Wednesday, October 9, 2013

The Hodgepodge-Required Reading For A Wednesday

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge!  I'm so glad you're joining the fun here...be sure to add your link before you go a-visiting.  Here are my answers-


1. The USA will mark Columbus Day on Monday, October 14th this year...what's something you need or want to explore (literally or metaphorically speaking)?

I'm always examining my own head and heart.  Just ask my hubs who oftentimes tells me I think too much.  There is a kernel of truth there.  Still, I feel certain I'll continue exploring my relationships, my faith, and my passions for as long as I live. These are the pieces of life with the potential, and oftentimes the need,  for change and growth. 

On the flip side, there are literally hundreds of places in this big wide world I'd like to explore, so there's also that.

"Every hundred feet the world changes." Roberto Bolano 

2. The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, Ursula from The Little Mermaid, or Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty...who do you most love to hate?

Ursula for sure! The Little Mermaid is one of my family's all time favorite flicks. I think Ursula is delightfully creepy, while The Wicked Witch of the West is just plain creepy.  

3. Is open-mindedness a virtue?

Hmmm...this might be a trick question. I guess so, if by open-minded you mean a willingness to listen to new ideas or an opinion different than my own.  That being said, for me this term holds a more negative connotation than it once did.  It seems in the 21st century this term is often a precursor to dialogue going off the rails in our country.  

If you hold an opinion contrary to mine, and I listen and consider your point of view, but in the end retain my original position, that doesn't make me close minded.  It just means I think differently than you.  Sadly there are so many issues in America today where if you don't jump on the bandwagon you're called names and said to be close minded and intolerant.

4. How often do you weigh yourself?

Rarely. I don't own a scale, but about once a month I step on the one at the gym to see how I'm doing. 

5. This question comes to you courtesy of Rebecca over at Making Memories, so thanks Rebecca!

Costa Rica was recently named the happiest country in the world on The Happy Planet Index.  What's the happiest country in the world to you, and what makes it so?

Anybody wanna guess what I'm gonna say here? Ha. 
Italy of course!

I don't really need to say why do I?  I thought not. 

6. Besides The Bible, what is one book you think should be mandatory reading for every high school student?

This question is almost impossible for me to answer. There are a number of books I think should be read while in high school, and then reread later in life.  What you take away from a book at age 17 is sometimes quite different than what you take away at age 47.  And then sometimes it's not, which is also interesting.   

I think everyone should read some Steinbeck, Fitzgerald, and Twain.  Books that have weathered the test of time are at least worth checking out for yourself.  I read Beowulf in 12th grade, and doubt I would have picked that up on my own so I think required reading of hard stuff is good for the teenage brain.  

I've seen The Book Thief on some of the more modern lists and I loved that one. Actually I might choose Elie Wiesel's-Night which is based on the author's experience as a 15 year old boy in Auschwitz.  I actually read that one in Junior High and it has never left me.  

7. I went shopping at some nearby outlets last week, and while I was there, I picked up a couple of Christmas gifts. How about you? Have you started your holiday shopping yet?

I think I answered my own question in the question.  Rest assured, I've barely gotten started, and this is ridiculously early for me.  I tend to do most of my shopping in December, even though every single year I vow to do otherwise.  I guess this year I have, so whoohoo!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My two blog friends aka-random strangers I 'met' on the Internet, arrive tomorrow for what I'm sure will be a fun filled few days. Here's a sneak peek at one tiny little thing on our weekend itinerary-







25 comments:

  1. I find it interesting that the books you selected were classics. I think I, too, would have selected similar books before I started teaching struggling readers. Now, I read current young adult fiction that relates to my students' lives. While they may never be considered on the level of said classics, they contain timeless truths (and are easier to read!!!). I always enjoy reading your answers, Joyce!! They are as thought-provoking as the questions!

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  2. Oh how i loved Italy!! Its a shame that its such a long airplane ride to get there though. Hope you're having a great week! Are you rooting for Pittsburgh? I know the Phillies are your team.

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  3. I am enjoying the responses to Question 3 (about open mindedness) in your blog and the others that have posted so far. Definitions of words are changing in today's world to mean something quite different from the original. "Tolerance" is one of them.

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  4. Enjoy your company and this fall weather!

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  5. We both chose "The Book Thief" for required high school reading! It certainly is a marvelous book. Enjoy your time with your new friends - and enjoy "The Lion King"!

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  6. Have fun with your Bloggin friends and we WILL want a full report next week. Love your answer to #3. I think you put into words what I wanted to say but couldn't find the words to do so. Thank you.

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  7. TOTALLY agree on #3. Ursula was huge around here too. Have a wonderful time with your internet friends!!!!

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  8. Sounds like you are going to have an awesome time with your blog friends.

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  9. You can't beat anything Disney. This looks like tons o' fun!!! And that quote by Bolano [hope I spelled that correctly] in your first answer....fantastic.

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  10. Hi! I found your hop via another blog I follow and it looked fun so I thought I'd give it a try this week. It certainly had me thinking for a good chunk of yesterday as to what I'd put in (which I guess is good for the brain, right?) Agree with your point re: taking away different things from books at different ages. I remember reading Animal Farm in Grade 10 - chosen I suspect because it was, in part, length-wise, an "easy" read. Then I remember all the tests being multiple choice. So to this day I remember what colour the tablecloth was. I'm thinking maybe "short answer" or something that pushed the "why" a bit more would have been a better choice. Also, I read it again in university and appreciated it much more. Sure, I understood in high school - but given a few more years - I got more out of it.

    Looking forward to surfing other entries tonight when I'm back from work!

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  11. Have a fantastic time with your blog friends and seeing The Lion King. I would love to see it on stage and it's heading our way soon!

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  12. Thanks again, Joyce, for this weekly fun! We both answered Italy, by the way!! Have fun with your blogging friends! I love meeting my blogging friends in person!!

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  13. That's true about books. I read Great Gatsby in school & don't even remember it... but loved reading it again as an adult.

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  14. So jealous that you're going to see The Lion King! Have a great time!

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  15. Congrats on starting your Xmas shopping. I have to do my cards early this year. Thanks again for being a gracious hostess.

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  16. My answer would have been Italy also if I read it as MY happiest Country. Ha.

    Wow, how fun....stranger/friends visiting!

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  17. Oh, I'm so jealous of you getting to meet some blogging buddies and enjoy a fun weekend. We'll sure look forward to hearing all about it.

    Thought provoking questions this week. Happy Wednesday!

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  18. These were great questions and I am enjoying reading everyone's answers. I'm smiling at your answer on number 1. My DH tells me the same thing.
    And I can't believe I have never heard of the book "Night."

    Enjoy your weekend.

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  19. I liked your answer concerning 'open mindedness', and I agree.
    Sounds like you are in for a fun-filled weekend with your blog friends. Enjoy!

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  20. Hope you have a wonderful time with your internet friends and enjoy the show!

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  21. I love your answers to these rather difficult questions. You gave us some good ones this week. I like your response to #3. I was trying to say the same on my page, but you said it much better than I could.
    Thank you for another good selection.

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  22. I think Italy would be great too. And no scale - that is way awesome for you! I am late - but here. sandie

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  23. love the questions this week, #3 was hard for me, hope your week is blessed

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  24. Ursula was on all the TV displays at Walmart the other day. I wasn't sure my son had ever seen the movie and explained it to him and who she was.

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  25. Interesting questions this week. I agree that Ursula is really creepy. I am so with you on Italy. I love the place.

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