Random Acts of Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer the questions on your own blog, then add your link at the end of my post. Thanks for playing along today.

One quick item of blog business...I'm declaring next week winter break in the HP, so no Hodgepodge on February 24th. We'll be back the following Wednesday (March 2nd) with brand new questions and a brand new month.

Is it just me or is time flying?

Okay, back to today...here we go-

1.  February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It lands on the calendar one day after National Do Something for a Grouch Day (February 16) which somehow feels related. Perhaps the 16th inspired the 17th? 

Tell about a time you performed a random act of kindness or were the recipient of one. Will you make an effort to perform a random act of kindness on the 17th? Share details if you're so inclined, and if you have something specific in mind.  

I'll make a specific effort to notice someone on the official 'holiday'. These ROK are wins for everyone, and I almost don't want to write about anything I've done because anonymity is part of what makes them special. I will share one story because it still makes me smile when I remember this particular young woman.  

About a year ago I was preparing to pay for my manicure when a bride to be came into the salon. She was literally counting our her singles to determine whether or not she could afford to have her nails done and she had an accent I recognized immediately as East Tennessee (it was, but we were in NJ...small world). 

She explained to the owner that her wedding was the following day, and asked what she could do for the few dollars she had to spend. I was the only other person in the shop, and this bride made no secret about the fact that money was really tight, not in a complaining way, but just matter of factly said she needed to count pennies. So I quietly paid for her manicure and left the salon smiling. 

Most of these National Holidays feel contrived, but I like this one...a reminder to look for opportunities to brighten someone's day. I'm going to try! 

2. What's the most uplifting or encouraging thing you see happening in the world right now? You may have to dig deep for this one.

The world still rallies around nations stricken with natural disaster or man-made terror. 

3.  Black olives, black currants, black grapes, black beans, blackberries, Oreos...your favorite food the color of night? Your least favorite on the list? 

That's an easy one! Black olives are my favorite. My least favorite on the list would be black currants, not so much the berry as things flavored with black currant. It's not a common flavoring in the US, but we found it in many drinks and candies in the UK.  

4.  A while back I read (here) a list of twelve things  you should do before you turn 50. They were-

travel when you have the chance, take care of your skin, learn a foreign language, make exercise a habit, leave a toxic situation, stop caring what others think about you, stop worrying, volunteer, spend time with your grandparents, pledge to work less, learn to cook an amazing dish, and seize an opportunity as it arises

What do you think of the list? What would you add or remove and why? If you're over 50, have you done all 12? If you're not yet 50, have you done any at all? What's on the list that you haven't done, but would like to do?

I've passed the mile-marker mentioned and have done most everything on the list. The one I found most challenging, and that still needs conquering from time to time would be 'stop worrying'. I've come miles in that department, but can't say I never ever worry.  I think it's a pretty good list. 

The only thing I might add is that you should tell people who've impacted your life in a positive way what it's meant to you. Let them know they played a part in shaping the person you are today. So often we assume that youth leader, coach, camp counselor, fifth grade teacher, etc. knows they've made a difference, but it's extra special to hear it said aloud or see it in a hand written note.  

5. Besides the classic Christmas flicks, what's your favorite film where winter plays a part in the setting? 

I like the sweet romance of  Serendipity starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. And I like the thriller Cliffhanger starring Sylvester Stallone. I don't care how many times I've seen it, that first scene makes my palms sweaty every single time. 

6.  When did you last feel helpless, and what did you do about it?

Probably a couple of weeks ago when I was home alone with a fever and the worst headache of my life. What did I do about it? Cried to my husband when he phoned from an out of town business trip. Then later to my mom when she phoned to check on me. And possibly also one daughter. Maybe two. So to answer the question-I cried.  

7.  Share a favorite proverb.

"When words are many transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent." Proverbs 10:19

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 Combining two things I love (ballet and Degas) in a most beautiful way....click here to view.