Ho-Ho-Hodgepodge

1. Share your traditions surrounding the Christmas stocking. Traditions? Well let's see, they get filled and then we see what's inside? I'm guessing that's not really what you are asking for right. Our stockings are hung all season, and then filled on Christmas Eve. When I was growing up the toe was always filled with fruit and nuts then there were smaller fun gifts such as books, chap stick, pens, etc. Now I do about the same thing with my kiddos.

2. How many hours of sleep do you average at night? Is it enough? Average during insomnia bouts, or regular average? I'll just to do both. I get about 1.5 hours of sleep a night average when I am stressed out, so no, not enough sleep at all. On a regular week, I average about 5 hours a night, still not enough. In fact because of these numbers I am headed in to a sleep study sometime next month. I'm a little worried about what it will show.

3. If you had to give up one thing for the remainder of this year what would it be? Soda, fast food, excuses for not exercising, stressing about gifts. Those actually all sound good, so I think I'll have a mini lent, and give those up in preparation for Christmas.

4. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (or Wills and Kate as I like to call them) have announced they're expecting a baby. Do you follow news of the Royals? Yes! I am in love with the Royals, I was interested in them growing up, but after living in England I'm a total fan. Not just of Wils and Kate (who I think is my style icon for all time) but all of them, even Camilla, they just seem like such a family even with all of the constant media and drama of that.

5. For me, the sound of childhood is__________________. Kids Praise songs on a tape deck. Or really any praise song. I come from a family of music, and I can always remember some kind of music playing in the house. My Mom saved some of the tapes and now my kids listen to them when they visit Grandma, that also makes me happy.

6. Fruit cake-yay or boo? What's your favorite dessert made with fruit? Yay, but with a lot of conditions. It needs to be homemade, and have real fruit and nuts, none of the candied red and green mystery fruit. So I don't eat it often. My favorite dessert made with fruit would have to be apple anything, apple pie, apple crumble, apple coffee cake. The apple coffee cake makes me think the most about Christmas. And actually I haven't made it in a while, maybe this will be the year.

7. What is one thing you want to accomplish before 2012 comes to an end? I would like to have finalized my decision about what I will get my Masters in and have started the application process for that. My husband is within 6 months of graduation with his Bachelors and when he is done I will start school again. So it's decision time.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I think I like this new life we have going in Missouri, a lot. I am busy, happy, and fulfilled. So Thank you God for this move.

Alarm Clocks...Pinterest... and other Random thoughts.

Well, it's Sunday night, the last night of the weekend, usually the day when I am sitting here thinking that I have enjoyed my few days off and really don't want to hear my alarm go off at 5 tomorrow morning.

 I mean seriously sleeping in is awesome. 

 

This weekend, not so much. My alarm didn't change I got up at 5 each morning anyway. It was busy, good but busy. The preschool that I work at had our first (hopefully the first of many) holiday bazaar this weekend. It was a lot of work, and I was not even the one in charge of it. But, it was a success, which is awesome. We met our fundraising goal, had happy vendors, and got the name of the preschool and the church out there around town.

 

What does this have to do with pinterest? Well a room full of home crafters tends to put me in a crafty mood. I don't know about you, but I like to look at the things that they do and try to figure out if I could do them. So I came home and in my exhaustion took to pinterest for some ideas on what to make.

 

Then I look at my boards, really looked, and realized that I have pinned a zillion things, ok the actual count is 4,357, but seriously, that's a lot. Maybe it's time for me to start looking through the projects I already have pinned and actually DO them. I know it's a novel concept, getting off pinterest long enough to make something, but I think it might be time to give it a go.

 

I have made a lot of the recipes and have found some new family favorites that way. But it's time to branch out and open up my "Stuff to make" board and make it. (I feel like I need dramatic music playing during that last statement) So stay tuned for my creations.... LOL and you might want to be just a little scared.... just a little.

Unwrapping Hodgepodge... and I'm back again!

Four hodgepodges til Christmas in case you were wondering.

1. With that being said I think I need to dive right in to some Christmas related questions, don't you? Which do you prefer-pretty gift wrap with a bow or a pretty gift bag with/without a bow? What percentage of your holiday gifts are currently (as in right this very minute) wrapped in some form or fashion? I much prefer a pretty gift with a pretty bow. Right this second I would have to say that 98% of my gifts are wrapped, and ready to go, I'm only missing one thing for one nephew, and once I buy it, it will be wrapped too. Most of the extended family gifts are already gone, through the mail, all in all it's been a good holiday season so far.

2. What is one item on your Christmas list this year? A new screen for my phone. Monday was a bad, bad day. I also have some little stuff but the husband and I decided that this year we would use our gift budget for each other to give the kids more Christmas experiences rather than but things neither of us really need.

3. What makes a home? Family. Without question. We have moved a lot, and I would say that no matter where we are living, it always feels like home because of the people who are inside. The same goes for when we go "home" to visit. As long as I see the people it doesn't matter to me where that home is.

4. Motown founder Berry Gordy celebrates his birthday on Hodgepodge Day-November 28th. Are you a fan of the Motown sound? If so, who's your favorite Motown artist and/or song? Here's a list in case you're stuck.  Oh I do love Motown. It's so smooth and rich sounding. As for my favorite I'll just go with an appropriate seasonal one.

5. Red or green-which one is more prevalent in your closet? So I actually ran upstairs to count because it is really close to equal. But the winner is....... Green. By a hair. However if I included all shades of aqua and turquoise (which I don't) then Green is a huge winner by far. I do love the way I look in both though.

6. True or false-bacon makes it better? If you answered true, what's your favorite dish made with bacon? True! My current favorite bacon dish was a Pinterest find, surprise I know. Bacon, Cheddar, Ranch, Chicken pasta! Amazing.

Source: cassiecraves.blogspot.ca via Desdra on Pinterest

7. Share a favorite holiday memory. I have so many wonderful holiday memories, it is hard to pick out just one. As a child it was getting my first bicycle and then my first American Girl Doll. Then as a teen/young adult it was performing in the Holiday Dinner at my University, such a magical experience. As an adult, it is continuing family traditions with my children.

8. Insert your own random thought here. So much fun to be back blogging. I've missed it. I can't wait to read the other Hodgepodges and see what everyone has been up to. Also I'll add more pictures as the day goes on, I've just got to go to work now.

December Exercise Challenge

Yes, I know. It's been like 6 months.... so what?!?! Moving made blogging not a priority at all. I figured I would start back up with a December Workout Challenge Calendar and go from there. Maybe by next month I'll have a what's been going on with me post up, but don't hold your breath, really I wouldn't want to be responsible for you passing out or anything. Anyway, here it is. I hope you enjoy!

P.S. There is a facebook group for support and clarification on how to do the moves, you can find it by clicking this link, or by searching for the calendar title after Dec. 1.

P.P.S. Please remember to listen to your own body as you work out. Don't do anything that might cause you more harm than good. Do the moves correctly, and do them at your own risk. I just put these together for me and share them.

~DD

Back Again?!?!

Wow, it's been a long time since I sat down an put my thoughts to paper, well not paper precisely, keyboard, but paper sounds better... but I digress, anyway it's been a while.

My family and I have picked up and moved more than 1600 miles from the desert environment of Sin City to the country, farm, grass, green area of the Ozarks in Missouri. What a huge change. This is a picture of my view from the backyard. We are on the top of a hill that looks down into a forested area. It is so beautiful. And it will be a lot of fun to sled down in the winter.

I got a job, scary but true. I am teaching at a preschool in town. I am currently teaching two classes of 3 year olds. It is really different from the High School and Middle School that I am used to working with, but it is a lot of fun. The kids are the most adorable little things ever. It is amazing how early you can really see their personalities come out.

The new job thing, coupled with the husband being away at training has made this transition a little more difficult than I thought it would be. Going from being able to choose when and what I do throughout the day to having too many things to do in too short a time, wow. So the house isn't as diva-ish as it was when I was at home, and my meals aren't always as healthy. But it's a work in progress. Everything changes and we just have to change with it. I need to learn how to cook a meal that is healthy in 30 min or less, no more starting dinner at 2 in the afternoon.

Meal Plan Monday

It's been a LONG time since I shared some meal plans with everyone. This weeks is a little interesting because I am trying to cook for only two since the girls are currently on vacation without the husband and I. We are trying to get out of the fast-food rut we let sneak up on us during our move, and taking advantage of the fresh fruits, veggies and grass fed meats available to us without blowing the budget. So here is it.

Bulgogi
Rice
Banana Pudding

Alice Springs Chicken
Green Beans
Crescent Rolls

Steak
Scaloped Potates
Cheesy Broccoli

 Hot Dogs
Baked Beans

 

“Pink” Pasta
Garlic Bread
Salad

 

Biscuits and Gravy
Fruit Salad

Grilled Chicken
Garlic Cheese Biscuits
Cheesy Baked Zucchini.

So there are some ideas. I'll be taking pictures to add to the post through the week and linking up to recipes too! Enjoy!

Independance Day Hodgepodge

1. What do the words 'freedom' and 'liberty' mean to you? Does your mind go more in the direction of not being persecuted or discriminated against or does it head in the direction of doing what you please?

For me it definitely goes in the direction of the freedom from persecution and discrimination. I don't think that doing what you want without regard to others is a good idea, ever, and I think that people who justify being ugly or mean by saying that it's their right should remember that rights come with responsibilities to themselves and others, and those include treating others with the same dignity and respect that you feel like you deserve.

2. Nathan's sponsors a hot dog eating contest every 4th of July. Last year over 40,000 people attended the event and almost 2 million watched it on TV. The winner ate over 60 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. How do you like your hot dogs?

I don't, well not very often. I like brats or sausages of that style in a hotdog bun, I like chili cheese dogs with no othdog in them, so chili cheese buns? I will eat them if they are all that's available, and sometimes I will want one, but hot dogs are something I never crave.

3. If you were going to enter an eating contest what would be on the menu?

Hmmmmm, Cookies. Yup, fresh baked cookies.

4. Do you run your house more as a dictatorship or a democracy?

I would say that it's more of a monarchy. God put me and my husband in charge of my kids, so we have the final say in everything. We will listen to them and take their opinions, concerns, and desires into account, but the final say comes down to us.

5. Where was your favorite summer place when you were a kid?

Visiting my Grandmothers house is Texas. So many fun memories with my cousins.

6. Do you have a guest room? Would you want to stay there?

Yes, at this moment since the girls are staying with their grandparents we have a lot of guest beds. But yes, we have them. At this moment I would love for Ladybug (what my girls call my best friend) to be able to come and stay.

7. Next Wednesday America celebrates her independence. Do you have any special plans for the 4th of July? If you live outside the USA when and how does your country celebrate its own patriotic holiday?

I assume that we will be going to the celebration on post (that feels so strange to say after living near a base for so long) have some fun outside activities and snacks, watch some fireworks. I don't know.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm getting ready to start the July workout challenge. If you want to join in on Facebook please join my group. If you don't want to join please just feel free to follow the plan, it's posted in this blog as Jammin' Workout July. If you link it please give credit.

Summer Music Hodgepodge

1. Summer officially rolls in with the Hodgepodge this week, for those of us in the Northern hemisphere anyway. What song says summer 2012 to you? Summer 2012? Wow, it's like I get to pick a theme song for my summer, what should I choose? Something that makes me smile, something that makes me think of goals that have been accomplished....How about this one?

 

LOL, ok, ok, I kid. No I am not making the Hot Dog song my new Summer theme. Although technically it does tick all the boxes so to speak. I think that I will go with this one though.





 

2. What's your favorite quintessential summer food? Food, yum, one of my favorite subjects. I would say that my answer to this question has changed over the years. When I was growing up I would have put Ice Cream or Popsicles here without any hesitation. But now I find that I really don't love them as much as I used to. I would say that anything berry is perfect for summer now. Fresh picked berries, cobblers, pies. Yum!

3. I've spent a lot of time traipsing up and down the NJ Turnpike in recent weeks. Did you know the rest areas on the turnpike are named after people who lived or worked in NJ? Clara Barton, Walt Whitman, James Fenimore Cooper, Molly Pitcher, Joyce Kilmer, Thomas Edison, and Gover Clevland just to name a few. Of those I listed, who would you most like to have known and why? That's a pretty interesting list, which person on the list would I have most liked to know and why? Let's see, I would have to pick Molly Pitcher, because I am continually fascinated by the lives of women as they related to the military throughout the years. There have been women throughout history who have exhibited the same bravery and patriotism in war as men but they have been largely ignored by historians, and I love the stories that do get told.

 

 

4. At what age did you move out of your parent's house and what prompted the move? At what age did I spend the majority of my year at another location? Or at what age did I claim another address as my own? Or at what age did I finally get all of my stuff out of the house? Those are three questions with different answers. My parents moved the summer after I graduated from High School and while I had a room at their house, I spent most of my year living in the dorms at Northern Arizona University. So even though most people would say that I was still at home at that time, since I have never spend the majority of a year in that room I have always thought of it more as their house than mine. I moved out and got my own address when I got married the September after graduating from NAU. I moved to England in a suitcase though so I left most of my things at their house, so even though I was married and living on my own I still had a lot of stuff there. In fact now, 9 years later I can finally say that there isn't much that is mine that's left at their house. Or at least not much that I will want to re-claim. I have my college textbooks, some of the history memoirs that I will rescue, but others are probably pretty worthless by now. Also I have the accessories for my American Girls Dolls that I will want. Other than that I think I am finally moved all the way out.

5. What's more satisfying to you-saving time or saving money? For me right now it's saving money. Time I have, money is tight. Being a SAHM Mom has given me a lot of time with my family which I love and which is important, but it has made money tight. So saving money is what I think about.

6. Name something you think brings out the good in people.  Generally I think that seeing someone in need or hurting brings out the good in people, especially if that person is a child. While I never want to see any child hurting, I think that the care and help that people show to children in need is always a good thing.

7. This last question comes to you courtesy of Kathy over at Reflections...will you be taking a vacation or a staycation this summer? If so where will you go? If a staycation is on the calendar have you made any special plans to fill the time? I guess we are doing neither. With the move just being over we dropped the girls off at the in-laws house for the summer, so we will be driving down there at some point in time to pick them up. But the plans for the hubby and I are for him to get settled into work, and for me to find work. Not very vacation-y.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm having WAY too much fun on YouTube this morning. I found this after I posted the video of Iz earlier. These boys are fantastic.

 

 

Jammin' Workout June

Without Further Ado. I would like to present the July Workout Challenge. I am really excited about this one because I feel like it offers people more options for personalization than ever before. Here is a quick look at the calender, please save it, share it, or whatever, but also please link back to me or give credit when you share.



This calender is designed to be used one of three ways.

   1) You can just do what is on the day as written for a quick addition to a current workout routine

   2) You can repeat the routine for each day as written 3 times for a full strength workout.
 

   3) You can add in the cardiovascular option listed at the bottom in between your strength exercises for a cross-training effect. And do that 1-3 times for your desired workout. For example if you were to do the cardio option on the 2nd you would do
       15 Plie Squats
       25 Jumping Jacks
       15 Reverse Lunges
       25 High Knees
       15 Mule Kicks
       5 Burpees
       20 Calf Raises
       25 Mountain Climbers
       10 Jump Squats

 

If you would like to join our support and reminder group on Facebook please follow this link. I have some amazing help from Ali Mc who has the blog Running With Spatulas making the instruction videos and admin-ing the group while I was moving last month.

Back again! Finally!

After an whole entire month and a week without internet I am finally back up and running! WooHoo! I am seriously excited, I have missed being able to actually sit down at a real computer and type with a keyboard rather than having to do things from my SmartPhone. I get so frustrated with those little itty-bitty things. And yes I realize that somehow that probably makes me sound a lot older than I am. Oh well. So be it.

The move went really well, or as well as any move with the military can go and we are getting settled in nicely in our new location. I am loving being able to live somewhere with actual weather and a decided lack of gambling. I am not loving all of the in-house wildlife that I am encountering however. The sheer variety of insects here is daunting. Also we apparently have at least one mouse in the house, so as soon as all of the people finish setting up the satellite today I will be heading to the store to get the stuff to kill that problem off.

I will start taking pictures again soon to post for you all to see, how we are getting things all set up and organized, don't worry I won't post any pictures of any mice I am lucky enough to kill.

Now comes the job search, The husband is off to work and the girls are off with family, so I really have no reason not to jump into this search with both feet.... other than the fact that I am petrified to death. I have been a stay-at-home Mom for almost 7 years now, so the whole idea of getting out there and going back to work is a little daunting. Not to mention that I hate being judged and really, what is a job interview other than asking someone to judge you. So that just stresses me out. Anyway, wish me luck.

Summery Hodgepodge

1. What is a pet peeve you have when vacationing?

It has been a very long time since I vacationed, so I am having a hard time coming up with anything.

2. Would you describe yourself as a light packer or do you need everything in your closet plus the kitchen sink?

I am an OCD packer. I pack by list and event and weather. I pre-plan everything down to the earrings. So I guess I would be a light packer.

3. What's the best lesson a child ever taught you?

Being silly is an essential part of life.

4. Share one piece of advice you'd give a recent graduate as they attempt to enter the job market?

Look for your perfect job, but don't be so picky that you miss an opportunity for something different that might be better.

5. What's your favorite lemon something?

EVERYTHING! Lemon desserts are my favorite, lemon food is pretty high up there too.

6. Flat sandal, wedge, heel...your favorite footwear?

Flip-flop or wedge. Easier to run in.

7. What do you like best about a beach holiday? If you're not a beach lover (GASP!!) what do you dislike the least?

The sound of the ocean and the way people are always so much nicer when they are near the water.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Unless I can figure out how to do this from my smart phone this will be my last hodgepodge for a while. And the next one will be from Missouri!

Teaching Hodgepodge

1. My daughter2 is graduating from university this month and plans to teach elementary school. What are three qualities you most want to see evidenced in a teacher?

Caring for Students, the desire to teach their minds as well as their esteem, and fun.

 

2. You can tell a lot about a person by_____________________.

The way they treat their waitress.... or anyone who is "serving" them.

3. What song makes you think spring?

Singin' In The Rain

4. May 1st is Mother Goose Day...share your favorite nursery rhyme.

Mary, Mary quite contrary
How does your garden grow
With silver bells and cockle shells

And pretty maids all in a row.

5. What makes someone unforgettable?

My relationship with them, I rarely forget anyone ever, something I am thankful that I have and hope I never lose. But those people who I have had a relationship with, be it good or bad, leave a thumbprint on my heart.

6. Should music and/or art be part of a well rounded education?

Absolutely, nurturing the creativity and imagination is just as important as math or science. God created us with two sides of our brain for a reason.

7. What social situations make you flustered or nervous?

Almost all of them, but especially places that I go alone that I have never been before. I am almost painfully shy and have worked hard to move past that.

8. Insert your own random thought here

 

What a day, DH got hit this morning in his parking lot at work, he is fine as is the guy who hit him, but now we have to deal with getting one of our cars repaired within the short time before we move.

 

Also we met the people who are planning on moving into our house when we move out. Things are starting to feel really final.

Hidden Talents Hodgepodge

1. William Shakespeare's birthday is celebrated on April 23rd...when did you last read Shakespeare? What's your favorite Shakespeare play? It's been about a year or so, longer than normal, but I would venture to guess more recently than the average person. My favorite, that's hard, I do love Much Ado... and Taming..... I can't pick between those two.

2. What food(s) would you recommend a foreign visitor try when they visit your home country? This is such a broad question, there are so many different foods that exemplify so many different regions of the United States. I would say that if there was any ONE food I think that someone visiting the US should experience it would be a pie... There is just something so very American about pie, it doesn't have to be apple, but pie is it.

3. What's a lie you often tell yourself? "I can eat this junk food in moderation." LOL. I am better off not eating the junk, I just can't eat one small serving of my favorite junk, it has to be so much that my stomach hurts and I hate myself.

4. What's something you're good at that might surprise us? Remember this is a family friendly blog! This is hard, mostly because I don't feel like I am a really secretive about things, I feel like I don't have huge secret talents. I have a really good color memory... I can look at something and then 6 months later go to a store and match the color almost exactly.

5. Who is your favorite animal character from a book? Wow, with all of the reading that I do this one has me stumped, I have skipped over it to come back, which I NEVER do when answering a hodgepodge question. So here we are and this is the only one I have left. I guess I will say Jack from the Little House series. He is everything that a dog should be.

6. April showers bring May flowers...do you have a green thumb? As much as I would like to blame the fact that I have spent the majority of my life in a desert of some sort I think that I am just not someone to whom gardening comes naturally. But I believe that I can and will learn how. It's just a matter of applying myself.

7. Speaking of rainy days...which one of the following activities would you most want to spend time doing on a rainy day-

sort photos and create albums

bake cookies

read a good book

hold an all-day movie marathon

organize closets, cupboards, or bookshelves

try a new recipe

fix something that needs fixing

 

 

Well, off of that list, I would say that any of them but number 1 and number 4 sound like a good idea. I try to do number 3, 5 and 6 at least once a week so they aren't novelties, they are necessities each in their own way. And while I enjoy 2 and 7 those are the husbands rainy day activities.

8. Insert your own random thought here.  I am in the midst of making mop caps for a production of Oliver that my church is putting on. I haven't done anything like this in a while. Keep your fingers crossed for me that they all turn out ok.

 

Social Hodgepodge

1. Spring is in the air (at least in my neck of the woods) and the birds are singing...what's your favorite bird? Hmmm, I like a lot of different birds, but I'm not a bird watcher, or lover per-se. I think that of the birds I actually know the name of Hummingbirds would be my favorite. The other day I saw the coolest thing ever, I actually saw a humming bird land and rest on my rose bush. I've never seen one stop flying before.

2. Speaking of birds...do you tweet? If so tell us your screen name and we'll come flocking to your Twitter site. Even if you don't let's all pretend here that we do-in 140 characters or less, sum up your week so far. Yes and no, I have one, but I don't remember the password, so obviously it isn't worth visiting.

Preparations for traveling seem to have taken over my world. PCS, birthday, youth trips, Oh my.

3. Its been reported recently that employers are not only viewing the facebook pages of potential hires but they're also requesting your facebook password to have a look at what you've kept from public view. What say you? I say that I will not allow that, not for my privacy but for my friends and family. Allowing my employer to access my account to research me is one thing, giving them access to all of the friends who trust me is entirely a different thing. I have a lot of friends who have blocked the most of everything about them from Facebook for very important reasons and violating the trust that they have put in me to keep their lives private isn't worth a job.

4. It's April and you know what that means-Major League Baseball is back in action. What's your favorite baseball movie? If that's too hard, what's your favorite sports themed movie? Angels in the Outfield.

5. Something else this season brings-asparagus. Yes please or no thanks? If it's yes please what's your favorite way to have it prepared? Yes please, in any way you want to serve it to me. I even like it canned and cold, which I can't say for any other veggie.

6. What drives you? (Don't you love how I sandwiched that one in between asparagus and jugglers???) Hmmm, I don't know. Strange, I know what doesn't, but I can't tell you what does.

7. April 18th is International Jugglers Day...can you juggle? No, Not for lack of trying, mostly for lack of the ability to catch well.

8. Insert your own random thought here. As you can tell from my tweet, we are getting ready to travel a lot, I'm really excited. The hubs is going to California with a group of more than 20 middle and high schoolers with our church and that's awesome. The girls and I get to go to Flagstaff for a girls weekend for a Tea Party and my Mom's birthday, then we will be at less than 40 days until we move. It's coming up fast.

Muscular Legs May

Here it is, the next month is already upon us. Join us on Facebook for daily reminders, how-to's and support.

Skillz Hodgepodge

1. Have you ever played golf? Any interest in playing? Do you have a significant other who loves to play? Did you watch The Masters this past weekend? Ehh not a full game, I've practiced putting and driving. It's ok, but I'm happy to let that be a husband thing..... And no we never watch golf on TV.

2. Hats are back in fashion this spring...how do you feel about wearing a hat? (fyi-I'm not talking baseball caps) When was the last time you wore one? I adore hats... I wear them a lot, but not recently, I need a new summer hat mine was crushed last year.

3. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 meaning proficient and 1 meaning "I'd starve", how adept are you at using chopsticks? I would say a 7 or 8. I can eat just about anything, even rice, but I have to think about it while I'm doing it, it isn't something I can do mindlessly.

4. Has technology taken over? Yes, and I'm not sure if I think that's a good thing or a bad thing.

5. In the course of a day how often do you look in a mirror? Maybe 5 times, and 3 of those are accidental. I am a morning and night mirror person. Although I did Zumba tonight in front of a mirror.... yikes.

6. Tulip or Daffodil? Tulip, it's my all time favorite flower.

7. I am proud of myself for __________________. I am proud of myself for a lot of things, but I would say that the number one thing I am proud of myself for is taking my un-athletic self and training myself to become someone who enjoys working out.

8. Insert your own random thought here. So tired, Zumba tonight was roasting in the new room, it made me super tired. So that's all I can think of right now.

Photo a Day April 6th

Today I combined my two prompts, they were Take a photo from a low angle and Cross. So here we go.

Photo a Day April 5

Today was a challenge, really. I don't think I got anything for my second prompt that is worth showing so I will be perusing my old stuff.... Hey at least I'm being honest about it.


The first prompt was From a High Angle.

The second prompt was wrinkles, and all I thought was "I am NOT going to take a close-up of my face in an effort to find a wrinkle." Then I thought about taking a picture of my ironing pile and that wasn't something that sounded like any fun either.... so you got two for the first one. 

Picture a Day, April 4th

Today was a lot harder than the other days have been. I think because the prompts were open for interpretation.
The first was Green, well there isn't a lot of green here, so I went with a growing thing that made me smile, my flowers are blooming.

The second prompt was ritual.... that was a lot harder. I was going to take a picture of P-nut napping, but she didn't get one yesterday, so here it is....

April 3, Photo a Day Challenge.

Look at me all on top of things and actually posting on the day I should.

Ok here we go, the first prompt was clouds, which was harder than it sounds. There were no clouds today until late this afternoon. Gorgeous Blue skies all day, which I am totally not complaining about.

The second prompt was Gas.... which then prompted me to spend 3 hours scrubbing my stove.... I

have been working on getting the black crud off this stove for 4 years.... as you can see it's still there.

April 2, Photo a Day

Yes, I realize I am behind a day, but I think I am just going to do this for a while, that way I have all day to take the pictures.

The first prompt was "What I wore today" And after a lot of tried taking a picture of myself I decided that those pictures were ok, but the ones of my girls doing their "fashion show" were so much more fun.

The second prompt was soil, well we don't have much soil here in the desert. So I took a picture of the dry desert earth.

Picture a day challenge... April 1

So I decided to combine two different photo challenges and I will be either combing them into one photo, or doing both. So here is the link to the first and here is the link to the second

 But Oh the excitement! I got a new Camera! I have finally moved up in the world from my point and shoot to a DSLR. DH got me the Nikon D5100, I'm loving it.


The first prompt is a self- portrait, I am not really a fan of taking pictures of myself, so after many, many, many pictures this is the one I chose. Enjoy!

The second one is Fool. So I thought I would share these that I took of the girls being silly.

And just for fun, one that the hubby took last week at lunch.

Hodepodge

1. What's the last job you did that required elbow grease?

Elbow Grease.... I would say that the last time I needed the extra umph while cleaning something would have been when I disassembled and cleaned out the deep fryer to sell it. It was pretty clean for personal use, but not clean enough to sell, that cleaning required a lot of scrubbing. I am sure I will be using it a lot more in the near future as we get ready to move.

2. March Madness, aka the men's Division I basketball championship, is nearing an end. What sort of 'madness' has your house seen this month?

Definitely none of the basketball sort. We don't watch at all. So other types of madness. Well getting ready for a PCS is always full of all sorts of random madness. No matter how many times we have done this something always comes up that we never anticipated.

3. What's your favorite shop for browsing?

To walk around slowly and just take stuff in? Target? LOL, I don't know. I am not a huge browsing shopper, I love Cost Plus World Market for all of the fun stuff, I love Williams Sonoma because I am a huge kitchen gadget fan. I guess I would say I love to wonder home goods and decorating stores to get ideas.

4. Is there ever a time when giving up makes sense?

Absolutely. Giving up is sometimes the best decision to make for you and those who you love, I think that sometimes it takes more effort to give up gracefully than it does to keep pushing on.

5. What's a song you love that contains the name of a city, state or country in its title?

Chattanooga Choo Choo.

6. When did you first begin using a computer?

Let's see. I am a product of the computer generation, so I have been using a computer for almost as long as I can remember. I didn't have one at 2.... I do know that by the time I was in 1st grade I was using one at school, and that we had one at home when I was in elementary school. I remember getting my first e-mail account when I was 13-14 which was around 1995. So I've always had a computer, however I am not a computer expert, knowing the how's and why's has never interested me.

7. Did you buy girl scout cookies this year? What's your favorite?

Oh yes, my favorite is either Thin Mints, Tagalongs (Peanut Butter Patties) , or the new Lemon ones that we tried this year.

8. Insert your own random thought here

Two things. You still have time to join in the April Arms and Abs challenge.

Second I am going to do a Photo a day challenge for April. I am already doing the 365 photo challenge, but this one gives me a specific prompt for each day. So hopefully it's a lot of fun.  

Springing into Hodgepodge

Welcome! It's wednesday and time for hodgepodge. If you enjoy it please click on the meme above and it will take you to the original post where you can read other hodgepodge posts and also like your own to share.

1. The first day of spring is here...do you enjoy working in the yard? Weeding, raking, mowing, planting-your favorite springtime garden chore? How about your least favorite?

I enjoy mowing, and watering, and planting. I am not a huge fan of weeding. I think that's because our weeds are out of control here, they are so tough weed spray won't kill them, I actually have to scrape all of our rocks away and take a flame thrower to the roots to kill them.

2. What puts a spring in your step?

Music, always.

3. Describe a time when you had to spring into action?

Like an emergency situation? I am very thankful to say that I have never been presented with an emergency situation where I had to jump in and help. It's a great thing to be able to say. If you are talking about a time that someone called me at the last possible second to plan/take over something that they should have finished long ago and now they need em to do it for them? Too many times to count.

4. We're having carrots for dinner...would you prefer yours raw or cooked?

Raw. I do like a good honey glazed carrot at Easter with the salty ham, but any other time I want my carrots raw.

5. Do you take the shampoos and other sundries from your hotel room when its time to check out?

Only if I have used them. I am pretty picky about my body products, and I keep full sized stuff at my house for guests. So if I haven't needed to use the product at the hotel I leave it there.

6. What's the most enjoyable team or club you've belonged to and what was it that made it so?

This is easy. When I was a tween and teen I was a member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. If you haven't heard of it it's a girls organization related to the Masonic lodge. It was an amazing experience. I gained so much from my time there, including friends, self-confidence and organizational abilities. If it wasn't for the people who helped support me when my Dad died it would have been a much harder time, but they really were my support system in ways that I can't explain.

7. Is cloning a sign of progress?

No. It's a sign of increased knowledge but not progress.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It's almost a new month and I have created a new workout challenge. Come join in! If you are on Facebook you can join in our support group for the challenge. I will post the day's challenge each morning as well as other fun stuff about health and fitness as I come across it. The group is still under the name Muscular Arms March right now, but I will be changing it on the first to Arms n' Abs April. Here is the link to my blog post about it. I will be posting videos and/or pictures of each exercise just to help anyone who isn't sure how they work.

Arms n' Abs April.

It's that time again. Another month another challenge. Here is the calender. I will slowly be adding specific directions for each of the exercises as well as videos and/or pictures of each one. Enjoy! If you want to join in there is a facebook support group for anyone who is participating.

Green Day Hodgepodge.

1. St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated this coming Saturday...what's a favorite article of clothing you own that contains a touch o' the green?

I am not a huge fan of wearing true Kelly green, so St. Patricks day is always a struggle for me. Which now that I think about it is really strange, I wear almost exclusively cool colors in jewel tones, but all of my greens are hunter. Hmmm. Maybe it's time to buy some green. I do have a shirt set aside for "green day" as my kids call it. It's just an Old Navy t-shirt that is green with tiny white pin stripes. And I will most definitely be wearing it on Saturday.

2. What's a favorite 'green space' in the town, state, or province where you live?

Green space? in Las Vegas? There is very little green here, other than my backyard which according to the photos on Google Earth is the greenest one on base. I do go to the park at the end of the street with a neighbor pretty much every day, and that has the green rubber safety turf stuff. I miss green.

3. Do you wish you were taller, shorter, or think you're just about right in the height department?

I think I am just about perfect. I used to think I was going to be an amazon (I hit this height in early Middle School, needless to say the boys were a lot behind) Some days I would like to be taller, but there are heels for that, I rarely want to be shorter. By the way, I'm 5'7.

4. What's the surest way for someone to pick a fight with you?

I'm not the biggest fighter in the world, but I would say that the surest way to make me mad is to put words into my mouth or to purposely misrepresent something I said. I am really steamed right now over that and I am working very hard on controlling that part of my temper.

5. Broccoli-Spinach-String Beans-Peas...of the four, your favorite green veg? (Or the one you dislike the least if that first option's too hard. I just know there's some veggie haters out there.)

All of them, I eat each of those on a weekly basis, and usually have more than one on a daily basis. It would be really hard for me to pick one over any of the others.

6. March is National Women's History Month...besides friends, neighbors and the women you're related to, who's a woman in history you admire and why?

So many choices, but I don't want to bore anyone with long drawn out explanations of any of these things, I adore history, I majored in it, so there are a lot of women in history that I admire. Elanor Roosevelt. just an amazing compassionate woman living in a situation what was less that ideal much of the time but always finding a way to leave the world a better place.

7. Keep Calm and ____________on.

You fill in the blank.

I am really not a big fan of this whole Keep Calm thing, I don't know why but they tend to drive me crazy on Pinterest. but I just ran a serach for some brilliant ideas since nothing is coming to me and I found these that aren't too annoying to me. So Keep Calm and Pray On, or Keep Calm and Exercise More.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The move is getting closer, we hope. All of a sudden things are problems that have never been problems before. Like my asthma, it's well controlled with no attacks or issues in 7 years, it has never been a concern in any PCS before, but all of a sudden I am going to multiple Dr's appointments and filling out piles of paperwork in order to beg the place we are going to send a letter saying that I am allowed to come. Seriously? UGH.

Lioness Hodgepodge

1. Did March come in like a lion or was it something less ferocious in your neck of the woods?

Definitely not a lion here. March came in with 80 degree weather and beautiful sunny days. Until yesterday, which had sustained winds at 45 mph with gusts of 65-80 mph. That was not fun.

2. Speaking of lions, which one's your film favorite...The Cowardly Lion (Wizard of Oz), Mufasa (The Lion King), Elsa (Born Free), or Alex (Madagascar)? You may notice I left Aslan off the list. Including him would have made this question way too easy for many of you.

Of those I would say The Cowardly Lion. I love that his goal in life is to love more, what an awesome goal.

3. What's your favorite spot from which to view the sunrise or sunset?

At the Grand Canyon. It's perfect.

4. To what extent is knowledge power and to what extent is truth power? What's the difference?

This is hard, I would say that knowledge and truth are closely related, because knowledge isn't really knowledge if it isn't based in truth.

5. What's something peculiar you've seen recently?

I live in Las Vegas.... there are so many peculiar things I wouldn't know where to start.

6. Bottled water...your thoughts?

Waste of money. We use reusable Camelback bottles and a filter. In my home town the water straight out of the tap is so amazing I used to laugh at people who paid that much money for water. As a storage solution for preparedness (natural disasters, etc) they are a good idea.

7. What's your strongest sense?

I've never thought about it. I guess I would say hearing, but that could be that it is because I am comparing myself to a husband who is going deafer (is that a word?) by the day.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I had so many random thoughts last week and all of a sudden I can't think of anything.

Random Thought Thursday

As I was reading through my weekly Hodgepodge responses from the opther people who participate, I came across this quiz for finding your "seperated at birth" celebrity twin. It was actually kind of fun. Here is my answer. What do you think? Is it me?

Your Results

Your separated-at-birth celebrity twin is: Sandra Bullock

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All-American girl next door? Yep, that's Bullock -- and you. It's impossible for people not to smile around either of you -- your positive attitude is that contagious. We're also willing to bet that, like Bullock, you were a cheerleader in high school.

Even though you may have waved pom-poms, you're no prissy girly girl. You can hang with the guys, drink beer and get dirty when you want to -- but you're no stranger to high heels and lipstick either. This combo basically makes you every guys' dream girl (even if, like Bullock, you're not always lucky in love).

To channel your inner Bullock: Try a look that's dressy but not too fussy. Bullock always looks put together but still keeps an element of fun. A slightly messy updo paired with a cute dress and polished makeup (don't forget the lipgloss for that mega smile you have) are perfect. Check out some of her best looks here.

Weird thing you didn't know about Bullock: She loves horses but is terribly allergic to them.


Did you want to try and take the quiz for you? Here's the Link. Let me know who you got in the comments!

Leap Day Hodegpodge

1. The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day?

I never thought of it like that, as an "extra" day. I always fantisize about what I would do if I had some extra time. As it turns out I will be doing what I do on any other Wednesday. Go to sotry time at the library with P-nut and working on some craft projects.

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part?

Going with the hard questions again I see. Hmmmm a leap of faith? I think that the thing that is most current in my life involving a leap of faith is all of the housing stuff involved in our move to Missouri. But I feel like no matter what it will work out. I enjoy the moving process.

3. We're one week into the season of Lent...are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How's it going so far?

I am part of the Youth Group at the church that I attend. We have put all of our Lenten sacrifices up on a poster on the wall along with who we are having help hold us accountable for the season. I have choosen to remove not only all profanity from my life, but also all of the substitutes for those words, so no more darn, zut, fudge, flark... whatever. I feel like even if you use a substitute your intention is still there and it is the habit and the intention that I would like to remove. Some of the youth have really gone above and beyond and are giving up things that amaze me, they are such a great group.

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire?

When we went Camping in Zion National Park. It was freezing, well at least it was colder than this desert dweller is used to, so we all crowded around the fires to help keep warm. I don't do fires often because I am allergic to the smoke. It makes my asthma go crazy.

5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option?

I like lobster, as long as it isn't a whole one. I have no problems with knowing that my food was once an animal, I just don't want to see it in its original form. So If it was lobster tail, I would eat it as is, if not just the turf.

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose?

M.A.S.H. I think that this show could totally be modernized and put back on TV. I think that it should stay a comedy though, instead of turning into a medical drama which is what would probably happen. I think that the hardest part would be to get actors as fun as the first show.

7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat?

I'm still more like and elephant *knock on wood* and I hope to stay that way. I still have my blonde moments, especially if it is something you tell me before 9am. I am just not human before then.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

So many random thoughts, so little time. I don't want to make people's eyes glaze over with too much at one time. Let's see what shall I talk about this week. In the same theme as last month I have a new workout challenge up for March. This one is for arms. I hope that you decide to join me!

Muscular Arms March!

Ok, so spring is here, or on it's way depending on where you live, that means that it is time to start thinking about all of those styles that will show off your arms. Ahhhhh, wait, show my arms?!?!? I guess that means it's time to get them back into tank top shape. So here we go. A workout schedule for March designed to make every ones arms look better in those cute tops.

Famous Hodgepodge.

1. George Washington-Abraham Lincoln-Thomas Jefferson...who would you most like to meet and why?

Wow, this one is hard. I think that personally out of the three I would like to go with Abraham Lincoln, not only because he was an amazing man, but also because by most accounts he was a fun person to be around, someone who liked to laugh and joke.

2. What's your favorite chain restaurant?

We don't go out to eat often at all, and when we do it is usually somewhere different. Let's see.... Outback is always a go to place, but that's sort of a given in my family. Yardhouse.... that is probably it, I adore Yardhouse.

3. I spied this question on the Bears at Home blog last week and she gave me permission to steal borrow it-

 

When you look back on your life, do you imagine you'll think about the goals you failed to meet with regret? Or will you look at what you accomplished and say: it was good?

Always look back and way it was good, at least mostly. I think that the only thing we should ever look back at and wish that we did better is how we treated others. I don't want to look back at my life and say, "well I failed at being kind and compassionate" and if I can accomplish those two things I don't think any small goals are worth mentioning.

4. Grapefruit-take 'em or leave 'em? Given the choice between an orange and a grapefruit which would you choose? Would you prefer it served as is or squeezed into juice?

I LOVE grapefruit. No really, I do. I love tart citrus, lemon, lime and grapefruit, I am not a fan of oranges though. To give an example, I used to take a whole grapefruit to school in my lunch. I would peel the whole thing like an orange and eat it. Yum!

 

 

5. When was the last time you cleaned out a closet? Is there a closet in your home that currently needs cleaning? What are you waiting for?

 

Let's see. In the last 3 weeks I have cleaned out and reorganized every single closet and storage area in my house. They all look much better now. I tend to do this about once every 3 months, I HATE a disorganized closet.

6. You get to have lunch with three famous people...who would you like to see round your table?

 

I am drawing a blank right now. I am not very fond of a lot of the "starlets" of today, and I am currently tired of politicians. So I think I would probably want to go with someone who is a great humanitarian, however all the ones coming to mind right now are deceased. So.... Hmmmmm.

7. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your ability to parallel park?

 

8 or 9. Depending on the size of the car. When I was learning to drive I had a big old Dodge truck. I lived in a town where there are parts (that I visited frequently) that were pretty much parallel parking only. The truck was tough, when I got my smaller car it became a breeze. I haven't done it in about 6 years because I haven't needed too, so that's why I lowered my score a little.... I am probably out of practice.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 

It's almost time to start house hunting for real. We "should" have the orders for our move in hand by the end of the month and then we will have 3 months until the move. So hopefully we get things worked out so that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Loving Hodgepodge.

1. What is something you are loving right now?

Life in general. I am actually very content with my life right now, happy with where I am and excited about what is coming up.

2. Paris, Venice, New York, and Rome are considered four of the most romantic cities in the world. Which one would you most like to visit?

I have been to Paris, Venice and Rome, so by virtue of process of elimination I would guess New York. I wasn't in love with Paris, I would go back, but it wouldn't be my first choice in France. I loved Venice and would love to go back again.

3. Are you a romantic?

Yes, Absolutely. I believe in the power of love to heal and bring people together. And I believe that love can change the world.

4. What's your favorite love story made for the Big Screen?

Funny Face with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. It's wonderful.

5. Everyone loves Pooh bear and friends...which character are you most like and why? Click here for help in answering this question.

Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!

6. What's the best chocolate something you've ever eaten?

The best chocolate ever? I think it was a extra dark flourless chocolate cake. I don't like chocolate a lot, especially not milk chocolate. I enjoy it, but I don't crave it. I prefer really bitter dark chocolate when I have chocolate, but will pick lemon over chocolate on the desert cart 97% of the time.

7. Share a favorite quote about love.

"Love me when I least deserve it, for that is when I need it most" according to Pinterest this is a Swedish Proverb. I love the idea behind it, that love is a decision we make that needs to be carried out no matter what. People who are the most desperate for love and acceptance tend to show it by acting in ways that are unlovable.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am totally excited about the Valentines that AJ is making for her class this year. They turned out so cute. We made four strand braided friendship bracelets in her school colors. Now all that's left to do is for me to make the ones for her teachers (my first grader has 6, her school is awesome).