Hey, hey, hey! It’s time for the Hodgepodge!
Joyce, you rock! Thanks for all you do to keep this fun meme going each week! Now, on to the questions!
1. Do you think the world became a more dangerous place on September 11, 2001, or did we just become more aware of the danger? How has your own life changed as a result of that day?
Oh my…loaded question, Joyce!
I do not think think the world became a more dangerous place on 9-11. I think that this was the first major event of its magnitude to hit this side of the world. This kind of violence had been occurring for centuries. However, I think that once the terrorists saw that they could penetrate America’s defenses, it made us more vulnerable. That is what was so dangerous about that day.
I’m not sure how much my life has changed since that day. It’s a difficult thing to measure. I think I grew to realize just how quickly life can be extinguished and how heroes are born of adversity (think of United 93). I think that I became a lot less naive that day.
Since that day, I have learned a lot more about Middle Eastern people. I never knew, on that day, that I would one day work with and teach people of Arab descent. These were some of the kindest and warmest people I’ve ever known. Ultimately, I learned that you can’t take things at face value and accept others’ assumptions.
Ultimately, my eyes were opened, and I now view the world with glasses that are a little less rose-colored. It’s a shame in some ways and enlightening in others.
2. Did you think your parents were too strict when you were growing up? How about in hindsight?
My mom was strict in ways she should not have been and not strict enough in other areas. I knew that back then, and I know that in hindsight. I was, for the most part, a good girl. I made straight A’s and never got in trouble at school. I was once grounded for a year for staying too long at a friend’s house after a sleepover. I was not allowed to sleep over at anyone’s house that entire next year. Overkill? You betcha.
3. Share one random but candid fact about yourself?
Really Joyce? I share random candid facts about myself daily!!
Ok…here’s something. I rarely eat three meals a day. I usually only eat one. I don’t snack often either. For the record, I’m quite content with that and simply not that hungry most of the time.
4. Would your nearest and dearest describe you as simple or far too complicated.
Oh, by far, I am a simple one.
As one of my students told me last week, PSYCH!!
The Mr. made a comment about something yesterday evening, and I went a little LOCO on him.
Yeah. I’m a bit complicated at times…especially if I haven’t knit in a while. For the record, I haven’t knit in almost three weeks. This is not good.
5. What is your favorite stadium or carnival food?
I love boiled peanuts! They must be done in the South, though. Nobody makes boiled peanuts like Southerners!
6. Tornado, hurricane, earthquake…how many of these natural disasters have you experienced? Which event do you think would be the scariest?
Gee, thanks Joyce. I’m typing this a few minutes before I head to bed, and now I’m going to have nightmares.
I’m not kidding either.
I’ve been through many a hurricane. Hurricanes are fascinating storms. I haven’t experienced a tornado directly; however, when Hurricane Katrina came through, I was on the dirty side…which meant loads of tornadoes around town. The uncertainty of tornadoes frightens me the most. I have recurring nightmares about these storms. I’ve never been through an earthquake.
7. Labor Day weekend is approaching, so a work-related question seems appropriate. Growing up, did your parents assign you regular chores? Were you paid for doing these chores? If you’re a parent, do you assign chores to your own children? Why or why not?
Did I have chores? Ha! The Mr. could not even count the number of times he had to wait until I finished my chores. I lived in an old-style plantation home, so there were always lots of things that had to be done…loads of dusting, vacuuming, washing floors…you name it!! I was the oldest, and I got stuck doing so much work! My least favorite chore was the ironing, which I don’t do anymore. My stepdad had been a Navy guy, so I had to iron EVERYTHING, including undershirts. I hated washing day. I did get paid…$3 per week…not nearly enough, if you ask me.
As a mom, I have assigned chores for my own children. When they were very young, I attended a parenting seminar that advised parents to require chores as a way of being part of a family and pitching in. I got serious about the chore assignments when I worked part time during the summer and the kids were home alone (don’t judge…they were old enough, and I was less than a half a mile away). I needed to keep my kids busy! They washed, dried, and put away dishes, swept, dusted, scooped dog poop, and washed and dried clothes. Because the kids fought over who had done what, I created a spreadsheet that they signed off on each day. I never paid my children to do chores. I gave them allowances that were separate from the chores. If they didn’t do their chores, they didn’t get to play with their friends or watch TV.
8. My Random Thought
I’m midway through my second week of the new school year. The kids have loosened up, and I have toughened up. I’m starting to think there’s wisdom in the advice I either read somewhere or that someone shared with me: “Never smile the first month of school.”
Huh? I can’t help it! I love these students.
But alas, I smiled…a lot that first week.
My third period class took advantage of my smiling self and tried to run rough-shod over me.
On Monday morning, they met with a new me…a tougher me.
I’ve gotta whip them into shape so they won’t distract each other during class!! Wish me luck. Or rather, maybe you should be wishing THEM luck!! 😀
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: meme, Wednesday Hidgepodge | 11 Comments »
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