Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Hodgepodge This Is The Wednesday

Hola amigos, and welcome  to the merry month of May and the Wednesday Hodgepodge! If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post, and if you haven't answered, what are you waiting for? Also, be sure and say hello to your next door neighbor on the linky list before running off, because that's what good neighbors do.
1. Can you tell I'm embracing a Cinco de Mayo theme here this week? Do you like Mexican food? What's your favorite dish? How about on the side-black beans, pinto beans, refried beans, rice? What about heat-mild, medium, hot? Will you celebrate with Mexican food and drink on May 5th aka Cinco de Mayo?

I love Mexican food, one of my favorites. Hubs loves it too, the hotter the better, so sure we'll probably celebrate with a Mexican dinner on Friday. In terms of heat, medium works for me, but more towards the hot side rather than the mild. 

I normally opt for enchiladas with either black or pinto beans on the side, but my absolute favorite Mexican dish is a healthy serving of chips and guacamole. Yum! 

2. Ever been to Mexico? For work or holiday? Love it or no? If you haven't been is this a place you'd like to visit? Can you speak Spanish?

I've been to Mexico a couple of times, both trips were to Cancun, but different resorts. My first visit was the tail end of what was a working trip for hubs. I met him in Mexico at the end of his meeting along with some other work folks who'd stayed over, and it was a lot of fun. The second trip was just a few years ago with a group of our college friends. We stayed in an all-inclusive and had a fabulous time. 



No I don't speak any Spanish. 

3. What's one thing you may accomplish this month?

I may get some pictures hung. 

Actually it's more of must than a may. I currently have seven pieces at the frame shop, so it's going to happen. 

4. If you were mayor of your village, city, or town, what's one thing you'd like to see changed, done away with, revamped, or accomplished? Is serving in public office something you've ever seriously considered?

No I've never considered running for public office. As far as our little town is concerned, I haven't lived here long enough to comment on changes that need to be made. It's small, quiet, and the lake takes center stage, so not a lot to complain about. 

5. What's something that may be popular, but that you just don't get?

Starbucks on a daily basis. Weekly basis. Really the whole Starbucks obsession.

6. Can't let this week slip by without mentioning Thursday May 4th is Star Wars Day. As in 'May the 4th be with you' ahem. Are you a fan of the Star Wars series? Exactly how much of a fan are you? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being 'I've seen every film, own the action figures, might have dressed as Darth Vader for Halloween one year', and 1 being, 'what's a Vader?' -where do you land?

I loved the first three, which are really the middle three, which I believe is why they lost me. I don't love it enough to engage in all the before and after stories, but I did really enjoy those 'first' three films and I do know what 'a Vader' is.  I guess I'm about a 3. 

7. Scroll back through your blog posts and in three sentences or less tell us the general theme of your fourth blog post. Does it still ring true today? Is it a topic you re-visit on your blog from time to time?

I know you'll find this shocking, but my fourth blog post was entitled 'Home is Where the Heart Is' and was all about answering the question- 'Where is home?' Next to the weather home is pretty much my go-to blog topic. 

Have I re-visited the subject on my blog? Ha! According to a word search on my blog, only about 600 times in some form or fashion. And yes, that fourth post still rings true today, some eight years later. 

Click here to read if you're so inclined. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I've been mulling over the Wednesday Hodgepodge because there have been a few weeks recently where getting the questions posted has stressed.me.out. 

I don't do stress, so a little fine tuning is now in order.  

I've been posting Hodgepodge questions here since November 8, 2010. That's a lotta brain cells y'all. I still very much enjoy answering the questions and interacting with everyone who participates here on Wednesday mornings, so I'm not quite ready to let it go entirely, but I am ready to make a couple of adjustments.  

Some weeks I have the questions set up days in advance. Other weeks I'm too busy to give it five minutes thought and end up scrambling to post the questions by 12:30 AM on a Tuesday. I'm typically not on my blog over the weekend, which means I have to write the questions on a Monday. 

I like to write a regular old blog post on a Monday, so that's double the trouble and pretty sure that's what's making me twitch when I think Hodgepodge posting. For the sake of my sanity, here's how it will work going forward-

I will still post the questions on Tuesday.  Sometime. They may very well be up by 12:30 AM Tuesday morning, or they may not go up until 10 AM. I will do my very best to have them up before noon, how's that? 

The link will still go up sometime Wednesday morning, and I vary the timing on that so east coasters and west coasters have equal opportunity to be one of the first blog links posted. Hopefully everyone is visiting someone, so nobody should be without a comment regardless of where you fall on the list. 

Also, I'm going to cut my brain some slack. Beginning next week the Hodgepodge will contain six questions (as opposed to seven), plus that random thought of your own added at the end.  In the course of a year that's 52 less questions I have to come up with and I feel like six is still plenty to answer.  I will see how it goes, but I might even drop back to five. 

If anyone has a question they think would be fun for a Wednesday Hodgepodge send it my way. I will give you credit in the posting. I try not to repeat questions, and I try not to ask yes/no questions, but other than that I'm open to suggestion. 

Whew. I feel better already. Happy Wednesday all! 




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32 comments:

  1. I would love to go to an authentic Mexican restaurant, but it would be a couple hours drive for us. I am only posting at 4:30 AM because of that popcorn I ate before bedtime. Bad idea. I have no idea how you've kept the Hodgepodge going this long, Joyce. You've done an amazing job coming up with questions for us all to ponder, giving us something to write about, and I really appreciate your creativity and dedication. I would be more than happy to have the number of questions dropped back to five.

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  2. Your commitment to the Hodge Podge is amazing and I always stand in awe of what you come up with for questions. You are a clever one for sure! Your changes sound just fine...I thought you might limit the event to a monthly meme. Glad that you are carrying on pretty much the same as always. Thank you!

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  3. Happy to hear you're not ending the Hodgepodge. I've enjoyed reflecting on the weekly questions and then reading what others write. The modifications you've made sound great - especially since they will lower your stress level.

    I agree with you regarding Starbucks. It seems like such a waste of money for just one cup of coffee. Seems like the money could be used better elsewhere...but that's just me.

    Your photo from Mexico is beautiful! So peaceful.

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  4. I totally understand about the pressing deadline for questions every week. It would certainly be stressful to me! So, you have my nod to ease up and do the Hodgepodge when it works into your schedule. I still have some pretty exciting news on the tip of my tongue - I just can't announce it yet! (Man, it's killing me!!)

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  5. I haven't been able to play along for a few weeks. Hub is at Duke and I am asking all to lift his name up in prayer, Charles Doane. Cancer is tough.

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  6. Whew, I was afraid you were ending The Hodgepodge! You've done such a wonderful job of hosting, I'm relieved to hear that you are merely cutting back some. I truly understand, and I'm amazed you haven't had to do it before now, with the house building and move. Your changes sound good, and I'll try to come up with a question or two, if my brain will cooperate.

    Your photograph of Mexico has me re-thinking my position of not wanting to visit... It's so beautiful.

    Enjoy the rest of your week, and thanks, again, for all you do. Enjoy your Cinco de Mayo :) As for us, the day will be bittersweet. May 5 was Ed's mom's b'day. Our oldest son's b'day is the 10th, but we'll be celebrating early, on the 5th.

    Kathy (Reflections)

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  7. I love the Hodgepodge! I was sad when I missed it during my illness.
    I just refuse to do expensive coffee. Although occasionally I will get a Dunkin' Latte. Love those.

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  8. I agree with you on rhe Starbucks thing. Of course, I'm not a coffee drinker, but I do like their hot chocolate. But still, not every day. Plus it's just too expensive.

    Glad that you are still going ti be doing the Hodgepodge and I think the changes sound good. Have a great day!!

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  9. I think you deserve lots of credit for being able to come up with any questions week after week. I do not always participate, just on a rare occasion, but I enjoy reading the posts. You took on quite the endeavor. Thanks for hosting.

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  10. Just a random thought on the Hodgepodge- have you thought of getting someone to co-host with you? One week you could ask the questions and the next week the co-host could do it? Good luck though, on finding someone as clever as you on the themes. :) I don't like Starbucks but I have gone in when there are no other quick options. I love this little coffee shop here called Metto. The coffee and goodies are fantastic and I will always wait there over going into Starbucks here. How's your west coast daughter doing?

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  11. I am so appreciative of the Hodgepodge questions each week. I've been in a blogging funk the past few months, so Hodgepodging gives me a good reason to fire up the laptop and write. I respect that you are listening to your inner angst and pulling back a bit. Kudos! Thanks, as always, for what you do to make the blog world a brighter, friendlier place. <3

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  12. Thank you for your diligence over the past few years with the questions. They are a real help to me and a fun thing for the middle of the week. I visit as many as possible and truly enjoy the visits I receive. I'm not surprised that your blog talks about home. It really is where the heart is. Happy Wednesday. Your pic from Cancun is lovely. I agree with you about Starbucks. I only visit when we are on a road trip and I'm driving. Maybe 3 or 4 times a year. I don't see how anybody can concentrate on their work in there.

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  13. Great Hodgepodge - totally understand the changes! Have a wonderful rest of your week.

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  14. Joyce, how you've managed to come up with weekly questions for us to answer since 2010 is mind-boggling to me. I mean, I do well to remember my own name most days, much less do what you've done. So, a heartfelt thank you for making Hodgepodge so fun for all of us. Chris and I went to Cancun for our honeymoon in '89 and it was after a major hurricane, so much of the beach was washed away. Oh, well...we made the best of it. :)

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  15. I so enjoy the Hodgepodge and am glad you are not ending it. I think your changes sound good and reasonable, and even five questions would be enough if you feel led to cut back the amount to that extent. Thanks so much for all you do.

    Enjoyed reading your answers too and the theme this week was fun.

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  16. I agree with other comments about your weekly commitment and all the great questions you come up with. Glad you will give yourself a break from the pressure and adjust things to suit your sanity!

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  17. I agree, It's amazing to me that you've come up with so many questions every week for so many years! Glad you aren't ending WH.

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  18. Oh, Joyce, I think we all "get it" as to the HP questions. It is so obvious that you put a lot of thought into them and perhaps you could add some that aren't so thought provoking at times and that might make the task a tad less time consuming. But, whatever, we so appreciate your efforts. I'm betting when that baby boy is born that he will generate all kinds of questions.:o)) Happy midweek and blessings abundant!

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  19. Yes, you have to have the guacamole! I forgot to mention that I'm going to Cancun in November. Great answer with Starbucks, I don't get it either. I totally understand your random. I love your Wednesday Hodgepodge, most weeks it is the only thing I post. Hopefully I can come up with a question here and there! Glad you got that off your chest. ((Hugs))

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  20. I can honestly say I have wondered OFTEN how on earth you do this week after week so faithfully and wonderfully? And soo many enjoy it. I have a hard time even being faithful in my weekly participation. And you seem to be such a busy, traveling gal too. I think all of your plans for change sound reasonable and good. I do feel like I am behind the general crowd being here on the West Coast, but that's OK. Maybe you could even consider going to a once a month? Say the first or last Wednesday of the month? But I doubt I'd get much support there as everyone enjoys this so. And not that I don't...just that I get it...Anyway, whatever works for you I appreciate it all soo much! oh and btw, I soo get you on the Starbucks thing. Soo expensive, and yeah yeah. Enjoy the rest of your week!

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  21. You are amazing to keep doing this and you know we Hodgepodgers love doing this each week. Five questions works for me. Thank you, thank you!

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  22. I can totally understand about stressing over this. Maybe do it only once a month?? I enjoy doing it when I am stressing about what to blog. The questions don't always speak to me and then it is hard for me to answer. So I understand!! I can't eat guacamole but I love chips and salsa.

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  23. This is your meme therefore your rules. It shouldn't become a stressful thing for you. It's amazing that you've managed to keep it going so long. I hope the adjustments will make it easier for you and if you want to cut the number of questions I'll support your decision, especially if it means the Hodgepodge will continue. I'd hate it to become a chore for you. As for varying the posting times I actually don't think that's too vital. I sometimes post early in the day and with the time difference I can be at the front of the list, but more often than not, like today I'm later and I end up near the end of the list. Wherever I am I visit my neighbour as requested but I also visit quite a few blogs on a regular basis and if a new blog catches my eye and I have time I might check that out as well. Whew this is getting to be a waffle!

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  24. Don't stress! You're amazing for doing it to begin with. We're all friends and will still be here even when you take breaks from time to time - or maybe once a month or maybe people could write the questions. 5 questions works for me too! Oh and STARBUCKS? SO OVER IT!

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  25. Joyce, thank you so very much for continuing to do this (you know 4 questions on other blogs work really well? This is Ginabean from my life in a blog ( I Have the original hodgepodge post cool Somebody confiscated that account so I had to start over once again!!! hopefully this is the last time as it gets hard to keep in check with importing and exporting

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  26. I surely understand the Hodgepodge thing...I can imagine getting it all together each week can be quite stressful week after week, although I thoroughly enjoy it. Maybe you could do it every other week or even once a month like Vee used to do her Note Card party OR ask your reader for ideas for questions...that might be fun! You could either give credit or not to the author of the question for interest...kind of like taking requests. Just a few ideas for ya! thank you for all the time you put into this fun linky!

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  27. Thank you so much for posting the questions every week! Your new options for hodgepodge sound awesome. Love your blog!!

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  28. I see that I am #26 of the commenters to fully support you in whatever you feel works best for you with the Hodgepodge. It is clear that we all enjoy participating and appreciate what you do each week, but are also willing to do it on your terms. When Baby Boy gets here, your world will change and you may either have tons of new question ideas or decide to refocus completely. Just know we could not have found such a community of mostly like-minded women any where else. And I thank you for that.

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  29. I enjoyed your random thought. When a hobby becomes stressful, it no longer is fun. I completely understand your wanting to scale back. As long as you ask the questions, I'll try to answer them. It is perfectly okay and understandable if you need to suspend things for a week or two. Unfortunately we cannot see when life is going to cave in on us.
    Regarding SWMBO's feistiness, it's a double edged sword, both good and at times, no so good. Have a great week. Until next time...

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  30. Joyce, you have to do what works for you. This shouldn't be stressful; it should be fun. If it is stressful, the changes are definitely in order. We're behind you no matter what. :)

    Besides, you have a life outside the computer and a grand-baby coming! You have more exciting things to do that sit at the computer all day. You have grandma-planning to do. :)

    Have a blessed day!

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  31. I'd be fine with even five questions, Joyce. To be honest, I haven't participated in months because the number of questions made the hodgepodge too time-consuming for me. But with your scale-back I will try again.

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  32. I think five or six questions is just fine for Hodgepodge. I'm with you on the Starbucks thing; I don't understand the obsession either. I've only ever had a Starbucks drink twice in my life. Don't find it much better than any other coffee company.

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