Hodgepodge Wednesday - ON TIME!

Aren't you proud of me? I got this up on time for a change. It might have taken staying up until midnight to get it straight off the blog-press...but it's here...on WEDNESDAY! Thanks to Joyce for another round of great questions.

1. It is offically fall here in North America...I realize not everyone who participates in the Hodgepodge lives in North America, but if you do, what's your favorite memory of Summer 2011?
First off...the calendar might say fall, but the weather is not cooperating where I live. We racked up another 100+ degree day today and it is getting a bit depressing. That said...on to better things. Summer 2011 brought a lot of memories for us. We road-tripped (always good), watched family graduate, moved, started new jobs, and welcomed a new member to the larger family. I guess I'd have to go with a memory that includeds a dear friend. One of the Dramatic People visited us after we moved and helped me find the perfect dress for a gala we got invited to attend. Without her wonderful assistance, I would have had to either (1) hide in the TJ MAXX dressing rooms until The Husband got off work and could come assist me, or (2) ask the dressing room attendant to come in and possibly scar her for life. I'm sure The Wee One will need counseling after seeing her Momma fight like a dolphin stuck in a plastic soda can ring fight for freedom to get out of the dress(es) I tried on. I'm so grateful my friend was there to share my hysterical embarrassment - floppy boobs and all.

2. What is your favorite nut? The edible kind...
To eat raw I'd probably go with almonds. To eat in a crushed/creamed fashion, peanuts (peanut butter), to eat cooked in something, macadamia (white chocolate macadamia nut cookies!!!). I'm pretty easy to please as you can tell. : )

3. What activity puts your sense of balance to the test?
My question to this...do you mean mental balance or physical balance? Hum... Just kidding. Heights definitely challenge my balance. I get scared and my balance (or at least feels like it) starts to get a little off. Other than that, I'm pretty good.

4. How would you describe your sense of humor?
Off. No really, apparently I think things are hilarious that not all seem to agree upon. Some have described me as zany...that easily applies to my sense of humor. Some have described me as sarcastic. That too fits well. In general, I am easily tickled and can find humor in a variety of situations. On the funny note...if you haven't watched Community on NBC, you really need to. Rent seasons 1 & 2 and enjoy a good chuckle. If you don't laugh then you will see why some feel that my sense of humor is off because I find it one of the funniest shows ever!

5. September 28th is National Ask-A-Stupid-Question-Day. What's your stupid question?
There are no stupid questions... hahahaha So seriously, I don't know, but I can think of some stupid answers.

Yeah, I just played that. Sorry Miss South Carolina...you can't live it down. And no, your appearence on The Amazing Race did not help.
6. Roller skates - hula hoop - jump rope...which activity would you most enjoy?
Are we talking about when I was a kid or now? I would have to go with roller skates these days. First off The Wee One things Wonder Red on Super Why is way cool because she skates and she keeps putting imaginary skates on my feet and requesting that we skate around the house so we might as well do it for real, right? Second, it's just plain fun...and less embarassing than hula hooping at my age.

7. What is your most sentimental possession?
Tough call. Either my angel figurine that my great-grandma gave me a month before she passed (an angel watching over a small girl and boy), or my charm bracelet that The Husband and I started on our honeymoon. I collect a charm from each place we have visited together.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
This might sound super crazy, but I think I am going to write letters to 2 celebrities to thank them for being part of some TV shows that I feel greatly influenced my life. Alan Alda (M*A*S*H) and Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap). I own a few M*A*S*H seasons and I've been watching Quantum Leap on Netflix and I have been reminded of how impactful these shows were to me in my formative years and how much the reinforced the ideals presented by my mom - only more directly stated at times. Some might see this as sad, that I claim that TV helped shape my thoughts and ideals, but I'll be honest about it and say that these two shows really did. I watch them now and I can see how certain beliefs I have about how we should treat others were greatly influenced. I think it might be nice for these men to know that they made an actual difference in someone's life. Maybe not, but who knows.

Another late Hodgepodge

My goal this week was to actually get the Wednesday Hodgepodge done on Wednesday. As you can tell, that didn't exactly happen. It's been a pretty busy week - good but busy.

1. Do you like chili? Red or white? Beans or no beans? Spice or no spice? Toppings?

I do enjoy chili, but I have to admit, I've never made a traditional chili. I like beans in my traditional chili and throw a little chedder cheese on top and I'll be a happy camper. However, my favorite chili is a recipe I got from The Sister. It's Chicken Chili Stew and it is a little bit of heavenly deliciousness. Chicken, onion, garlic, bell pepper, pinto beans, tomatoes, (I've added some green chilies), cumin, chili powder, (add-in some cinnamon), salt and pepper. Top with cheddar cheese, guacamole (homemade is best), and sour cream. YUM!

2. Red-Orange-Gold...your favorite fall color?

Although The Husband would said I'm an "autumn" in my color scheme, I really don't care for most fall colors. I love red though - particularly cherry reds. So lovely.

3. Who did you idolize whe you were growing up?

I don't remember really idolizing anyone but I guess I would say that I deeply looked up to a teacher in middle school (Mary Anne Minto). She was like a second mom, but without all the mother/daughter stuff you get. She took me aside and taught me to really write - had to put her in my acknowledgements on my dissertation for that -but more than the typical teacher stuff, she respected me as a person and though there was definitely a line between student and teacher, she was my friend.

4. When was the last time you did something "arts and craftsy"? Share please.

Just a couple of days ago actually! I'm kind of proud of myself on these because as mentioned many times before, I'm not all that crafty. However, I was inspired by a gift that The Wee One got and really thought I could make something similar. I added my own spin and created what I think is a really cute dress...and then followed it up with a top - idea insipred by a wonderful friend (one of the Dramatic People).

5. What's a place that makes you really nervous?

The edge of a cliff. Metaphorically and in real life.

6. Horse back riding...yay or nay (neigh)?

I love to ride horse back, but don't get to very often - like once every 5 years or so. The first time I was on a horse I was around 2 years old and my mom allowed a friend of hers to take me for a little jot. From what I hear, I loved it early on and enjoy it every time I get to go now.

7. What is your favorite cliche?

I don't know that I have a favorite, but I definitely use them all the time. The hardest part is when I am teaching and talking about avoiding cliches in speeches. It never fails that that will be the class period that I end up saying a million cliches.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Tomorrow is the combined birthday party for The Wee One and myself. Our birthdays are a week apart and while she is still young we figured we might as well take advantage of the ability to combine the events. I am excited for the party, but already worn out. We haven't planned a big theme, don't have special events planned, really only invited family...however, it has turned into an actual EVENT. I know we will have fun, but I will be glad when it is done. At least I will be eating some yummy food and cake. Thanks to my wonderful cousin for offering to make mine for me. : )

Hodgepodge Wed...no Thursday...no FRIDAY! A little behind, as usual.

1. What do you do at the first sign of a cold? Will you get a flu shot this year?

As a family we are not sick very often - thank you God! However, when I first start to feel under-the-weather, I usually get a warm cup of tea and a nice blanket and crash. About once a year it gets to a point where I have to go to a doctor and that is usually toward the end of April (allergies I think). It will be interesting to see if I have that same issue this coming year now that we've moved. When The Wee One is showing signs of a cold, we do about the same. Try to cram liquids and sleep in like crazy and hope it passes, however, if it doesn't off to the doctor she goes. Again, luckily, she's not a sickly child so that's not often.

To flu shot or not to flu shot? We were talking about that the other day. We'll probably get the kiddo one, but I don't know if we'll mess with it or not. The Husband usually does as respitory illness is his adversary.

2. What advice can you give about how to conquer fear?
I offer the disclaimer that it depends on the fear, but if it is an unreasonable or irrational fear (like my fear of heights), I say get out and force yourself to take baby steps toward meeting the fear face-to-face. Heights freak me out, yet I've been on several different high ropes courses and made it through them - even if it was embarrassing to have a high schooler have to talk me through it. I'm still working on this fear. For example...walking out onto the glass overlook of the Grand Canyon is probably not something I could handle just yet. Bridges are another fear so that kind of thing combined with height is a little much. : )

3. Share two good things about your life right now.
I feel so blessed to say that is a difficult one to narrow down at this point. That said, I will go with (1) my family - precious Wee One and Husband, and (2) a new idea that I truly believe God has given me to run with...more on that in future blogs I hope.

4. A hot fall fashion trend in 2011 is a return to the 60's style...tunics with pants, shift dresses, pencil skirts, cinched waists, bold prints, high necklines and short lengths to name a few. How does this fashion trend fit with your wardrobe and personal sense of style?
Now that I've picked myself up from the floor laughing, I can respond to this one...personal sense of style? Hahahahahahaha! Okay, really, I do feel like I have a sense of style, I just don't bust it out as much as I probably should. As far as trends go, I'm totally out on that. I have no sense of fashion trends - never really have. Either that or I'm just way ahead of the curve. Several of the things I wore in high school (and completely got made fun of for) have been in the trend swings the past few years. In general, I am a classic style. I like classic, tailored stuff and neutral colors. Pretty much anti-60's & 70's everything. I do have a thing for 50's dresses, but don't wear them much. Takes too much effort and time to shop for me to really develop a real fashion sense. (I tried to find a picture of me with "my style" but apparently I don't take many pictures of myself - at least not in unless I'm on a trip and either dress up super fancy or in my travel clothes.)

5. Were you involved in scouting as a kid? How about as an adult?
Nope...I tried a Girl Scout troop when I was a kid and was pretty much outcast because my family wasn't "normal." I was in a single-parent home, in married-student housing while my mom went back for her teacher's certificate, and we didn't have much. The girls I was put with were upper middle class and mean. They left me out of things on a regular basis and mocked my clothes so I ditched it. Part of me hates the thought that I quit, but why subject yourself to something that makes you upset and nervous all the time, especially when it is supposed to be a fun, learning, giving situation?

6. Apple, pear, plum, pumpkin...your favorite fall flavor?
I don't know if I have a favorite flavor, but I do LOVE pumpkin pies. : ) Pretty much everything fall is a plus for me.

7. Insert random thought here...
My baby girl turned 3 yesterday! She is a hoot...to celebrate, we went out for pizza and ice cream. As we sat outside eating the ice cream, some local musical artists started playing on the corner. The Wee One (and some new friends she made while eating ice cream) started to dance for these musicians. Apparently blues and old rock speak to my child. When we told her it was time to go (during a music break) she stood her ground and said "No, I have to dance still!"

Kickin' Stuffed Bell Peppers

This is a little bit of deliciousness I have worked on recently...YUM! I found the original idea on http://www.allrecipes.com/ and then added teaked it to our tastes. If you like super delicious food that's not very difficult to make, you should give this a try.

The Ingredients:

6 bell peppers (these bell peppers were HUGE so I only used 4 - typical peppers use 6)
1 lb sausage meat (we've been using the All Natural Jimmy Dean and then adding flavor)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 fair sized garlic cloves, diced
1 (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes, chopped
1 medium can of chopped green chilies
1 teaspoon Worcester sauce
2 teaspoon cumin (split)
2 teaspoon cinnamon (split)
2 teaspoon dried basil (split)
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1/2 cup water
1 cup shredded cheese
2 cans condensed tomato soup
salt & pepper

The Recipe:
Cut the tops off bell peppers and de-seed. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Place prepared peppers in the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. Drain the water and sprinkle the peppers with salt and pepper (inside). Set aside.

Cook sausage with onions and garlic till browned. Drain fat and add worcester sauce, 1.5 teaspoon cumin, 1.5 teaspoon cinnamon, 1.5 teaspoon basil, salt and pepper. Add in green chilies and tomatoes and stir it all together. Once mixed, add the uncooked rice and water. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Remove from heat.

Stuff each pepper with the rice and meat mixture until it is level at the top. Sprinkle cheese on top to your satisfaction. Place each pepper back into the large pot so that they are balanced upright.

In a medium-sized bowl, mix the condensed tomato soup with just enough water to make it a gravy-like consistency (slightly runny). Add to that mix the about 1/2 a teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 a teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 a teaspoon of basil, salt and pepper. Mix it all together and pour over the stuffed peppers. Let it run down the peppers and settle in the bottom of the pot. Place pot on heat to boil and then turn down heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes.

To Serve:
One pepper per person. Place in a bowl and spoon out some of the tomato sauce over the pepper again. I like to cut my pepper open and get some of the sauce inside...plus it makes it easier to eat. The peppers will be pretty soft, but you might want to provide knives for the inital opening.

If you do try this, I'd love to know what you think. I suggest you cut it open and let it cool a little before bitting in - it's easier to taste the flavors when your mouth isn't on fire. The Husband has no control and dives right in, only to suffer as he goes. He loves this and completely gorged himself last night by eating 2 of these giant peppers...I couldn't even finish 1.

****The basil measurements are slightly guessed...I really just used my palm. Adjust based on your preferance of basil flavor.

A very belated Wednesday Hodgepodge

For those of you who have followed this blog for a while, you will remember that I used to keep up with these Wednesday Hodgepodge postings. These are questions put out there by another and I like to keep up with them, just don't always get to them on the correct day. : )

1. What is the one piece of advice you would give a "just turning 21" year old adult?

Enjoy your life, but remember responsibility. And...start investing for your retirement, even if it's a small amount. You will be grateful you did later, I promise.

2. Besides cooler weather, what is the one thing you are looking forward to this fall? I love just about everything fall! It is my favorite season by far. Not only does my birthday kick off the start of fall, I love cooler weather, changing leaves, pumpkin patches, cool nights on the porch/patio with a drink and a good conversation. Oh so much joy in fall!

3. What sounds lull you to sleep?

Considering I can sleep just about anywhere, it doesn't take much to lull me. However, as much as I love attending the symphony, I gotta say classical music definitely can sooth my soul and make me sleep soundly.

4. September is National Preparedness Month...does your family have an emergency kit and/or disaster plan in place?

I had to laugh when I read this one. In no way are we panic-driven people, but preparedness is a huge part of my personality and The Husband is all about preparing for disasters. With the new purchases he made for emergency situations, I think we'd be able to live completely on our own in the wilderness...for about a month. Then we'd have to start bartering and killing our food. Let's hope it doesn't ever get to that. I don't think I'm cut out for totally roughing it.

5. How has you blog changed since you started blogging? Or has it?

I've actually had this blog since 2006 and then took a 3 year break. It's always been a random blog, filled with a little bit of everything. Since I started back in 2009, I've been much better about sticking to it, even though I have little breaks here and there where I disappear. I'm actually contemplating a new blog dealing with travel related posts. I'll keep you posted if that comes around...

6. What's something you've recently learned to do on the computer?

This will sound pathetic to some of you, but I just recently used Windows Movie Maker for the first time and it's been a lot of fun. Now that I have more time, I decided I should get all of The Wee One's videos organzied. This is 3 years of videos so it's taking a while.

7. Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

Absolutely. There are so many times when you can't fully describe the scene at hand, but you can show a picture of it to another person and know that they fully grasp the feeling. As a nation we just observed the 9/11 anniversary. Think back to the pictures you saw of that tragedy. Though you may have been a 1000 miles away, you felt the enomity of the situation immediately.
8. Insert your own random thought here...
The Wee One's 3rd birthday is this week. It's hard to believe it's already been 3 years, but at the same time, it's hard to imagine life without her.

Can't believe I did that...

Funny how things flow. I've been thinking such random thoughts all day and then I read one of my favorite people's blogs (http://www.paulaschlegel.com/) and found that she is in a random mood as well. Guess it adds some validation to my mental process. Maybe the random thoughts flowing through my brain this weekend helped contribute to the stupid thing I did.

So...yesterday The Husband says "Let's go to Waco and see Uncle K's new place." Sounds good so we jump in the car with our pre-packed (emergency) bags just in case and head off. It's a nice visit as we haven't seen this crew in a few months. We swim, eat pizza, watch some movies, and of course chat it up. It's turns late so we decide to stay (and that's why we have those bags). I text a friend from church this morning to tell her I won't be there (trying to coordinate a women's retreat) and then I go off to play.

All is well until dinner when I get a call. "Oh ****! I completely forgot!" I jump up from the table to answer the call and apologize to my dear Aunt J who I'd invited to dinner. She and her crew were at my house expecting some delicious stuffed bell peppers and a tour of the campus where The Husband is working now. To make it worse, they had brought a pie and a gift for The Wee One.

For those who know me personally, this is a big deal. I don't usually forget engagements. I am still dumbfounded that I blew it like that. I know she will forgive me because she is a wonderful lady and her daughter and husband are just as nice, but I still feel like a complete idiot. So, off to the day planner to re-schedule and a flip or two through the cookbooks for a dinner that WOW. Suggestions gladly accepted. Seriously.

Life's uncertainty

This amazing photograph was taken by Deanna Roy. I got it off a friend's Facebook page.

Over the past few days, Central Texas has been terrorized by wildfires. Yes, I do mean terrorized. In our home, we have kept the TV on more than usual to keep track of current fires, and any new fires that might pop up.

Sunday was a crazy day around here and for the first time in years, I found myself packing a bag just in case we had to evacuate. It's still packed.

However, any fear or uncertainty I have had is minimal compared to those who have been directly affected by these fires. As I watched the news tonight or look at the picture above, I find myself overwhelmed by the thought of those who have been relocated because they have lost all they have worked for - or more importantly - their sense of security.

Then my thoughts go to how uncertain human life is and how much we each take for granted. Where do we put our security? What do we value as important? As I packed a bag I had to check myself several times. "No, I don't need that. If it got burned/destroyed I could eventually replace it." I hate to admit how many times I had to tell myself that. Eventually, I managed to get the "necessities" all into two simple over-the-shoulder bags (plus my purse and The Wee One's carry-all bag that we take everywhere).

It's very difficult to push past the material possessions that we have built up as our security blankets and remember that God is the only security we have. Remember that scene from Parenthood where the grandmother talks about her first time on a roller coaster? It is a wonderful analogy for life and I agree with her 100%...I love the roller coaster, even though it's not the safe, stable ride.

That said, I know that there is great physical and emotional loss at times like these, and I pray for all of those affected by these fires. Dear Lord, please provide comfort for those feeling pain and loss. Provide energy for the workers trying to control these fires. Provide wisdom for the people in power to make decisions on how to address this situation. Provide open and giving hearts for those in the community who are able to help. And dear Lord, please provide sufficient rain to quench the ground. Amen.