Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Have you ever been to and/or lived near the desert? What did you think? Travel and Leisure lists the 'coolest' American desert towns as-

Palm Springs CA, Virgina City NE, Bend OR, Winslow AZ, Marfa TX, Grand Junction CO, Silver City NM, Moab UT, Taos NM, Yakima WA, Borrego Springs CA, Terlingua TX, and St. George UT, and Tubac AZ

Have you been to any of these? Would you like to visit a desert town? Which on the list would you most like to see?

I've never lived in the desert, but we had a relative in Grand Junction that we went to visit on occasion when I was a kid.  Beautiful city.  I love it there.

Of the ones on the list, I'd probably go to Moab next.  No particular reason.

2. What's a plan or project you've deserted in the past year?

Trying to get organized.  For my next birthday, I'd like one of those people who comes in and tells me where everything is SUPPOSED to go to make my life easier.

3. Desert-dessert? Share two or three words you find yourself having to think twice about when it comes to spelling.  

Separate and desperate always trip me up.  I spelled both of them wrong just now.

4. High and dry, like watching paint dry, dry run, dry as dust, not a dry eye in the house...which phrase can you relate to currently? Explain. 

Not a dry eye in the house.  Scout is in his last year of elementary school, and as I was waking Sunshine yesterday, I noticed how very long her legs are getting (she's a restless sleeper--was half out of bed and everything).  It's a humbling experience watching them grow.

5. How often do you frequent the dry cleaners? Starch or no starch?  

I almost never go to the dry cleaners.  Husband has a couple sweaters I need to take to them, but other than that, all the clothes we wear on a regular basis are machine washable.  And no starch--if I have to wear something, it better be comfortable.

6. What's a food or beverage you enjoy that's named for a place? 

New England clam chowder.  My kids probably wouldn't eat it, but that won't stop me from making some sometime soon.  

7. Do you need solitude? 

Doesn't everyone?  To be fair, I've gotten way more of it than I bargained for since we moved here, but it'll all work out.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

...my kids probably won't eat this chile relleno soup I made earlier, either.  Guess it's up to me to finish it...

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's changed in your life, home, or community since your last birthday? 

Well, ordinarily I'd say this seems a little unfair, since my last birthday was less than a month ago.   But then yesterday, we got rid of my van.  It was well over 100,000 miles and the engine was starting to burn oil, the rockers were rusting, the body was in meh shape, and it was having electrical issues.  Now I drive this bad girl:

Help me name her!

2. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like/listen to classical music? If so what's a favorite piece and/or who is a favorite composer? 

Not often, to be honest.  It's rapidly becoming my son's favorite thing, though, and he seems to have a preference for Bach.

3. Besides The Bible, what's a book that has positively changed your life, relationships, career, or perspective? How so? 

Interesting question.  I'm having a hard time coming up with an answer.  I've been reading nonfiction lately--The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom is the one I most recently finished.  The story is a sad one, but it makes me approach things with just a little more care in mind.  We're reminded to be thankful in ALL things, not just the things that make us comfortable.  Corrie and her sister were imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp, and if they can find gratitude in their situation, all of us can.

4. I read (here) these ten hobbies will make you smarter...play a musical instrument, read voraciously, meditate regularly, work out your brain (puzzles, sudoku, board games, etc), exercise often, learn a new language, write your feelings down (blog, journal, just write), travel to new places, cook different kinds of meals, participate in sports actively

Are any on this list your current hobbies? Which hobby on the list would you be most inclined to try? 

I play guitar, I read all the time, I pray, I take yoga twice a week, I cook, and I write when I remember to.  So this kind of IS my hobby list...

5. What sports traditions does your family have? 

Everyone else ignores them and leaves me alone while I watch football.  It kind of works.

6. In a few words, weigh in on the current football/National Anthem brouhaha. Keep it family friendly please.

Had the people protesting been doing so by jeering or mocking everyone, I would be less understanding.  But...I'm not proud of the way our country has handled civil rights, and I think sometimes these men and women have a point.  Their protest is one of quiet civil disobedience, and that is respectable.  I hope they're somehow able to effect positive changes. 

7. Where do you have loads of patience, and where do you most lack patience? 

I have loads of patience when it comes to food.  If it takes me three hours to prepare something, so be it.  I have no patience when it comes to getting my kids to cooperate in the morning.  I'm a breath away from announcing it's time to put on shoes, and I'm guessing Scout is nowhere NEAR ready.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS, man.  Augh.