the Wednesday hodgepodge

 

Happy Wednesday, friends! I'm here with Joyce again today for the weekly hodgepodge...this is a post that I dearly love; thank you, Joyce, for your inspiring and thought provoking questions each and every week! I'll jump right in! 

1. It's a big week in the USA...do you do your own taxes? What's something you felt was "taxing" lately? I do my own taxes, which started last year. Something that always feel taxing is having to deal with difficult people. I'm at the age of not having much of a poker face; this is not always a good thing, friends. There are certain people in my life that I'm talking about here, and I know you're picking up on who I'm talking about...but there are also people/situations at work that are difficult. I detest drama and try to stay as far away from it as possible, no matter the cost. I am a huge fan of protecting my peace. 

2. When it comes to travel, are you a last minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you. I am definitely a last minute packer. I watch the weather the week that I leave, then I'll pack the night before, excluding any last minute add-ons like toiletries and such. I do struggle to pack light, like most other women. I'm getting better with each trip, though! I don't know that it's a packing tip, but I try to take only two pairs of shoes: one to wear and one in the suitcase. On that same side, I'll pack my toiletry bag, pajamas, and my brush. On the other side, I pack the clothes I'll wear when I'm gone. I don't fold things too tightly, but I layer the outfits, and I pack by outfit. 

3. April is National Grilled Cheese month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level? I was today year's old when I found out this sandwich had its own month. I love grilled cheese sandwiches, even if I rarely eat them. When my dad was alive, many Fridays found us eating a grilled cheese with tomato or tomato/roasted red pepper soup to accompany. They're delicious! I don't really add other ingredients than cheese to mine, but I like go fancy it up by using good cheese, or even a variety of cheeses! Add an avocado to the side as garnish, and that is a scrumptious meal! 

What I wouldn't give for another Friday with Dad! 

4. There's a well known quote that says:

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for.' John A. Shedd

Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life? I think a healthy balance of both of these things is good for us all. I definitely lean toward growing continually...I think that we all need to keep our minds healthy and active by keeping it engaged. Working has been good for me this year! I've learned a lot in the last seven months from the amazing women that I work with. On the flip side of this, I think it's good to be in a state of learning to be content. That can be done by resting and disengaging from work to give our active minds a rest. I think this is also dependent upon the life stage that one is in. This all rings true for me at the moment, though. 

5. Let's wrap this up with a little spring 'this or that'. My answers will be in pink.

daffodils or tulips

lemonade or iced tea

gardening or hiking

ladybugs or butterflies

umbrella or raincoat

floral patterns or polka dots

6. Insert your own random thought here. I'm making changes at home once again! I bought a new rug for my dining room this week and am in love with the way it changed up that space. I also bought curtains for my house, along with rods, and Jonah installed them for me Monday night. 

I don't know if anyone is in the market for such things, but I'm including links for both of these. Here are my curtains, and here is the rug that I bought. I made the decision to do away with the blinds that I had downstairs; I think they dated the rooms. I don't regret getting rid of them! Doing that really opened up the space in here and it gives it a very clean, modern look. Do you have thoughts on these changes? 

I can't wait to read your answers to these prompts! I'll see you back here tomorrow, friends. Love to all!

Jenn