GratiPodge

Joining my social network of Hodgepodgers today.  Thanks for hosting, as usual, Joyce.

Why am I doing this?  I really don't have time. I'll tell you why. Because it's my escape from the stress of everything still left to do before Thursday. And it's one thing that'll stay done when it's done, unlike most other things.


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

Somewhere in between. I really like it, and Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without it, but our family has concluded that a whole bird goes to waste since no one likes the dark meat very much,, so I just bought a turkey breast this year. The good thing about that is how much less oven room it takes up!

As for leftover, just more turkey over white bread with gravy.  Yeah, buddy, that's comfort food right there.


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?
Is there a third option?  If not, I guess climb a (flattish) mountain because this girl doesn't run.   My knees can't hack it, nor could other body parts that don't need mentioning after turning 40 and giving birth to 4 kids. Although, by that reasoning, I take back my climbing a mountain statement. Who am I kidding? The body parts that still work will be stiff and sore from bending over into the oven and lifting my fork to my face.

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

Great question, Joyce. Too bad I don't have the brain power to think through my answers. In some ways I wish I'd never ever started Facebook. What  a time waster for the most part. On the other hand, I can keep up with my adult children whose paths barely cross mine some days.
I have found out some things via Facebook that I never would have suspected of some people, and I would say that might be a downside. I definitely feel more connected to family I rarely see and who don't call or don't get called often enough.  Blogging makes me feel like I know some people, but my hubby has to remind me I really don't, and we only see what people put out there, so is it "real relationship"?   Some people  who I know in real life communicate ONLY online but ignore me in real life or pretend everything is fine online when really it's not.  I don't use Twitter and feel no compulsion to check one more thing electronically. Social networking has its pluses, but  I think that writing out my feelings here has helped me conclude that there are perhaps more minuses.  The main negative I think is that I tend to feel like I'm keeping in touch with a lot of "friends", but really have a teeny sliver of what is truly going on . 



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

Sometimes I have to look really, really hard to find a reason to be grateful for the hard things. But I have learned that I can always be grateful that God is with me, or God knows what He is doing even if it makes no sense whatsoever to me"  I can be thankful that He keeps His promises even to the degree that He will punish the wicked someday. No one gets away with sin forever, and whatever God is capable of is far worse than anything a court of law, or I, could do.

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?

I like live shopping if I am inspired or know exactly what I'm looking for. I'm leaning more toward online shopping for things like clothes and books that I can't get as cheaply in person.  I am totally against stores opening at midnight Thanksgiving. That is a commercial encroachment on ONE HOLIDAY I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE COMMERCE-free! Sit down and relax, people!!

And no, I will not be out with the masses on Friday. It has zero appeal to me.

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

Hands down, a black cardigan I practically live in during from October till March.


7. What do you appreciate about your life today?

I'm well taken care of. 


8. Insert your own random thought here.

I wish I had a housekeeper coming tomorrow. Or any day. I like to cook and I really like to set a festive table, and I don't mind baking (if I'm in the mood) but I just really don't enjoying the  cleaning. So, what can I can be thankful for? That I have a home to clean, supplies that smell good,
a body that will usually somewhat/kinda cooperate with my mind. That my husband took this week off and is a hard worker even on his off days. That I was taught how to clean and wasn't raised to feel entitled to have servants.  Although, if you ask my kids, they will say that's what they were born for, .