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.