A Hodgepodge of Thanksgiving-Vol 102

Should I be online when I have a to do list that needs ticking?  Probably not, but here I am anyway.  Actually I put the Hodgepodge on my Thanksgiving to do list because a) I know that way it will get done and b) I like to cross stuff off a list.

Wishing all Hodgepodgers around the world the gift of a thankful heart today and everyday!

1. Turkey-love it or leave it? White meat or dark?  What's your favorite thing to make using leftover turkey?

I love turkey and prefer the white meat, although I can eat the dark too. When I was a kid I did not like the taste of the dark meat at all, but as I've gotten older I find it's usually moister than the white and I like that. I love a homemade turkey noodle soup made with the leftovers, but you need a carcass for that. We're small and cozy this year with just the four of us having dinner together, so I'm roasting a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey.  There will be enough for a turkey sandwich topped with leftover stuffing and cranberry though, and that's my other favorite way to use the leftovers.  Yum!

2. Gotta burn off all those carbs the day after a holiday feast so which would you rather do-run a 10K or climb a mountain?

I don't run. Oh I run a little on the treadmill, but I'm not hard core-ha! I do love to hike though, and would choose to climb ten mountains over a run any day. If the weather cooperates this weekend we'll  bundle up and do just that.

3. Do you feel like social networking has made your relationships better or worse?  Explain.

Speaking as someone who has moved a lot I think social networking has been a wonderful thing.  

For the most part. 

I enjoy sharing and seeing family photos, getting travel, dining, and shopping tips, hearing about the everyday goings on in my friend's lives.  Are there negatives? Yeah. I think we all know what they are so I'm not going to spell them out here.  

4. How do you find and express gratitude for the hard things in your life?

Something I have pondered quite a lot in the year 2012.  

There are things in this world I will never understand, but I remind myself of this...

'Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely...' 1 Cor. 13:12

I have to believe that while I don't always understand the 'whys' of a particular circumstance God does.  His Word tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, that He is working all things together for our good.  He alone knows the end from the very beginning and for that I'm grateful.  

5. In the US the day after Thanksgiving has been dubbed 'Black Friday'.  Is most of your holiday shopping done live and in person or is done more through the magic of the Internet? How do you feel about stores opening at midnight on Thanksgiving?  Will you be out amongst the masses on Friday?

I seem to pick up the smaller stocking stuffer type goodies in person, but I order most of the larger items online.  I dislike the crowds and I especially dislike the desperate attitude that seems to have taken over the American shopper. Seriously, people are camping out in front of Best Buy four days before Thanksgiving? Pitching tents there? Get a grip America!!

I hate that stores are open on Thanksgiving. I realize the economy is in the toilet and no one should complain about working when so many are not, but can't we as a nation agree to set just one or two days aside where everyone is free to count their blessings and relax with their families?  If you're a brain surgeon or a policeman or fireman that's different, but in my book mall/shop employees fall under non-essential personnel on Thanksgiving. 

6. Speaking of the color black-which black item in your wardrobe would you say is your favorite?

My little black dress of course.

7. What do you appreciate about your life today?

The smart, funny, compassionate little girls I've had the privilege to raise.  The lovely young women they are today makes my heart overflow.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Daughters are in the house!  Yay!