Welcome to the blog. I just pulled off the questions for this week’s Hodge Podge and, well, I don’t want to overcomplicate this intro/first paragraph (smile), so I will just jump in!
1. What do you make more complicated than it needs to be? There are probably more than a couple things I could include here but, without a doubt, I would say blogging. Any why? I have no idea. But from the thinking of content that is actually worth reading, to trying to find a good schedule for posting and responding to comments, and even trying to balance how much time I spend each week on blogging (reading and writing)….well, this fun hobby can quickly become a chore. Can feel like a full-time job. And I don’t really want a full-time job. Just sayin. I really enjoy blogging but, yes, I can easily drain the joy.
2. What impresses you? Two things come to mind here. One, those with musical talent. I especially envy those who play the piano but am truthfully awed by most any and all musicians, as well as those who write music. I would love to be able to do so…and am definitely impressed by those so gifted. I am also awed (perhaps more than impressed) by those who overcome adversity. All kinds of adversity but, especially, physical. Those who have suffered physically (through accident, illness or even from birth) and have been resilient, fought through fear, persevered, and refused to live defeated.
3. On a scale of 1-10 how picky of an eater are you? (1=extremely and 10=not at all) If you had to eat a meal made entirely of one color what color would you choose? Maybe, a five. I don’t consider myself too picky. I think I eat a wide variety of foods but, I will admit, there are several types of foods that I either do not enjoy and/or will not even try. I guess that makes me picky. I will say that if I am traveling, or if I were a guest in someone’s house, I would eat what they offered me. Well, 90% of the time. In that respect, I do not think I am picky. As far as a monochromatic meal, I would choose green (lettuce/salad greens, with green beans or peas, green apples or kiwi and green tea) or yellow/orange (carrots, corn, peppers and squash (yum!) with some saffron rice)! Actually a one color meal sounds yummy!!
4. What does balance in life mean to you? Does your life currently feel ‘balanced’? Being aware and making an effort to keep important areas of life (work, health, relationships, faith, leisure/fun, etc) in proper perspective. Overall, it is giving the right amount of time and energy to each area. Being flexible when one area demands extra time but maintaining stability, focus and (well) balance. I would not say my life is exactly balanced but neither is completely unbalanced. Best to just leave it at that.
5. If you could travel the world for a year what would be your first destination? The UK, for sure and for certain. England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Yes please. All of it! I might be happy to spend the first nine months of that year long trip just in the UK!
6. Insert your own random thought here. You probably heard the phrase, “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” I’ve actually experienced that reality with a friend recently. When expressing my frustration to my husband, he used that exact phrase. But recently, I read a rather impactful twist on that phrase. When thinking about sharing one’s faith, a pastor said (and I am quoting loosely), “it is not your responsiblity to make (others) drink but simply to make them thirsty.” This, by the way, has nothing to do with my friend. No, but it certainly challenged me. Do I make others thirsty…spiritually thirsty?? And how can I do better? Food for thought.
Thanks for coming by the blog today. My plan is to catch up on blog visits today. I look forward to reading about what you have been up to lately!!
Hi Jennifer 🙂 Some of us do have trouble keeping a blogging schedule, don’t we? 🙂 I’m raising my hand! But…on the other hand, I would rather write with substance, than just make up something, just for the sake of posting. And boy could I relate to the “leading a horse to water” statement. Recently dealing with a friend as well. I guess we all have to learn the hard way. And with telling people about Jesus, we say we are planting the seed, but it’s up to God to make it grow 🙂
I enjoyed reading your answers! I overthink a lot of things as well. As for blogging, I’ve been thinking about that a lot as well as I’ve been in a very busy season of life with a time consuming (right now) part time job that has left me drained. But I have still been writing and reading because I enjoy the creative process of writing (though is reciting what I did during a day/week really creative??) and interacting with blog friends. I’ve heard others compare blogging to a part time job and I guess I’ve never felt that way. If it ever seemed burdensome, I wouldn’t do it… I do appreciate your thoughts expressed quite creatively with wisdom and wit and hope that you don’t stop writing. I hate to think that blogging drains your joy :(. I am with you on 3,4 and 5 and your random thought is such a good one- thanks for sharing.
Blogging can feel like a full time job if you don’t find a routine. I think I have found a good balance with it so it doesn’t feel like a chore.
Ahh! For the travel question I said the same but about America. I could happily spend a year exploring the US.
I love all of your answers and can relate. I love blogging, but often, I don’t ever feel guilt of leaving it behind when in person life needs to come first. I am thankful for the real world friends I have made through this community. Hope you have a great day!
Good responses to the Hodge Podge, Jennifer! I probably would put myself at 5-6 for being a picky eater. I think we all struggle with balance in our lives. Before I traveled the world, I would love to travel around the US. There is just so much to see in our country. Being true to one’s self without dismissing someone else’s value impresses as does someone’s integrity. Happy Wednesday!
I love the twist on that phrase-so good! The meal color question has been interesting to read. I lived in the UK for six years and would love another six to see and do all I missed the first time around : ). Hope you have a great day!
I said the UK too. 🙂
I really liked your random, thank you for sharing.
Oh yes, my brother was born with a musical ear… I remember him being like 5 or 6 or something and talking about how they sand this song in school. Then he walked over the large organ we had in our living room hit a few keys then just started playing “On Top of Old Smoky” well enough that we all recognized it. I mean I can sing but I CAN NOT play any instrument despite having taken a few lessons with a few different instruments. Meanwhile he went on to play in a band and at last count plays like 5 instruments.
Loved your answers, and the answers of the bloggers in the comments. Balance in life is SO important. I think having your life spread over many areas is best. Focusing on one area surely makes us lopsided and ready for a fall. Physically and mentally.
I am not a picky eater..I would have to say I’m a easy. I would eat anything you fix.
I’m impressed with truth and integrity and respect. I especially love to see it in our young people.
If I could spend a year anywhere….it would be the ocean.
Yes, and Amen to traveling the UK! That would be incredible. Gifted musicians are appreciated for sure. I like that, ‘making others thirsty’, a great perspective. Hope you have a great end to the week!
I chose Scotland to begin my year-long trip!! Maybe we’ll meet up with each other there! I’ll let you know when I win the lottery!! Yes, to making people thirsty. What a great analogy! I enjoyed your Hodgepodge!
I would go to the UK, too. All of my ancestors were originally from over there.
I’m not sure you can make people thirsty – I think that’s a very individual thing. You could encourage them to dink, maybe?
You definitely need to plan that UK trip!
I think I would put my hand up to the blogging as well. I’m still not great with organizing my time but I don’t feel bad if I can’t post all the time or need to take a break for a while.
I enjoy travelling to places around the world but I am equally happy spending time closer to home. It makes me glad to know that you and lots of others would spend your vacation time here in the Uk if you had the chance.
I don’t think I am particularly picky with food and I am fortunate not to have any allergies. I would say I’m about 6 on the scale.
I don’t play an instument now but I played the recorder at school. My hubby plays the guitar and is the musician of the family.
Hi Jennifer! I’m over here grinning at your ‘home’ page, b/c the t-shirt I chose this morning reads, “Be the Light.”
Musical talent? I used to loathe taking piano lessons … and now I’m married to a man who, for a number of years made his living playing (piano and sax).
By the way, I love your pastor’s saying about making others’ thirsty.
I have been reading along this week. I mostly read on my phone since I am babysitting my grandbaby. I can’t comment from my phone so I have to wait until I get a night with some time to get on my computer. I hope to have a little more time this summer.
I love your answer to #1. I way overthink posts and it then becomes like a job and I have no interest in a job or that nonsense of stress. I am a very picky eater. I wish I weren’t but I am. Fortunately I do like healthy foods so if I choose to be good all is well:)
I cannot comment from my phone either. I have to be at my computer…which I do not always get on my computer. (I’m glad I’m not the only one….lol!)
I would so enjoy a trip to Scotland and to the Cotswolds’. Should we get busy planning our itinerary?
Seeing people who have dealt with adversity and overcome it always humbles me. I too often think I am “doing well” in hard things, and then I see someone who shows through their example what “hard things” truly are and I am ashamed that I even thought I was doing hard things.
Have a lovely weekend, dear Jennifer. xx
Oh, indeed, we should, Dianna!! Here’s hoping we both make it there one day:)
I find myself making blogging more complicated than it needs to be as well. I try to do too much and spend too much time on it when I should probably “call it good” and do some of the other things on my list.
I’m also very impressed by those with musical talent, especially being able to write music or to play something accurately by ear. Like my daughter can do!
Hope you’re having a great week!
Oh my…that would be amazing to play music by ear! I would have the best time:)
Enjoyed your answers! These were fun questions this week.
I agree…they were fun. Thanks for stopping by, Kirstin.