I'm going to try a little something new in the HP this year, nothing earth shattering but a change nonetheless. I'm going to start posting questions the Sunday before instead of the Tuesday before like I've always done. The linkup itself will still go live on Wednesdays, hence the title-The WEDNESDAY Hodgepodge. We'll see how it goes, but this will hopefully give folks a bit more flexibility in writing their answers.
Now back to today and the first Hodgepodge of 2025...
1. Oxford's Word of the year for 2024 is 'brain rot'. Are you familiar with this term? Do you suffer from the condition? Ha! This is a term used to 'capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media'. If you were choosing a word to capture 2024 (for the nation/world, not your own life personally) what word would you choose?
I'm familiar with the term and I'm not suffering. I've become fairly ruthless in what I click these days and avoid anything that feels ad-full, sketchy, spammy, scammy, mean, lecture-like, or just plain ick.
Oxford's word is brain rot, but Merriam Webster chose polarization. My thoughts ran in that direction as well, and sadly I'm going to say 'divided'. It's not an upbeat word, but honestly I've struggled to find patches of common ground this year with people who see our country through a whole 'nother lens than I do. I keep trying though!
2. It's National Polar Bear Plunge Day (January 1)...will you be participating in one of these events (or even your own)? How will you spend the first day of this brand new year? Do you have a traditional New Year's Day menu?
I've never done a Polar Bear Plunge but we live on a lake so the possibility is there. Hubs says he's in if I'm in so I guess it's all up to me. I'll let you know.
A few years ago hubs sister and her family were here for the holidays and Daughter2, one cousin, hubs, and his sister all took the plunge. I volunteered to photograph the event because somebody had to do it.
As far as the meal goes, we do have a fairly traditional menu every January 1st that includes all the 'must-eat' foods...pork (the movement of pigs when they root for food is supposed to represent moving forward), cornbread (representing gold), spinach (green is for dollars), and black-eyed peas (for luck). These foods relate to luck and good fortune, which may or may not be true, but we like them so we play along.
As far as how we'll spend the day...I love to watch The Rose Parade and if it's not raining hard hubs and I will get out for a walk/hike, then spend the rest of the day relaxing and watching football.
3. What's something that brings you joy and how will you do more of it in this new year?
Writing. In the words of Nike-Just Do It. I'm also trying to pencil in some time blocks on the calendar in order to be more intentional about it. We'll see if that helps.
4. Do you struggle with the January blues? What's one thing you can/will do to keep them at bay?
I don't really struggle with the blues in January. Usually come January I'm feeling ready for a bit of down time. A quieter month after the frenzy of the previous year's 4th quarter, which is always jam packed with activity, is appealing to me.
Course this year I'll have grandkids in the house, so not sure how the quiet part is going to work. Stay tuned.
5. Will you choose your own personal word of the year for 2025? What about a goal, resolution, or maybe even a bucket list? Elaborate as much or as little as you like.
I'd like to have a word but haven't settled on one yet.
I'm working on a winter bucket list and will share it once I get it together. My bucket lists are always part fun, part growth, part stuff I need to do and if I put it on a list is more likely to get done.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
I'm writing my answers on New Year's Eve, and have spent the entire day (so far) in my pajamas. I cannot remember the last time I did this and let me just say it felt glorious. I worked on my blog, did some laundry, made a pot of bean soup using the ham bone leftover from Christmas dinner, and prepped two appetizers to bring to a get together we'll be attending tonite. I won't wear my pjs there, but I might be tempted.
We're ringing in 2025 with some neighbors and this is my favorite way to greet a new year...sticking close to home, no driving, snacks, friends and fun. Wishing you all a bright, happy, and healthy new year!
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Divided...I wish it weren't so, but I'd say that describes out country pretty well. You're going to have grandkids in the house...do tell? Hope you have a great day.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just need a pajama day. Happy New Year, Joyce!
ReplyDeleteYou will have to let us know if you took the plunge, literally! That's neat that some in your family have done it before... that's brave! I hope you find more time for writing this year since it brings joy and since I enjoy reading your writing (insofar as by writing you are referring to writing blog posts), I will get something out of it :). Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Joyce... oh I loved your random. I have gotten my best work done in my PJ's. Hee Hee. ;-)
ReplyDeleteKeep us updated on the polar plunge.... what about little brown dog, would he be in for a plunge?
I enjoyed reading about your New Year's Meal, I did not know about this tradition.
Carla
Thank you for posting the questions on Sundays because sometimes it's a bit of a rush for me to do my post. This is a nice change!
ReplyDeleteI am really going to try to reduce time on social media and pick up a book when the urge strikes.
I am doing good luck foods today, too - I have been wanting lentils so I am doing a lentil soup, cornbread, a pomegranate I'm going to try to open myself, kale in the soup, and honey on the cornbread. Oh, and long noodles - not sure what I will do with them - maybe just olive oil or butter.
Happy New Year, Joyce, and glad I found you in 2024!
Our lake is usually pretty frozen over by now but in our area there is a "turkey dip" that takes place Thanksgiving day that is pretty huge. I've never participated though; I don't even like going in the lake in the middle of summer! I tend to feel more winter blues in Feb. and March when it starts to feel like winter will never end... but I enjoy the dark and cozy feel of Jan. and not having much to do.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have a catch up day at home in pajamas! I hope to have a day at home with a little bit of productivity. Your famiily is brave to jump in the lake in December, but what a fun memory! Thanks for hosting this each week and for the date change of questions. Enjoy your traditional meal and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joyce! I like the thought of seeing these 'posers' a couple of days early ... avoiding the 'brain rot' that normally accompanies (my) Sunday afternoons.
ReplyDeleteBurr on the plunge! I do like pork, cornbread and spinach. I've never had black eyed peas. Yes, I will be watching the parade. It was a shame that New York had all that rain last night. You are a fabulous writer. Hooray for the grandkids. What a great day in your pajamas. Good for you. You certainly do keep busy and you make some great food. Enjoy the party tonight. Happy New Year and may the blessings flow in 2025. Love, Debby
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of having the questions earlier, so thank you for thinking of that. It will make it easier (I hope) to come up with answers for some of the more thought-provoking questions.
ReplyDeleteI definitely see how "polarization" could be a very apt word for our year as a country/world. Like you, I've found there are people I thought I knew fairly well who I now struggle to find middle ground with regarding our country. Praying that changes, and thankful that God can do anything.
My pajama day might be today. Yesterday I had a massage scheduled so I had to get dressed. :) Fun plunge in the lake. Our kids would do that if we lived on a lake. I'm watching the parade as I type. Your New Year's Day get together sounds just right with no driving involved...fun! Greg seems to think I'm going to take down Christmas today. Hmmm. Maybe, maybe not! Happy 2025 to you and yours!!
ReplyDeleteA day in pajamas sounds great!! I have on leggings and a sweatshirt which is ALMOST pajamas! I hope 2025 is a wonderful and blessed year for you and yours!!
ReplyDeleteI love a PJ day. I often have PJ mornings if I have jobs to do in the house - I get those done first then shower and dress and get on with whatever takes my fancy. I hope you had a good time at the neighbours yesterday. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteYou’re still young enough to do a polar plunge without crippling up your joints for a few days! My husband years ago in his younger days was on several scientific ships in the Artic and Antarctica - with the Coast Guard. They all did it. He said you’re so cold, it burns. He still enjoys a dare and will still attempt - all to make others laugh.
ReplyDeleteI never knew all the food symbolizing. Interesting on how far back does it go. Well, I’m excited for the new year and can’t wait to get started! Blessings to you and yours.
PS. Makes no difference to me when the questions are posted. I just hope everyone will hold off with the posts until it’s Wednesday.
Once a pond a time I would never have a pajama day and even now it isn't something I will do very often and today here in Newie is the type of day that one may like to stay in their pajamas, it is coldish and overcast
ReplyDeleteRegarding the significance of the traditional foods for New Year's Day, I had not heard that before and thought it so interesting. I did make some corn bread earlier this week with my cast iron wedge pan (my fav way to bake it). Hubby can't eat beans/peas of any kind as a result of his surgeries, and he doesn't like collards, so we had chicken salad on buns with tater tots. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI'd volunteer to be photographer rather than Polar Bear plunging too! LOL I was just asking hubby this morning why pork is a traditional New Years day food, so thank you for answering that question for me! I am making a roast pork tenderloin for our dinner. Thanks for hosting and Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for another fun Hodgepodge, Joyce. I enjoyed your answers and will take spinach over collards any day!! I prefer my mid-western roots New Year meal of pork, sauerkraut, and potatoes. I didn't have that either though. LOL Wishing you and all a blessed 2025!!
ReplyDeleteThis is one I would have liked to have participated in but there are only so many hours in the day!! I find it easier to blog when I am working less - I spend all day on the computer many days so coming home to get back on for "fun" is NOT fun for me :(. I've read a ton of Hodgepodges today, though, and have really enjoyed different perspectives and thoughts. Thanks for always putting this together.
ReplyDeleteMy word of the year is INTENTIONAL - time, money, words. . .I'll try to weigh decisions in this vein this year.
Your comment about pajamas all day was a good one! That was my "goal" for today until it was time to go play pickleball at 530. By 1 p.m., though, the sun was out so I was itching to get the dogs out. I dressed (much to my husband and son's dismay) in "loungewear" - they consider this the same as pajamas - ha! I don't think they much cared for just walking around the neighborhood, but then I requested Mexican for a mid-day meal and they took me, but didn't think much of my outfit - ha! Here I sit, past midnight now, still in my PB clothes (comfy but not sleep/lounge-worthy). It was nice not to put makeup on today or worry about looking the part for anything though :)
Happy New Year!!
I enjoyed your answers! I always like the questions you pose. Your new years foods sound good!
ReplyDelete