into a new month at the end of the week...what is something on your March calendar guaranteed to make you smile?

March is my least favorite month now and I am actually dreading it but prior to last year, I would have said that just knowing the little bubs such as crocus or tulips bloom around here in March. And of course this year Easter is in March. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am so ready for spring. I want to see some signs of spring soon. I am tired of winter. 

Hodge Podge Wednesday 1-30-13

Lordy, today is my cousin Jade's 20th birthday. I can't believe how the years have flown by. I remember going to the hospital with her mom when she was in labor and then all the years of babysitting. Now shes a beautiful young woman although different than about anyone else I have ever known. Jade is the most artistic person I have ever had the pleasure to meet.  This is Jade in a Japanese kimono she made herself and the girl beside her is a friend that Jade free style painted her face for a fall festival.

1. . In the USA this coming Sunday millions will be watching the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49er's in the Superbowl.  What was the last event you attended that could be described as super?
I would guess the Elton John concert we attend back in September. I am not a huge fan but my oldest is and she has wanted to see him for years. He was coming to WV and we bought tickets. She actually sat and cried during the concert. I have to admit he puts on awesome show. 

2. Share something you're a fan of these days?
I am more a fan of Jesus every day. I just keep learning the greatest things about Him. Can't wait to meet him in person.  And here lately I am a huge e-book fan. I got into the scene later than most people but now I am hooked. 

3. How do you feel about wings?  In case anyone is confused, I'm talking about the edible appetizer kind.  What's your preferred seasoning-hot, mild, teryiaki, sweet and sour, other? Do you make your own or is there a favorite place you like to go for wings?
I admit I am not a wing fan. I like the boneless wings from Applebee's which are really not wings but breast. I just don't see why people enjoy wings but to each his own. I just saw the funniest article where 2 men had stolen $65000 worth of wings from the warehouse they worked. I admit stealing isn't funny but that a lot of wings :). I guess they were going to sale them for Superbowl Sunday.

4. As long as we're talking sports today, have you been following the Lance Armstrong story?  Did you watch his interview with Oprah and if so what was your reaction to his confession and subsequent remarks?
I haven't really been following per se but I have caught some of the articles. I was sad and disappointed when he confessed especially considering how vehemently he had denied it over the years. I would have had more respect if he would have manned up and admit it when first accused. 

5. What's a question you hate to be asked?
What do you weigh?

6. The coaches in this Sunday's big match up happen to be real life brothers.  Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49er's and his older brother John Harbaugh coaches the Baltimore Ravens.  Were you and your sibling(s) competitive?  In what way?  Are you still?  If you're an only child how did you handle competition growing up? 
I am 11 yrs older than my sister and I was 23 years older than my brother so not a lot of competition. I did resent my sister more because I was at the age of stuff being mine and suddenly everyone was like let her have it shes the baby. She tore up my year book, dolls etc and it was ok with our mom because she was the baby. Then it wasn't long before I moved out so we never really were together much until she was around 19 then we got to be ok friends.  My brother was more like an extra kid of mine because I was already a mom at that at point.  

7. What's your favorite game involving a ball, and when did you last play? 
Bowling and its been a couple years. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
 Saw an interesting thing about huge group of starlings that were flying over Israel after being gone for many years. I always think things that happen in Israel are more interesting because of prophecy.  

Hodge Podge Wednesday - 1/23/13

I am asking a favor of everyone this week. I entered my little dog in a contest on Facebook and would really appreciate it if you have a Facebook account and would vote for her. . Its time for another hodge podge. I am running a little late this week, think I might be getting sick and just not feeling it right now :(.

1. The popular saying 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly. Is he right?
No, I don't think that either love or war justifies acting anyway you want. I think your ethics and character come out in both situations. In a war issue I would be more inclined to act unfairly since let's face it, its life or death but now in love. I don't think you can attempt to have happiness at the expense of someone else. Right is right no matter who is doing it.

2. Are you a cereal eater? What's your favorite kind?
I love cereal. I love frosted mini wheats or raisin bran either one. My favorite hot cereal is either cocoa wheats or cream of wheat.

3. A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the toy blows bubbles). She did not have the gun with her at school.

A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record. The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts? (If you missed the story, click here for details)

I heard this when it came out and thought it was the stupidest thing ever. People can act like such idiots at times. I mean its a bubble gun, hello kitty even, it doesn't look like a gun nor could it do any damage. Kids have played cops and robbers for years and that didn't make them grow up and shoot up places yet now suddenly everyone is gun crazy. I don't think we should suddenly take all the nerf guns and laser tag guns away from children.  I am pro- gun and believe that everyone should be properly trained to defend their family and themselves. I think we need to teach our children that actions have reactions and how to handle their feelings.  Obviously this is an issue with strong emotion and  impact. To me this is as stupid as when the suspended that little boy years back for kissing another girl on the play ground under the zero touching policy and they were both in kindergarten. 

4. Whatever happened to_______________________?
Personal Responsibility. It seems like we keep pushing personal responsibility further and further away. I don't need the government or another person to be responsible for my actions. I think we need to accept that what we do is our own issue. I should be held accountable for my own actions. I mean they have legislated cigarettes, now its food, guns. If I know that smoking kills me, eating too much and not exercising enough cause me to be fat and have health issues, recklessly waving a loaded weapon around causes harm. We, as parents take things away from our children that will harm them. I am not a child and I need to accept responsibility for my actions. I don't need to you to make it so I can't buy a large coke if I so choose. Another part of this is that people want to blame their childhood. No matter what horrible childhood you had, once you are an adult, your actions are your choices. You can look at the world around you and see that other people don't have sex with children that its wrong. I just get tired of people laying all the responsibility for their lives at someone else's feet. Man up as they say and own your life and your actions. Your choices make your life. I don't need someone else to think for me.  (another hot issue)

5. January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil.  Do you like your handwriting?  Do you prefer to print or write in cursive?  This date was chosen because its the birth date of John Hancock.  What's the last thing you signed your name to? 
I hate my handwriting. When I was a little girl I was left handed and then had an accident that injured my left hand, by the time it had healed I had learned to write right handed and never could write left handed again although I still use my left for lots of other things. I always say thats why I write like a pig. My grandmother used to tell me I should have been a doctor. I always did poorly in school on handwriting and to this day I am shamed of my writing. I spent hours practicing, trying to write better but it never helped.  I prefer things to be printed so everyone can read what it says. Some peoples writing is almost illegible (mine included) I had to fill out some paperwork yesterday that required a signature. 

6.  Speaking of John Hancock, ever been to Philadelphia?  Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?
I've never been there but would love to go. There is a ton of stuff I want to see and do in Philly. Really one of my life dreams is to own an RV and just travel around America visiting all the fun stuff and blogging about it as I go. Maybe one day :)

7. Share something funny you've heard a child say. 
Ok this is an old story but its what immediately comes to mind. My aunt was putting face cream on her face and my cousin was watching her. I would say he was probably around 3. Jamie asked what the cream was for and my aunt told him it was to make her beautiful. He responded with "how long does it take to start working".  I love children's honesty but it can be brutal. They are so funny.

8.    Insert your own random thought here. 
I am think that as pretty as snow is, I am tired of cold. I hate being cold and I am ready for spring. Its spitting snow today and its really pretty but I want to be warm again. I am not one of those people who complain of the heat. No matter how hot it is, I don't complain. I just think its easier to cool down than to warm up. 

HPW- 1/16/2013

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English...here's the list for 2013-

fiscal cliff, kick the can down the road, double down, job creators/creation, passion/passionate, yolo (acronym for you only live once), spoiler alert, bucket list, trending, superfood, boneless wings, and guru

Which of these words would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why?  Go here to read more about how the words were chosen.

I have a bucket list and I love that idea so I don't want rid of it. I despise the yolo so thats my vote. I don't like the idea even because I feel a lot of people have taken the thought and ran with it and use it as an excuse to just do whatever they want regardless of how it affects others. You might only live once on Earth but that is not a reason to hurt others just to make yourself happy. 

2. When was the last time you rode a train?  Where did you go?

I don't honestly think I have ever rode a real train, just like little trains around theme parks. I used to ride the Metro to DC if that counts as a train. We used to live in Warrenton and would go to DC often to sightsee way back in the early 1990's.

3. Bagels-yay or nay?  Favorite 'flavor'?  Favorite topping?

I love bagels, plain with just cream cheese. Oddly enough they never taste as good as they do when I stay in a hotel even when I buy the same brand. Must be the vacation atmosphere.

4. Tis the season of awards shows....if you could star in a movie already made, which one would you choose?

Something classical like Gone With the Wind or the Wizard of Oz, to be part of the magic of either and meet Vivian Leigh, and Judy Garland.

5. The move towards single gender classroom has been making the news in recent months...what say you?  Do you think kids perform better if separated by gender and are taught differently or is that discrimination?  If you're a parent is this something you'd support in regard to your own children?


I think this is one of those things where theory wise it seems like a good idea but I totally agree that separate is never equal. I think it would start out equal and rapidly disintegrate into inequality. I feel that history has showed repeatedly that separate can never be equal. 


6. What's your favorite thing about staying in a hotel?

Ordinarily I would say just being on vacation since every time I have stayed on vacation has at least been a mini vacation but after my last trip, I would say the bed. We stayed at a Super 8 in Wheeling WV and they had the most awesome beds every. My daughter agreed it was the most restful night of her life. It certainly rivaled the Hampton Inns I have stayed at. 

7.  Do you have a 'word' for 2013?  What's the story behind your choice?

Its only been in the past few months I even heard of people using this so no I don't think I have a "word" for this year. If I were to choose one I think it would be miraculous. Last year was the worst year of my life and I feel that God has great things in store for me personally this year.  Its starting off with a not such great outlook but I think thats just smoke and mirrors.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

My day started on a good note because I got on the scales and had lost 10 lbs so far. I have been trying not so much to diet as to find a new way of life. I have been overweight my whole adult life so I need to change my thinking and find a new path. So my thing so far has been new choices. An example being that I love pizza and so I have been making this mini pizzas out of tortillas but today I realized that they aren't filling at all so I always eat too many of them because they are really like a snack. Its basically been doing an eat this instead of this plan so far. 

Hodge Podge Wednesday 1-9-13

1. What is one thing or area in your home or life you hope to report is completely organized when 2013 draws to a close?  Do you have a plan to make it happen?

 The kitchen is my main goal for this year. Due to the remodeling its a mess. I want to remove one wall and add more counters. Basically we are gutting what is currently there and I want it all done and everything organized.

2. What's the worst uniform you've ever had to wear for a job?

 When I worked in the mail room at the prison we had to dress business casual, hated it because it was a dirty job and all my good clothes would get dirty or stained, second of all we never saw anyone other than inmates and other staff and everyone wanted to just wear regular clothes so it caused lower moral.

3. What was your last kitchen 'mishap'?  This question comes to you courtesy of Betty who blogs over at A Glimpse into Midlife...everyone go say hi to Betty!

 off the top of my head I can't think of anything recently so I will tell my biggest one :). The first time my oldest was going to camp I was a nervous wreck. I had call forwarding added to the phone so that no matter where I was I wouldn't miss a call (this was before cell phones were common) so I decided to make her favorite dessert which is a hot fudge cake. I had made that cake a millin times and I guess because of my nerves this time it didn't turn out. I thought it looked weird going in the oven and then it started to smell funny. The flour burned, I had forgotten to add any fluids to it :)

Here is the recipe I always use

1 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons baking cocoa, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 3/4 cups HOT water
whipped cream or ice cream, optional

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, baking
powder and salt.  Stir in the milk, oil and vanilla until smooth.  Spread
in an ungreased 9" square baking pan.  Combine brown sugar and remaining
cocoa; sprinkle over batter.  Pour hot water over all; do not stir.  Bake
at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.  Serve warm.  Top with whipped cream or
ice cream if desired.

4.  How do you protect yourself against other people's negativity?

 I am at a point in life where I can walk away from negative people. I don't have a job so I don't have to put up with anything there but when I did work and people were negative my biggest response would be to pray.

5. Who in your family do you most resemble (physically)?  If you have children, who do people say they favor?  Do you agree?

 I resemble my mother more than anyone else. Depending on if she is with me or with her dad thats who everyone says she resembles. Shes a mix of both of us and if either of us are around you can see that person in her, my youngest resembles me more than her dad.

6. January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day...will you be celebrating?

 I celebrate bubble baths almost daily. Even as a child a bath was a ritual for me. I have an addiction to buying bath products. I love salts, bubbles and oils.   It is also Elvis's birthday and this year was the first time in years we haven't done anything for it. I had a horrible headache and didn't feel like up to it.

7.  Some of the 'world's best winter festivals' are...Mardi Gras (New Orleans), Quebec Winter Festival (Canada), Sundance Film Festival (Park City Utah), Rio Carnivale (Brazil), Sapporo Snow Festival (Japan), Venice Carnival (Italy), and the Harbin Ice Festival (Northern China).  Of those listed (and if cost were not a factor) which would you most like to attend and why?

 Probably Mardi Gras because its the one I have heard of for longer and dreamed of attending. Plus I so want to explore New Orleans.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

 I had a scary event this past weekend. There have been a lot of home invasions around here so I have been more leary, someone came to the door wanting in to use the phone claimed it was an emergency. I don't open the door after midnight esp to someone I dont know  They just kept saying it was an emergency and needed to use the phone which is exactly what the home invasions did.  I called 911 myself so if they need help it will be here. They aren't coming in my house. The police did 2 drive bys but apparently didn't see anything nor did they come by my house.  

HPW- 1/2/13

Well there is barely an hour left of Wednesday and I had almost forgot to do my first HodgePodge of the year. 

1. How did you ring in the new year?

Pretty boring. It was just myself, my oldest daughter and her boyfriend. Plus the house animals. Normally I like to go to a watch night service at a local church but my car has been broke down for 2 weeks now so I was stuck home. Thats ok though. I praised God for getting me through 2012 and thanked Him for what He's going to do in 2013.We did watch the ball drop but it just wasn't the same without Dick Clark and I was very disappointed in the majority of the music choices. Taylor Swift was the only one I liked.

2. What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2013?

Mostly just remodeling this trailer. It needs a lot of work and I knew that when I bought it but life interfered and I am now ready to get back to the work.

3.   Steven Spielberg is quoted as saying, 'All of us every single year, we're a different person. I don't think we're the same person all our lives.' What say you? 

I totally agree. I can't imagine anyone who stays the same all the time. I like to think I am improving each year, growing more like Christ and showing more love. I am becoming more comfortable with my life and more trusting of God's guidance. I think everyone changes in their thought patterns, beliefs, and actions as they keep living.

4.   The Pantone color of the year for 2013 is emerald green. Like or dislike?  Do you already own something this color?  Will you add something in this shade to your home or wardrobe in 2013?

Green has always been one of my favorite colors and I love the rich jewel tones of emerald. I own several items in this color and probably will buy a few more. 

5.    Speaking of emerald...what's your favorite gemstone?

I have always loved opals but I also love the flash of diamonds. 

6.  Share a favorite book or movie from 2012.

Honestly I can't think of either one that stands out for me right now. Probably later on I will think of a ton but drawing the blank right now. I spent a lot of the past year in a fog so thats my excuse.

 7. What is something you want to tell yourself at the start of this brand new year?

I want myself to remember that no matter what happens, God's got this. Don't stress, trust Him and keep on keeping on. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I waited too late and its almost bedtime so my only thoughts are good night, God bless and sleep well. 

 

HPW- 12-19-12

 

This is the last hodgepodge of the year. I can honestly say that I am so glad that its almost the end of 2012 but it doesn't seem possible that time has flown by this fast.

1.   How will you spend 'the night before Christmas'?
At our house we open most of the presents on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning was reserved for Santa Stockings and presents. Now that my kids are grown and my grandbabies are in Texas, we still open presents on Christmas eve and only have stockings on Christmas morning.

2. What is something you are not?
Well there are so many things I am not. Thankfully I am not what I once was but I am also not what I want to be yet. Life is about striving to change and in my case trying to be more Christlike.

3. Fudge-are you a fan?  Your favorite flavor?
Oh my goodness this fat chick loves fudge. I love all fudge but probably one of my very favorites is dreamsicle fudge. But other than in cookies I don't honestly like white fudge, its just too sweet tasting if that makes sense.

4.  Did you attend any craft/vendor fairs in the month of December?  Do you prefer homemade goodies or the more professional stalls?  Are you giving any homemade gifts this year
I am not that big on craft vendor fairs. I prefer homemade goodies myself and this year I gave a few homemade goodies away. Pinterest has been awesome for bringing out talent in me. They have so many crafts that even someone as challenged talent wise as myself can find something pretty to make.

5.  What's your favorite type of holiday gathering?
Family dinner on Christmas day. I love to cook and I love for all my friends and family to gather at my house. Nothing brings as much joy to my heart.

6. We're approaching a new year...what's going to be different in 2013?
As I have stated over and over again 2012 has been the worst year of my life. I pray that I never experience another year like this one. I know that 2013 is going to be an awesome year for me. God has sent me signs and confirmations and I am trusting in that for untold blessings to fall next year.  I am thinking of doing a new 101 in 1001 to start the first of the year. I did one a few years ago but was living a different lifestyle and so its not reflective of who I am now.


7.  Share a favorite scripture, quote, saying, or song lyric relating to peace.
It may not be exactly related to peace but Philippeans 4:13 always brings peace to my being because it tells me that I can do all things in Christ which strengthens me. As long as I am in God's will He will help me deal with each and every thing that comes my way.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I guess the biggest thing on most people in America's mind right now is the school shooting in Connetticutt. Everyone wants school shootings to end and our children to be safe. They just all have different ideas in how that can happen. I personally don't feel that taking guns away from responsible law abiding people is the answer but I do think that 2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us an answer. It says "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  I think the only thing that will help America is to turn back to God and turn from sin.

HPW- 12/12/12

Its time for another meme from across the pond as they say :).

1.  So, when did you last take a walk in the woods? A stroll along the beach? A drive going nowhere in particular in the car?
I love doing all the above. My last walk was one day last week. I love being alone and hearing the sounds of the woods around me. Of course in WV we have a lot of woods to be around :).
 Its been years since I was at the beach but my favorite times are walking while the sun is coming up on and after the moon as come out.  
 My car has some problems and the mechanic can't seem to find whats wrong so I tend to not drive anywhere thats  not necessary just in case.

2. Are you sending Christmas cards this year?  About how many do you send?  Photo card or something more traditional?  How do you display the cards you receive?
I am sending maybe about 15 or so. I am sending traditional cards. We usually hang the cards we get on the door. I am thinking this year that I will by an album and put them in it after the holidays and start saving them that way. 

3.  What's a word you've heard too much of in the past week?
I honestly can't think of a single word.

4. December 13th is National Cocoa Day-are you a fan?  Plain or flavored?  Marshmallows or no marshmallows?
I am the queen of cocoa. I love it anyway you serve it. I love marshmallows and the more the better. My grannybabies love it when I make it from scratch instead of instant.  I love all varieties. I usually have 5-6 kinds on hand at all times. 

5. What is something you do to help alleviate the hectic pace of the Christmas season?
I do most of my shopping before December ever gets here so that helps a lot. My ex-husband was a brick mason's helper when we first got married and he would be on partial unemployment every winter. The difference with partial is you only get a tiny check. So after the first year I learned to shop early. I tend to buy stuff on clearance or if I see a good deal and put it in a storage tote. Then come December we get the tote out and see what fits who and thats how we decide what they are getting.

6. Besides jewelry, what's a favorite sparkly-glittery item in your home or closet?
My house is loaded with glittery objects. I feel that when we die not having worn enough glitter will be one of the things I regret. I own clothes, hair pieces and all kinds of glitter. My new Christmas outfit is my current favorite. Its a 3 piece pant suit and its got glitter stones along the lapels of the jacket and the neckline of the top. 

7. Share a favorite line or two from any Christmas carol.
Right now the one thats been in my head for days is  "Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord" . I just feel there isn't enough time in all of eternity to give Him the praise and honor He deserves as my  Lord and Savior. I can't say enough about all the  blessings He has given me and His mercy and grace that never fail. Like the song says I just adore Him.



8. Insert your own random thought here.
About the only thing I can think of here is how stressed the cat is making me. She is in heat and I can't afford to get her fixed right now. And for some reason she has attached herself to me and wants to be on top of my computer all the time. No matter how many times I shoo her away she keeps on. I tried to pick her up once and she sank her claws into the laptop and tore some of the keys off. I had to reattach them. 
This is her on some of the boxes of Christmas decorations we were putting out. Her name is Aphrodite and she certainly thinks she is.

HPW-12-5-12

Like all the other memes I haven't participated in this one in ages. This time its all about the holidays.

1. .  Share your traditions surrounding the Christmas stocking.

 We always hang stockings. At our house we always open presents on Christmas Eve then on Christmas morning we open stockings and Santa presents. Thats just how it was when I was growing up and I carried the tradition on. We really don't have any traditions about the stocking itself. Its just small presents and candy inside. 

2. How many hours of sleep do you average at night?  Is it enough? 

I have had sleeping problems for years. Its very hard for me to sleep more than 2-4 hours at a time so I am usually running on fumes. Now that I am unemployed it is actually better because now I have no time constraints and can take a nap or 2 during the day if I feel tired. This is actually the most rested I have felt in years. I have went to the dr and they have done all sorts of things, gave me all sorts of pills but it didnt really help. 

3.  If you had to give up one thing for the remainder of this year, what would it be?

Actually I am working on giving up Coke as we type :).  I am so tired of being overweight and I drink a lot of coke so thats a lot of needless calories. But growing up if you were sick or hurt my grandmother always gave you coke on ice. I am sick right now with stupid sinus congestion  thats doing its best to settle in my chest and in my mind I just have to have the coke on ice to get better :). 

4.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Wills and Kate as I like to call them) have announced they're expecting a baby.  Do you follow news of the Royals? 

I am thrilled for them and wish them all the best. I don't follow the news about the Royals but if I see something I might read it. I was 12 years old when Princess Di came onto the scene and she was my fairy tale princess. I religiously clipped everything I saw about her. I have old tv guide issues and other magazines that featured her. I loved loved loved her.  So I do enjoy hearing good things about her children. 

5. For me the sound of childhood is______________________.

Laughter is what hopped in my mind. There is just not sound like the carefree laugh of a child. It is so pure and innocent in a way that an adult laugh can never be. All children should be blessed with laughter, it hurts me to think of all the poor little ones who aren't so lucky.

6. Fruit cake-yay or boo?  What's your favorite dessert made with fruit?

Growing up, I hated fruit cake but after I got older I had some that was really good. I like one thats got nuts in it. My favorite dessert made with fruit is probably strawberry shortcake. I love anything with strawberries.

7. What is one thing you want to accomplish before 2012 comes to an end?

I don't think I have the energy to accomplish anything but just to make it through. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 One of the most wonderful things in my life right now is God showing me in so many little ways how much He cares for me and thinks of me. This has always been a struggle for me so its a growing experience. Yesterday's meme on my blog had a question about a teapot, as I was putting my answer, God brought to my mind that someone was going to read that post and send me a teapot. I brushed it off because things like that just don't happen to me. This morning I opened my email program and I had a notification about some of the comments from yesterday.  One of the readers read my post and sent me a message offering to send me a teapot and some tea. It just blowed my mind because that is exactly what God had said would happen. I don't know why or how but I just want to praise His name and I want to thank that wonderful woman for listening to God. Yes its just a teapot you say but to me its a message from God Himself. 

HPW-8-29-12

1. Americans will celebrate Labor Day this coming weekend. Do you know what we're actually celebrating? (without consulting your friends google or wikipedia, ahem) What's a project you're currently 'laboring' over?
 Growing up in a coal town in WV, there was no way to not know what labor day meant. I have seen old pay stubs of my grandfathers and after the company got done taking their part he made $1 or 2 a week raising 11 children. I think sometimes the unions get to picky and want to much stuff now days but there is no way I would ever cross a picket line.


2. Labor Day also signifies the unofficial end of summer for most of us...what summer food will you miss the most? If you live in the Southern hemisphere feel free to substitute winter for summer.  Watermelon and fresh vine ripened tomatoes. The ones they bring in from other places never taste as good.

 3. A well known proverb states, "It's easier to seek forgiveness than ask permission." Your thoughts?
 I hate when people use this excuse because in my opinion are you trying sorry for what you did if you planned it ahead of time. Forgiveness means that you are sorry for doing whatever and I just think you are not really sorry only sorry that you got found out.


4. Food critic, film critic, art critic, book critic...which hat would you most like to wear?
 book critic. I love to read and to get paid for it would be awesome.


5. When you were a kid, (besides your parents) who was your favorite adult?
 my grandmother raised me so I won't name her since she really counts as my parent. It would probably be Herman Williams. He was an old time country preacher and used to come see me every time I was in the hospital. I was so sick growing up that I thought I lived in the hospital and visited home. I so wanted him to be the person to perform my marriage ceremony but my in-laws wouldn't agree and I was way too young and moldable to fight for it. Now he has went on to Heaven.

6. The astronaut Neil Armstrong passed away last week. He was regarded as a hero by many generations of people all around the world. Do we still have modern day heroes? What makes someone a hero?

 

Last night we had a shooting the killed a state trooper. I think the people who lay their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety are the real heroes. Every time they go to work they don't know if they will come home.   I also think that firefighters, EMTs, and school teachers are heroes and don't get the credit they deserve.

 

 

 

 

7. I never get tired of __________________.

 being in the hand of God. I praise Him daily for everything He does that I am not even aware of.

 

 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

  Thinking that I am being tested this week. The doctor just told me that my blood pressure was so high she was afraid I was going to have a stroke and to not even exercise because of it. Then today on the way home from the doctors my car broke down. My first thought is a blown engine but I am praying not. My dad is having someone check it out tomorrow to see. I don't know what I will do if it is. I don't make enough to make a car payment and I have no savings.

HPW-8-22-12

1. Aloha! On August 21, 1959 Hawaii officially became a US State...have you ever been? Upon arrival would you prefer an orchid or a hibiscus to tuck behind your ear?  Nope never been. I used to always want to go but after the big tsunamia, I realized there isn't enough advance notice for me :).  If I had still been going I would have preferred an orchid

2. Since we're talking tropical...what's your favorite food or beverage made with pineapple? I love about anything with pineapple, but what really pops in my mind is a pineapple stuffing (its really more of a bread pudding) that my girls insist on for every holiday. I found the recipe about 12-15 years ago and have made it ever since for all holidays. They pitch a fit otherwise.

3. Do you believe in soul mates? Explain.  I believe in being faithful and doing everything you can to make it work once married. I think that if we are following God's will that he will lead us in the direction that we could meet that one person who just fits for us but I don't think there is only one person in the entire world that is your dream. Because free will means that not only you but the other person can accept or deny the relationship.

4. Share a memory about the house you grew up in. 
My older cousin and I were playing with fire (big no no ) in a plastic bowl. All the adults were playing cards in the kitchen. We heard them coming to check on us and we hid the bowl under the porch. Yup, you guessed it porch caught on fire and so did our behinds once it was all said and done. (the house was fine, they put it out really fast)

5. Are you comfortable with silence? If I am home alone you will most likely not hear any sound at all. I don't play the radio or tv. I will occasionally get in a music mood but not often. I like silence as long as its not an icy cold silence where you know someone is mad and brooding.

6. You spot a giant spider on your bedroom wall...what's your next move? (all spiders are giant, right?) squeal then squish or run depending on size and location

7. My idea of fun does NOT include_____________. Drinking or drugs

8. Insert your own random thought here.  This one is a debbie downer but its bugging me. I was upset at work today because my upper supervisor flat out lied to my immediate supervisor and he sold out my coworker. He helped her do something and then he didn't have her back with the immediate supervisor and lied about his involvement in it. He outranks the immediate supervisor and it really bothered me on so many levels. 1. He lied 2. He sold out my coworker 3. and the biggest problem is he is a pastor. Thats the part that really gets me. I think all christians should stand by their words and certainly shouldn't lie. He did so much damage to his witness to 4 people that were there I know.

Hodgepodge Wednesday-05232012

1. What's something you miss about the 80's? If you're too young to miss the 80's how about the 90's? my youth. I miss being young and feeling good. Rheumatoid Arthritis is really getting me down this week and I regret all the days I didn't appreciate being young.

2. Do you have a library card? If so, how often do you visit? I have a library card but I seldom use it anymore. I used to read all the time but I honestly think its s combination of being online too much and needing glasses. My insurance has kicked in so that I can get glasses but I haven't made an appointment yet. I used to read all the time even when I was online daily but now my eyes have gotten so I can't read and I haven't done anything about it. Next pay day for sure I am going to the dr.

3. What's the secret to success? I haven't made any success in the life so far so I have no clue

4. This is National Backyard Games week...what's your favorite backyard game? Badmiten and on that note I just thought this was such a cute graphic

5. If I dropped by today what would I find on your coffee table? a mess. I always hate a coffee table because for whatever reason its always the spot every one piles stuff on but my ex made our oldest a coffee table and now it sits in my living room and once again collects stuff.

6. Do you own a bicycle? When was the last time you rode a bicycle? Is that something you enjoy? I do not own a bike and probably never will again. The last time I rode a back was way back in Feb of 1992. I wrecked the bike by flipping over the handles and broke my knee and never got on one again. It was almost a year before I was able to walk without a limp.

7. What's your favorite cheese? My girls and I love cheese in all forms. I can't decide if my favorite is muenster cheese or string cheese, but I will eat about any kind of cheese

8. Insert your own random thought here. I want to go see this movie so bad. I used to watch the tv show years ago and I know this will be so funny. I love Johnny Depp and Tim Burton pair ups.