Welcome to Wednesday…and another Hodge Podge. I hope everyone is having a good week. My motivation started off sluggish, as I mentioned in Monday’s post, but the sun came up and the day ended as a rather productive one. So, hooray for sunshine:) But, let’s get started with this week’s questions. Thank you, Joyce.
1. What’s one piece of advice you would you give a recent or soon-to-be graduate? I know there are going to be those who disagree with me, and I am okay with that. But I would tell any high school graduate to have a plan. When asked what they would like to do with their life, I often hear graduates say something similar to “I have no idea.” That is not only a shame but that is a plan to fail, in my opinion. I think it is Ben Franklin who is accredited with saying “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail” and I tend to agree. Sure, plans might change or might need to be adjusted. Doors might close (and others might open) but, at least, have a goal. And have plans for heading toward that goal.
2. May 15th marks the birth date of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. At this point in time are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain. I would say heart. The tin man wanted a heart because he had lost the ability to feel emotion. Okay, I’m not that bad – or made of tin – but I do tend to be rather stoic. Too stoic. I could write twenty posts on why that might be, but let’s just leave it with I would most identify with the tin man.
3. “There’s no place like home” is an oft repeated line from Baum’s book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement? I think of this in context of being gone or away from home and returning to the familiarity and comfort of home. I haven’t traveled much of late but I do enjoy coming home each evening. I love the evenings, after we close the blinds and settle in for the night. Ma and Pa Kettle, that’s who we are….but it is, indeed, very comforting. And there is no better feeling than that.4. May is National BBQ Month…do you own a grill? Who does the grilling at your house? What’s your favorite thing to throw on the grill? What’s the last thing you grilled? No, we do not own a grill. I guess that answers the rest of the questions as well:)
5. What’s a memory you replay in your head when you need a little joy? There is one memory that comes immediately to mind. I tried to think of others (and there were some) but my memory kept circling back to this one: In the early days of Tyler’s treatment, we tried some intensive radiation at NIH. The treatments were not painful but they were definitely intense. And draining. On top of that, the traffic back and forth was horrible. Hours of stop and go traffic. So, we would finish the radiation and then, on the way home, we would turn on the radio (yes, the radio!), roll down the windows and sing our hearts out to silly country music. One of our favorites was Steve Holy’s Brand New Girlfriend. (Just the mention of that song title makes me smile and laugh! And roll my eyes.) We would sing, laugh and enjoy ourselves like two people without a care in the world. And for those two hours that is exactly what we were!!
6. Insert your own random thought here. Apparently this week is National Police Week. A week dedicated to honoring officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and for supporting the families they left behind. There is a schedule of events all week downtown. Yesterday morning, on the way to Bible study, I saw the coolest thing. A procession of police mounted units. There must have been about forty of them. Cruisers and other police vehicles all with the trailers and their team in tow. Local units, of course, but also plenty from all over the country. I noted ones from Chicago, Philadelphia and even Miami/Dade. With all their emergency equipment on, they were quite a presence. I believe they were headed to a special practice…preparing for an annual candlelight vigil that is being held on the National Mall tomorrow night. For those who don’t know, my husband is retired law enforcement. So was my grandfather. I did not realize there was such being done this week, but it really struck a chord with me. Maybe not completely stoic after all:)
Hi Jennifer. Well, I’m back again after an unwanted extended break. I have just had a wonderful catch up on your blog . Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Your thoughts and photos have been a real blessing.
I do agree with your “have a plan” even if it is to travel, start looking for job, research a vocational program, etc. I think we can do better in high school with helping them with said plan.
I definitely think we need goals and a plan to give our lives structure and direction. We’re aimless without it. Memories are a funny thing. You found a bright moment in the midst of something so incredibly hard and I’m glad that memory brings a smile to your heart. Thank you to all those in your family who have served to protect the people in the towns and cities where they live. I don’t understand the turn our country seems to have taken in this area, but I for one am very grateful for law enforcement and the risk they take every day just doing their job.
Yes having a plan is vital even if the Lord changes the plans!
Oh wow i could never survive without a grill for cooking in the summer and fall!!
LOVE your tin man answer.
Ahh! I feel the same on an evening, I love shutting the curtains and settling the night.
What a great memory of singing along to the radio in the car. My girls always find it shocking that my dad still listens to the radio in his car.
How amazing to see all the police.