HodgePodge Wednesday

Thank you Joyce for the list of questions each week.

1. Turkey-love it or leave it? White meat or dark? What's your favorite thing to make using leftover turkey?
I love turkey. Not as much as my husband loves it, but it is a go to meal a couple times a year for us.
I like the breast for eating plain or sandwiches and the dark meat for casseroles.

2. Gotta burn off all those carbs the day after a holiday feast so which would you rather do-run a 10K or climb a mountain?

I do not run or climb, so neither. I would walk a 10k, if that counts.

3. Do you feel like social networking has made your relationships better or worse? Explain.

With a husband who has been gone more than home for the last few years, I would say social networking has made my relationships better. We no longer have to wait for snail mail to communicate. We can hop on Google+ and skype now, it used to be MSN messenger that kept us together. I have also met a lot  people from the interwebs via social networking, who have become dear friends in real life.

4. How do you find and express gratitude for the hard things in your life?

The hard things have made me struggle, but have also made me stronger. I look back on the hard times in my life (and some going on now) and realize I am better because of them.

5. In the US, the day after Thanksgiving has been dubbed 'Black Friday'. Is most of your holiday shopping done live and in person, or is it done more through the magic of the Internet? How do you feel about stores opening at midnight Thanksgiving night? Will you be out amongst the masses on Friday?

I understand the fun of the hunt for a bargain. There have been times in my life that Christmas would not have happened with presents if I hadn't shopped on Black Friday. My kids are now at this point in their lives. I will be out on Thursday at 8pm to get one item I need at a good price (my steam cleaner broke and $100 off the regular price works for me). I have worked retail and I have been the shopper. I don't live in a huge city where people get crazy on the day. We all stand in line, tell stories, talk about turkey or the bargains we are after. It is calm and fun. I have to say though, I never liked the 3am get up, so the 8pm works better for me. However, we are not a family that has to have our special dinner at a certain time or on a certain day. Yeah- Thanksgiving will be celebrated in March or April again next year- as will Christmas.

6. Speaking of the color black-which black item in your wardrobe would you say is your favorite?

A black long sleeve tee shirt that fits me perfectly.

7. What do you appreciate about your life today?

That my immediate family will be with me today for dinner. My children and grandchildren will be here, we will do our big dinner, then settle in to watch the Classics (Charlie Brown) after.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This week has been all about the holidays. I am normally a one holiday at a time person, but with Sarge overseas and a 3-4 week shipping time, I had to plan early. Listeners of my podcast have been knitting, sewing and buying items to be sent to the troops for the holidays. Sarge is in an area that there are very few Americans. We decided to get each of them a box, what we called Santa sacks, for the holidays.
Yesterday Boo and I gathered all the items together and packed boxes and wrote out 36 customs forms (UGH!)



The listeners even donated the shipping fees!!
I am thankful every day for these people in my life and that they are so willing to help my husband and his unit each time he deploys.
Sarge is thanking you as well (photo at last weeks retreat)

Hope everyone has a blessed and easy holiday tomorrow.