AuburnChick's Adventures

Look at me – joining in the Hodgepodge two weeks in a row.  Go me, Go me!  Ha!  Seriously, though, thanks for visiting!  I look forward to reciprocating after work since I must do teach the children all the things.

1.  January 24th is National Compliment Day. Is it easy or not so easy for you to accept a compliment? Share a recent compliment you’ve given or received.

I guess it depends on the compliment as to whether or not it’s easy for me to accept.  If it’s something fitness-related, I’m all gushy yes, but if it’s something about teaching, I’d rather defer attention to my students or other teachers.

I give compliments to my students every day.  Yesterday, I told one of my girls that I liked her the way her hair was braided.

Yesterday, my principal complimented on what I was doing in my class when he came in to observe me the day before (despite numerous tech-related issues . . . hello blocked websites and forgotten passwords!).

2.  Ten little things you are loving right now.

Ten little things that I am loving right now are:

Being out of my boot

Driving again

Lunching on mason jar salads

Indulging in no-bake desserts

Exercising to some awesome Hurt Foot workouts on YouTube

Scooping poop in mild winter weather

Discovering delicious Instant Pot recipes

Watching the hubby and our fur babies engage in their nighttime carrot routine

Getting on track with 2nd semester lesson plans

Testing out a new griddler and a vegan waffle recipe

3.Would people describe you as a positive person? Do you see yourself that way? I read here  a list/description of eight things positive people do differently-

Positive people find something to look forward to every day, they celebrate the small stuff, they’re kind, they stay busy, accept responsibility for their actions, forgive themselves, know when to move on, and resist comparisons

Which action on the list would you say you do regularly? Which action could you add to your life to give you a more positive outlook? If you’re a positive person, what’s something you do regularly that’s not on the list?

Yes, I believe that people describe me as a positive person.  I’ve had people tell me, in the midst of a conversation about bad stuff, that I always manage to find a silver lining in everything.

I do consider myself positive as well.  If you’ve been reading my blog since I broke my ankle a little over a year ago, you’ve probably seen that as well.

Out of the actions listed above, I think the one that stands out the most is that I celebrate the small stuff.  I’ve had to, y’all, especially with all of the challenges I’ve faced recently.  I think that my habit of finding joy in every circumstance became a big part of my healing as I focused more on what I was learning to do again versus what I couldn’t (that doesn’t mean that I didn’t have a few pity parties along the way).

I think that I need to work on resisting comparisons.  If you know me personally, you’re probably nodding your head right now.  I am such an overachiever and can’t help but measure myself against what others are doing.  It’s tough.

Something that I do regularly that’s not on the list . . . hmmm!  I think that staying in my own lane, trying really hard not to gossip, helps me to be positive because I’m not immersed in the drama that can either come back to bite a person or be so drenched in negativity that one can’t find the way out.

4.  Homemade chicken soup, beef stew, or a bowl of chili…what’s your pleasure on a cold winter’s day?

Hold the meat on all of the above, please.  I’ll take any homemade vegan soup, stew, or chili – I have no preference.  I found a really good Instant Pot recipe for chili and man, even my students were raving about the delicious smell as it warmed up in the mini-crockpot I use in my classroom.

5.  The best part of my day is….

. . . coming home after a day of work and finding my dogs happily waiting for me.

6.  My Random Thought

So, I missed writing a birthday post for my daughter.  I snatched this photo from her Instagram feed.  Isn’t she a cutie pie?

My sweet Chicky, who has grown up on this blog, turned 26 on Monday.

I tried to call her while I was getting ready for work, but her planning period had changed, so she couldn’t talk.  We did, however, chat after I got off.  She was on her way to tutor a student.

Hello 26-year-old-life, welcome to adulting on your birthday.

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Happy Almost-Thanksgiving, y’all!  I’m very impressed, but not at all surprised, that Joyce put together another fun list of questions given her precious company this week.  ❤ ❤ ❤

Thanks for visiting, y’all, and have a wonderful holiday!  Oh, and if you’re new to this, link up with Joyce to play along!

1.  Tradition…how tightly do you cling to tradition when it comes to holiday gatherings and celebrations? For instance do you always do the cooking, never eat at home, always go to grandma’s, never miss the parade, always watch football, never change the menu, always eat at 2 PM, etc.? Have you ever celebrated Christmas or Thanksgiving away from hearth, home, and family? How did that feel?

I used to cling to tradition like crazy.  I am a creature of habit and do not do change well; however, my life became rather chaotic from the moment that Rooster announced that he was enlisting in the Air Force.  I quickly learned that I couldn’t hold onto traditions quite as tightly; rather, I’d have to adapt.  So, I’m trying.

As far as traditions that we’ve observed down in these parts, the Mr. and I have hosted Thanksgiving ever since we lived in Miami.  Our family used to drive down, and I’d do most of the cooking.  When we moved closer to the family, we continued to have them over.  That changed last year when I had my ankle surgery four days before the holiday, and the Mr. and I spent that week alone, except for a quick visit from Chicky.

This year, the Mr. and I are on our own, unless Chicky drives up, which I’m still not sure of.  I won’t be cooking this year either for various reasons.  It will be a rather nontraditional day for us.

We always watch football on Thanksgiving, so that won’t change.

The only Thanksgivings we haven’t celebrated at home have been the ones when we were on cruises.  What a fun way to celebrate the holiday!

As far as Christmas, we have, for the most part, gone to the Mr.’s parents’ house.  The only exception was the year that Chicky had knee surgery.  We spent Christmas getting her back on her feet.  It was very strange to be away from the rest of the family.

Last year, we were fortunate that Rooster and his wife were able to be here.  Actually, they had their big wedding right before the holiday and spent the week after visiting us and her parents.  It was heavenly.  I knew that this would be one of our last years observing so many of our Christmas traditions.

This year, the Mr. and I will be home, with Chicky, because he is on call, and I’m having another ankle surgery on the 21st.

It’s a year of firsts for us.

2.  Help...is it easy for you to ask for help or are you a do-it-yourselfer? How is that a good/bad thing?

Well, prior to this past year, it was difficult for me to ask for help because I am definitely a DIY kind of gal.  After breaking my ankle, I had to rely on everyone for everything.  Then, the Mr. got super sick in January, and the asking kept on going.  I’ve tried not to ask for help too often because I don’t want to be a burden on anyone, but the good thing has been that I’ve learned that most people really will help if asked.

3.  Abundance…what is there an abundance of in your kitchen?

I have an abundance of flour – so many types of flour.  I am so grateful that the internet is a plethora of vegan recipes; however, I often plan to make something, buy the flour, and then forget which recipe I’d bought it for.  The struggle is real, y’all!

4.  Name…the smallest thing you’re thankful for? the biggest?

The smallest thing I am thankful for is having the week to nap . . . every day . . . (click the photo to play)

The biggest thing I am thankful for is a loving, gracious God whose plan for my life is perfect, even when I don’t understand the reasons for some of the things He allows into it.

5.  Key...What do you think is the key to living a more grateful life?

I think that the key to living a more grateful life is having a humble attitude.  When we get too big for our britches, we become ungrateful and begin to take things for granted.  Things can change in a nanosecond.  This is a lesson I’ve learned this year both with my struggle to recuperate from my ankle injury, my husband’s illness, and the passing of our beloved fur baby, Molly.

I am not strong on my own, and I sure as heck cannot do life with the grace of my precious heavenly Father.

6.  My Random Thought

I could make a list of all the things I am thankful for; however, I’m sure they’re the same things that most of you would include as well.

Instead, I’ll share this adorable video, which I took the other night.

This year has been one of the toughest I’ve ever had.  As mentioned above, I lost my buddy, Molly, this summer, and my heart just hasn’t healed yet.  I don’t know if it will ever be the same.

However, I am finding so much solace with my two boys.  I recently splurged and bought two more dog beds, which stay in my room.  I’ve been leaving the door open in the afternoons, after the Roomba has run, and the other night, I discovered that they’d gotten tired of waiting for me to go to bed.  They took matters in to their own paws.

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!

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I’m joining up with Joyce and her Hodgepodge this week!  Thank you so much for visiting as I share my own answers to her fun questions.

1.  What takes you out of your comfort zone?

Going out and socializing with people I don’t know is definitely something that takes me out of my comfort zone.  I don’t know that I do small talk very well.  I’m more of a let’s-have-a-deep-conversation-so-I-can-really-get-to-know-you kind of gal.  Plus, new situations get me nervous.  I tend to be a bit awkward and worry about the impression I’m giving people.

2.  Your least favorite spice?

I cannot think of a spice I don’t like.  I’ve discovered, in the last year or two as my cooking prowess has increased, that most spices, when combined properly, can be quite delicious.

3.  What’s a small change you’d like to make?

A small change?  Really?  You’re talking to Ms. Overachiever here.  I don’t do small anything.

Hmmm . . . if I had to choose something, though, I guess I’d change is the footwear I’ve been wearing of late.  Ever since I broke my ankle last November, I’ve only been able to wear my Vionic flip flops and sneakers.  I am longing for the day when I can wear boots.  Hopefully, after my surgery next month and the ensuing recovery, I’ll be able to stand something like boots rubbing against my ankle bones.

4.  Do you enjoy visiting historic homes? If so, of the homes you’ve visited which one was your favorite? What historic home near you is open to visitors? Have you been? Southern Living rounded up eleven of the best in the southern part of the US and they’re as follows-

Monticello (Jefferson’s home in Virginia), Nathaniel Russel House (Charleston SC), Swan House (Atlanta), Ernest Hemingway’s home (Key West), The Biltmore (Vanderbilt home in Asheville NC), Mount Vernon (Washington’s home in Virgina), San Francisco Plantation (Garyville, Louisiana), Windsor Ruins (Port Gibson Mississippi), Longue Vue House and Gardens (New Orleans), Whitehall (Palm Beach FL), and Pebble Hill Plantation (Thomasville GA)

Have you been to any on the list? Of the homes listed which would you most like to visit?

I actually do like visiting historic homes, although I haven’t done so in a number of years.  When I was seven or eight, we drove from Colorado to Washington D.C. and toured some famous homes such as Monticello and Mount Vernon.  Looking back on that experience, I’d bet you that this trip planted a love for history in my heart.

I’d love to visit the Biltmore if given the chance.

5.  What’s something you think will be obsolete in ten years? Does that make you sad or glad?

I think home telephones (i.e. land lines) will still be around given the cell phone world we are living in.

Hopefully, Urban Dictionary will be a thing of the past as well.  😛

6.  My Random Thought

One thing that will never be obsolete is yarn . . . because people will always need such finery such as socks, scarves, shawls, and hats.

Speaking of yarn, Rebecca posted this on her blog a couple of weeks ago (or was it a week ago).  Hint to my family: I want this for Christmas.  Thank you.

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Thank goodness for the Hodgepodge.  It’s pretty much the one consistent thing I seem to be writing about these days on this here blog.  Join up with Joyce to partake of the fun!

1.  What pets did you have while growing up? Tell us a little something about them.

I had two dogs, Salt and Pepper.  They were miniature schnauzers, wickedly smart, and simply adorable.  We had them from the time they were eight weeks old until they were pretty old.  I don’t really remember what happened to Pepper.  I’m not sure if she wandered off, got stolen, or passed away.  Salt turned into a fat old man.  He wandered all over the small town where we lived in Alabama.  I left him behind when I got married and moved away.  I don’t think the last few years of his life were too great.  He’d grown up as an inside dog, but my mom and stepdad got divorced, and things (including pets) went by the wayside.  I heard that he died after getting in a fight with a dog.  He was probably too old to really fight back, bless his heart.  He was such a good dog.

2.  What is one thing you absolutely must accomplish today?

Today will be pretty easy at school.  It’s Homecoming week, and Wednesday’s schedule is going to be fluid with two activities centered around fancy senior attendants.

I’ve got physical therapy after school, and I MUST schedule my next three or four appointments.  I’m praying that I don’t have to do battle; the number of visits I have left was up in the air last week, but I let God work that out for me.

I also really, really need to get my lesson plans done for next week.  The Word file is done, but I like to make a Smartboard file to go along with it as a visual aid for my students.

So, I guess I listed out two or three things depending on how you look at it.

3.  Where were you ten years ago? What were you doing there?

I was right here in Podunk, Florida, trying to keep my head afloat while I balanced a full-time college load, part-time job, a middle schooler, and a high schooler . . . both of whom were playing travel soccer (Chicky all over the country; Rooster all over the Southeast).  Life was crazy!

4.  September 26th is National Dumpling Day. Did you celebrate? Apple dumpling, xiao long bao (steamed Chinese dumpling), chicken and dumplings, pirogi, matzoh balls, or gnocchi…which dumpling on this list would be your dumpling of choice? Have you ever made homemade dumplings of any kind?

I did not celebrate.  Back in my meat-eating days, I could throw down a plate of chicken and dumplings.  Living in the South means you grow up eating that at least once a week.  I have made homemade dumplings before.  They were a pain in the rear.  It’s much easier to go to Cracker Barrel!

5.  There are two kinds of adventurers: those who go truly hoping to find an adventure and those who go secretly hoping they don’t.’ William Trogdon

So which kind are you?

Tough question.  I’m a pretty cautious person; however, I am kind of brave in some areas of my life (i.e., going back to college, deciding to become a teacher, becoming a vegan, and learning how to cook vegan dishes).  I guess I’m about half and half.

6.  My Random Thought

Since we were talking about fur babies earlier, I thought I’d share the picture I took on Sunday of my boys . . .

I enlisted the Mr.’s help to get them to PetSmart for manis/pedis.

The Mr. was not amused, and although the dogs look happy here, they quickly changed their tune when we left the neighborhood.

Both of them whined the entire way there (less than ten minutes).

Then, we had to wait about fifteen or twenty minutes, and poor Gambit shook most of that time.

Pele was a royal pain when they clipped his back nails, while Gambit gave the girl fits when she messed with his front paws.

Divas, the both of them.

They were thrilled to go home; we didn’t hear a peep from them the entire way back.

I love these turd buckets, whining or not.

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I took a two-week hiatus from the Hodgepodge to mourn the loss of my sweet fur baby, Molly.  I’m turning a corner in the grief and am getting back to my routine now, which includes Hodgepodging.  So, without further ado, let’s get to the questions!

1.  Growing up, were you close to your grandparents? Tell us one or two specific things you remember about them.

I was not close to my grandparents while I was growing up because they lived in Canada and France.  I did get to visit them one summer, and they came to visit us once.  I remember that my maternal grandfather was a silly man.  He made a lot of fun of himself.  My maternal grandmother was more serious.  They had divorced a number of years prior to my seeing them, and my grandfather had a live-in girlfriend, which probably made him happy.  My grandmother was bitter until her death.  My paternal grandparents were interesting.  My grandmother loved her wine and sweets.  My grandfather was very serious.  He was harder to get to know.

2.  What’s an item you were attached to as a child? What happened to it?

I was attached to my books.  I have a few from when I was younger but not many.  I didn’t take much with me when I got married and moved out of my house.

3.  When you look out your window, do you see the forest or the trees (literally and figuratively)? Explain.

Literally, I see trees.  I live across from a small pond that has trees that separate it from the road outside of my neighborhood.  As far as figuratively, I am doing my best to keep my eyes on the forest despite the trees.  Life continues to be chaotic with random, hard things hitting.  I’m trusting God, though, for His grand plan while trying not to feel overwhelmed by all of the unexpected happenings that are popping up every time I turn around.

4.  Do you like sour candies? Which of the ‘sour’ foods listed below would you say is your favorite?

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Is it my imagination, or did the Hodgepodge image disappear from Joyce’s blog?  I couldn’t find it, so I copied it from one of my previous posts.

Anyhoo, get distracted much?  Ha!

It is time for the Hodgepodge, so if you want to play, link up with Joyce after you answer your own questions.  Thanks for visiting!!

1.  The Hodgepodge lands on June 14th this week, Flag Day in the US of A. Do you fly your country’s flag at home? Sometimes, often, or every single day? Have you ever visited the city of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia)? Did you make a point of seeing The Betsy Ross House? Have you ever made a trip to Baltimore? If so, was Fort McHenry on your itinerary? (where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star Spangled Banner)

I don’t have a flag flying but want to so badly!  I’ve asked the Mr. about getting something set up, but he’s leery of doing anything to our brick, so there’s that.  I’m thinking that I might get a garden flag.

I have never visited Philadelphia.  Chicky went on a trip there either last year or the year before.  She told me that it would be a place I’d love since I’m a history buff.  I’ve also never been to Baltimore.  There really needs to be a trip in my future.

2.  Red flag or white flag? Which have you encountered most recently? Explain.

I’ve recently had to throw up the white flag in regard to physical therapy and insurance.  I’m about to have a month-long break until my new PT visits get doled out.  I’m grateful for insurance, but it sure can wreak havoc with getting the help you need in a timely manner.

3.  Are you a stay in the car listen to the end of a song kind of person? What kind of person is that?

Yeah, I guess I’d say that I will stay in the car and listen to the end of a song if it’s something I haven’t heard in awhile or if it has special meaning to me.  I guess that might sound lame given our access to music these days, but oftentimes, God uses music to speak to my heart, and I’m not ready to turn it off just because I’ve reached my destination.

4.  What are some of the traits or qualities you think a good dad possesses? In other words, what makes a good dad? What’s an expression you associate with your father?

A good father possesses wisdom, consistency, and grace.  A good father is strong but willing to let his guard down to show vulnerability.  A good father is one who’d be happy to sit down for a tea party or put his work down to go out and throw a ball around.  A good father puts his wife first and treats her like a queen so that his children will see what it’s like to be a man who has his priorities straight.  Most importantly, a good father is one who knows the one and only Father, isn’t afraid to pray with his children, and models a life of serving God.

I didn’t have a father growing up who did these things.  My parents divorced when I was very young, and except for a couple of visits, I didn’t know my dad until I had children of my own.  We only got a few short years together, which wasn’t nearly enough to build a deep relationship.  I do know that my dad was quirky, loved nature, and wasn’t afraid to be silly in front of people.  I don’t really know what expression I could associate with him, though.

5.  What’s one rule you always disagreed with while growing up? Is that rule somehow still part of your adult life? Is that a good or bad thing?

The main rule I didn’t like was that I had to be home really early the morning after I’d slept over at a friend’s house.  I didn’t understand why I couldn’t lounge around with a friend’s family . . . leisurely enjoy breakfast with them.  I did not have that rule for my own children.  I felt like it was unfair and heavy handed.  I had enough rules that my children didn’t like.  I didn’t see a reason for adding yet another.

6.  My Random Thought

You know it’s summer when I allow myself to go out to eat with the Mr. looking like this . . .

The hair was freshly washed and dried, but it wasn’t straightened or fixed in any other way.  There’s barely makeup on my face, and I was very casually dressed in a t-shirt and comfy stretch pants.  I wasn’t even sporting any jewelry.  I usually like to fix up when we go places, but it was after 6pm, he was hungry, and I figured what the heck.

I love summer vacation!

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Y’all, it’s the last Wednesday of the month!  Can you believe it?  I know that I can’t!  Let’s celebrate with another round of Hodgepodge questions.  Thanks, as always, to Joyce for being our fearless leader!

1.  What makes you feel accomplished? Explain.

Loaded question, Joyce!  Until I started teaching, I was a product-oriented person.  I love seeing projects through to the end, whether it’s getting my college degree (I went back in 2006 and finished in 2008), knitting up a big blanket or a pair of socks, or whipping up a delicious, vegan dessert.  Here’s a picture of the Vegan Flourless Black Bean Brownies I made a couple of weeks ago.  They are incredible!  A friend at school, my taste tester, concurred when I took a few in to her.

I love to challenge myself in whatever I do.  That makes me feel accomplished.

2.  If you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be? Tell us why.

It’s kind of funny, but in a roundabout way, Rebecca and I have talked about doing our own Dancing With the Stars recap show.  We really, really need our own podcast.

Ok, so back to the question.  If I had my own talk show, I think I’d first invite Rebecca Jo because we share so many things in common.  Y’all, we would have the BEST time breaking down all things about “Survivor,” “Dancing With the Stars,” Disney, working out woes, healthy eating, fur babies, and other random topics.  Heck, I think I’d have to have a segment just for her each day.  Seriously, though.

Guest #2 would definitely have to be an author.  I think I’d invite Neal Shusterman, because I am a total fan girl.  I love everything he writes.  He’s wickedly creative; his books hit my heart in a number of ways and are oh so popular with my students.  I’d like to pick his brain to see what makes him tick (I think I’d be a little scared . . . that’s how deliciously inventive he is).  You should check out his newest book, Scythe.  Oh my gosh.  I think I read this in under 24 hours.

Guest #3 would be someone musical.  Rebecca, since you’d be a regular segment, you’ll love this one . . . Steven Curtis Chapman.

Now, I’ve always been a fan, but I recently started following his Instagram account.  That’s how I learned about the video he recently produced for his song, “We Remember.”  Y’all, it made me cry.  The video with pictures was posted on Facebook.  The one below doesn’t have the pictures, but you can still listen to the song.  What a beautiful way to honor those who died while serving our country.

3.  Do you have a great burger recipe? What’s in it? What do you like on a hamburger and where is your favorite spot to order one out?

I have been cooking a lot of dishes from Megan Gilmore’s book, Everyday Detox.  There’s a black bean burger recipe in this book that is super easy to make and rivals any you’d find in a restaurant.  When we go out, I’ve found it difficult to find many places that offer a veggie burger that doesn’t have an egg as the binder.  Chili’s does a decent job though.  My favorite place, though, was at The Cove, in San Antonio, Texas.  We found this place when we went to Rooster’s basic training graduation.

They definitely catered to alternative diets . . .

I got the Vegan Bacon Cheeseburger.  It.  Was.  Divine.

4.  What’s the biggest anxiety producing thing you do on a regular basis?

Hmmm . . . tough question.  As a control freak, I don’t always adapt well when monkey wrenches get thrown into my plans.  Adjusting on the fly often does lead to anxiety.  I’m learning, as a teacher, that I have to anticipate changes in the schedule or even changes in the middle of a class when things happen.  I’ve seen that fighting against the necessary adjustments only makes my life (and others’) miserable.  Learning to go with the flow is a constant lesson.

5.  This is the last Hodgepodge of May. Tell us about your summer plans.

Our last day with students is this Friday.  Hallelujah!  I love the kids I teach, but this profession is exhausting, so it won’t surprise you when I say that my plans will include sleeping . . . a lot.

This year has been especially challenging given my personal life of late . . . broken ankle and sick husband.  I need to rest.

I will also continue rehabbing my ankle.  I’ll also be working out at home, as I’ve been doing the past couple of months.  I’m going to try to walk either daily or every other day.

I need to keep my ankle up as much as I can too, so that will be a happening thing between my bouts of exercise and physical therapy.

I plan on reading.  I’ve got a stack of books from my classroom already sitting on my dining room table.

I have a couple of knitting projects I’d like to finish up . . . one with a deadline that needs to be met.

I’m also planning on bing-watching this past season of Arrow.

I’d like to work in my front flower beds.  They are weed-laden.  Ugh.  Not being able to do much because of my ankle has set me behind in so many ways.

I’d also like to clean out the garage.

Oh, and I need to get a new screen door for my patio.  I took the old one down last summer and thought I’d be able to install a new one; however, finding one I liked from one of our local hardware stores has proven difficult.  I’ve decided to hire a company to come in and do the task.

Hmmm . . . I also need to get a couple of blinds replaced in my house.  The dogs have done a number on them.  We are that house with torn up binds . . . in the front no less.  Sigh.  This is my life, y’all.

In between all of those tasks, I plan on visiting the beach as often as possible.  This girl needs some Vitamin Sea therapy!

Oh, and then the Mr. will be having a BIG surgery the end of June, so there is that.  I’ll be spending the second half of the summer helping him recoup.

I’m tired just typing that.  Can I please have an extra two months after summer to recoup from the summer?  Ha!

6.  My Random Thought

Can I take a second to brag on this lovely Pashmina scarf that Rooster and his gal sent me for Mother’s Day?

Rooster bought it in Thailand.  I’d been waiting for just the right time to wear it, so I paired it with a short, black dress the Mr. bought me a few months ago.  I googled how to wear it around my waist and voila!

It’s 100% cashmere . . . so soft, and the colors are VIBRANT!

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It’s Wednesday, so that means it’s time for another batch of questions that reveal more of my dark secrets.  Just kidding.  Ha!  Link up with Joyce when you’ve answered in your little corner of the world.  Thanks for visiting!

1.  May 17th is National Pack Rat Day. Sidebar-should we be celebrating this? Hmmm…

Are you a pack rat? Even if you’re not a full fledged pack rat, most people have one thing or another they struggle to part with. Tell us what’s yours.

I don’t really think I’m a pack rat; the Mr. would disagree.  I mean, of course there are things I’ve saved over the years, but I’ve tried to set aside only those things that my children might want to pass along to their own children one day.  One thing I will not part with is my yarn stash.  I haven’t been knitting as often as I’d like, but I need to be able to dig into my stash for projects that come up.

2.  What are two things you know you should know how to do, but you don’t?

I should know how to grill and how to do taxes.  Neither interests me much, but I think they are important!

3.  Do you crave sugar? Do you add sugar to your coffee and/or tea? Do you use artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes? When dining out is dessert a given? Are you someone who has slain the sugar dragon, and if so tell us how you did it.

I sometimes crave sugar, but I can’t say that I eat a lot of it.  I mean, sure, I make vegan desserts, but I know I can go without the sugar.  I’ve given it up before, which was hard, but I lost the craving after a few days.  I went cold turkey.  I don’t like for things to control me . . . especially food.

I do not use artificial sweeteners.  They are horrible for your body.  I never let my kids use it when they were growing up either.  I refuse to even buy regular toothpaste because it is sweetened artificially.  I don’t use sugar substitutes either.  When I dine out, I never get dessert.  The only time I did was the week the Mr. and I spent at Disney a few years ago.  Most of the restaurants had vegan desserts.  The local places we frequent do not.  I’m usually too full to indulge anyhow.

4.  What’s a trend it took a while for you to come round to, but now you can’t imagine living without?

I have been wearing skinny jeans for a couple of years now after being petrified to try them on.  They are my favorite type of pants to wear now!  Of course, it helps, mentally, that I lost weight around the time I started wearing them.  That did my confidence a world of good.

5.  What’s a song that reminds you of a specific incident in your life? Please elaborate.

With high school graduations around the corner, I can’t help but think of the song, “Here I Go Again.”  It was my class song when I was a senior, and every time I hear it, I get chills.  I mentally check off every student in my class.  It’s easy to remember the names because there were only eighteen of us.  I use this song in the slideshows I create for my classes each year.

6.  My Random Thought

A couple of Saturdays ago, I attended a wedding shower.  As I was leaving, the bride-to-be handed me this . . .

It was a homemade body scrub . . .

I used a little bit a few days later and oh my word, the mint was so relaxing!  I’m determined to learn how to make my own.  A friend of mine sells essential oils, so I’m going to see if she’ll give me personal class on her products.  I know I’d come out cheaper making my own, and it would probably have even more benefits than the store-bought kind.

I hope you guys have a great week!  As of this morning, we have twelve more days of school, but who’s counting?

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Wednesday Hodgepodge | 2 Comments »

Well, the list is shorter, but that doesn’t mean that the fun has diminished.  I am thankful that Joyce opted for fewer questions in lieu of scrapping the entire Hodgepodge thing.  Thanks, Joyce!  Now, let’s get on to the questions!

1.  Share a favorite memory of your mother or share a favorite something from your own life as a mother. If you’re a mother (or stepmom) tell us how your experience as a mom differs from your own mother’s experience.

Oh gosh, but I can’t pick one favorite thing from my life as a mom.  I have so enjoyed just being a mom.  Watching my children grow up into God-loving, responsible adults has been an incredible honor.  When your kids are younger, you often doubt yourself and wonder if what you’re doing is right.  Then, BAM.  They become adults, handle the adulting thing extremely well, and you praise God for working through the mistakes you made.

My experience differs vastly from my own mother’s experience.  I was able to stay home with my kids for eight years, and after that, I only worked part time until Chicky left for college.  My mom worked all the time, even when she didn’t have to financially.  She always seemed preoccupied with other things and hardly ever attended school functions.  I didn’t want to miss anything, so I scheduled my life around my children because, after all, they’d only be young for a short time.  I think that made a huge difference in my ability to impact their lives because I was more present for them.  I made a conscious decision when I had my children to be a better mom than what I’d had.  I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I believe that our relationship is indeed closer and much more positive.

2.  In May we celebrate teachers (May 9) and nurses (May 6) both. Most every family has at least one in their midst, so tell us something (or a few things) you appreciate about the teacher or nurse on your family tree.

Well, I am the teacher in my family.  Chicky followed in my footsteps, and Super Sis is also a teacher.  I appreciate how much time we give to our students . . . the extra love we pour into their lives . . . the way we fret over them.  I like that we can let down our hair and be silly with them, no matter the age we teach (I teach high school, Chicky teaches elementary, and Super Sis teaches pre-school).  I appreciate that we spread the love of Jesus without necessarily talking about Him (although Super Sis can since she works in a Christian pre-school) through our actions.

3.  Chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad…which would you go for if all three were on the menu? On bread or a bed of lettuce? If you answered bread, what kind of bread would make it the perfect sandwich?

I would not go for any of these because I am a vegan.  I have seen recipes for mock tuna salad.  If memory serves correctly, I think the recipes typically call for cashews or almonds.

I really don’t eat bread . . . the calories and all . . .

4.  Do you have a desk? Is it organized? If so, share your secret to keeping it that way. If you don’t have a desk, where in your home do you take care of family paperwork and business? Where do you normally sit to blog?

I have a desk at home and at school.  My desk at home is pretty organized but dusty.  My desk at school has an organizational pattern to it.  Everything has a place, but it sometimes looks messy.  I usually sit down to blog in front of my recliner with my laptop on a small card table, although I’m sitting at the bar in my kitchen typing the Hodgepodge.

5.  When I was nine years old….

When I was nine years old, I moved from Colorado to a small town in Alabama.  It was a bit of a culture shock, and it took some adjusting when fall and winter rolled around and there wasn’t any snow on the ground.  I loved growing up in the country, though, although making friends was really hard.  Everyone else had been BFFs since the womb.  Still, I remember that age because it was such a pivotal time in my life.

6.  My Random Thought

So, a few weeks ago, I noticed one of my student’s fingernails.  They were painted a lovely color . . . one that looked great on her.  I tend to pay attention to these kinds of things, you see, because I’m a frilly kind of gal.  I complimented her a couple of times and finally asked about the polish.  She tried to tell me where to find it in the store, but I couldn’t locate it.  One day, she brought her bottle into class so I could see it.  I took a picture of it and went looking for it a few days later.  Walmart didn’t have it, but CVS did.

I am such a sucker for nail polish!  I must have all the pretty colors, so of course I didn’t buy just one bottle.

It’s not exactly a gel, I don’t think.  It’s like a gel, but you don’t need a light to set it.

I read a few reviews about it to make sure I was following instructions properly . . . giving it enough time to dry (same time as regular polish).

I had a hard time deciding which color to wear first . . .

After consulting my stylist (aka, M, from my previous post), I opted for the lighter color, “Stay Classy,” because I had a wedding shower to attend, and I’m all about being classy . . . Redneck classy, I mean.

So far so good.  I’ve washed dishes a couple of times, and it’s staying put.  If I can get a week out of the polish, I’ll be happy.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Wednesday Hodgepodge | 6 Comments »