"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Hodgepodge Wednesday

Today is Hodgepodge Wednesday. Joyce From This Side Of The Pond runs this meme every Wednesday. Stop by and join us!





Here are this week's question:

1. April 15th is the deadline for Americans to file their state and federal income tax returns.  What's a job you do on a regular basis that could be described as 'taxing'?

I am the receipt keeper and organizer.  I go over them.  Add them up.  Then I then hand over these files to my husband.  He waits until the 14th and then sends them in!

2. I'm participating in the April A-Z blog challenge, and the Hodgepodge happens to fall on Day O this week. In keeping with that theme...olives, onions, oysters, okra...of the foods mentioned, what's your favorite O food?

Oatmeal - I have Scottish Oatmeal almost every morning of my life.  It is a little better texture than Steel Cut Oats and I think it tastes better and it has lots of fiber.

3.  What is something memorable you experienced as a child that your own children (or future children/nieces/nephews) will not get to experience?

You know when we were younger and going through school - we had to think for ourselves.  I wrote  my papers by hand.  I had to go to the Library/Media Center for information and I had to do so much research on the topics.  I guess what I'm saying is that we had no technology and our kids are not going to get to experience that life.  We didn't have information at the touch of a button - while it is wonderful - there is something to say for working hard and struggling.

The times were so much simpler.  I would say hello to people I passed by and now I can't because they are on their Bluetooth.

I talked to my children at the dinner table every night and they talked to me with no technology on.

I played outside all day and was not worried about security.  We left the doors unlocked.  I made prank calls to Mr. Lion about being loose at the zoo and they could not trace me back - lol.  

My concern for the future is about communication and closeness to others.  How are people going to be able to communicate and have relationships with one another?  Is all communication going to be done on technology with no personal contact?  What is that?

4. Term limits for our elected officials...your thoughts?

Two or less in some cases.  

5. On April 18th, 1775, Paul Revere made his famous 'midnight ride'...when did you last make a midnight ride?  Perhaps the fate of a nation wasn't hanging in the balance, but tell us where you were headed anyway.

My grandson did have to memorize this entire poem this year!  It was like 8 to 10 verses long!!!

 Let's see - where did I go in the middle of the night last.  I think we were watching movies here at home and decided to throw our clothes on over our PJ's and do an ice cream run!  But it was more around ten o'clock then midnight! 


6.  What would freak you out more...a mouse running across your floor or a big fat hairy spider?

Definitely a mouse or a rat!  

7. I love it when people ask me about what I think - who am I?

The greatest gift I can conceive of having from anyone is to be seen by them, heard by them, to be understood and touched by them. The greatest gift I can give is to see, hear, understand and to touch another person. When this is done I feel contact has been made.
Virginia Satir


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am thinking today about the latest act of terror on the US.  It makes me sad because I don't understand how someone or a group of someones can be so violent to kill others for no apparent reason. I pray for Boston, the victims, the injured, and our country.    I still think of the families from Newtown.  So many babies.

And while there are bad people - I do have to remind me myself - that there are a lot more wonderful people out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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THE LAUGH:

Thanks Debby


THE LIFT:

54 comments:

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

You are right about prank calls - we used to get them all the time because my maiden name was McDonald and people called looking for Ronald - lol. Caller ID ended that fun :-)

Eat To Live said...

My Hubs uses Turbo Tax and say it is really easy. This year, Staples had me do a review on their Turbo Tax so we got it for free.

MadSnapper said...

enjoyed all your answers, i like learning personal things about you. and he funny thing is your number 3 answer, is almost verbatin for what i said to my hubby this morning. we were talking about why the younger generation dosen't seem to have as much commons sense or how to figure out things and i said what you said. we worked hard, we struggled, our parents had no money, we did not go to disney world, we did not have any and everything we wanted, when we did get a gift it meant something and we learned if we did not work we did not eat or sleep in a bed. now they have so much they can't handle it.

Jeanie said...

Kudos to your grandson for memorizing that long poem. That is one thing kids don't seem to be required to do these days.
I agree with your thoughts about the violence in Boston.

Anonymous said...

Sandy,
I'm a receipt maker myself and my husband tally's it all. Enjoyed reading your answers.
Have a good day!
Pat

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I can still recite the first two stanzas of Paul Revere's Ride by Longfellow. I am such a hit at parties with that one.

bp said...

Hello, I enjoyed your answers. I agree on the technology. We were talking the other day how kids aren't taught cursive like we used to be taught. One more thing that has changed.
Bethany

Unknown said...

Enjoyed your post today, and posts like this, help each of us to know the others better. May have to join in on this.

Joyce said...

It is a different world now for sure, better in some ways but less so in others.

I wanted to let you know too, that you don't need to visit everyone in the HP. There are so many participants now...I just request everyone visit a few, particularly those who link near you. That way everyone gets some visitors. So glad you're participating!

Anonymous said...

Love reading your answers,I can just picture you as a child calling Mr Lion!!!!!lol

Sandee said...

Let me talk about the term limit one. Yes term limits, but I think we need to trash our two party system and have a third one. Perhaps libertarian or independent. We aren't getting anywhere with the mess we currently have.

Have a terrific day. ☺

Cheri said...

I am going to answer #3 and 4..

my grandchildren will never experience security, the ability to play outside even in the dark, to play games such as Red Light Green Light, Midnight tag in everyone's yard (even though it was just as it got dark), Freeze Tag, Riding Bikes all over the neighborhood, catching fire flies. I could go on and on.

Elected officials - no matter how long the term is I think that if they aren't doing their job, they should get fired just like anyone else would for not doing their job. I also think they should have the same benefits we have, no secret service, no library named after them, limited budget, you get the picture. They were elected to SERVE the people who elected them, not line their own pockets, not rub elbows with celebrities, not go on glorious vacations using tax payer $$$, this is a privilege to serve not an entitlement.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I don't think I've ever had scottish oatmeal.

You asked what we'd do w/ our guinea - just let him hang out and be a pet. If he's lucky maybe we'll add some ladies to the mix later, lol.

Elizabeth said...

My son's college campus closed most of the buildings yesterday afternoon because five fires were started in trash cans in various buildings.
What's the point?
We're just happy no one was hurt.

Susan said...

Hi Sandie....Loved reading more about you. I agree with the social media stuff. When our kids were little, we could have a meal without cellphones, iphones, blah blah blah Nowadays? Highly unlikely.

And yes, we HAVE to concentrate more on the good people in the world, rather than the shmucks. There are more good, I think, than the other.

Have a good Wednesday. Susan

Debbie said...

My favorite answer of yours this week is the one about thinking and doing for ourselves when we were growing up. I LOVED that observation!

You are so right about that.

As to term limits, I think maybe it should be year limits instead of term limits. A term for a senator is three times longer than a congressman.

(OK, maybe I just don't want my daughter schlepping about for a new job every two years. LOL)

Beth said...

The most taxing thing that I have to do is cleaning the bathroom. I hate that. LOL

TexWisGirl said...

i loved the simplicity of my youth growing up in farming country in wisconsin. simple, outdoor fun.

mail4rosey said...

LOL at the dog in the picture!

And lol at you for the prank phone calls. :)

We were just discussing how the technology is affecting school curriculum and I was one of the few in the discussion who felt online school for K-12 would not hold as many pros as cons. I think the human interaction is important, imperative even. Online is not the same.

Granny Annie said...

As you said, there are a lot more wonderful people in this world. Too bad the squeaky wheels get the grease.

Pride In Photos Beauty said...

So many great questions you are asking...really made me think. The chatty Crone signature gif is really cute.

Anonymous said...

youmake my day, you truly do, I have no idea what i would do without my visit here each day, you are a happiness spreading angel.

LL Cool Joe said...

I almost put that last quote on my blog yesterday. That's weird.

Technology is scary I agree. I feel I've lost my daughter's to their phones and computers. We used to talk, now, not so much.

Debbie said...

I loved reading your thoughts about growing up. It's just soo true. A different world for sure. It bothers me my grands can't do much on their own as it just isn't safe. Just walking home from school is a concern these days. My heart is heavy thinking of those in Boston too. But your right, there is still MANY MANY more good people out there! Enjoy your day!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I loved learning about you through these answers Sandie. And you're so right by the way, there are far more good people in the world than bad...

barbara l. hale said...

I used to love going to the library as a kid. I do think that is something kids miss out on these days. The feel and smell of books... But I do love the new technology, too. Mixed feelings about all that. And yes, there are certainly more good people in the world than bad. I truly believe that.

Suzan said...

So much here -
we do Turbo tax and completed it last month.
My heart goes out to the Boston Massacre --- to the Individuals and to the Families. But as you said - We can't let them deter our way of life.
People need to be AS upset with every person - teenager and adult that drives and texts and talks on the phone. We lost approx. 6,000 people in 2011 to people texting and talking on the cell phone. THAT IS MURDER! They know better!!
The numbers were higher last year. Why aren't we doing something about that??? Just venting here- I was smacked/rear ended last week by a lady on her cell phone!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, Loved reading your post today... George and I keep up with all receipts --and he keeps all of the info on the computer (Turbo Tax). We do our taxes the end of January --and usually always get a nice refund...

Your talk about childhood brought back so many memories to me.. I remember never worrying about security and never even locking our house or car.. I played outside and never worried about phones/computers, etc... OH--how I wish we could go back to the good-ole-days.

Great post.
Hugs,
Betsy

Cathy said...

I memorized part of that poem when I was a kid and actually still remember it. Maybe someday I should go back and memorize the rest.

Love that last picture and quote. "When you get to the end of your rope, tie and knot and hang on!" That's exactly what we have to do.

TARYTERRE said...

Oatmeal is really a healthy breakfast food. I've never had Scottish oatmeal. It sounds interesting since you eat it everyday.

momto8 said...

enjoy reading your answers!
don't feel much like blogging though, with this Boston tragedy...

Carol said...

I love poems....good answers to the questions.

Happy Day to you!

Betty said...

I had to hire a CPA this year to do my taxes. In the past all I did was sign the return.

I also made crank calls. When Alan Shepherd went up in space my friends and I called people and told them we were doing a survey and wanted to know how they felt about the launch. Surprisingly, people believed us. Some even thought we had caught up with the Russians. We hadn't. He just went up and right back down. It was John Glen who eventually orbited the earth. I guess crank calls are a thing of the past with caller ID.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Very good thoughts today. My food beginning with O would be orange juice. I can understand killing someone you hate or in the heat of a fight, but people you don't even KNOW, and you don't care...little children!!! How awful, they should be exempt from everything, there are no borders with children

Grandma Bonnie said...

Very interesting answers. As for #3 I remember having to remember all the phone numbers we called. Friends family and so forth. I bet we memorized over fifty phone numbers. Now, the most phone numbers children have memorized is their own phone number if that.

Gail Dixon said...

I'm the receipt keeper, adder and sender-in as well. Sigh. Very, very taxing. The Boston thing is just too sad for words, but the stories of the good are inspirational.

Rob-bear said...

The most taxing thing to do is fill out your tax forms.

Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting

Wanda's Wings said...

Enjoy your blog.

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

You always make us all think! Well, I was thinking of you making prank calls! And then I was thinking of memorizing poems and such. Did you memorize all of the Presidents, States, and Capitals? We did and also all of the songs from The Sound Of Music!
For me-a spider!
Hugs!
Jemma

Ann said...

My ex husband used to wait until the 14th to mail in the taxes. Wade gets ours done as soon as we get our W-2's

Wendy Annabeth said...

Thanks for sharing :) I just love reading about bloggers :)

Merlesworld said...

1. Changing the litter in the cat tray.
2.maybe oranges.
3.The mobile library.
4.Yes LIMIT the time and damage they can do .
5.Can't remember usually in bed by midnight.
6.A fat hairy spider.
7.I love to give advice but know most of the time it will be ignored.
8.it's too early for random thoughts only late at night before I go to sleep, that's when they pop into my head.
Merle........

Jill said...

Loved this post, my friend!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It's nice to learn even more about you. I always enjoy your posts...nice quotes today, too! Sweet hugs!

Dee said...

great answers on number three. It is true about prank calls I have done them myself....and could not be traced. LOL we are such naughty girls :)

jack69 said...

Ahh tax time. Glad ours is in. Now the government can operate a microsec longer.
I know we all feel bad for the victims of the terrorist attack. Shame it has returned to our shores.
((HUGS)) to you and prayers for the victims.

Cranberry Morning said...

It is so true that there is something good for us in the struggle. We don't appreciate or learn real life skills if all our connections and tasks are accomplished with technology. That really got me thinking, Sandie! I look at all the things my mom and dad knew how to do. They didn't have technology to rely upon, they worked hard, and they were healthy. If the grid went down, how many people would know how to survive?

The Boston Lady said...

#3 Agree wholeheartedly - turn off the tech every once in awhile. But I am also very grateful for it because I have met so many wonderful people. Which takes me to your last thought. Yes, there are so many wonderful people in this world. Unfortunately it is the bad ones that get the press. Out of bad comes good. Out of dark, comes light. I have to hold onto that because I believe in the human race. I believe in the goodness of my neighbor. I won't let the evil of a few outweigh the good of the many. If I do then I cannot fight the fight I am about to enter into with my daughter. For her, I believe there is a light at the end of the dark tunnel.

And I love your midnight run story... ice cream. Seems like ice cream should be the solution to a lot of problems. Right? Ann

Terri D said...

I agree with your #3 and #8!

Scooter said...

Loved your answers!! Mine are:
1. Taxing: housework and cleaning
2. Kids in my state cant experience having their own firecrackers, fireworks etc. I spent summers in Ok with my grandma and on the 4th us cousins did fireworks all day long. Another thing is being able to ride your bike all over town with NO worries.
3. Term limits: YES for sure
4. Midnight ride: Probably a drive to see where my kids were at when they were way to late!!
5. Mouse or spider: Mouse
6. Random thought: I wonder why people hate others so much to do harm to them. And why government thinks that they know what is better for us than we do. People arent concerned about God in their lives or doing what is right and what is right for our country. I have noticed that when there is a tragedy, people want God to help them but any other time, they have no need for him!!
We need to get back to God!!

Diana

Unknown said...

It was so much easier back then wasn't it? Well in a way. Now days when you walk on the streets of wherever you go, people are busy keeping their noses in to their smartphones and all else, don't we wish to be social anymore I wonder...well, I like technology but sometimes it goes to the extreme I think...
Great post..Enjoy your day!

renae said...

Morning Sandie! I am up and ready this early. (odd for me) Now, I can remember what I was going to comment on. hahahaha. Maybe I should go back to bed. Have a tremendous day today, okay?

Grammy Staffy said...

Oh my goodness... What a popular blog you have! How nice! I enjoyed reading all your answers and thoughts. So glad you stopped by my blog. Have a great day. Lura

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Mark does all of our tax stuff. I know nothing. He never sends it early even though we get money back each year! So true, they will never know about writing a report by hand or having to go to the library although my children know some of that. It really disturbs me when people talk while they are shopping. I like peace and quiet.