Hodgepodge

1. What's one piece of advice you would give to a recent or soon-to-be graduate? 

Never consider yourself to be finished learning. Receiving an advanced degree, even one with distinction, wonderful grades, etc is great but there is always more to learn. 

2. May 15th marks the birth date of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. At this point in time are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain. 

I'm more in need of courage. I have a lot to get done at school before the end of the school year. I want it to come to an end but I need to get everything done first. 

3.  "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement? 

I can't recall the last time for sure that I felt the truth of that statement but it was likely the last time that I traveled. I'm always grateful to get away (assuming the place I'm going to is nice...) but I always love to come home. 

My mom sold the home that I grew up in when I was in my early twenties. While I understood why she sold it (the property was way too much for her to keep up with), I was definitely sad knowing I could never go to my childhood home again. I'm glad for now that we are in the home where our kids grew up. When they come home, they get to see us and the home that has many childhood memories for them. That's not a reason for us to stay here forever (we don't plan to!) but I'm glad they have that for now. 

4. May is National BBQ Month...do you own a grill? Who does the grilling at your house? What's your favorite thing to throw on the grill? What's the last thing you grilled? 

We finally have a grill! We went several years without one when our last gas grill went out and we were contemplating doing a deck or patio project. Donnie knew he wanted a built in grill if we did the patio so he didn't bother replacing the last gas grill that went out. 

Now that we have a grill, I try to never take it for granted! Nor do I take for granted Donnie's traditional view on men being the grillers. Works for me as there are no shortage of other dishes that need to be prepared for nice grilled meal.

We had a number of fun get togethers with friends and family last spring and summer with grilled meat being the piece d' resistance of the meal :).

A guy and his grill...

5. What's a memory you replay in your head when you need a little joy? 

I think of different memories of the kids from when they were young and had magnificent moments. Some of these moments included fun times on vacations, doing really well in a sporting event that they were really into, or just an amazing day or time of fun with a good friend. During their childhood they had no idea of the responsibilities that were ahead of them. Those bright moments were theirs to enjoy fully and those moments brought me joy as well.

Sometimes I think of something joyful from my own childhood- fun times with friends and family members who are here no longer. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We are enjoying some beautiful spring weather. We had nice weather all weekend which was a true joy for Mother's Day and getting to spend a small amount of time outside enjoying it. (I think Saturday was really nice too but I was inside all afternoon cleaning!) Abby is home briefly and she and I just went for a walk. It was about 70 degrees and sunny and felt super warm. EEKS- I don't love the heat of the summer so I'm trying to enjoy feeling the warmth in the air, not the heat of summer, when I'm outside. 

Beautiful weather for a beautiful hike

Linking up with Joyce for the Hodgepodge