The 109th Edition Of Wednesday Hodgepodge…

Hello again!  It’s time to join up for the 109th edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Many thanks to Joyce for another great set of questions, and here they are:

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen’s English…here’s the list for 2013-

fiscal cliff, kick the can down the road, double down, job creators/creation, passion/passionate, yolo (an acronym for you only live once), spoiler alert, bucket list, trending, superfood, boneless wings, and guru

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why. Go here to read more about how the words were chosen.

Let me begin by saying, I really enjoyed reading the comments on this page. ( It’s the Lake Superior University link concerning these words/phrases.) Some of the comments were downright funny!  That being said, I’d most like to banish the words “fiscal cliff” because I’m sick of hearing the them.  I hate being reminded of the sad state of financial affairs of our country–and the fact that the majority of our leaders in Washington can’t seem to figure out the most obvious answer–cut spending!

2. When was the last time you rode a train? Where did you go?

The last time I rode a train was at the Jacksonville Zoo, about five years ago.  I rode around the park.  I’ve never been on a train for traveling, except for the MARTA in Atlanta.

3. Bagels-yay or nay? Favorite ‘flavor’? Favorite topping?

Yes, I like bagels.  We used to eat plain ones with butter and jelly.  I don’t much care for toppings.   My favorite bagel flavors are the chocolate chip or the sticky cinnamon ones from Panera Bread.

4. ‘Tis the season of awards shows…if you could star in a movie already made which one would you choose?

One of my all-time favorites–Steel Magnolias.  I think I could play Sally Field’s part (the mother).  I see a lot of myself in her character (and some of Ed in her husband–remember the bird shooting scene?).

5. The move towards single gender classrooms has been making the news in recent months….what say you? Do you think kids perform better if separated by gender and are taught differently or is that discrimination? If you’re a parent, is this something you’d support in regard to your own children?

Oh, mercy!  It’s always something.  The government can never be satisfied  can they?  I believe the classes should continue to be mixed.  I’ve always thought of school as a form of “preparation for life”, and in life, we all have to adapt and get along.  There is no perfect solution.  It’s been my experience, that the best classes have an even mix or slightly higher ratio of girls than boys though. ( I sure wouldn’t want to be the teacher stuck in a classroom filled with only boys!)

6. What’s your favorite thing about staying in a hotel?

Not having to worry about cooking or cleaning.

7. Do you have a ‘word’ for 2013? What’s the story behind your choice?

I don’t have a word for 2013, but if I did, it would be “faith”. The handwriting is already on the wall, and I’m afraid we will soon be entering “the times which try men’s souls”.  I’m counting on my faith (in God) to get me through whatever lies ahead.

Random:

Best Buddies ~ Alex and my granddaughter, Madison, at Christmas

Little Alex, the toddler whom my daughter keeps, will be having his second cochlear implant done tomorrow.  He’s done so well with the first one, I pray  the second one is successful, too.  These days, Alex is a very active little boy, who now looks at people when they call his name.  What a joy!  Every laugh and squeal is a delight to hear, and I can’t wait until he says his first word!

 

Also, I can’t let this opportunity pass without wishing my one and only big brother, David,  “a very happy birthday”!  I love you, and hope you go out and make it a great day!   Here’s a pic from the past…  Oh those were the days, weren’t they?!

me , my brother, and his wife–many, many birthdays ago!