Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Hodge Podge Thoughts on Parties

Posted on By jennifer

Happy Wednesday!  It is a grey and drizzly one here but no complaints.  The rain is sorely needed.  And the rain cannot damper the “party spirit” of this week’s Hodge Podge.  Let’s join the fun…

1a.  Are you more life of the party or more party pooper?  I have to admit, I tend to be a bit of a party pooper.  Sigh. Although I would never be the life of the party, I don’t necessarily want to be the debbie-downer of one either.  But I know that I am bit of a fuddy-duddy.  I’ve lamented that here on the blog before, so I won’t rehearse it.  But the question was asked and so I am reminded again.  I’m old. And not terribly fun. (Or funny).

1b.  Birthday party, beach party, cocktail party, dinner party, charity fundraiser, surprise party, costume party, garden party, Christmas party, reunion...what’s your favorite kind of party?  Well, surprise party and costume are a hard no.  Not.at.all.  Reunion and Christmas party are ones that I would probably pass on as well.  Also a pass to cocktail parties and I ‘ve never been to a garden party.  Exactly what is a garden party?  I think I would choose charity fundraiser.  I very much enjoy volunteer work and would enjoy an evening supporting a cause I thought worthy.

2. Cheese, wine, and balsamic vinegar all improve with age. What would you personally add to the list?  My mom’s coconut cake and my dad’s fruit cake both required time in the refrigerator.  Mom’s coconut cake was one of our favorite desserts.  The fruitcake?  Maybe not as much but he so enjoyed making it and they were definitely a labor of love.

Not to get too deep, but I would also add “me” to the list.  I would not want to go back to my younger self.  The wisdom, experience and maturity that has come with age has definitely been an improvement.  Just sayin.

3. How do you feel about your birthday? How do you want to be celebrated? Or don’t you?  Each year I am, sincerely, grateful for my birthday.  I see them as a gift.  However, I really do not enjoy being celebrated.  I don’t mind a nice dinner with my family and/or friends, but I prefer not to receive gifts.  But I hate to be that debby-downer when gifts are given (and they typically are) so I usually roll with the flow and let others celebrate my birthday however they choose.

4. What remarkable feat, interesting piece of trivia, or historical event occurred on your birth day and month? Not necessarily your same birth year, just the same date/month.  Hmmm.  John Wilkes Booth died.  Twelve days after assassinating Presdient Lincoln.  The polio vaccine began.  The first shot was given right here in my home county.  (Who knew?)  President Reagan makes history visiting China.  And Carol Burnett was born.

5. Share two good things about your life right now.  One.  For a variety of personal, family reasons, my husband and I have not been able to get away together for quite awhile.  I have made several trips here and there, but we have not traveled together.  Well, we are going away this Saturday.  We are taking a short vacation to Tennessee and celebrating our recent anniversary.  Two.  Three days ago, we celebrated forty years of marriage.  Yep, forty!!  I feel very blessed.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  No doubt I should leave well enough alone.  But, I asked my husband about that question 1a up there.  Am I a party pooper or the life of the party.  He (quite) quickly pled the fifth.  When I mentioned the subject to friend later that I “really have little sense of humor,” she said, “I know.” Oh wow.  I need to buy party hat and favors.  Time to work on my party skills!!

Hodge Podge

Comments (16)

  1. Ok, I giggled out loud at your random thought! So much good here- the tie in between your b-day, the polio vaccine and the first shot administered in your county. Congrats to forty years! That is amazing and I am glad that you and your husband are going on a trip together to celebrate it. I think it´s neat that we both mentioned charity fundraisers :). I have not been to one in a while but I always enjoyed them when we went (not enjoyed them for the socializing so much as trying to get good deals in supporting the charity!) Have a great day!

  2. I’m not really a party person, either. Can’t tell you when the last one was that I was even invited to! I used to host them – mostly birthday parties for my kids, but even then, I would look forward to the party being OVER. Ha!

  3. I tend to be a wall flower. Now, my husband tends to be a party pooper which is why I tend to leave him home. I hope your trip away goes well and is most enjoyable. Happy Wednesday!

  5. Not everyone can be the life of the party and that’s okay. I hope you have a wonderful get away to Tennessee. One of my favorite states with so much beauty, particularly East Tennessee. Happy Anniversary!

  6. A surprise party and costume party would be a hard no from me too! I always think of garden parties like the Royal family have in the summer. I’ve never been to one.
    Oh yes to fruitcake improving with age. If I make one for Christmas I always make it early.
    Have a fantastic trip with your husband and happy anniversary!

  8. Gee, I resemble your “Debby-downer” remark. 😜
    I’m a lot like you – being “celebrated” on my birthday just feels cringe. 😬

  9. Jennifer, I so enjoyed your answers to this week’s Hodgepodge questions. I’m glad that you and your husband are getting away this weekend to celebrate your 40th wedding anniversary. Congratulations! Those celebrations seem to be a rarity these days…it’s a milestone for sure!

  10. Happy Anniversary and I do hope y’all have a fabulous time celebrating. Like you, I do not like to be celebrated. I love parties but I prefer to celebrate others. I most definitely do not like surprises when they are for me…I like to know ahead of time.. lol. Safe travels and enjoy..

  11. Hooray for a getaway together to celebrate your 40th! Happy Anniversary. I can decorate for a party and carry out a great theme but then I’d need to invite some ‘life of the party’ people to make it all work. 🙂 Happy last week of summer to you!

  12. Hi Jennifer, we have had the same drizzly day today. The gardens will be happy 🙂 I guess I am not a party person so that would make me a party pooper and I say yay, party poopers of the world unite, lol! Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary, such a blessing! You sure were a beautiful bride, are still a beautiful lady, and a beautiful couple! It was a lot of fun reading your Hodge Podge today. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week and an amazing anniversary getaway.

  13. I am more a party ‘goer’ than a party ‘giver’ I much prefer informal gatherings like a garden party, and I really would not enjoy being the receiver of a surprise party!
    Happy wedding anniversary, I hope you enjoy your trip together x

  14. I loved reading your Hodgepodge answers today! I had to smile at your thoughts on being a “party pooper”… I think you’re being way too hard on yourself. You sound like someone who enjoys meaningful connection over small talk, and that’s such a gift. I also thought your choice of a charity fundraiser was perfect…what a wonderful way to blend fun with purpose.

    I loved hearing about your mom’s coconut cake and your dad’s fruitcake… what sweet memories and such a picture of love and care. And congratulations on celebrating forty years of marriage, what an incredible milestone! I hope you and your husband enjoy your trip to Tennessee and have the best time celebrating your anniversary together.

    And for the record, I think you’d be a lot of fun at a party, party hat or not!

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