This has been the week of robotics camp at school. If we didn't have such amazing kids up there, I would never have uttered the thought of doing this out loud. However, our kids are fabulous and we're all having a blast! But I do not love having to be somewhere by a certain time. That always gets in the way. :)
Here we go with the Hodgepodge!
1. When did you last 'swim against the tide'? Explain. I feel like I do that during the school year. I don't mind getting up and, when I arrive at school, I'm fine. However, having to be at school at a certain time five day/week during the school year is a struggle for me. I feel like my life is dictated. I'm also swimming against the tide at home but that's another tale for another day.
Of course, this is the real reason I don't like leaving the house for school:
2. What's the last self-help or self-improvement book you read? Does, THE TOLTEC WAY, count? I'm reading THE TIBETAN BOOK OF LIVING AND DYING right now. I find them both quite interesting.
3. "Tolerance is a tremendous virtue, but the immediate neighbors of tolerance are apathy and weakness." (Sir James Goldsmith)
Agree or disagree? Discuss. With civility please, because I think we have a good thing going in our very diverse (in geography, age, religion, political persuasion, ethnicity, marital status, upbringing, and cooking abilities) neighborhood here on This Side of the Pond. Hmmm...I've never really thought of tolerance being related to apathy and weakness. And, while thinking of it now, I believe I'll have to disagree. I will say that I prefer being tolerant over those who try to force their beliefs or 'truths' down the throats of others. I don't like that. Anyway, it's simply going to require more thought. When I have time. Ha!
4. What is one of your most vivid memories of the kitchen from your childhood? Every single time I was at my grandmother's house. She was always in the kitchen and I loved spending time in there with her. I can recount, if not all then pretty close to, every moment with her in that kitchen. I've written about this several times before but, HERE is a good summary post about it.
5. How did/do your own children's summers compare with your summers as a child? If you're not a parent, answer as it relates to what you've observed about the current generation of children vs. your own childhood. Our summers were quite similar with hanging outside and playing and going to the pool and cookouts and celebrations. The biggest difference is that I got to go to the beach for one week every summer where my kiddos got to go every day (that's what you do when you live 3.1 miles from the beach.) Neither me nor my girls spent time inside during the summers.
6. Tell us what body of water you would most like to be on or near today, and why? I'm good with the one I am near every day- the Atlantic Ocean. We're only 3.1 miles from the beach so I don't have to go far to get to it.
7. Share a favorite song about water, or a favorite song with the word water in it's title, or a favorite song to listen to as you sit beside the water.
This is probably my favorite:
But, I've always loved this one too:
8. Insert your own random thought here. My brain doesn't have a thought in it. Hang on though, because it goes NUTS when I try to meditate. LOL
Have a great rest of the week, y'all!
I love "Sitting by the Dock of the Bay" too! Good answer. My daughter just completed her first year of teaching. Her biggest complaint (and there were plenty - lol) was not being able to leave the classroom when she had to go to the bathroom. It's something I never thought about before - but it's really kinda a serious issue!! She wants to drink coffee in the morning to get herself moving, and to be alert - but then can't get "relief" when she needs to go!
ReplyDeleteWe have a system at our school where we can cover for each other. What with the pregnancies and old people (like me), we just have to go. A lot. LOL Some of our teachers have bathrooms in their classrooms too, so that helps. But there are days when you just have to hold it. Teachers have a high rate of kidney issues for this very reason.
DeleteYour takeaway from your grandma's kitchen are very special. I would have loved to spend that kind of time with my granny.
ReplyDeleteSittin' on the Dock of the Bay still one of my favorites.
Most of my favorite memories are of the time I spent at my grandparents' house. I wouldn't trade those memories for anything. :)
DeleteI think if a person wants to learn about tolerance they just need to look at young children they are very tolerant of others. when I think of my nanna's kitchen I can smell home made chips and baked potatoes and really it's a great feeling my nan was a bloody great cook
ReplyDeleteExcellent point! Mine was too. I miss all that food. Never did she make something that wasn't the best! :)
DeleteCan't beat Otis : ) A friend who is a personal training took a mediation class and said they actually teach you techniques for capturing and taming all those runaway, stray, random thoughts. I need space to quiet my head, and at the moment space is in short supply!
ReplyDeleteI've tried several different things but my mind will not quieten. Maybe I'll check into an actual class. I did get a mala (meditation beads) and that has helped a bit. Are y'all in an apartment now? I can't wait to see the house. I hope you'll share the progress with us!
DeleteYour Grateful Dead pick surprised me a bit. I'm not or never was a deadhead but Chicago was filled with them last weekend. I can't say I even remember that song of theirs. Tolerance is good but like most everything it needs to be balanced.
ReplyDeleteI love a few choice songs of theirs- Ripple is my favorite. I wouldn't have attended their farewell concert-too many people and no Jerry.
DeleteGreat answers. Great songs too. I'm going to a meditation meet up tonight and I laughed when I saw your last line. My mind goes all over too. I have to focus on one image in my mind and stay with it. It works!!
ReplyDeleteI tried that. The image leads to another and another and... I did get some mediation beads and that helps a bit. Let me know if they share any other ideas.
DeleteI wouldn't want to go to work and leave that cute pup behind either.
ReplyDeleteI would love to find a way to get him donned a service dog and take him with me!
DeleteSounds like a beautiful memory with your grandmother. Your so blessed to live so close to the ocean.
ReplyDeleteGood music, good memories, close to the beach...you are living the dream!
ReplyDelete