Keys Hodpodge

1. What would you say is the key to success?

Organization and commitment. You can't do anything well if you don't really commit to doing it with your whole effort. The organization is mostly me, I can't be successful if I don't have a clear picture of where I am and where I am going and the best way to get there. 

2. Have you ever been to the Florida Keys? Any desire to visit that part of the US of A? 

Nope, Florida is actually one of the states that I have not been to. I would visit there if given the opportunity, but it isn't somewhere that I want to visit enough that it is on my wish list. 

3. When and where did you last see a real live donkey? Monkey? Turkey? 

Donkey, when we last visited Texas, my extended family has a neighbor who owns donkeys, so I see and HEAR them pretty frequently when we visit. Monkey, the last time I visited the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC. A year or so ago I think. And Turkeys, probably in the last week, we have a flock of wild turkeys that live in the woods that my house backs up to. 

4. An old Portuguese proverb says, 'Beware of the door with too many keys.'What do you think this means? Share an example of how this has proven true or false in your own life. 

I think that this has to do with being wary of something that seems too easy to be true. If there are a million ways to get something then it probably isn't worth getting. Unless it's love and friendship, that is worth it. 

5. Besides your home, vehicle, and special jewelry, what is something you keep under lock and key? 

My classroom supplies at school. I work at a preschool in a church and share my room with the nursery. I have a different set of supplies and snacks than the main children's program so in order to keep my stuff from accidentally being used I lock it up. Actually this problem is not as big a problem this year as when I started a few years ago, I think that is because both the nursery and I are very careful to be respectful of each others individual spaces in the shared classroom.  

6. When did you last get keyed up about something? 

I am a really low key person as a rule, I very rarely get worked up over anything. My last episode probably had to do with my taking my Praxis II exam this summer. Due to some randomness I am needing to re-take certification tests to get  a new teaching license for Secondary History and Social Studies. It was and is very nerve wracking to have to retest on something I learned more than a decade ago. But the good news is that I got my results on the first of many tests and I did amazingly. So I was all worked up over nothing. 

7. Who thinks we need an easy one right about now?  Key lime pie...yes please or no thank you?

YES! Absolutely. They are on my top 5 desserts of all time. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I am so busy, but loving it right now. It is time to start a new school year, and I can never just leave things alone and use what worked from the year before. I always find new things to add, and new ways to do things. As much work as it is to re-start each year I think that it really helps me to keep myself and my classroom from getting too stagnant. 

Just Do It June Workout schedule.

Here we go! It's June again. Yikes. Here is a good total body workout that can either be a supplement or your whole shebang each day. Enjoy!

As always you can join the Diva Facebook group to get more information and some group support.

Super Summer Summit - the start of a plan

When I start blogging again after a long time off I always feel the need to explain why and offer excuses, so this time I won't. Life happened, I got busy and had nothing to talk about, so there it is.

Anyway, to get to the real purpose of this post. I am really excited about getting ready for this summer. Summer Vacation ahhhhh it has such an amazing sound to it, especially now that I am teaching again. I think that having some time off to recharge and prepare is good for everyone, students and teachers. However, I also know that kids forget, a lot, I mean massive amounts of things over the summer, so being the over achieving mother that I am I will be making lesson plans for my children over the summer. I know, I know, that's not the point, but I promise I'm not going overboard, it will be fun! And not too much of that boring learning type stuff.

To start this project off I am making an outline, I love outlines, they are almost as awesome as checklists, and I really love checklists. But, I digress, back on subject, outlines. Did I want to just have a lot of ideas and go where the summer sends me or do I want to keep a little structure in the day. To answer this question the girlies and I had a summer summit. Well actually we sat down on the couch and after a lot of tickling and giggling I asked them some really deep questions.

Me - "So Girls, do you want to do learning stuff this summer?"
AJ - "Yeah!"
P-nut - "Yeah!, jinx, you owe me a soda sister!"
Me - "Ok, sounds good, what kinds of things do you want to do?"
P-nut - "Art"
AJ - "Cooking"
P-nut - "Science"
Me - "Sounds good." (about to start walking away, thnking the summit was over)
AJ - "Mama, wait, we need a schedule!"
Me - "A schedule?!?"
P-nut - "Yeah like Art on Mondays and always do art on the Mondays, but we can sometimes do art on other days but we would know on Mondays was super fun art days."

And so the outline was born. Here is as far as I am now, but never fear, summer is still weeks away, I've got plenty of time to get this all together, plenty!

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.