Good Grief It's The Hodgepodge

1. Did you watch The Charlie Brown Christmas special Monday night? Who's your favorite Peanuts character and why?

"Most psychiatrists agree that sitting in a pumpkin patch is excellent therapy for a troubled mind."~Linus

Would you agree?

~~ I taped it, but haven't watched it yet.
My favorite character has to be Snoopy, ...he's just so cool and suave!
I definitely agree with Linus! Sitting in a pumpkin patch, surrounded by nature is Absolutely Excellent therapy! Whether it be the ocean, the forest, the mountains or a pumpkin patch, it eases the mind and relaxes the soul. ...Well, atleast until you get TOO hyped up waiting for The Great Pumpkin!

2. Describe a sound from your childhood. What does this sound bring to mind?

~~ A sound from my childhood that comes to mind comes from the moment one lays the stereo needle onto an album or single, it's before the music starts. It's like a tiny tiny scratchiness coming from the record. Hard to explain, but always remembered.

3. You've won a trip to a winter wonderland...would that excite you? Which one of the following would you most want to experience (or which one would you dislike the least)-see the Aurora Borealis in Norway, stay in Sweden's Ice Hotel, go dogsledding in Lapland Finland, take a winter wildlife safari in Yellowstone or celebrate Winter Carnival in Quebec.

~~ That would definitely excite me!!! I would most want to see the Aurora Borealis, it looks so incredibly beautiful in pictures. I would least like to stay in the Ice Hotel. Yes. It certainly does look beautiful as well, but I can NOT imagine myself enjoying being surrounded by ice all night!

4. Who or what keeps you humble?

~~ Needing to currently walk with a cane or walker,  needing to attend occupational and physical therapies, having no money and living off disability, attending kidney dialysis three times a week, and doing all of the above while not having a support system. It keeps me humble and often in tears

5. What part of preparing for Christmas do you like the most? Explain.

~~ I don't celebrate as I use to, haven't had a Christmas tree for years. I miss that, I muss exchanging gifts, baking cookies, the sights, smells, tastes of Christmas. I do still listen to Christmas music though, I enjoy that!

 6. Gingerbread-yay or nay? Is making a gingerbread house part of your family holiday tradition?

~~ I've never made on, always wanted to. I'm not going to make one by myself and just for myself, it takes some of the fun out.

7. What's one thing you want to start, do, or complete before the calendar rolls into a new year?

~~ Cleaning my condo. I have nobody around who cares, so I stopped caring too.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

~~ Happy December!

~ Wednesday Hodgepodge 

Sunday Stealing: Consider Yourself Meme

Stolen from: The Archives

1) Of the various cultures, ethnicities or nationalities you belong to, which most strongly do you consider yourself?

~ American

2) Is there a culture you cannot claim heritage from but which you feel quite close to?

~ Nope, not really. I can sit here and try to think of one or two, but if that be the case I don't agree that I feel particularly close to it.

3) What's one language you wish you knew fluently?

~ Sign Language

4) If you could move anywhere in the world and be guaranteed a job, etc., where would you go?

~ British Isles, I'd be a ghost hunter there

5) If you had a time machine, and could witness any one event without altering or disturbing it, what would you want to see?

~ Wedding at Cana with Jesus, we would do the chicken dance and macarena, at midnight I would talk him into turning bread into pizza for the guests. I hope that wouldn't be "disturbing" it, we'll do up some hummus as well if it us.

6) Have problems sleeping?

~ No, just falling into it. Once I'm asleep I am in the best damn time of my day, especially when I am dreaming.  Many times I'm aware I'm in a dream too!

7) Are you free with your feelings?

~ I believe so

8) What is the one outfit/piece of clothing/accessory you own that makes you feel incredibly good whenever you wear it? Why?

~ My jeans, any of them

 9) What do you do to make yourself feel better when you're in a funk?

~ Eat at one if my favorite restaurants, or just write in my journal, that opens my mind up a bit and helps me see things more clearly.

10) Has anyone ever surprised you in a way that let you know you were special? How?

~ After I got out of the hospital my sister brought me a IPad, I miss that thing! I dropped it and it died on me :(

11) When you are having a "good day," how do you spread the happiness to others?

~ I tend to be nicer, generous, smile and laugh more

12) What is one thing that puts you in a bad mood, no matter how good you were previously feeling?

~ No food, being ravenous and having nothing to eat.

13) Would you rather live in a world with or without technology such as computers, cars, airplanes, bombs?

~ Without, I believe it would clear my mind out and I would spend more time writing more, I think people would communicate more and use their imagination.

14) If you had to live without either heating in your house or air conditioning, which one would you keep?

~ Air conditioner, on hot days I want something to cool me down. On cold days I can use many sweaters (sometimes at the same time!), long johns, lots of sock layers

15) If you had to own five dogs, what kind would you get?

~ Cocker Spaniel, Pug, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Collie

~~ Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: Would You Rather Meme

Stolen from: Would Your Rather

1. Would you rather be stuck on an island alone or with someone who talks incessantly?

~ Someone who talks, but they'll just have to get over the long walks I take off on my own. At least they'll be there when I'm bored and want to chat with someone,

2. Would you rather be too hot or too cold?

~ Too cold, pile on the blankets and sweaters, I'll warm up.

3. Would you rather have a cook or a maid?

~ A cook, my mess is usually due to personal stuff. I'll take care of that on my own, someday.

4. Would you rather be the youngest or the oldest sibling?

~ Youngest, the oldest tend to be much more responsible and reliable than I tend to be!

5. Would you rather get rich through hard work or through winning the lottery?

~ Through the lottery! I would feel the drive to focus 150% on my work if that's where it came from. I would also enjoy the nada-zero-zilch directly to a hell of a lot overnight aspect of it! What a wonderful experience it would be!

6. Would you rather have a 10-hour dinner with a headstrong politician from an opposing party, or attend a 10-hour concert for a music group you detest?

~ 10 hour dinner, I'd be fed! And I could put some zip into the conversation through debates.

7. Would you rather be an Olympic gold medalist or a Nobel Peace Prize winner?

~ Nobel Peace Prize, it would be more enriching to my heart and soul, I would also be proud of the legacy it will shine upon my rememberance

8. Would you rather have a desk job or an outdoor job?

~ Desk job, I'd be inside through the rain, snow, slate, hail

9. Would you rather live at the top of a tall NYC apartment building or at the top of a mountain?

~ Tall NYC apartment, I'd love to get out, do things, I think it would be funner. Unless the top of the mountain would be close to an active area as well.

10. Would you rather have Rambo or The Terminator on your side?

~ Rambo, I found him to be a bit sexier.

11. Would you rather be proposed to in private or in front of family and friends?

~ In private.

12. Would you rather have to sew all your clothes or grow your own food?

~ Sew my own clothes. I'd only need a couple things, I never need a big wardrobe. As for food, I love restaurants and trying new things. I do like steaks, chicken, hamburgers, I wouldn't want to need to raise and kill my own animals to eat them,

13. Would you rather hear the good news or the bad news first?

~ Bad news, that way I could have that jolt, ponder for a moment, get use to it, and know that whatever comes next won't be as bad

14. Would you rather be your own boss or work for someone else?

~ Be my own boss, run my own show

15. Would you rather have nosy neighbors or noisy neighbors?

~ Noisy, because I wouldn't mind or worry when I got loud

16. Would you rather be on a survival reality show or dating game show?

~ Dating game show, I wouldn't be starting off needing to deal with a crowd of other contestants. I wouldn't sign up to play on The Bachelor, I wouldn't mind being The Bachelorette though! I want to be the one in control, not the one who hopes or manipulates.

17. Would you rather be too busy or be bored?

~ Depends on what that business involves. If I enjoy what I'm doing I'll choose that. If not, I'll choose bored.

18. Would you rather watch the big game at home or live at the stadium?

~ Live, I don't think I've watched an entire game of any sport on TV, except for horse racing and figure skating. Being at the stadium usually presents much more energy involved moments, and damn good food.

19. Would you rather spend the day with your favorite athlete or you favorite movie star?

~ I don't have a favorite athlete, but I would definitely spend the day with Kevin Spacey!

20. Would you rather live where it is constantly winter or where it is constantly summer?

~ Constantly summer, I'd be going outside much more, driving my convertible with the top down, be able to enjoy life and friends more.

~~ Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: Cookie Meme

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

1. Are any of your friendships on a fine line?

~ Just the friendship with myself at times! ;)

2. Have you ever witnessed a birth?

~ Nope

3. Where’s your favorite place to be when you feel depressed?

~ Writing 1,000 words (because I soon start feeling and reasoning better), or asleep and having a dream. This also seems to clear sad emotions for me, or chowing on a fantabulous meal at my favorite restaurant.

4. Are you currently looking forward to tomorrow?

~ Yes, I had dialysis today, feel wiped out, and I'm getting a pizza tomorrow.

5. When was the last time you held someone’s hand?

~ It's been awhile, too long, because I really can't remember.

6. Have you ever faked sick?

~ DEFINITELY! Many a times!!

7. Are you currently wearing jeans?

~ Nope

8. Have you gone to a coffee shop within the past week? [i.e. Starbucks]

~ Nope

9. Would you like to be able to read thoughts?

~ Definitely!

10. Do certain swear words just roll off your tongue?

~ Yes! Actually many when I'm home alone or totally pissed off.

11. Are you often the last one to understand a joke?

~ Usually not the last to understand one, but often the one wondering to themselves "Why is that so funny? It's freakin' lame!"

12. Can experience be gained just by reading?

~ Well, yea, the experience of reading.

13. Does playing the guitar make a person more attractive?

~ To me, yes. Especially when they look so deep about the song they are playing, or making people enjoy it.

14. Have you ever slept in a tent, indoors or out?

~ Nope.

15. What does your hair look like at the moment?

~ Flat, I'm flat out in my sofa.

16. Are you mad right now?

~ Nope.

17. Who did you spend your summer with last year?

~ Dialysis techs, the hospital, and my TV.

18. Did you eat a cookie today?

~ Two, a red velvet cookie and an oatmeal raisin one from Tim Horton

~~ Sunday Stealing

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. In two or three sentences tell us what Veteran's Day means to you?

~~ Veterans Day is honoring the brave men, women, and animals who used their lives to serve and assist our country.

2. What's your favorite film with a patriotic theme woven into the storyline?

~~ Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump

3. Flu shot-yes or no? If you answered no, do you plan to get a flu shot? If not, why not? Have you ever had the flu?

~~ Yes, my doctor in dialysis talked me into it. I usually don't want one, I hate shots, even with being use to being stuck with needles 3x a week. If I can turn away a shot, it's good with me. But, yep, he talked me into it.

4. I've seen lots of people posting pictures of their Christmas trees up and decorated. Many stores have had Christmas on display since well before Halloween. Red cups are back at Starbucks, sans the holiday decor, and that has some people up in arms. What are you thoughts on all the holiday ruckus this second week of November?

~~ In my book, it's too early. Ww have a radio station here in Detroit that starts playing Christmas music on November 1. By the time Christmas rolls around you just get tired of hearing it. Some Christmas music I can listen to year round, The Nutcracker score is one -I love the music from that.

5. What 'critter' are you most afraid of encountering unexpectedly? Why that one?

~~ Any flying bug that can sting, wasps, bees, yellow jackets. The crawling ones U don't mind -I'm faster than they are!

6. Do you like building things? What's the last thing you 'built'?

~~ I do, I don't build much though. The last thing I built was an origami monkey preparing to give to friends for Chinese New Year 2016

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude...what are you most grateful for that brings beauty to your daily life?

~~ Sleep, great dreams at night. I also need to include music (rock, classical), great food, and the beauty and wisdom of animals

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

~~ Happy Veterans Day to all of our wonderful servicemen, you rock!

~~ Wednesday Hodgepodge

10 Things To Shout When You Hit The Jackpot

1. "YEEEEEES!!!!"
2. "Don't say damn, say whoa!"
3. "Stonehenge here I come!"
4. "Drinks are on me!"
5. "Freakin' Awesome!!!"
6. "Can you dig it?!?! I knew that you could!!!"
7. "Hot Damn!!!"
8. "I'm the king of the world!!!"
9. "Haw-Chi-Wa-Wa!!!"
10. "Let's Paaaaaaaarty!!!"

~ 10 On Tuesday

Saturday 9: Thriller (1983)

1) In this video, Michael Jackson is transformed into a "werecat," with fangs, claws, yellow eyes and whiskers. What monster or ghoul frightened you the most?

~ The monster that is my own imagination.

2) Michael sings that evil things that will be lurking "close to midnight." Where will you be at midnight tonight?

~ Snuggled under my blanket watching TV

3) Horror movie icon Vincent Price does the voice over on "Thriller." What's your favorite scary movie?

~ The Omen (the music alone scares me!)

4) Mr. Price's House of Wax, made in 1953, was one of the first 3D movies. What's the most recent 3D movie you saw?

~ I really can't remember, it's been awhile

5) Horror fans might be surprised to know that, despite his sinister image, Mr. Price enjoyed very genteel and relaxing hobbies, like cooking, gardening and painting. What would we be surprised to learn about you?

~ My condo is a terrible terrible mess!

6) A Halloween tradition is the jack-o-lantern. Did you carve a pumpkin this year?

~ Nope, I live in a condo. There are no trick or treaters, nobody would see it on my balcony

7) According to Yahoo!, the most popular costume of Halloween 2014 was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. Will you be in costume this Halloween? If not, who or what would you most like to dress up as?

~ Nope, no condo for me. If I could, or had reason to, I'd dress up as a mermaid!

8) When you went trick or treating as a kid, did you usually wear a store-bought costume, or was it DIY?

~ Mostly store bought, but I also did throw a sheet over my head to be a ghost once, dressed up as a Bay City Roller once, and wore pajamas, curlers in my hair, and cold cream all over my face once

9) When trick-or-treaters show up at your door, what candy will they get?

~ Nothing! We don't pass things out in this condo!

~~ Samantha Saturday 9