Oh, Technology

Technology and I have a bit of a love/hate relationship.  Last week, my iPod died.  Still not entirely sure what happened to it, but I tried every fix in the book and nothing worked.  So, this week, I got to buy a new one in anticipation for all the walking I'm going to be doing next month (for the #100inJuneChallenge, which starts THIS Saturday.  Also, how is it June already?).  It's a 16GB iPod Nano Touch, which is a definite upgrade from what I had.  My favorite thing is the pedometer, which now calculates steps and miles and keeps track of all of the workouts I use it on.  I know, I'm a nerd, but that all makes me super happy.

While I was buying things, I also purchased a Blu-Ray player that allows me to access YouTube and Netflix from my TV.  I don't know why I waited so long for this because it is easily the best thing ever. Since getting it hooked up on Tuesday, I have watched entirely too many episodes of The West Wing.  I have always felt like this is a show that I would have watched were in on today and not while I was graduating high school and in college. I mean, one of my all-time favorite movies is The American President, also an Aaron Sorkin creation.  So what took me so long?  There are so many brilliant lines and great scenes and why aren't there more show like this on television now?  And as if I didn't love Netflix already, there are finally getting to be a large assortment of great commercial and smaller independent movies available from the streaming service, too.  Safe to say I know where too much of my summer free time will be spent.  

Well, whenever I'm not walking anyway...

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 5/29

1. What question do you often ask yourself?

"What did I come over here/in this room for?"  I know that I am too young for that, but I blame it on my (un)diagnosed ADD.  My brain is working so fast doing so many things that I don't always pay attention to what I should be doing.  This is especially fun in my classroom, when I have 20+ other people pulling my attention.


2. Do you grow roses? What's your favorite color of rose?  Ever been given a dozen roses?  Where was the prettiest rose or rose garden you remember seeing?

I don't grow roses per say, but I do have two rose bushes that seem to bloom despite my neglect.  I don't really have a favorite color of rose.  I think they are all pretty.  I don't know that I've ever been given a full dozen roses at once, but my parents always got me flowers when I did productions and after my first foray into directing this year, the kids (administration and Board of Ed) got me a beautiful bouquet!  My uncle Bob's roses are some of the prettiest I've seen, although the ones I photographed in Mildred's garden were pretty unbelievable, too.

My roses fresh with rain drops

The flowers from the show

From Mildred's garden

3. Do you read the freshness dates on grocery store products?  Will you use eggs past their 'use by' date?  Take medication that's expired? Buy a dented can?

I do try to check the freshness dates, mostly because I need to know that it's not going to go bad before I can eat it.  I will use eggs if they pass the "float test."  (They say a good egg doesn't float, and so far, it's always been right.)  I recently heard something on the news about how you can take most over-the-counter meds if they are past their due dates, but never prescription pills.  And I don't buy dented cans for no other reason than I am picky.


4. Should athletes be role models?

I don't think it matters if they should be or not.  They are.  And that's the end of the discussion.  Kids look up to them for the same reason kids have looked up to them for a hundred years or so, but we live in a time that loves to vilify a person for any mistakes and has at its fingertips a 24-hour news cycle.  That said, it doesn't excuse athletes or anyone in the public eye.  However, one of my pet peeves is when a celebrity or athlete says that they didn't ask to be a role model. Whether you asked for it or not, when you are in the public eye, you are a role model.  So, I think you have to be cognizant of that.  And for that matter, so should the rest of us, because whether we realize it or not, we are someone's role model.  


5. Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal became the first explorers to reach the top of Mt. Everest on this date (May 29) back in 1953. What's something you hope to achieve in your lifetime?

Gracious, we are just swinging for the fences this week, aren't we?  I would like to one day have an advanced degree, though I'm not currently sure which area of education I would like that to be in.  I would like to make a real contribution my field, even if that contribution doesn't go any farther than my current district.  I want to love deeply and live fully in all areas of my life, with as few restrictions as humanly possible.  You know, just the basics.


6. What would you do if you had twenty acres of land and the money to develop it any way you choose?

Oh, that's a wonderful question!  I would totally build my own winery with an amazing restaurant, its own vineyards, and a gorgeous facility for weddings and events.  And I would manage the heck out of it!  That would be my big dream if I had the land and the money to do it, hands down.


7. If I invite you to a party with a 7 PM start time, what time will I actually see you there?

It depends.  Am I having a good hair day?  Do I like my outfit?  I like to be punctual, so it would probably be close to seven, but there are certainly variables beyond my control at play.


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

In the month of May, I walked about 35 miles.  In the month of June, I'm planning to walk 100.  I think I may have lost my mind.  (Thank, Crys!)

Also, don't forget about the 30 Day Blog Challenge!  If you are interested, you can find the questions here, and we start on Saturday (June 1)!  I've already got the first few under my belt and ready to go out!  I really hope you will join Jess and me on our little adventure!

As Yet Fictional Home Improvements

Anyone who thinks that ivy on a house is cozy or romantic obviously never had to deal with ivy growing on their house.  Since it was unseasonably nice outside today, I spent a chunk of my afternoon outside trying to rip ivy off my house.  This is something that has to be done periodically or the ivy will take over everything and get so strong that it can come inside the house and rip open drain pipes.  Ask me how I know.

Aside from the Great Ivy Battle, I've been really itching to do some home improvements.  I don't have a great deal of money available for these things, but I do have a lot of time on my hands for the next three months.  Originally, I thought my bathroom was going to be my first renovation victim, but now it looks like my sunroom might actually get the first upgrades.  It's been yellow for a long time, with a bead board situation that was here when I moved in and one of the only things I didn't rip out during my insane initial renovation phase.  But, almost 10 years later, I'm over it and ready to make that room look more like my style.  So what I'm thinking is something beachy (since that's my favorite place to be), maybe turquoise walls with white trim.

But, the bathroom isn't going to be without some love for long.  I still have plans to at least paint it this summer.  I'd also really like to replace my current storage (old cabinets and vanity that have seen better days) with a new vanity and some shelves above the toilet and replace the sink and faucets.  I will, of course, need a little help with that point, so I will have to recruit my dad to help me out.  And when that's done, I'd also really like to paint my kitchen.  But that's going to open up a whole new can or worms, so it might have to wait a while.

And even though I'm a terrible crafter, I also have some Pinterest things to try for my home.  I don't see any way this is going to end well, but gracious it should be fun!  Don't worry, once these things get going, I will be sure to post plenty of pictures for you to enjoy!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!  I have some plans for fun in mind and I hope you do too!

Like A Fat Hamster On A Slide

(source)

It seems like every summer is going to be the summer where I'm going to lose weight.  Every year, I seem to truly believe that in these three magic months I'm going to find the motivation that I can't manage to round up the rest of the year.  And every fall, I go back to school in my fat pants.  I don't say this to get pity or to be hard on myself.  If you been around here for the other attempts at weight loss you know that I'm not really into either of those things.  For better or worse, I have a healthy body image that I cultivate mostly by not spending an incredible amount of time in front of the mirror.  And I'm not a fat shamer.  The world tries to make people who are overweight feel like if they just wanted it bad enough, they could be skinny.  It's not always that easy.  (If wishes and buts were candy and nuts, we'd all have a Merry Christmas, right?)

Here's what I know, quietly and with as little fanfare as possible for me, I started walking sometime at the end of April.  I don't walk every day.  I don't freak out if I have the wine and the cake.  But, I've walked close to thirty miles since I started this little experiment.  I don't weigh myself, because I don't really care how much weight I've lost.  When I am worried about the numbers, I get discouraged too easily.  I know about what I weighed when I started, and I plan to weigh again when school starts.  That's not to say I don't have a long-term goal.  My cousin is getting married next March and I would love to look good in the mandatory family pictures, so I'd love to have lost 50 pounds by then.  But if I don't, that's okay too.  I'm just tired of being the fat hamster, you know?

To that end, Crystal, new mom to the sweetest little guy this side of the Mississippi, is throwing down a pretty serious challenge to walk 100 miles in the month of June or #100inJuneChallenge, if you love a good Twitter hashtag.  And I'm going to try it.  I've done the math, trust me.  That's 3.3 miles every day for an entire month. It's absolutely crazy.  But isn't summer vacation supposed to be about embracing the crazy?  And what's the worst that could happen--I don't walk 100 miles, but still push myself beyond what I thought possible?  That would be just terrible, wouldn't it?  Anyway, if you have the urge, why don't you join us and see what you can do?  

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 5/22

1. It's National Bike Week...do you own a bicycle? When did you last ride a bike? 

I don't own a bike, but I have been toying with the idea of getting one.  If my ankle/calf keeps action up, maybe that would be a better option.  I can't even begin to tell you when I last rode a bike, though.  So, I don't think a purchase is imminent.


2. What's something you learned in school that wasn't part of the curriculum?

I have always been the queen of random trivia, so I was always picking up some extra piece of information.  Of course, my second train of thought on this subject was all of the things I learned riding the school bus with a bunch of boys.  Those lessons certainly weren't part of the curriculum, but did provide a valuable glimpse into the male psyche.  


3. What's a food you've never tried, but want to try? What's a food you've tried and will never try again?

I'm not a very adventurous eater.  I will often try things that I might not make for myself, particularly if someone I trust is cooking, but I can't really think of something I am just dying to try right now.  As far as a food I've tried and will not be eating again, that's probably any type of seafood.  I will eat crab in things and will eat certain kinds of fried fish fillets, but overall, I just don't like any kind of sea food.  


4. Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less? Why? Do you think that's a good trend?

This school year, I have been a little more demanding of myself just because I was teaching a lot of new material and new subjects.  Recently, I've been a little less demanding.  In fact, I am not working on anything school related until June 1.  Having a couple of weeks to just breathe has been great!


5. Who is your favorite book, movie, or TV show villain? 

Oooo...such a good question!  I don't know that I have an all-time favorite, but one of my current favorites would probably be Mellie on Scandal.  I don't know that she's completely a villain, but she has done some pretty sneaky things this season.  That show is full of people who aren't completely good or bad, just gloriously ambiguous where matters of morality are involved.  Are any of you fans?


6. How concerned are you about identity theft? 

I don't take any chances, and I monitor my credit carefully, but I don't know that I'm overly concerned with it.  It wouldn't be something I would want to happen to anyone, though.  Friends had it happen to them and it was a mess to get cleaned up.


7. I saw this last question on Dawn's blog a couple of week's ago and asked if I could share. Everybody hop over and say hi, but first answer this...would you rather have an ordinary home in an extraordinary place or an extraordinary home in an ordinary place? 

I think I would rather have an ordinary home in an extraordinary place. Homes are great and necessary, but to be in some exotic or amazing locale would be a lot more fun for me than to have a big, fancy place.


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

So far, this summer has been so much fun!  I'm trying to post a picture a day on Instagram, but I've spent time with my friends and family and just had a really good time.  I feel so relaxed I don't even mind that I'm going to have to get busy cleaning this house soon!

Praying for Moore, OK

In May 2003, the week before I was to graduate from college, I lived through a tornado.  It came through my backyard, actually.  I had been at home with my little sister, who was 12 at the time.  My parents' don't have a basement, so we made it up to my uncle's house with my grandmother just in time to get to his basement.  My parents' were at a baseball game with my brother more than an hour away.  They waited out the tornado warning in a firehouse that was basically just a pole barn.  People had always told me that tornadoes sound like trains.  That's 100% true.  I didn't get scared until I saw that my uncle was.  That F4 tornado was 2/3 of a mile wide and stayed on the ground for 33 miles.  It killed two people.  Thankfully, no one in my family was hurt or even had much property damage.

That said, I cannot imagine how the people of Moore, Oklahoma feel right now.  I keep thinking of those teachers, powerless to protect their students against nature's wrath. When you practice your tornado procedures, you pray you will never have to use them.  When you have to put them into practice, you pray it's just a precaution.  This is what you fear.  Seeing pictures of the devastation just blows my mind.  This storm was so big and wide, the path of destruction unimaginable. Each new image brings fresh tears.  If you are a person who prays, pray for those people who have lost everything, especially those who lost loved ones.  How do you wake up one morning and everything's normal and go to bed with your whole life in ruins?  People say it to the point it's become cliche, but your whole life can change in a moment.  And I always wonder how those who don't have faith in God survive those times.

There's a quote from Mr. Rogers that says. "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world."  I hope that today, and in the coming months and years, we will find a way to be helpers to this community as they recover and rebuild.

30 Day Blog Challenge (All Over Again)

Almost three years ago (wait, how has it been that long already??), my darling British blog friend, Rebecca over at Making Memories, asked me to join her in a blog challenge.  I was relatively new to blogging, loved the idea and went with it.  It was so much fun!  (You can read all of my original answers here.)

Well, about a month ago, another blog friend, Jess from Shine Like Stars, asked if I would be interested in doing the challenge again together.  I thought that was a great idea and am hoping all of you will join us.  I still need to do my homework on the whole linky thing, but I would like to do that so hopefully, we have a whole community of people having a good time and learning more about each other.  (I know that's one of the things I love most about blogging!)

We are going to start on June 1 since June has 30 days, and I am planning on working ahead a bit and scheduling the posts. Here are the questions we will all be answering:  (In the original English spellings courtesy of Rebecca's blog)

1) Your favourite song.
2) The meaning behind your blog name.
3) Your favourite television programme.
4) Favourite book.
5) Favourite quote and why.
6) List 20 of your favourite things.
7) Favourite films.
8) Talk about a great place you have travelled to.
9) Share a photo of your friends.
10) Share something your afraid of.
11) A recent photo you took.
12) What do you believe?
13) Your life goals.
14) A picture you love.
15) Your dream house.
16) Share something your OCD about.
17) What are you really looking forward to?
18) Your wedding/future wedding/wedding you have attended.
19) What do you miss?
20) Nicknames you have.
21) Favourite food.
22) A website you enjoy looking at or care deeply about.
23) A video you have made or enjoy watching.
24) The town you live in.
25) Put your i-pod/i-tunes on shuffle what are the first ten songs?
26) Plans for the weekend ahead.
27) Your Pets.
28) What's in your handbag?
29) Favourite show or concert you have been to.
30) What do you love about life right now?

I really hope you will all considering joining us on June 1!!

SUMMER!!

It's officially summer break for me.  And my summer is already off to a lovely start. We only had students until about 9:30 and then I was off for a very special mission to deliver this:

But to explain why, I need to tell you a story.  On Wednesday, I took some 3rd and 4th graders over to another grade school for a track meet.  The meet is run by one of my childhood friends (we've literally known each other all of our lives) which is pretty much the only thing that could get me to agree to take 16 grade schoolers to a track meet on the last official day of school.  Well, when we got there, my friend met me at the bus and escorted us inside the building, explaining that the district was on lockdown and we would need to go inside and wait until the all clear was given.  Now, thankfully, the issue was not involving anything or anyone at the school we were at, but something had happened with another school in the district and no one was taking any chances.  While we waited to see what would happen next, the third grade teacher took me, my 16 kiddos and parent into her classroom and had the kids play games and watch a movie and basically made us as comfortable as possible considering.  Thankfully, everything was fine, but we didn't get to have the track meet, and I took my kids back to enjoy the rest of play day.  However, the teachers and principal at the district we visited were so awesome, I wanted to say thanks for everything.  So, I took this basket over to them because they still have a little more school and who doesn't love a snack.  They were very appreciative!

While I was in that direction with some time on my hands, I decided to so a little shopping.  I know JC Penney is in the middle of a major rebranding, but I hadn't seen that Jonathan Adler was doing a line (called Happy Chic) for them!  This stuff was so cute and I was in love with the bookends.  I really loved the apples or the owls, but they were a little pricey for my taste, so I bought a new purse instead.  But isn't it pretty??

And it's not a trip if I don't go visit my friend Laurie's antique store, so I braved the rain to go downtown.  And I was so glad I did, because I got to add this little gem to my antique camera collection.  I loved all the little knobs and whatnot (this is a Art Deco Revere Eight) and even got a pretty good deal on it, because Laurie was in the shop.  That brings my total up to six!  (And it already looks great in the cabinet next to the Annie Oakley lunch box!)

And before I go, here's another quick pic from my day.  The rose bush is in bloom again.  The water droplets from the rain caught my attention on my way to the car this morning, so here's your bonus picture!

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 5/15

1. May is National Blood Pressure Month...what sends yours soaring, either literally or figuratively? What calms you down? When did you last have your bp checked?

I used to be a lot easier to get riled up than I am now.  But if you say something negative about my family, particularly my sister, it's on.  What calms me down these days is spending time with the Divine Miss M, my niece, or having a glass of wine.  I probably last had my bp checked when I went to the doctor for a sinus infection in the fall.


2. You just found $1-what do you spend it on? How about 10$ 100?

One dollar - a sweet tea from the convenience store
Ten dollars - a DVD of some movie only I would love
One hundred dollars - right now, I would totally spend it on my bathroom renovation that I keep trying to start.


3. Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has been proposed, but not enacted in the US. How much attention do you give food labels before you buy? Are you in favor of labeling if it means an increase in food prices? Is this an issue you've been following and feel strongly about, or is this the first you've heard of the controversy?

I've heard of the controversy, but I am probably not as educated as I should be on the subject.  We used to talk about it a lot in a science class I had in college.  I do try to pay attention to what I eat, but that doesn't always stop me from eating things that they tell us we aren't supposed to.  I hoping to really take advantage of some of the local farmer's markets this summer, and I know that they label their products according to the process used to raise them.


4. May 15th marks the birthdate of Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. At this point in time, are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.

I think I am currently in need of a little courage.  


5. "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?

I'm lucky that I live in the same region in which I was raised.  I think I feel that way the most when I've been on an extended trip (NYC comes to mind).  I'm always glad to go somewhere, but it's so nice to get back to the people and place that are familiar too.


6.  Steak...yes please or no thank you? What cut do you prefer and how do you like yours cooked? Sauce or no sauce? Besides your own kitchen, where's a place you like to go to get a great steak? 

Yes, please!  I'm not terribly picky about the cut, usually the sirloin or filet.  I like it well or medium-well, depending on who is cooking.  I don't want it blackened, but I also don't want it too pink.  I love A1 on my steak.  I like the steaks at Outback or Longhorn, I rarely go anywhere fancy to get them.


7. When was the last time you were in a genuine hurry?

I feel like I am in a hurry all time, but I was in a genuine one just last night, when I was trying to book it between my second job and 8th grade graduation!  It was a little crazy, but I got it all done!


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Grades are turned in.  My room is almost completely packed.  Come Friday, summer is officially here.  Of course, I have lots of plans for my "time off," most of which include planning for next school year.  But don't worry, I have some fun scheduled, too!  And lots of blogging!

The Truth of the Matter

Since I make it a practice not to lie to you, my wonderful people on the interwebs, I am just going to admit that lately, I've been struggling.  Okay, if we are being honest, I've been struggling for a lot longer than lately, but I think it's just that I've recently come to terms with the where I was and where I want to be of it all.  At almost 32, I kind of, almost, sort of feel like I have a handle on my day-to-day life.  Until I feel like I don't. And in those moments, all bets are off.

I've come to terms with the fact that I have a genetic predisposition for depression.  I didn't realize just how deep that really was until a few years ago, but it's there.  I haven't taken medicine for it at this point, because I haven't really felt that I needed it.  But I wouldn't be opposed to it if the need arose.  When I really started writing this blog, it was after what was one of the hardest times of my life.  I had "dropped my basket" and this blog was my therapy.  It still is, even though I don't get time to blog as often as I once did.  You wonderful people, most of whom I've never met, have become my army of encouragers and that's a gift that I don't take lightly.  I am so thankful for each and every one of you.

Some days are still hard.  I still don't do sudden change well.  (As evidenced by a little crying jag I had just this morning over something I can neither change nor control.)  I still have to work hard not to let my triggers control me.  Things that are very simple for some people are not simple for me. I'm not where I want to be, but I'm also not where I was.  And there's something so beautiful in the grace of that.

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 5/8

1. When the children of today grow up, what do you think they'll say about this period in time? What do you most hope they remember?

I hope that they are able to remember at least some good things.  Because good things happen every day, too, we just forget to talk about them.  They will probably also say that their cell phones were huge and once they had to log on to a computer not just wave their hand in the air or whatever technology has cooked up in the meantime.

2. National Teacher's Day is celebrated in the US of A on the first Tuesday in May, this year May 7th...share how a particular teacher positively impacted you.

I have been blessed with some amazing teachers over the years. One that I have always felt particularly sentimental about is Mrs. Cross.  She was my second grade teacher and she just taught us so many amazing things.  I still have a blue ribbon that she gave those of us who read 100 books.  It hangs in my classroom.  She passed away when I was in college after a long battle with breast cancer, and I wasn't able to make her funeral because I was on a trip to New York.  But I think of her all the time.  

3. What's a dish your mama made, that if set in front of you today would whisk you right back to childhood?                                                                      

My mama is a good cook, but the dish that always takes me back is grilled cheese.  We would have them a lot on Saturdays for lunch.  Always brings back happy memories, even when one side inevitably got a little more done than the other.

4. Mother May I was a game we played when I was growing up...no pieces, parts, or plugs required. What games from childhood do you remember loving that were also pieces, parts, and plug-free?

I remember playing Red Rover, which was apparently really bad because kids could dislocate shoulders and stuff.  I also remember square dancing in PE, which is equal parts hilarious and disturbing.

5. Besides your own mother, tell us about a woman who influenced you as a child?

This one's easy.  My godmother, Linda, was one of the sweetest, most wonderful women I've ever known.  She was my First Communion instructor and just a guiding light in my walk with God.  She had the best laugh and the most unmistakable voice.  I think about her all the time, but especially today.  Cancer took her from us three years ago on May 8.  I sang at her funeral, because I know she would have wanted me to, but it was one of the hardest things I've ever done.  

6. Mamma Mia! What's the best play or musical you've ever seen? 

Ooo...you know how I love my musicals.  I think the best I've seen as far as costuming would be The Lion King.  When the "animals" take the stage in the opening, it's just breathtaking.  Talent-wise, I think I would have to go with Aida.  Heather Headley's voice is unlike any other and when she sings songs like "The Gods Love Nubia", you feel every single note.  I haven't been to theatre in a long time.  I should really do something about that!

7. What are three smells that make you feel nostalgic?

My grandma's farmhouse, cookies baking, and corn fresh out of the fields.


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Only one more week of school for me.  And I am ready!  I love my job, but I need to come up for air and then get to work on planning next year.

Since I've Been Gone

Just because I haven't been around here doesn't mean I have had things I've wanted to discuss.  Here's a quick(ish) review of some of the hot topics running around in my head:

• Students called to "fat meeting" --  I saw this story this morning on my local ABC affiliate, and couldn't believe the way the school bungled this situation.  To summarize, in the interest of student health, the school called all of the obese or potentially obese students out of class into a meeting to offer them an option of a nutrition class.  Where do I even begin with my problems with this?  First of all, if they wanted to do this, perhaps the school shouldn't have called them all out of class together.  Secondly, why not offer this class to all students?  Use it as a chance to address all eating disorders, healthy choices, etc.  In the interview I watched, several of the parents said their children were athletes and had been to the doctor and were found to be very healthy.  The principal did issue a somewhat lame apology, but this whole situation could have been avoided.

• Amanda Knox speaks -- I watched the interview, like millions of other people.  I had read and heard about the story over the years, but I was anxious to see what she would have to say.  And to me, she came across as odd.  Someone on Twitter said something to the effect of "I don't think she did it, but I wouldn't want her to have been my friend or roommate."  And that's about where the interview left me.  If someone I lived with was killed in our apartment, I would still feel sadness.  I realize it's been more than four years, but I still expected to see a lot more emotion than she showed.  I would love to hear your thoughts about this if you have some.  

• Scandal (the TV show) -- I've loved this show since the beginning.  Shonda Rimes has outdone herself with the twists and turns of this season!  And I don't think we are anywhere close to the end of the story yet.  I love all of the Gladiators (especially Huck--how heartbreaking was last week's origin story?), but I especially love Mellie, played by the exceeding excellent Bellamy Young.  She plays the First Lady with enough evil to make her an antagonist, but with enough heart that you don't loathe her presence.  In fact, I usually am anxious to see what she does next!  Are you watching?

• Reese Witherspoon got arrested -- Even beloved, usually normal celebrities make bad choices.  The good news is that when the rest of us make a poor choice, it's not blasted across the national news.  I feel bad for her to a point, but if you pull the "don't you know who I am?" card, you forfeit a certain amount of sympathy.  However, I think she is handling the aftermath with a great deal of class. You can hear more of what she had to say for herself here.

• TV Renewals - Parenthood got renewed for a 22 episode fifth season last week!  That was big happy news for this fan!  Also, Hart of Dixie, my CW guilty pleasure (which is a sweet little show), was also renewed.  I don't think the same is going to happen for Smash, after an uneven season at best, but the last few episodes have been pretty great.  (Particularly this duet of "That's Life".)

Think that's about it for now!  Let's discuss!

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 5/1

1.  This week's Hodgepodge is Volume 123.  What's something you've done recently that was as easy as 1-2-3? 

I just finished reading Silver Linings Playbook and read it in two sittings (probably could have done it in one, but I was sleepy).  It was so good, a very easy read, and now I really want to see the movie.  (Jennifer Lawrence is quickly climbing my list of favorite actresses.  She's just so real!)


2.  The Wednesday Hodgepodge also happens to fall on the first day of May ...what is something you may do this month? 

This month I will start summer vacation, so I may go on some random adventures with my sister, mother, or assorted friends.  I may also spend more time hanging with my niece, since this seeing her once every couple of weeks is just not working for this auntie!


3. The Englishman Horace Walpole is credited as saying, "The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think"  How do you see it?

Life is often funny.  Not in a "ha ha" way, but in an odd, ironic way.  And I think if you go around feeling everything, it can also be pretty intense.  That said, I don't know that I totally agree with old Horace's statement.  I think that it's rare for someone to go around only feeling or only thinking.  Most people are a combination of both.  Perhaps, I'm thinking too much about this whole thing...


4.  May is National Hamburger Month...how often do you eat a burger? What are your must-haves when it comes to burgers?  I assume you vegetarians won't be celebrating so tell us what you'd like instead? 

I love a good burger, but I don't eat them very often.  No real reason other than that raw meat grosses me out to no end.  So, if I have one, it's usually one someone else fixed.  I would make a terrible vegetarian, because I do really like beef.  (Perhaps it's the farm girl in me.)


5. Pansies, petunias, geraniums, impatiens...of the four mentioned, which is your favorite in a patio pot? Will there be pots on your patio this spring? (Or whenever spring comes to your part of the globe?) Who does the gardening at your house?

I have always really like pansies.  However, I have terrible luck with things that flower, so I tend to stick to my leafy plants.  If there's any gardening to be done at my house, I'm certainly the one that has to do it. Other than cutting the grass, which mercifully, my father does.


6. When did you last (literally or figuratively) shout "Mayday, Mayday!"

For as independent as I try to be, I often end up being a damsel in distress.  One of the most recent times that comes to mind was when I was trying to de-ice my car and ended up running into a very scared mouse, who also scared me.  Long story short, I had to run next door and get one of my neighbors to deal with the furry little problem.  You can read the whole story here.


7.  Say farewell to your April in ten words or less. 

I will miss your track meets most of all.


8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm officially back to at least semi-regular blogging!   I still have a couple weeks left of school, but am going to try to pick up my posting around here, including announcing a very special event for June that I hope you will all consider being a part of!