Wednesday HOPS

If you're stopping by for the weight loss portion of today's post, just scroll down.  If you're here for Wednesday Hodge Podge, it's the first HOP today.  If you're here for BOTH, just start reading and keep on to the end!

FIRST is WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE from Joyce at From This Side of the Pond.  This one is a great way to get to know some wonderful new bloggy friends and learn more about some old ones...not that I'm calling anyone OLD, mind you.   

This week's questions:

1. Do you and your family enjoy camping? What do you enjoy most/like the least when it comes to family camping? When was the last time you camped? Not all of us enjoy camping.  I LOVED it growing up and while in college.  However, I lost my enjoyment of it when I went with Hubs a couple of times.  Let's just say that I feel like he makes everything harder than it has to be---kind of a goaroundhiselbowtogettohisnose kind of guy, and leave it at that.  DDs 1, 3 and 4 camp all the time.  DD2's idea of camping is that the color television in the 5 star hotel is broken.  What I LIKE MOST about family camping is the time spent together WITHOUT TELEVISION or other various electronics.  What I LIKE LEAST is all the work that's involved when you're the mom.  I can't remember the last time we camped as a family but we only had two daughters at the time.  The girls and I did a bit of camping during their girl scout phase and it was ok but they wanted to do the kind of camping the boy scouts do so we dropped scouts. Breezy and BestSonInLawEVER camp once every other month or so.  DD3 just goes whenever and while attending Bonaroo Music Festival.  DD4 camps every time the Ultimate team goes out of town and while attending music festivals such as Bonaroo and the All Good festival in West Virginia. DD2 basically does not camp.    

2. Did you attend a summer camp when you were a kid? Is that a happy or not so happy memory? I never attended summer camp as a child and I have no idea why.  I've never really given it much thought.  The lovelies have all attended various summer camps- all themed according to their interests and only if they wanted to attend.  They've all been to girl scout camp and SAIL camp (SAIL is our public school's gifted and talented program).  Breezy attended Marine Biology summer camp and Governor's School; Deanie attended a summer intensive dance camp for 5 years; Birdie attended summer soccer camps for about ten years; Breezy and DoodleBug attended summer softball camps.  All their camps were away from home and I missed them while they were gone! 

3. Over the course of your life, what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else? I don't know---the meaning of life?  What I shouda/coulda done better?  

4. Which of the seven natural wonders of the world would you most like to see? There are many lists of 'wonders' but this is the standard natural wonder list-Mount Everest, The Great Barrier Reef, The Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls, The Harbor of Rio de Janerio, Paricutan Volcano and The Northern Lights.  The only one I've seen is The Grand Canyon and I wasn't thrilled to pieces over it.  But I would absolutely LOVE to see The Northern Lights!  I just bet that it is beyond stunning in beauty.

5. What was your first real job? When I was 15 an amusement park opened up only 20 minutes from us- Carowinds.  I got my first job there and I LOVED it!  It was so much fun working in the park.  And, after hours, we were allowed to ride the rides.  The costumes were hideous but the park was pretty cool.  I worked in food service (a covered hotdog stand) near the flume ride with one other girl (Becky).

6. Lemonade or Sweet tea...which do you prefer on a hot summer day? I like half-n-half!  Half tea and half lemonade!  We all drink it that way when either is an option.  But, when I was little and we had our big family reunion at Mama and Papa's (my great grandparents) house they had homemade lemonade that, in all honesty, WAS TO DIE FOR so, if THAT lemonade was available it could stand on its own.

That's Papa, me and Granddaddy at the reunion somewhere around 1968

7. What is something that always brings a smile to your face? My lovelies.

8. Insert your own random thought here.  I joined a twelve week weight loss challenge that started yesterday.  I guess we'll see just how good my commitment issues are. I'm still sticking to my goals but it's only day 3.  The things I thought would be the most difficult aren't-so far- and that's the water and no eating after 8:00.  My mind tried to get me eat something last night but I refused to listen.  The best thing about this challenge is all the support and encouragement from everyone!  I really, really, really appreciate it y'all!

The SECOND HOP is from Patrice, at Everyday Ruralty, who hosts Wednesday Words of Weight Loss every Wednesday!  It's a fun HOP that offers encouragement and company on the issue of weight.  It's never too late to join!  Come on, this is your week to join in the FUN!  

QUESTIONS1. What's your favorite food at a BBQ?  ALL OF IT!  

 2. Do you have any good tips for making recipes healthier?  Everyone probably knows the same tips I do--use spray instead of butter or oil; use olive oil when you need oil; use applesauce instead of oil in some baked goodies; use egg substitute or egg whites (which is what I prefer to the substitute stuff); drain and rinse ground turkey or beef after browning; use fresh or frozen veggies over canned; do not use aluminum or plastic for cooking... 

3. As you know, I'm a chef. If I knocked at your door and told you that I would prepare any dinner you wanted, what would that be?  You're the chef so- surprise me! Now, what day/time will you be here?

4. Running or walking?  I've been walking for 17 months because 1. Tucker and b. I've always hated running.  HOWEVER, I added running to my walk regimen Sunday and, I really enjoyed it.  My goal is to be able to run ONE MILE by the end of the Slimmer for Summer challenge on August 28th!  Oh and, BTW, my legs hate me right now.

5. What are you reading lately? Two books, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Geography of Nowhere.