The Hodgepodge Has it All-Volume 87

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge. So glad you played along today...add your link to the bottom of my post and then hop round to the neighboring countries. Here are my answers-

1. I'm joining my daughter1 in the 101 in 1001 challenge. Essentially you create a list of 101 things you want to accomplish or do in the next 1001 days. What's one thing you'd put on your list?

Make a trip back to London.

No one is actually surprised to see this on my list are they?

You'll find my whole list here.

2. How many remote controls do you have in your house? What's one item in your home you wish could be run by remote control?

I think we have four-three televisions and our Bose radio. Oh and the Wii so that's five. There may be more lurking around here somewhere but those are the ones we use. Wait...our garages open via remote control and there are three of those so I guess that brings the total to eight.

This question definitely falls under the category of first world problems.

As far as what I wish had a remote? I'm going with the iron. Then I wouldn't drive away from the house wondering if I'd turned it off. I could just hit the remote.

3. What does having it all mean to you? Is it attainable?

For as long as I can remember I've wanted to be a wife and mother. In that sense I feel like I have it all, like there isn't a single thing missing. Along the way I've also had a career of sorts, but that was always secondary to the other bigger, truer me. I could have poured my heart and soul and brain into a career but those parts of me were completely claimed by growing girls and a husband with a lot of ambition in his own career track. I know I would have felt a constant sense of conflict within myself and a nagging discontent in my soul. For the record, I have a lot of education and I don't feel like I've wasted anything. I have never resented the focus on my hubs career and feel an enormous amount of pride in his accomplishments. I have been a part of them, albeit behind the scenes.

It seems today like the pendulum has swung again, and instead of explaining why you want to work and raise a family you have to explain why you don't want to work...you have to constantly justify why making a home and raising a family is your life's ambition, and an acceptable one at that. I know women who are driven by their career aspirations. I think many women are driven by something else and both are okay.

So, is it attainable? Yes. It just depends on your definition of having it all.

4. What's your favorite movie soundtrack?

Elizabethtown, Almost Famous, and Saturday Night Fever

5. Describe the best view you've seen from a rooftop?

I am all about a great view so choosing just one is tough. The view down into Central Park from the Mandarin Hotel, the view down into the city of Oxford from any one of a number of fabulous rooftops, and the view down into Venice from atop St. Mark's Cathedral. Those are some of my faves.

6. What's your least favorite thing about summer?

mosquitos

7. Our weekly Hodgepodge lands on the first day of August. In ten words or less sum up your July.

Time spent with my family of four was a highlight.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This is one of the most beautiful versions of Amazing Grace I've ever heard. I'm slightly addicted...

101 in 1001

Ever since I saw daughter1's blog post last week with her 101 in 1001 list, I've been mulling over a list of my own. I really love the idea of living intentionally and I'll also admit that I'm a bit of a list junkie. I'm especially a fan of the notes app on my ipad and the notion that I have a never ending supply of legal pads at my fingertips.

Making my list was something of a challenge. I think if you're under 30 it might be less of a brain strain but at almost 52 I know myself well. I know what is possible, but also what is likely. If I had an unlimited bank account to go with my list then no problem, but since I don't I tried to include only those things that fall within the realm of do-able.

I hopped around to a few blog lists and noticed some bloggers have categorized their goals according to genre-home improvement, personal development, spiritual, physical, etc. Mine is more of what might kindly be referred to as 'free flowing'. If you decide to make a list of your own let me know so I can cheer you on, and more importantly, cross off #101.

In no particular order, here's my 101 in 1001~

Start date-8/1/2012

End date-4/28/2015

1. transfer our videos to DVD

2. host an English tea

3. get my hearing checked (completed 11/12/12)

4. crochet something

5. pay for a soldier's meal or coffee (does a beer count? If so, completed 12/18/13)

6. find a small table for the upstairs hall

7. read through the Bible chronologically (completed December 31, 2013-best.thing.ever.)

8. figure out Dish network on my ipad

9. make a trip back to London

10. learn to fly fish

11. volunteer to pack boxes in a packing center for Operation Christmas Child

12. visit Boston (9/27/12-9/30/12)

13. get piano tuned(10/23/12)

14. frame something for the hall bathroom (completed, 2/28/13)

15. Lose 10 pounds (completed, 1/15)

16. buy and complete Rosetta stone-French

17. take a cooking class

18. visit the Statue of Liberty with hubs

19. re-label my blog posts

20. send 36 handwritten notes

21. buy pretty monogrammed or engraved stationery (completed, 9/18/13)

22. see Niagara Falls

23. take an organized NYC walk

24. drink 8 glasses of water a day for at least one week

25. Read 6 non-fiction books (completed, 1/15/15)

26. volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry (monthly beginning 1/14/12)

27. get all loose photos in albums, scrapbooks, or photo boxes

28. go out west

29. perform random acts of kindness every day the week of my birthday

30. complete 3 scrapbooks

31. host a wine and cheese evening

32. paint the laundry room (autumn, 2012)

33. frame something for the back bath

34. take the Banff train

35. redo the driveway pillars (10/26/12)

36. make Christmas ornaments for the whole family (completed Christmas, 2013)

37. see a Vol game in Neyland Stadium

38. plan a birthday surprise for hubs

39. read 10 pieces of classic literature

40. have my everyday makeup professionally done

41. figure out wall over the sofa table (completed, August 2013)

42. settle on where we will retire and narrow down housing wants/needs (completed, February 2015)

43 sort out the side hill (10/26/12)

44. send at least 2 random care packages to the girls every year

45. plan a 30th anniversary trip (Portugal, 6/14)

46 see Cirque du Soleil

47. Memorize 30 verses (completed, March 2015)

48. publish something

49. sip Prosecco in Italy

50. read all the Harry Potter books

51. travel to a state I've never visited

52. make a playlist of my 100 favorite songs

53. rent canoes at Waywayanda (10/6/12)

54. attend a sorority reunion (7/26-28/13)

55. dine at Anthony Bourdain's Les Halle's

56. make homemade rolls like my grandma did for a holiday meal

57. pray weekly with my hubs

58. write a letter to someone I admire

59. take a golf lesson

60. visit the NY Botanical Gardens

61. move my blog to my own domain (first, find out what that means) (1/19/13)

62. drink frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity

63. stay in a B & B

64. see all the films on 'Roger Ebert's 102 movies you must see' list (as of Aug 1-26/102)

65. make Thai dishes learned in my UK cooking class

66. go to Governor's Island

67. spend a girls only weekend with my sisters, daughters, and niece

68. replace dining room chandelier

69. add to my Portmerion Christmas dish collection

70. vote in the Presidential election and all eligible primaries and races (done)

71. be disciplined in my quiet time (I got there in 2013, but feel this will always remain a goal)

72. visit a state park I haven't seen (2/2013-Ft. DeSoto Park, Tampa FL)

73. walk across the Brooklyn Bridge-eat pizza at Grimaldi's under the bridge (walked bridge, 5/14)

74. take a piano lesson

75. organize and sync all my contacts, update all address books

76. attend a professional Ballet

77. visit The Cloisters

78. open, sort, repack or give away all the boxes in the basement (completed, April 2015)

79. read 2 works of Shakespeare

80. memorize the US Presidents in order

81. make an Indian curry dinner with hubs

82. give our will info to my sister in law and the kids

83. try at least one new recipe every month

84. visit Hyde Park, NY

85. notice good parenting and then anonymously buy that family dinner

86. go thru saved magazines and clip recipes-file

87. submit a travel piece to a magazine

88. compile emergency preparedness supplies

89. create a flaming dessert

90. send a care package to a soldier I don't know

91. spa day at Crystal Springs followed by dinner at Latour

92. participate in the A-Z blog challenge (04/13)

93. exercise at least 4 days/week

94. eat in a top 10 NYC restaurant

95. visit a French speaking country after completing Rosetta Stone

96. paint the back bedroom (completed, 5/1/13)

97. write our sponsored children once a month

98. find a piece of furniture for family room corner

99. scan family Christmas photo cards/letters into photo books for us/ the girls (completed, Christmas 2013 done in binder format)

100. Blog about 50 or more items on my list

101. Inspire someone to make a list of their own (8/1/12-Sherrie at Food for Thought)

Hodgepodge Questions-Vol 87

Breaking from my Olympic viewing to bring you this week's questions for the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to share the love.

1. I'm joining my daughter1 in the 101 in 1001 challenge. Essentially you create a list of 101 things you hope to do or accomplish in the next 1001 days. What's one thing you'd put on your list?

2. How many remote controls do you have in your house? What's one item in your home you wish could be operated by remote control?

3. What does having it all mean to you? Is it attainable?

4. What's your favorite movie soundtrack?

5. Describe the best view you've seen from a rooftop.

6. What's your least favorite thing about summer?

7. Our weekly Hodgepodge falls on the first day of August. In ten words or less sum up your July.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

A Decathalon of Sorts

I like the idea of wrapping up my weekend thoughts by writing a post on Sunday night but that rarely happens. My brain is like a computer (Ha!), not because it's crammed full of knowledge, but because it goes into sleep mode on Sunday and doesn't really reboot until sometime after Monday morning's third cup of coffee.

For the record, it's still Sunday but I have so many swirly thoughts I feel like I will never be able to get to sleep if I don't write some of them down. Hubs is laughing now. Okay, I'm sure I can fall asleep but my brain won't feel rested tomorrow.

Hey, did y'all know the Olympics are happening right this very minute? Does anyone else feel a little glassy eyed from all the viewing? I have a few thoughts about the whole thing so here we go...

The Opening Ceremony. I loved it. I know there were mixed reviews, but in our house it was a complete hit. As soon as the show got started both my girls simultaneously texted to say they were about to cry. I think you know we lean toward sentimentality around here and hubs and I were feeling it too. Daniel Craig, Mr. Bean, and the Queen herself all made us feel a little bit homesick for life on a small island.

I love their way with words, their smart dry humor, and the obvious pride (understated of course) they feel for their history and landmarks. Top it off with a mound of glorious green countryside representing Glastonbury Tor, and my heart was swept right across the pond last Friday evening. Don't even get me started on the sweet clear voices of children singing. No matter where I am when I hear the hymn Jerusalem I get a lump in my throat.

I know there are some critics out there but let's face it, following the Beijing opening is kinda like drawing the short straw. Personally I'm glad England stayed true to herself. I have a big giant soft spot in my heart for the UK and the people who live there. I didn't get the giant creepy baby bit, but the NHS did start off as a dream and is now something of a nightmare so I'm thinking metaphor.

I'm a little disappointed in NBC's coverage of the games. Firstly-too many adverts. I know they paid an arm and a leg to get the broadcast rights, but ugh.

Also, I like live coverage. I like the excitement of watching competition as it happens, and since it's 2012 and not 1985, it's nearly impossible to keep people from hearing or seeing the results somewhere. You can't turn on your computer, car radio, or even your phone without hearing who won the gold. Leaving your house is even difficult because restaurants, malls, and shopping centers all have radio and television playing these days. It's ludicrous. If we're unable to watch live we can set our DVR or watch the replay in the evening programming or on NBC online, but let's see the events as they're happening please.

I am loving the games themselves. How can you not feel moved when you see a medal winner wipe a tear from their eye, standing atop a podium as their Anthem is played?

Imagine getting to the Olympics and missing out on Gold by 32/100 of a second. Is that even a number? I love the underwater camera and the way the swimmers seem to be genuinely happy for each other when records are broken. I actually like to swim and have decided I need a suit, cap, and abdominal muscles exactly like theirs.

Also, gymnasts have nerves of steel. Man-oh-man! So many missteps and kerplunks on the mat and that darned horse. I think the degree of difficulty is so incredibly high now we're bound to see more spills with every passing year. It's insane what these tiny girls can do on the mats and beam. They're literally airborn. I find myself holding my breath during the gymnastic events.

True story-when my brother was in high school or maybe Jr. high, he broke his arm on the horse. When I came home from school and asked how it happened he told me he'd been shot with an arrow in gym class. I believed him. I don't know why I'm sharing this little tale other than the fact that vaulting and archery are both Olympic events and that horse is scary hard.

In non-Olympic related news we did actually get out of the house for a bit on Saturday. The weather couldn't quite make up its mind but we managed a walk in a nearby park before the rains came.

The humidity was brutal but nature came with a canopy which made it not so bad. It's a good thing hubs has eyes like a hawk, otherwise I might walk right into something like this-

The hornets were at home in case you're wondering. The model boat operators were also out on Saturday which is always fun to see. These boats positively fly...

Until they don't and must then be rescued by an actual boat.

Going on the hunt always wears her out-

fyi-she didn't actually catch anything.

A new diner recently opened in tinytown and we ate lunch there before heading out to see The Dark Knight Rises.

The movie was so violent. I mean, all the more recent Batman movies have been violent, but this one is seriously dark and disturbing. Why oh why parents of children who are less than 13, would you bring your offspring to see this??? I just don't get it. I actually thought this one deserved an R rating but we're relaxing our standards, and not in a good way.

Here's something a little bit funny. We ran in CVS before the movie and I purchased exactly two small items. Here's my receipt beside a yard stick-

Whaaaaaat? That's three feet! I didn't even want or need a receipt and this one is longer than my arm. It's not just CVS...it seems like all stores want you to take online surveys, rate their employee performance, join various reward programs, etc. and the result is a receipt the size of a yardstick.

I fear this post has become Olympic in length. It's the blog version of the decathlon since I'm pretty sure I hit ten different events. If you've made it to the end you deserve a gold medal.

Go USA!

The Proverbial Straw

Is it just me or does anyone else feel like the level of hate, division, and vitriol in America is rising at an alarming rate? Maybe it just feels that way because we are force fed the 'news' 24/7 and the average Joe has a place to weigh in via the many social media outlets. Lately America feels like a pot boiling furiously under a barely contained lid and any minute now it's going to boil over leaving a stain than can never be wiped clean.

I try to keep quiet when it comes to matters of politics, but I have grown weary of words tossed carelessly into the wind. Weary of implied sin or wrongdoing. Weary of jokes that aren't really jokes. The dialogue in America has turned into something I'm not even sure can be labeled as dialogue anymore.

As you've no doubt heard, The Henson Company (Muppets) is ending its partnership with Chick-fil-A over CEO Dan Cathy's interview statement regarding his definition of marriage (one man, one woman). Naturally others are quick to jump on the bandwagon and the mayor of Boston has said because of Mr. Cathy's 'bigotry', he'll make it hard for Chick-fil-a to acquire the necessary licenses to do business there.

Bigotry? If you don't support same sex marriage now you're a bigot?

What in the world is happening to our country?

I'm not debating the issue of same sex marriage here. I'm calling into question a person's right to hold an opinion on that subject and a myriad of other hot topics, and not be penalized, ostracized, or worst of all labeled intolerant, for holding said opinion. This is about far more than Mr. Cathy's view of same sex marriage.

I watched an online news clip where the reporter prefaced Cathy's remarks as 'controversial'. Really? Who was made dictator and given the job of labeling which viewpoints are controversial and which ones are not? It may not be her viewpoint, but America is somewhat split on this topic so controversial isn't the word I'd choose.

For the record I have many gay friends whom I dearly love. I'm also a fan of the Muppets and think a Chick-fil-A sandwich with extra pickle is one of life's little pleasures. God bless America!

The Hensons can do business (or not) with anyone they please, but let's not call names and attempt to start a public boycott. Mr. Boston mayor I'm talking to you and the Chicago politicians who are now spewing something similar. In fact the mayor of Chicago has said he will support an Alderman's recommendation they ban Chick-fil-A from opening a second store in Logan Square. Alderman Moreno has said 'Because of this man's ignorance, I will now block Chick-fil-A's request to open a restaurant in the First Ward."

Okay Mr. Alderman...so I guess you're going to make your way round to all the other folks doing business in the First Ward to be sure they toe the line, your line? Best make certain they don't hold any 'radical' views either.

The word discriminatory was also thrown in for good measure.

Nothing like taking the ball and running with it, right?

Anyone remember Joe McCarthy?

We have lost the plot.

It seems we are no longer a nation capable of rational thinking.

If you aren't left you must be right. Far far left or far far right.

There is no middle ground.

Actually there is middle ground, it's just that we've stopped looking for it. Instead we sprint like track stars to the far side of the pavement. Everyone belongs in a clearly defined slot. If you say you're a Conservative then you must believe abc. If you say you're a Liberal then you must believe xyz. Us. Them. The derogatory 'they'. The pronouns exhaust me.

I'm quite certain Ms. Henson and her company do business every day with folks who differ with her viewpoint on any number of issues. I'm sure I disagree with some of her positions but hey, that doesn't mean I can't still like the Muppets and, as an American wanting the economy to turn around, wish her company and Chick-fil-A both much success.

I think what's happening in this instance is frightening. The wonderful notion that everyone can be who they are, part of the fabric of America for eons, is disintegrating right before our eyes. Not only are we allowing it, we're helping it. What we have today is the less than wonderful notion that everyone can be who they are unless....unless your views are not in line with my views. Then we need to find you out, punish you, and do our best to besmirch your name and run you out of business.

Dear Henson Corporation, Boston Mayor, Chicago politicians, Hollywood, and America,

I'm quite certain there are currently many business owners in fair cities all across this great nation who hold opinions on any number of issues that differ from your own. Do we now start surveying the guy we buy our gas from or the produce man or our hair stylist before we patronize a business? How about their stand on abortion, illegal immigration, and legalizing marijuana? What does Mr. Cathy's viewpoint and personal opinion on same sex marriage, or anything else for that matter, have to do with the price of a chicken sandwich?

If we want to get back to a place where Americans can agree to disagree then I think it has to begin at the grass roots level. Let's start with Facebook. Let's stop posting links, posters, and cartoons that take words and twist them in order to imply something other than what the speaker intended. Let's just not go there.

It's so easy to go there.

To get a laugh, make a point, plant a seed of doubt in someone's mind.

Let's just not.

America takes one step closer to the edge of the cliff every day.

Let's dig in our heels and quit with the sweeping generalizations.

Put the breaks on hate.

Let's step away from the edge.

The Games of the 86th Hodgepodge

Unlike the Summer Olympics which only occur every four years, the Hodgepodge rolls around every Wednesday. No training, sweat, or heavy lifting required either, so what are you waiting for? Come play along...

1. The Summer Olympics officially begin this Friday...will you be watching? If you could see just one event in person which one would you pick?

I love the Olympics, summer and winter, and we'll watch a lot of the coverage. If I could see one event in person I'd pick the men's swimming 400-meter Individual Medley final. Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte are expected to win gold and silver. They both want gold.

Plus their abs are easy on the eyes.

Just sayin'.

2. Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

I guess it depends on whether or not its a 'scheduled' lazy day or a day when I should be productive, but instead, have been lazy. I think we all need a lazy day now and then. We had a weekend of lazy days recently and it was bliss. That kind of lazy recharges my batteries so essentially being lazy was productive. Then there's the kind of day where my to-do list is overwhelming so I go read a book instead. That sort of lazy makes me feel icky and unproductive at the end of the day.

3. July 25 is 'officially' Threading the Needle day...can you sew? On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not at all and 10 being Betsy Ross-like, how would you rate your skill with a needle and thread?

About a 5. I know how to sew, but haven't done much more than a hem, button, or girl scout badge in recent years. I used to be a better seamstress than I am these days, but I think sewing is like golf...if you don't practice regularly you're not going to be very good. I have a sewing machine that hasn't seen the light of day since we moved to the UK. I should open it up, dust it off, and sew something I guess. Or I might just wait until I have grandbabies.

4. Threading the Needle can also mean to walk a fine line between two things or issues (think awkward social situation). When was the last time you had to 'thread the needle', figuratively speaking?

Politics on facebook.

I really dislike political stuff on facebook. Really really. I much prefer facebook-lite and wish people would save the political maneuvering for their blogs, letters to the editor, call in radio programs, rallies and the like.

I fear I'm becoming less adept at threading the needle when it comes to politics and facebook.

5. Kidney, pinto, black, or navy-your favorite bean?

I love Kidney beans in chili, pinto beans with cornbread or beside a plate of Mexican food and black beans or navy beans in my soup. I'll say pinto beans are my favorite, but that's mostly because I love cornbread and Mexican food.

6. Have you ever hosted a garage sale? Was it more success or bust?

I co-hosted a garage sale once. I was still hauling a bin full of baby clothes out of the back of my car when I was 'accosted' by a patron. She practically climbed up into the station wagon with me. Offered me $200 bucks on the spot for the whole bin, sight unseen. SOLD.

That's kind of how I like it. I know people love garage sales, but I'm not really a fan of sorting thru other people's junk (fine antiques are another matter).

I feel like a garage sale is too much work for mostly too little reward. I prefer giving gently used clothes to Goodwill or some other charity.

7. What makes you roll your eyes?

Passing a slow or erratic driver only to note he/she is on the cell phone or reading/sending a text. Arrrrgh! You're operating a motor vehicle-pay attention!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My daughter1 posted a fun thing on her blog this week and it's gotten me thinking...go here to read the post. I'm working on creating my own 101 in 1001 now, but it's harder than it sounds. Let me know if you're inspired to come up with a list of your own.

Hodgepodge Questions-Vol 86

Here are the questions for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog and then hop back over here tomorrow to link answers.

1. The Summer Olympics officially begin this Friday night...will you be watching? If you could see just one event in person which one would you pick?

2.Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

3. July 25th is 'officially' Threading the Needle Day...can you sew? On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not at all and 10 being Betsy Ross-like, how would you rate your skill with a needle and thread?

4. 'Threading the Needle' can also mean to walk a fine line between two things or issues (think awkward social situation). When was the last time you had to 'thread the needle', figuratively speaking?

5. Kidney, pinto, black, or navy...your favorite bean?

6. Have you ever hosted a garage sale? Was it more success or bust?

7. What makes you roll your eyes?

8. Insert your own random thought here.