Lotsa Good News in the Hodgepodge

It's the Hodgepodge Day, but it's also my hubby's birthday. Woot! Thanking God today for sparing his life. This year was monumental as we went through his heart surgery ordeal together. But he's on the mend more and more, doing and going a bit more all the time.

Let's see what our Hodgepodge hostess, Joyce, is asking us this week, shall we?

1. It's officially summer (in the northern hemisphere anyway). Which summer month is best and why?

August--because it's my birth month, of course! 

2. Can you swim? How did you learn? June 27th is National Sunglasses Day. How many pair do you own?

Yes, I can swim. My mom taught me the basics, and swimming lessons at the municipal pool improved upon that. I love to swim.  I have one pair of prescription sunglasses and a couple cheapo pairs.
3. What characteristic do you judge most harshly in yourself? How about in others?

A tendency to talk too much, which I've purposefully trained myself not to do as often, and listen more. 

The trait I hate in others is superiority which manifests in condescension. I hate being talked down to!  I hate hearing others talked down to.  Mama Bear comes out when people act that way to my kids, regardless their age!

 Case in point: Recently our second son, Steve, was with a hiring manager at his workplace (he does computer programming at a well-known investment firm). Steve's boss has been creating this position for him for a few months, knowing our son's skill, talent, and work ethic (after 3 years) even at the tender age of 24. Steve knew what the pay should be, based on research. Well, Mr HR starts in with, "You know you're only like 2 years out of college, so an offer of __________ is about the best we can do,"  yada yada.  Steve reminded him he's been with the company for 3 and 1/2 because he started out as a college intern and has been with this same team for as long. His boss saw his value and initiated a position. Steve stuck to his guns and got what he wanted and felt he deserves, but not without getting that irked feeling when you get as if dealing with a used car salesman.  

4. Robert Frost wrote the now well known poem entitled The Road Not Taken. What's a road (literal or figurative) you've always wanted to travel, and where do you hope it takes you? 

I've always wanted to travel the US without a destination in mind--just go here, there, and everywhere with someone else who truly wants the same thing.  One long road trip, seeing famous sites and landmarks, finding hidden scenic treasures, meeting people in quaint towns who've been there all their lives and love it.  

5. Popsicles-yay or nay? If you answered yay, what's your favorite flavor? 

Eh--they're okay. I seldom have a hankering for one, but when I do, please give me grape.

6. Brexit-on a scale of 1-10 how knowledgeable are you on what's involved here? (1=very knowledgeable and 10=what's Brexit) Is this news you'll follow or is it something you think won't impact your life in any way shape or form?

I wish I could say 10, but I'm afraid 5 is more like it.  Honestly, I think fear more than apathy is what keeps me from trying to know more. I'm becoming more of an ostrich as time passes and the world appears to be collapsing. Put my head in the proverbial sand and hope nothing bothers me. I'm deluded, I know.
7. Share a favorite song on your summer play list.

I'm easy to please as long as you give  me 80's love songs.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

This couple celebrated 3 years of marriage last Wednesday, bought and moved into their first house, and he started his new job all in the same week!  She was able to quit a job she doesn't like and can be Suzy Homemaker for a while, feathering her nest which she is really good at. I'm a happy mother and mother-in-law, gotta say!