The Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's time for the Hodgepodge and in spite of the very "poopy" weather we are having here in NE Louisiana, life goes on.  All last week was frigid temps with a wintery mix and this week is warm temps and lots and lots of rain.  I'm just about over it.  This gal is a sunshine kind of girl. Enough is enough!

1. Do you have a word for the year (WOTY)? If so, and you'd like to share, please share. How do you decide on a word? If you don't have a word are you still on the hunt for one for 2024? 

I did a word for the year for 4-5 years a few years back but haven't done that in recent years.  And, neither do I make resolutions. I just do not see the need in either of them but, more power to those that do.  I definitely like "word of the year" much better than resolutions.

2. January 23rd is National Pie Day...will you celebrate? Do you like pie? What's your favorite? 

Oh, yes, I LOVE pie! It would be my most favorite dessert. As to a favorite, that's hard to say. I like most any pie, but, outside of pecan pie, I prefer cream pies.  My sweet neighbor can make the most delicious chocolate pie I've ever eaten.  And, 2-3 times a year she shows up at our front door with one for us.  I mean, who can beat that!  And, I often show up at her door with fresh baked cookies or my homemade fudge.  Isn't that what neighbors do? ~ chuckle~ 

3. Tipping. What are your thoughts, expectations, as to who, when where? Do you appreciate a store/restaurant giving a 'suggested amount'? Have you ever left an extravagant tip? 

I have a really BIG heart for waiters and waitresses and so does my husband.  Neither of us need a suggested amount because we are always going to leave more.  And, if we talk with our waitress or waiter and find out they are a single Mom or a college student barely making ends meet, well, yes, we do leave an extravagant tip.  It's a blessing to both parties.

4. Share with us one household 'tip' that works for you. 

It's just this simple, always put things up, NOT down.  I believe this is the first step to organizing your home.  If you do not practice this, then it's unlikely you will ever have an organized house. As most of you know, I am an organizational enthusiast and I've given a few programs on the subject.  These 7 words are where I always begin.  I had this modeled for me by my precious Mom that had not a clue about the world of organization.  It was just her nature as there sure wasn't all the hype about it "back in the day" as there is now. 

5. Influencers on social media are people who've built a reputation for their knowledge and expertise on a particular subject. Do you follow any influencers online? Have you made a purchase or tried something new because of that 'influence'? If there's one you particularly enjoy tell us who they are and why you enjoy them. 

I do follow some influencers online and I have purchased some things because of their influence. There are so many influencers today, beauty, fashion, food, organizational, travel, gardening, etc. There's no end.  I do not spend much time following them but apparently it is a daily activity for a whole lot of folks.  And, that is what the influencers are hoping for because every time a purchase is made due to their influence, they make money.  For many influencers, it is a daily job, perhaps 6-8 hours a day.  A bit amazing to me and I'm pretty sure a whole lot of them make quite a sum of money.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Over the past 5+ years Hubby and I have seen so many changes in our lives and the lives of our friends.  We have several friends who have retired and some, not by choice and some earlier than they had planned.  If I hadn't learned before, I've definitely learned by now that CHANGE is certain, and especially as we age.  We've have some dear friends receive some really tough health diagnosis, requiring them to make tough changes in their lives.  If I think about it too long, it can make me sad.  It has caused me to really be thankful for my good health and to never, ever take it for granted because it can change, as we've seen, overnight. 

 Hubby is what he calls, semi-retired and has been for 10+ years.  He is fortunate to have a staff of 5 that can run his insurance agency more than adequate.  He keeps his finger on the day to day operations and he's always just a phone call away, but he doesn't have to be at the office unless he wants to be.  He will celebrate 50 years on July 1st, as a State Farm agent. (that's a really LONG time) And, talk about change, don't even get him started on all the changes he has seen come down the pike in the insurance business in his 50 years. 

I am "only" 71 (Hubby will be 77 in March) and I know that more change is coming in our lives and the lives of our friends.  But, I try to go forth and make everyday count and  be ever so mindful to count my blessings.  And, cling to the assurance that HE goes before us, preparing the way and will never leave us to figure it out on our own. And, that's my random thoughts today. :o)

Blessings abundant to you!