Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Laboring Through the Hodgepodge

Here we are again...add your link at the end of my post and then hop around to some of the other bloggers who've joined the party this week.

1. Labor Day (in the US of A) is approaching...what's something you've labored over this year?

The Hodgepodge? 

Ha...I do love it still. I've had to work my brain a little bit harder to come up with the questions this year, but as long as I continue to enjoy it each week I'll keep calm and Hodgepodge on.

2. What is one word to describe your 'job' or career?

evolving

3. What was your worst or least favorite job ever?

I've never had a job I truly hated, but I guess cleaning latrines as a CIT would probably top the list of 'least favorite'.  I loved everything about being a CIT except for that whole latrine thing.  

4. How do you measure contentment?

I'm not sure contentment can be measured...seems like people are either content or they're not. For me, contentment isn't found in things, nor is it found in my circumstances, be they grand or disastrous. In fact I think true contentment is often found in spite of my circumstances. Or maybe that's just when I'm most aware of how content I really am.  

I don't think contentment means you quit trying and growing as a person, or that you settle for where you are at the present moment.  I do think it means giving whatever it is my best effort, and then being satisfied and at peace in knowing whatever the outcome, God's grace is sufficient. Sufficient for the moment, the day, the circumstance, the challenge, the anything and the everything too. He knows the end from the beginning and when things don't go the way I wanted or anticipated, I remind myself I only see in part.  He's got the whole big picture in His hands and that's good enough for me.    

5. Pickles-like or dislike?  What is something you eat that requires a pickle?  Dill, bread and butter, sweet gherkins...what's your favorite kind of pickle?

Love! I like all pickles, but my new pickle addiction is the Clausen spicy dill. I like pickle relish in my tuna salad, and it's a must on a hot dog. Bread and butter pickles make me think of the relish tray at Thanksgiving so they're a favorite too.

6. In your current house-town-state, what is it you like living close to?

Hmmm...that's a toss up between this-

NYC-view of Columbus Circle/Central Park from The Mandarin
and this-
tinytown lake


I'm definitely part city mouse, part country mouse.  

7. What is one thing on your 'want-to-do' list before summer draws to an official close?

Take in a sunset from a boat deck on the water.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

#7-happening this weekend!  





28 comments:

  1. I have never had the opportunity to visit NYC, but it's definitely on my "must see" list! I'm dying to see an actual Broadway show! Your answer to #4 was spot on! Yeah...don't think I'd be a fan of cleaning latrines, either. It's good to be back, Joyce...enjoy your day!

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  2. I know coming up with questions week in and week out has to be challenging. Thank you for hanging in there and asking sometimes funny, sometimes serious questions. I have discovered although we do have differences we bloggers have many more similarities - and that helps me realize I'm not totally crazy!?!! ha!

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  3. Central Park is such a pretty area! Oh my, I wouldn't like that job either, I don't like just cleaning the two in our home. Enjoy that weekend coming up, I know you're looking forward to it. And as for your labor of love, do know it's appreciated, it's one of my favorite memes.

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  4. Hooray for getting to do your #7!!

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  5. I loved your thoughts on contentment and I am pickle girl too, I enjoy Dill pickles but love Bread and Butter pickles also.
    Have a great Labor Day weekend and enjoy that sunset.

    Lucy from Lucy's Reality

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  6. Thank you SO MUCH for wracking your brain for interesting questions for the Hodgepodge ... I definitely appreciate your time and effort and would miss the HP if the day comes when you determine that it's time to give it up.

    Enjoy your weekend on the water!

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  7. Spicy dills? Oh my! I might just have to check those out! I'd venture to bet they would taste great on my veggie burgers!!

    Have a great day!!

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  8. Hope you have fun out on that boat this weekend.

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  9. Thank you for "laboring over" the Hodgepodge. I appreciate the effort you must put into it! Sometimes I "labor over" a few of my answers, too :)

    Your answer to #4 was well-said.

    Enjoy this weekend, it sounds like fun.

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  10. Love your contentment answer, have fun on the boat and THANK YOU for your brainwork on The Hodgepodge!!!!!

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  11. I was going to do a hodgepodge this week but ended up spending the day yesterday at the hospital with my sister...but I have read several hodgepodgers this morning and could make a whole post out of number 4. Your answer was great! For me contentment with life comes with a relationship with God. Outside of that, I am content with nothing...nothing that lasts anyway. Oh, and I am with Kathy...thanks soo much for your efforts with hodgepodge, I LOVE it. Enjoy your day!

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  12. Are you saying you live in NYC and near where those pictures were taken - man you have to be in Heaven - they were gorgeous. Both of them. I love your questions and thank you. sandie

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  13. Enjoy the evening boat ride.....
    Mama Bear

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  14. your definition of contentment was great ... good perspective and a reminder that God's grace is sufficient!:) Love the pic of NYC!! :) Need to go back some day ... but it is def not in "my corner of the world"...

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  15. I love your #7/#8. It sounds so perfect and peaceful. It would make me feel content :)

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  16. We really are in a great location being so close to the city, the country and the beach! Enjoy your sunset :)

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  17. Oh, I loved your answer to contentment. Great! And, yes, cleaning latrines, would be AWFUL, but then again, someone has to do it. :o)

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  18. Love your description of contentment! And could I join you on the water watching the sunset...now there's contentment! Looking forward to seeing pictures! Have a great time!
    until next time...nel

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  19. I love your answers today! Living in NJ has it's benefits access to the best of many world....the city, country and the shore! Have a wonderful Labor day weekend!

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  20. If I were you I would totally call the Hodgepodge LABOR!

    Evolving is an understatement, don'tchathink? Ha.

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  21. And we thank you for our weekly questions!!!
    Two wonderful places to live close to.
    Enjoy that sunset on the deck by the water.

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  22. I love the pictures. You have the best of 2 worlds. I like your answer to contentment. Hope you have a great weekend on the lake.

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  23. That was a fun read. I also love your description of contentment. You summed it all up. I think it is that beyond contentment is that knowledge deep in the soul that causes me to be able to say, "It is well with my soul." That comes from know that the Lord's grace is sufficient. This is not an emotional feeling, or even just a head knowledge, it is contentment in the soul that is a gift from above. Thanks for sharing.

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  24. Oy, cleaning toilets is the worst, I don't even like to do that at my house lol

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  25. Enjoy the sunset! Sounds like a nice thing to do on the weekend.

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  26. This is a fun meme -- answering the questions and then seeing how others have responded. Thanks for the opportunity to participate!

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  27. I really enjoyed this weeks questions, thanks, but someone on my blog asked me what pickles have to do with Labor day, and as I'm a Brit and don't celebrate the day, I have no idea!

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