The 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. What is one thing on your bucket list? If you don't have a bucket list let's pretend you do.  Learn to speak Spanish.  I took Spanish in college (we only had the options of French and Latin in high school, I took Latin) and, while I loved it, I did not take more than the required two semesters.  Now I would love to be able to communicate in Spanish! 

2. What makes a good dad?  Someone who guides with a patient and loving hand.  He takes the time to explain and doesn't go off on a tirade and not only spends time with his kids (and wife) but actually enjoys spending time with them. 

That's me and my dad.

3. Are you afraid of insects? Which ones?  No. I'm not afraid of them but I DO NOT love them.  I don't want them on me or in my house but because I think they're gross, not because of fear.

These nasty things are the bug of choice in the low-country.  I find them disgusting and I hate them but I'm not scared of them.

4. We're barbecuing...what's on the grill at your house?  Surf 'n turf!  Every time!  The next biggie will be the last weekend of this month when EVERYONE comes home! 

The men spend most of their time focused on the best and quickest way to open their beer during our cookouts.

5. Do you believe that playing is more important than winning? I suppose the 'correct' answer is yes.  HOWEVER, I am one of those annoying as hell competitive types and I LIKE TO WIN! And I'm not ashamed of it either. I REALLY LIKE TO WIN. I'm not a sore loser, I just play to win.  Always.

6. Do you tan? Use self tanners? Visit tanning salons? See your dermatologist at least once a year?  I used to tan every summer but not anymore.  I get sun from working in the garden and, occasionally, I will sit in the sun in the backyard.  But I wear sunscreen daily.  So do the lovelies.  Dermatologist?  What's a dermatologist?  I'm kidding.  No, I don't see my dermatologist at least once a year because I don't have a dermatologist.

7. Five years ago I would never imagine that today I would be blogging.  I didn't even know what a blog was.  I don't think I'd even heard the word 'blog' until two years ago. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.  I'm excited already about the last weekend of this month! We will be celebrating Hub's birthday and Birdie's upcoming Texas adventure.  The latter of which, while I am extremely proud of her, makes me sad because she will be 17 HOURS AWAY FROM HOME.  I did watch the movie TEXAS RANGERS on Monday though and seriously considered moving out there with her! AND it actually rained here this morning...for about 10 minutes BUT it did rain!  None of us out walking bothered to run to get out of it, we all just kept walking and enjoyed it!  Even Tucker didn't mind!

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!  

QUESTIONS 

1. Which works better for you- watching calories or carbs?  Apparently, watching calories.  However, I don't eat sugar or white rice or potatoes or white flour---I do eat whole wheat carbs, just not a lot of them.  SO the answer is probably BOTH.  Sorry, I took the long way around on that one. 

2. Do you take supplements?  I do when I'm in the mood.
3. What's the healthiest thing you do for yourself on a regular basis?  Walk every single day. I have just last week discovered that, when Tucker stops to pee on everything we pass, I can walk or jog in place instead of stopping completely...I know, but that's just how my mind works when it comes to the obvious.  ANYWAY, now I think people watch me and think, "Geez, does that lady have to use the bathroom or something?" 

4. If you could start a home business, what would it be?  I have no idea.  I'm not sure I would even want to do this.  It would defeat the purpose of getting out of the house and meeting new people face-to-face.
5. Who did the cooking in your family when you were growing up?  Both of my parents cooked.  My mother probably did more of it but Dad was king on the weekends--in the kitchen and on the grill! He still makes the BEST cheese eggs and French toast.  PLUS, his grilling skills are the BEST!  I love my Dad!