Keys to Failure and Success in the Hodgepodge

Yes, it's true! I've been quite the MIA blogger, but I think I'm back. At least for the Hodgepodge today! I hope I still have SOME readers and commenters left in cyberspace. 

1. February ended with an extra 24 hours in 2016. What did you do with your bonus day?

Funny you should ask. Leap Day was a comedy of errors for me.   I overslept by an hour and a half, washed my face, put on a smidge of makeup to look human, used my hubby's Old Spice deodorant because mine was totally out; put on jeans and a clean top; had just time for 1/2 cup of coffee as I rushed to get my son to school 40 minutes late. I didn't even feed the dog or let him out, poor guy! Thankfully his bladder is a 50 gallon drum. 

Swung through Dunkins for more coffee, then naturally I needed to get home to the potty myself. Got back home only to realize I was locked out of the house! In my haste, I  had grabbed the fob that only has my car key! Texted my hubby to say I'd maybe go hang out with my friend Renee'  till he came home. (Renee is  spontaneous like that, but still 1/2 hour away). He has been working short days since heart surgery. But he replied, "If you're going that far, may as well come here for my key." 

By this time, I was  not only eager to pee, but I was getting hungry. So I drove to Wawa (convenience store) to get scrambled eggs and use their restroom. Some careless driver almost T-boned me at the light as I turned off the main highway, but alas I made it to Wawa's ladies' room. Sweet relief, yes....until I reached for toilet paper. There was none. Not one square! Good thing I had Kleenex in my purse. 

Drove to hubby's office to pick up his key. (He was a good sport about it in the parking lot. He grinned, kissed me, and asked if I could stop and pick up sweetened condensed milk because he wanted to make rice pudding. Of course, that was the least I could do--while picking up deodorant, too. He also suggested I stop and get three spare keys made at Home Depot.)  Needed cash out of the ATM to make change for my tutoring client that night,  but lo and behold, my ATM card was missing. What??? I got home with the milk but not the deodorant. Oy vey! And when I arrived home, I noticed someone had moved my recycling bin. And there was recyling strewn all over my yard and the neighbor's.  At this point I wasn't laughing....

So after I let my dog out (who by this time was barking wildly to go out and pee), I played Tidy Heidi. After a brief interlude to catch my breath, it was time to get my son from school and go to work--which is the same route and distance as I'd gone that morning. 

 2. What's something in your life that's grown by leaps and bounds in recent days, weeks, months, or years? I'm giving you lots of room to come up with an answer here, so no fair passing on this one.

Hands down, it's my appreciation for my husband. His work ethic, his energy, his financial watchcare, his handy skills, his fatherly heart. Heart surgery changed our perspective, made us stop taking each other for granted. When he couldn't do much for himself, and I cared for him, we both grew in appreciation for the other. Now his stamina is low (but improving) and we're realized just how efficient he was.

3. Do you read reviews about a film before deciding if you'll see it? Did you watch The Oscars this year, and if so your thoughts on the program? How many of the Best Picture nominees had you seen prior to the broadcast? (Spotlight, The Martian, The Big Short, The Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road, Room, and Brooklyn) If you watched The Oscars who gets your award for 'best dressed'?

I honestly don't pay a whole lot of attention to what's going on in the movies unless I hear a lot about one from trusted sources. I don't tend to read reviews. I missed the Oscars this year. We watched The Martian, and Revenant (both at home). Didn't think I'd like either, but Martian was funny and Revenant was so intense I couldn't leave the couch for a second. 

4. When did you last have overnight houseguests? Give us your top three tips on being a good houseguest.

Early January.  My husband's brother came in from Ohio for the surgery.  Top three tips for being a good houseguest?      1) give as much advance notice of your arrival as possible    2) take the host out for a meal or pay to order in to give the cook a break    3) don't stay more than 3 days in a row unless  it's your BFF that you only see every other year, or a family member begging you to stay longer

5. March 2nd is Peanut Butter Lover's Day. Will you be celebrating? If so, would you prefer a home made peanut butter cookie, a Reese's peanut butter cup, an old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or shall I just hand you a jar and a tablespoon?

I wouldn't say no to any of those suggestions! Hmmmm. I have to think hard about my choice. Today, in the moment, I could chow down on a PB cookie. Whenever you mention peanut butter cookies, I ALWAYS think of my friend Bonnie who is now a full-time missionary (married with kids) in Africa. Peanut butter cookies are her favorite and I made them for her as our last snack together, and sent leftovers with her. 

6. Why is failure important? Or isn't it? 

It's important. Reminds us we're human. Gives us a comparison to success. Keeps us humble. Helps us learn from our mistakes.

7. Share with us one fun thing on your March calendar.

On the second Friday of every month, I help another lady make a meal for 20-30 homeless and needy in a local community.  (Thankfully a third lady has come on board as well!) We've decided to turn our mealtime into a theme each month. On March 11th, we're going with a St. Patty's theme, and I'm excited to decorate (dollar store decorations, people) as well as make the salad. Which would YOU prefer, a totally green salad (Romaine, peas, broccoli, ) or a rainbow salad (greens, tomato, carrot, egg, red onion)? Pinterest is so much fun for theme planning, isn't it?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Two things: My daughter in Florida needs your prayers. She might have mono. 

Baby Sophia is still holding her own. She's been unhooked from tubes except food and air, and her parents have been given a room in the oncology unit, complete with two beds. They are able to snuggle right up to Sophia, who is still comatose but breathing on her own. They (and we) still pray for a miracle.