As if you couldn’t tell by today’s title, I’m having another bad week. Thank goodness for this little mid-week distraction called The Hodgepodge, and a big thank you to our hostess, Joyce, for providing it! Let’s get right to the questions, shall we?
1. What’s surprised you most about your life, or about life in general?
I’m surprised by how quickly time is passing, and how quickly Ed and I have gotten old. Years ago, I knew this day would eventually come, but I wasn’t expecting it to come this quickly!
2. Among others, these ten words were added to the Oxford English Dictionary this year…awesomesauce, beer o’clock, brain fart, buttdial, cat cafe (apparently this is a real thing), fatberg (gross-read the definition here), fat shame, hangry, Mx (gender neutral), and skippable.
Your thoughts?
I think, by adding such ridiculous words, the Oxford English Dictionary has become a bit ridiculous, but to each his own!
In looking over the list, which word do you find most ridiculous? beer o’clock
Which word would you never in a million years say out loud? buttdial
Which word would you be most likely to use in conversation? Cat cafe, because we actually have a wooden structure, built by Ed, where most of our outside cats go to eat their meals each day. At the time it was built, we needed a high, covered area away from our five dogs, where the cats could dine in peace. As a joke, we named it the Cat Cafe.
3. Do you like gravy? Yes
Is there a food you’d rather not eat unless it comes with gravy? Yes, mashed potatoes!
Do you make your own or buy the canned or store-made variety? I make my own.
Turkey and gravy, sausage gravy, mashed potatoes and gravy, country ham and red eye gravy, biscuits and chocolate gravy, pot roast and gravy…which one on the list is your favorite? Pot roast and gravy is my favorite. Yum!
4. Do you have a plan? Do you need a plan? Have you ever had a plan fall into a trillion pieces? Explain.
Yes, I have some sort of a plan because I need a plan to have peace of mind. And, yes, we’ve had many plans fall into a trillion pieces, but never more than this year! In fact, our plans are still falling to pieces, as I write! 2015 has been the most trying year of my life!
Plans that fell into a trillion pieces? Let’s see: How about 1998, when our daughter’s fiance’ bailed out on her in the midst of their wedding planning? How about the year 2001, when our oldest son (and honor graduate) dropped out of college after winning The Presidential Scholarship (all tuition paid) the year before? Or how about this year when Ed lost his job on January 16th, disrupting our well-laid plans for retirement in 2016?
5. November 19 is National Play Monopoly Day. Do you own the original or some version of the game? Yes, we own a [very old] original Monopoly game.
Do you enjoy playing Monopoly? I like playing Monopoly, but it takes too long to play.
How likely is it you’ll play a game of Monopoly on November 19th? Not very likely.
Ever been to Atlantic City? No.
Ever taken a ride on a railroad? Only at the Jacksonville Zoo
Is parking in your town free? Yes
Last thing you took a chance on? Can’t remember.
6. A song you like that has the word (or some form of the word) thanks in the title, lyrics, or meaning? The theme from the television show “The Golden Girls”.
7. In keeping with this month’s theme of gratitude….what is something you’re taking for granted that when you stop and think about it, you’re grateful for?
Freedom.
Random:
Most of you know what a trying year 2015 has been for Ed and me. It looks like it’s going to be ‘trying’ right up until the end!
I had to undergo a [freezing] treatment for a “pre-cancerous” lesion on the bridge of my nose, last Thursday. I had two other ‘suspicious’ places biopsied, as well, and am waiting for those results to come back.
Our daughter also had some biopsies done, about a month ago, and discovered she has basal cell carcinoma on her nose. She’ll be having Mohl surgery performed, along with plastic reconstructive surgery, on December 1. When it rains it pours.
Because Ed lost his job (and our health care benefits), this year, and we are now retired and on a fixed income, I am forced to shop for health insurance in “the market place” (at Healthcare.gov). I have not been able to find a healthcare plan, for next year, that lists all three of my doctors as providers and pays for all four of the prescription drugs I have to take. I’m about to lose my mind…
Reflections...by Kathy 
I am so sorry to see that you are continuing to face these struggles. My prayer is that God’s grace and mercy comfort you and give you wisdom as you deal with the health care search and that your mind will be clear and you have peace. I was also surprised at how quickly we have reached the retirement years. I guess we thought we would be young forever. You will make it through.
praying for you dear.
I’m sorry you’re having such a rough time just now. The healthcare thing is just so awful. We were told 2016 is the year a majority of the Obamacare adjustments would roll into effect cost wise, so our premiums are leaping upward. I’m having some issues even finding a primary care physician who is adding patients. I will add you to my prayers, and your daughter too. Take care.
I haven’t heard or read of anyone who’s benefited by the changes in health care. I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with all that on top of everything else. I’ll definitely be praying for you all.
I love the Golden Girls theme! Hands down one of the best TV songs ever. And I have to say, beer o’clock is part of my lexicon. But then again, I am an avid beer drinker. 🙂
The ACA is ridiculous. I’m so sorry your trials continue. Praying for you all and that 2016 will be a good year for you.
very sorry about the plans that fell through.
I am praying for you and your family. My goodness 2015 has thrown you a lot of stuff. Here’s to 2016 bringing some light back to you.
Your song choice was brilliant – I wish I had chosen that one.