Wednesday Hodgepodge - 11/16

1. What song reminds you of a specific time in your life and what is it about that song that makes you remember?

I'm a song person, so there are many different ones that go with different times in my life, but the very first one that comes to mind is "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack.  Back a million years ago when Crys worked for a radio station, she shared this song with us before we had ever heard it on the radio.  We were part of a close-knit group in college and with most graduating, it felt like the perfect theme song for the moment.  I will never forget sitting there in my parents' living room, listening to that song together.  It was such a sweet memory.

2. What's something you've given up on?

I've given up on trying to please everyone.  It's just not going to happen, and that's hard for me to admit because I am a people pleaser by nature.  But, at the end of the day, as long as God and I are good on what is going on, the rest doesn't really matter.   When are worrying about pleasing God, the rest works itself out.

3. What's something you'll never give up on?

I really had to think about this question.  I think that I will never give up on trying to see the good in people.  I let my mouth get the best of me sometimes, but I really do believe that most people have good intentions.  I get that sometimes it's really hard to find, but when you pay attention sometimes life can really surprise you.  That moment where your expectations of someone are turned on their head for the good is so sweet!

4. If you had to cook something from scratch in the next hour what would it be?

Assuming my oven was working (which right now it's not) it would be lasagna because that sounds so good right now!!!

5. Have you started Christmas shopping? Decorating? Listening to Christmas music?

I have not started shopping, though we are going to the craft fair this weekend, so maybe I will start then.  I'm a traditionalist in that I don't decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but since I don't do Black Friday, that's probably when I will start digging through my decorations in storage.  It's also when I will start the Christmas music.  (Of which I have lots and deeply enjoy!)

6. What do you know about your parent's wedding?

My parents were married in 1976.  They were married at the local Catholic church and their reception was at my grandparents' house.  Mom's bridemaids each wore a different color pastel dress with a matching hat.  Mom wore a hat, too, instead of a veil.  It was a fantastic example of seventies' goodness.  (see below)

7. I can't believe I ____have been blessed enough to do some of the things I've been able to do____.

I forget that many of my students haven't been out of the tri-state, and I have been able to travel to all kinds of places.  I think about it until my students see my pictures or hear my stories, and get that dreamy look I used to get when someone talked about traveling.  Standing on a Broadway stage, sunbathing in San Juan, walking through our nation's capital all made me a better teacher because I can share my experiences with my students who haven't had those opportunities.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This has been the craziest week.  Rollercoaster City, for sure.  But, I am doing my best to remember that God is still God and that He sees and He knows and He loves.  If you can embrace that, the rest is much easier to stomach.