Ho-Ho-Hodgepodge

Hi Friends! And strangers lurking here too. A reminder this will be our last Hodgepodge of the year. We'll return to the regularly scheduled random on Wednesday January 5th, so mark your brand new calendars and plan to be here. 

If you've answered today's questions add your link at the bottom of my post. Be sure to leave a comment for the blogger before you because 'tis the season. Here we go-

 

1. How young is young? In the past, according to various organizations who decide these things, age 60 was the 'border age' to old. The World Health Organization has done new research recently and divided up the categories as-0-17 (underage), 18-65 (youth or young people), 66-79 (middle-aged), 80-99 (elderly senior), 100+ (long-lived elderly). Your thoughts on this particular breakdown, and also your thoughts as to where you land?

Well I for one am loving where I land-ha! Is it accurate? Hmmm...depends on the day I suppose. According to this chart I'm young. Or youthful which sounds even better. I feel more middle aged than young but I like that our 60's and early 70's  are still considered middle age. That definitely feels accurate. 

2. TIME magazine has declared Elon Musk person of the year in 2021. What say you? If you want to know more about how they choose you'll find that info in the link here. If you were choosing, who would be your person of the year? 

I've asked this question several years in a row now in the Wednesday Hodgepodge, so I know the criteria is essentially the person who most influenced the news and our lives, for better or worse. I don't often agree with the magazine's choice, but I think this year Elon Musk is not a bad selection. He has for sure made a lot of news. 

As far as who I would choose if given the chance...I can think of thirteen soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan who are certainly worthy of the title. Remember Afghanistan? 

3. I read here ten habits of extremely likeable people which include-they greet the world with a smile on their face, they ask questions, they're consistent, they put the phone away, they remember names and use them, they keep an open mind and don't pass judgement, they're authentic, they're kind and generous, accountable for their mistakes, and they send thank you notes.  

So, are you likeable-lol? Which one of these habits could use some further developing in your own life? What is one habit/quality you'd add to the list? 

Am I likeable? Don't we need someone else to answer that question for us? I think I'm pretty likeable. 

I'm an optimist and if I were adding something to the list it would be 'likeable people see life's glass as more than half full'. 

4. One non-holiday related task/job/goal/dream on your to-do list that you hope/plan to make happen before the new year rolls in? 

I'd love to say my office reno, but it's unlikely to be completed before the calendar turns. It's underway though so I'll take it! I've been reading through the Bible this year and I got a little behind but am catching up now. My goal is to finish before the clock strikes 2022.

5. Share with us some of your holiday plans.

I will not have my daughters or my grandsons here on Christmas Day, which was not at all the plan but is now the plan. I'm not on board in case you're wondering. 

Sometimes we have to work to see the glass half full, don't we? 

Daughter2 and her Mr. will be here a few days before Christmas and we're going to have my mother-in-law with us for about ten days which will be nice. Hubs recognizes I am struggling to find my holiday spirit this year, so he's putting things on the calendar, inviting friends here, accepting invitations, all to help make the season feel more merry. He's a keeper. 

Hubs and I are lighting our church advent wreath on Christmas Eve at the 9 PM candlelight service. The Christmas Eve service is almost always the thing that really and truly reminds me all is calm, and all is bright. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

~Merry Christmas to you all~

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 445

Hi Hodgepodgers and everyone else too! This will be the last Wednesday Hodgepodge of the year. We'll be back on track Wednesday January 5th, so plan to ring in Hodgepodge 2022 with us then. 

We are here this week though, so don't forget to join the party. Answer on your own blog then sled back here tomorrow to share answers with all of Santa's elves. See you there-

1. How young is young? In the past, according to various organizations who decide these things, age 60 was the 'border age' to old. The World Health Organization has done new research recently and divided up the categories as-0-17 (underage), 18-65 (youth or young people), 66-79 (middle-aged), 80-99 (elderly senior), 100+ (long-lived elderly). Your thoughts on this particular breakdown, and also your thoughts as to where you land?

2. TIME magazine has declared Elon Musk person of the year in 2021. What say you? If you want to know more about how they choose you'll find that info in the link here. If you were choosing, who would be your person of the year? 

3. I read here ten habits of extremely likable people which include-they greet the world with a smile on their face, they ask questions, they're consistent, they put the phone away, they remember names and use them, they keep an open mind and don't pass judgement, they're authentic, they're kind and generous, accountable for their mistakes, and they send thank you notes.  

So, are you likable-lol? Which one of these habits could use some further developing in your own life? What is one habit/quality you'd add to the list? 

4. One non-holiday related task/job/goal/dream on your to-do list that you hope/plan to make happen before the new year rolls in? 

5. Share with us some of your holiday plans. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A Holly Jolly Hodgepodge

Merry Christmas Hodgepodgers! And if you landed here today by happenstance or Google or whatever Merry Christmas to you too!  I'm declaring next week our holiday break so this is the last Hodgepodge in 2017. Next time we 'meet' (January 3rd) the calendar will have turned to a brand new year.

If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post. Be sure to leave a comment for the blogger who linked before you, then go have yourself a happy holiday and a merry new year!

Now grab your cup of Christmas cheer because here we go-

  

1. Where have you found unexpected magic or delight this holiday season?

Facetime. When this little guy's face pops up on my phone it is delightfully magical.

I cropped my little thumbnail out of this picture because I looked a little crazy, which my daughter tells me is how I always look when we FaceTime. Whaaaaat???? 

I mean she didn't say 'crazy', but pretty sure she meant crazy. I can't help it y'all. He sends all my emotions every which way so go ahead and call me crazy. 

2. What's your favorite type of holiday gathering? Will you/have you gathered in your favorite way this month?

My favorite would be a cozy family night on the couch with both my girls home, everyone in comfy pjs, snacking on popcorn, watching White Christmas. No we haven't gathered that way this month, darn that geography. 

Honestly I enjoy most holiday gatherings and we've had some lovely dinners, parties, and get togethers with friends this month so I can't complain. I'll be with all my sibs and my own sweet daughter2 on Christmas Day and know that will feel really special too. 

3. Time has named 'The Silence Breakers' (women who came forward with stories of harassment)  'person of the year' for 2017. Would you agree? If not, who do you think deserves the title?

I don't have a problem with their choice, but if I were in charge I'd likely opt for our nation's firefighters. What a nightmare they've endured this year as they've battled to save lives, homes, and some of the most stunning natural beauty in America. They're heroes in my book. 

4. How did you spend your time this year? Are you happy about that? Elaborate

Hmmm...good question. This year went by in a blur and I think most of my time was spent on family stuff, some beyond wonderful and some just plain hard. Lots of miles logged to and from family, a new grandson, the death of my father-in-law, lots of complicated people stuff. I'm never happy to walk through hard things, but I know God uses those experiences to grow and change me and there's been a lot of that this year. And we were given the gift of a grandson which added a kind of sweetness to life that cannot be easily expressed in words. Beyond grateful for every single minute I get to spend with him. 

5. Bid farewell to 2017 in ten words or less.

I became Nana so 2017 you'll always have my heart. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours~

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 334

Merry Christmas Hodgepodgers! And anyone else who has happened by here. I'm declaring next week our holiday break so this is the last Hodgepodge in 2017. Next time we 'meet' ( January 3rd) the calendar will have turned to a brand new year. Raise your hand if you love a fresh start.

Ok, here are the questions for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with your friends and neighbors.

1. Where have you found unexpected magic or delight this holiday season?

2. What's your favorite type of holiday gathering? Will you/have you gathered in your favorite way this month?

3. Time has named 'The Silence Breakers' (women who came forward with stories of harassment)  'person of the year' for 2017. Would you agree? If not, who do you think deserves the title?

4. How did you spend your time this year? Are you happy about that? Elaborate

5. Bid farewell to 2017 in ten words or less.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Just a reminder, we'll be on Christmas break here next week so no Hodgepodge on December 23/24th.  The Hodgepodge will return the following week (December 29/30th) and we'll all roll in to the new year together.  

We're here today though, so grab your cocoa and let's get started. Don't forget to add your link at the end of my post, but only if you've answered the questions please. Thanks! Here we go-

1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem?

At the moment, I'll say having everything we own in storage. I can't tell you how often I think I'll do something and then realize I don't have access to whatever tool or pieces I need to complete the task. First world problems are more frustrations than actual problems, right? 

2. Each year Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse....done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. You can read more about this year's selection here. Your thoughts? If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year?

I'm okay with the choice. I thought they might select Donald Trump since he's certainly influenced the conversation this year. Personally I'm glad they went another direction. I read they also had an ISIS leader and Caitlyn Jenner on the short list, and I'm really happy neither of those names made the top spot. 

3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so share it's history and how you display the pieces.

I do have a nativity set, one I love that we purchased the very first year we were married. I think I got it at one of those home parties someone was hosting, but can't recall the company name now. It's always been in a prominent spot wherever we happen to be living, either on the mantle or on my coffee table. It's not on display this year because it's in storage. See #1. 

4. Do you make an extra effort to give back in some way during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year?

Yes I think so. There are a number of things we do year round, but I look more closely for opportunities this time of year. I think the biggest way I can be an encourager during the holiday season is to not let my to-do list take priority over people. Set the list aside and have a phone chat with family or friends far away. Listen to that person in the long line beside you who just needs to tell someone why they can't sleep at night. 

This morning a gentleman let two people in an obvious impatient hurry get in front of him at the post office, even though we'd all been waiting a while and he had an armful of packages to mail. That sort of thing encourages me. The world is so harsh. I think any act of kindness this time of year is a blessing and encouragement, not just to the recipient but to anyone who gets to see it happen.  

5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why?

That's easy-my girls! Why? Because there are far too many adorable things out there that I know they'd love. 

6. What's the last delicious thing you ate?

My sister and brother-in-law came over for dinner Monday night and Daughter2 walked over too, so I made a pan of lemon bars for dessert. I get mixed results with lemon bars from year to year. If the filling isn't cooked just right they taste too eggy or the texture is too sloppy. These were perfect and definitely delicious. I used this recipe (found here) because my recipe is in a cookbook I sent to storage. See #1. 

7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is__________________.

I actually think Buddy was onto something with his 'singing loud for all to hear'.  

I'm going to add be kind and patient with the people we encounter, whether it's on the road, in the long line at the post office, in the parking lot at the mall, in the too crowded lunch spot...wherever. Life is not an emergency. Not even in mid-December.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Our Internet and cable have been out all day, finally returning about 10 PM. Not sure it's going to last as it's been teasing us for hours, so I'll make this short and sweet, and hit post while I can. 

May your holidays be filled with much peace and joy my Hodgepodge friends. 

My Hodgepodge-reading friends too!  

Merry Christmas! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 202

Hello Hodgepodgers! Here are this week's questions, and by now you know the drill. Hop back here tomorrow to share answers and a cup of Christmas cheer. Also, by way of announcements today...the Hodgepodge will be taking a holiday break next week, so no questions Dec 23rd/24th.  I'll be back with another set the week after (December 30th/31st) so we can all ring in the new year together. 

Here's what we've got for today-

1. Time magazine has selected The Ebola Fighters as their person of the year for 2014. Do you agree, and if so who would you say is a close second? If you disagree with their choice, who do you think should have been chosen?

2. This question comes to you courtesy of Susan who blogs over at Stew Mama Says. She knows we have a wedding happening any minute now, and she asks, 'What's your favorite-something old? something new? something borrowed? something blue in your home?  Be sure you hop over and say hi to Susan today! 

3. Fudge-yay or nay? Your favorite flavor? Do you make it yourself? With nuts or without?  

4. December 17th is Wright Brothers Day, commemorating the first successful flights made by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  How old were you when you made your first flight? Do you like to fly? Have you ever been to Kitty Hawk or other parts of the North Carolina Outer Banks? 

5. Do the people in your family tend to follow a particular career path, and if so what's the path?

6. What is one thing you absolutely, positively must accomplish today?

7. This Christmas I hope___________________________________.

8. Insert your own random thought here.