Thankful For The The Hodgepodge…

I’m thankful for many things in my life, and counted among them are Joyce and the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Mid-week just wouldn’t be the same without them!  It’s hard to believe we’ve been participating in this meme for almost two years already–and it’s still fun!  Speaking of participating and having fun–here are this week’s questions, along with my answers:

1. Turkey-love it or leave it? White meat or dark? What’s your favorite thing to make using leftover turkey?

I love turkey, probably because I only cook it twice a year.  I don’t especially enjoy the preparation or cleanup, but the end result is so worth it!  I really only like white meat, but will eat small amounts of dark meat if it’s chipped up and mixed among white meat.  (I’m thinking of the school cafeteria, now!)  As for my favorite thing to make using leftover turkey–that would be a turkey sandwich!

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’ve always hated to run, so I’d rather climb a mountain.  I can feel my legs burning at the mere thought of it!

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

It depends.  I don’t go out much, so Facebook is a good way to keep in touch with friends and family.  I’m more of a reader than a poster though.  On the other hand, I hate it when our children/spouses come to visit us, then spend part of the visit with their faces in their phones!

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

I read my Bible, and I pray–and I try very, very hard to understand!  Finding that gratitude (for hard times) never comes easily, but it usually comes–eventually.

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?

These days I do most of my shopping through the magic of the Internet.  It beats fighting the rough and ready holiday crowds, and most of the time the shipping is free!  Personally, I don’t see why stores can’t just open at a decent hour, rather than midnight or 5 a.m.  What difference would a few hours make?  As far as I’m concerned, stores being open on Thanksgiving is just wrong.

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

I have two identical pairs of soft, black, knit slacks.  They are very comfortable, and I love them.

7. What do you appreciate about your life today?

I appreciate the freedom that comes with being in this stage of life.  All of our children are grown and happily married, and I no longer have to work.  Most of the time, I can do whatever I want, whenever I want to–and that’s a great feeling, especially after many years spent raising a family while holding down a full-time job!

Random:

Yesterday I posted about our television woes.  Ed decided we’d get our old television back.  He paid the repairman to bring it home, rather than having to go pick it up himself.  After watching the old 36″ regular television for a couple of days, we were so happy to get our 55″ HDTV back–even with its issues!!!  The repairman tinkered with its defective panel, and actually reduced the “quiver time” by a few minutes!  The picture continues to quiver when the tv is first turned on, but once it warms up, the picture straightens out and plays fine until it’s turned off.  We will use our old television until our replacement tv arrives, then we’ll have to decide what we’re going do with it.  Decisions, decisions…but I’m thankful to still have the right to make them!  Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!