Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Pedaling Through the Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to another edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge...add your link to the bottom of my post and then go see what the neighbors are saying.  Here are my answers~

1.  It's National Bike Week...do you own a bicycle?  When did you last ride a bike?

I do have a bicycle. It's hanging on the garage wall and would definitely need a tune up if I wanted to ride.  Which I don't, because seriously it's steep here. Even walking in my neighborhood is tough on the knees. 

When did I last ride a bike? It's been a while, unless you count the stationary bike at the gym I pedal for miles every week. My last ride on a 'real bike' was probably the first summer we were back in the states ('09). We spent a weekend at a friend's lakehouse, and she had one of those cute bikes you see people riding in beach communities...I loved it.   

2. What's something you learned in school that wasn't part of the curriculum?

Looking back I'm not sure I can separate what was learned strictly in school from what was learned elsewhere. I think most of my life lessons came from the combined experience and interaction with all the people who lived and grew beside me, not just in school, but also those in my own family, my church family, and my neighborhood.  

I do think my sense of empathy for the underdog was forged a bit in school. 

3. What's a food you've never tried, but would like to try?  What's a food you've tried, and will never try again?

I think it's been well established we're adventure eaters here, so I'm struggling to come up with something I want to try but haven't. I know there are millions of ethnic foods eaten regularly in kitchens around the world that I don't even know about so I'm certain the list would be long. If I'm traveling and you offer me something local I'll generally give it a try.  

As far as something I've tried and will never try again?  Liver and onions. I haven't had this dish since I was a kid, but the smell of it cooking is indelibly etched in my brain. It's possible this is one of those foods I disliked as a kid, and would now love as an adult, but I cannot get past the childhood memory.  Maybe if it were served in a restaurant and I didn't know what I was eating?  

4. Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less?  Why?  Do you think that's a good trend?

I'd say more. I've been really serious about exercising regularly in recent weeks, plus I'm working on meeting some personal goals that require more self discipline than I typically posses. I'm pushing myself a little more than normal and that's good. For the time being, anyway.  

5. Who is your favorite book, movie, or TV show villain?

Hmmm...in other words, who do I love to hate?

I did love Larry Hagman as JR Ewing back in the day, but I think I'll say The Wicked Witch of the West. That green face and terrifyingly creepy little laugh still kinda gives me goosebumps.  

6. How concerned are you about identity theft?

It doesn't keep me up at night, but it's definitely on my radar. Sadly in this day and age everyone needs to be vigilant in reviewing bank and credit card statements and in safeguarding passwords and pin numbers.  I think bank and card companies are working hard to get to the fraud before it impacts the customer, but that's not always possible.  

7. I saw this last question on Dawn's blog and asked if I could share.  Everybody hop over and say hi, but first answer this...would you rather have an ordinary home in an extraordinary place or an extraordinary home in an ordinary place?

Definitely an ordinary home in an extraordinary place. I'm all about a great location!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Thinking of all those whose lives have been turned upside down this week.  Joining my prayers with the prayers of many...  

27 comments:

  1. I love that song... and oh, how heart breakingly appropriate for this week. Sigh... come Lord Jesus, come!

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  2. What a poignant song. I think Tenth Avenue North is one of best bands. Liver and onions I have not tried and am not inclined. I will try most anything, but it looks so nasty in the store. Plus the thought of eating the organ that filters out toxins is disgusting.

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  3. Hello! I too can't tolerate the steep hills, im scared of falling going too fast. ;/ Have a great rest of the week!

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  4. Wow that song is very fitting! I did think bout the wicked witch of the west for my answer- her cackle was definitely evil!

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  5. We both answered that liver is a food once had, and never again! ha! I had a college girlfriend who actually loved liver - and prepared it in our little apartment. Oh - that smell! It's the worst!!

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  6. I've never had liver and onions and I am not to sad about it ;) Neither of my parents liked the dish, but they both grew up having to eat it, so it was never on the menu at our house when I was growing up and I have no desire to learn how to make it now that I have my own house!! Good for you for being more disciplined on exercising...I need to do that as well!! happy Wednesday!

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  7. I'm with you on the liver. Blech! We also agree on our favorite villain. Or villainess, I guess. :) Have a great day.

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  8. It seems a lot of people don't like liver! I got sick once when I was kid, not related to the liver I ate, but I was never able to touch it again. Now that I'm a vegetarian I don't even have to think about it. :-) JR Ewing is a good choice! Have a fantastic day.

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  9. I love that song... I saw it on someone else's blog one time & went straight to iTunes & bought it

    Adventure eaters... something that would never be said about me :)

    Wicked Witch... good one. My mom will be mad at me for not picking that one.

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  10. Why oh why did our mothers cook liver and onions for us? I can't imagine trying to get my daughters to eat that when they were little. But we were expected to eat what was served or at least try it. Different times I guess :-)

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  11. Liver and onions? Well, I actually love the flavor, but when I think of the function of the liver in the body, it prevents me from ever eating it again. And I totally agree about an ordinary house in an extraordinary setting. I'd live in a tent if it could be in the Yorkshire Dales.

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  12. I am with you on the liver and onions (or at least the liver part). I was also forced to eat it once as a kid and it is something I have never eaten again.

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  13. Actually that is why I don't have a bike yet. Mark thinks it's crazy because we are very steep. We are pretty much the top of the hill I could only ride a fairly small circle! I recently started an exercise program and I'm do some things around the house I haven't done in a long time. It's okay to be demanding when you have a goal. Keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers.

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  14. Like you my heart goes out to the people in Texas and Oklahoma whose lives have been devastated by the recent tornadoes(sp?). I can't imagine what it feels like to lose everything in a matter of minutes. May God hasten their recovery and their return to some semblance of normalcy.

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  15. Good Morning. I agree with you location is everything! I don't like liver and onions either. Have you ever read Wicked? You might like the Wicked Witch of the West.
    sandie

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  16. I started an exercise program about seven weeks ago but I didn't think of that when I answered. I guess to think of it that way it is a good way!

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  17. I agree it's hard to ride on hills that are painful to walk on. I hate liver and onions...yuck! and the wicked witch of the west...nightmares as a kid! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

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  18. Great questions and fun answers. I am so glad you do this each week. I enjoy it tremendously.

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  19. Liver is actually great for your body.. The frying of it kills the toxins in it first of all and secondly it is a high protein and iron food. Ideal for someone who is anemic. Personally I love it.. LOVE IT. and We will flat tear up some chicken livers if made right. Must be a southern thing.

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  20. I am with you on the try something local. That's how I tried okra, hot boiled shrimp (which I now like better than shrimp cocktail) and alligator. I don't remember if I ever tried liver, but I neither want to remember if I did or try it if I haven't!

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  21. I almost put Liver and Onions but sometimes I feel like eating organ meat...yeah, I'm officially weird! LOL! Thanks, as always, for hosting hodgepodge!!

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  22. I had to laugh about your answer of liver and onions :)

    What a beautiful song choice, and so appropriate, too...

    I didn't mention it in my post today, but thanks, again, for hosting this meme. I'm sure there are times when it's a burden for you, but I always look forward to Wednesdays--because of you :)

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  23. Totally agree on the liver and onions thing! I can smell it too! I think my Mom made it once and my Dad even said, never again. Ha. Thank goodness!

    Yay you on exercising! I must do that. Yeah, right after I finish my closet. Tee Hee

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  24. The Wicked Witch is creepy! I think she gave me nightmares for a while!

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  25. Never had liver and onions but it doesn't sound good at all! Just the smell of the liver would do me in.

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  26. It has been forever since I went on a bike ride and yet I use to enjoy them so much. I know people love Sushi and my son wants me to try it but something in my brain stops me, I promised him I would try next time I visited him,he has a favorite place by his home. Like you, I would choose an ordinary home in 'cool' place. Oh,my gosh, I LOVED J.R. Ewing but have to admit your Wicked Witch is a good one too.It is heartbreaking to see and hear all those sad stories going on in OK.
    Lucy from Lucy's Reality

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  27. 10th Avenue North is one of my favorites. They are seriously talented, and I kind of feel like they got inside of my head and my heart and cranked out some songs. "Worn" is number one for me. And yes, praying for all of those who are grieving.

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