A Most Serious Hodgepodge

1. What has changed in your life, home, or community since your last birthday?

My birthday was only a month ago, but in life, I am back to work.  At home, I finally got beds set up in the empty room and for the first time since our kids came into the world we have an official guest room.  As for the community, all I can think is that the Steelers were still in town for training camp on my birthday and that's now over and they are back in Pittsburgh.

2. September is Classical Music Month.  Do you like/listen to classical music?  If so, what's a favorite piece and/or who is a favorite composer?

It's not a favorite, but I don't hate it and will listen if someone else turns it on. I did have an 8-record collection from Time-Life or Reader's Digest years ago that I picked up for "a song." (Go ahead and groan at that pun.) I really liked Vivaldi's Four Seasons.

3. Besides The Bible, what's a book that has positively changed your life, relationships, career, or perspective?  How so?

There have been many, I suppose, but two that stand out to me are Fervent by Priscilla Shirer and A Wife After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George.  Both taught me to take a good, long look at my own faults rather than just find all my husband's faults and blame him for anything that goes wrong (works with other people, too!).  That's not something I have had examples of in my life. The women in my family are very firmly embedded in negative thought patterns and are quick to jump in and criticize the ones they profess to love the most.  It is something that I am very conscious of and I work hard to behave differently. And of course, Fervent taught me how to pray about it all.

4. I read (here) these ten hobbies will make you smarter....play a musical instrument, read voraciously, meditate regularly, work out your brain (puzzles, sudoku, board games, etc.), exercise often, learn a new language, write your feelings down (blog, journal, just write), travel to new places, cook different kinds of meals, participate in sports actively.

Are any on this list your current hobbies?  Which hobby on the list would you be most inclined to try?

I read voraciously.  I spend time in prayer and in thinking on scripture...not sure that's what they mean by meditating.  I do crossword puzzles and would love to have someone to play board games with on a regular basis.  I exercise, but I wouldn't say it's often...working on that.  I blog and journal.  Lately, I've been getting back into cooking and trying lots of new recipes or just winging it with what's on hand.  Of the hobbies I don't do, I'd most like to travel to new places.

5. What sports traditions does your family have?

None.  I grew up with a Dad who, while not a fanatic, watched all the sports that were on.  It didn't matter what it was.  If it was March and nothing was in season we might have to watch ping pong or cliff diving.  My husband comes from a family that didn't watch sports.  His dad preferred old westerns and war movies.  He is the same way.  Me, I love me some Steelers football, but often don't get to watch because if I watch it my husband will leave the room to go watch something else.  I choose time together (probably watching his choice) over football.  Our kids will voluntarily watch football, but they aren't super fans.

6. In a few words, weigh in on the current football/National Anthem brouhaha. Keep it family friendly, please?

Do I like what Colin Kaepernick is doing?  No.  Do I like that it seems to be spreading among other players?  No.  I tend to think they are young men who are a bit puffed up with their fame and forget the opportunities they have had in life precisely because they live in this country.  I'd like to ask them what they, themselves as famous, exceptionally wealthy young black men are doing to change things....other than bowing out of standing up for the National Anthem, which has gotten everyone yelling, is proving to be yet another dividing line between us, and is about as effective as a Facebook post in actually accomplishing anything.

All that said, we cannot play the free speech card only when it suits us.  The men who are refusing to stand have that right (as long as they are not disruptive)....just as I have the right to think they are in the wrong and say so.

7. Where do you have loads of patience and where do you most lack patience?

I don't naturally have "loads" of patience anywhere.  I would classify myself as an impatient person.  Many times a day I have to stop before I open my mouth and ask God to help me show grace.  Sometimes I do okay, sometimes I don't.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This was a pretty meaty bunch of questions for the Hodgepodge, so I think I'll just end on a lighter note.