Hodgepodge Wednesday

I can't believe that I haven't participated in Hodgepodge all summer long, but I'm more than ready to get back to business today!  Joyce always provides thought-provoking questions for us to answer, so if you'd like to join in, just head over to her blog and link up.

1.  In your opinion, what's the most important job in the world?  Oh, and parenting is a given, so besides parenting, what's the most important job in the world?  Parenting was definitely going to be my answer, hands down!  So, my second choice would have to be nurses.  They can make such a huge impact on a person's healing and overall outlook.  I've had a lot of wonderful nurses over the years and a few that weren't so great...and it makes you really appreciate the difference between the two.  A warm smile, a gentle touch, words of encouragement and support can transform a nurse into an angel.

2.  Share a favorite or not so favorite memory from a childhood birthday. I'm going to choose the latter.  Well, when I was in about the 3rd grade, my best friend, Teresa, and I were playing at her house and she asked when my birthday was and I told her it was May 14th.  It's, actually, August 13th...do you see where this is going?  So, when May 14th arrived, she gave me a birthday present.  I still remember it...it was a loom kit and I had been wanting one for so long!  I was jumping for joy!  I made the HUGE mistake of letting my mom see it...she asked where I'd gotten it.  Boy, did I ever dread spilling the beans about this one!  I fessed up and told her that I'd lied to Teresa about my birthday and that her mom had bought a present for me.  Just as I expected, Mom demanded that I march myself down to Teresa's house, give back my gift, and apologize to her mother for lying.  I think the worst part was having to give up my beloved loom kit!  It was pure torture!  Oh, and one little tidbit I almost left out...Teresa's dad was a minister! 

3.  Peanut butter-crunchy or smooth? Crunchy and slathered all over a Ritz cracker, thank you very much!

4.  William Butler Yeats is credited as saying, "Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth.  We are happy when we are growing." Your thoughts?  Wow...that is DEEP!  My thoughts are that I'm never happy when I've become stagnant in one place in my life and I'm not learning or trying new things.  When I strive toward a goal and expand my horizons, I've found true happiness and contentment.

5.  What's something that makes you cringe?  Three words...Honey Boo Boo.  Have y'all seen that show on TLC? You really should watch it one time to see what all the buzz is about.  It's become one of the top-rated shows on TV. It's disturbing on so many levels.  What really bothers me is that it sends out a message that southerners like myself are uneducated, lack manners, and have no self-control. I pray that since "Jersey Shore" got cancelled..."Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" will be the next on the chopping block.

Someone...STOP THE MADNESS...please!

6.  Name a song that always puts you in a good mood?  I'm sure I don't have to remind y'all what a devoted (more like obsessive) fan I am of Tim McGraw.  Well, he just recently released a new song called "Truck Yeah" and I love it! When I go to the park and that song is pumping through my earbuds, you can rest assured that I'm feeling mighty good!  In fact, it's quite possible I might even forget what I'm doing in the park in the first place! ;)   

7.  The answer is 'yes'.  What's the question?  Do you wish you were still snoozing in bed and didn't have to get up at 5 AM?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  I am so ready for the election to be over!  Though I have watched bits and pieces of the conventions, I get tired of all the political ads and bashing back and forth.  I just pray the outcome is one we can all live with.

Have a terrific day, everyone!