Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

Hi Friends!  I am joining Joyce for her weekly fun...let's answer her entertaining questions...

 

 

 

1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this-'The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while." 

Time is crazy isn't it? So...what were you up to in the year 2002? 

 

I was going through a challenging time in my life...a divorce...a hard time at work...lots of pressure and change...not one of my favorite years for sure...so let's focus on Dirty Dancing :)

 

 

2. "Me? I'm scared of everything..." What's something that scares you that you'd like to try anyway? 

 

 

Me per ChatGPT when I eventually get on a paddle board ;)

 

Paddle Boarding in the ocean...I am scared because I do not think I have the core strength to handle it...it looks so beautiful and relaxing and I would probably be huffing and puffing...I would also love to try surfing...again, I would probably slip off my board and whack my head but a girl can dream!

 

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite-watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. Of the watermelon food/beverages listed which would you say yes to...

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita 

 

 LOVE watermelon...yay!  Watermelon then Honeydew then Cantaloupe...I would say yes to all watermelon items listed above but watermelon salsa would be my fave.

 

The Pioneer Woman's Watermelon Pico de Gallo is a fave.  Check out this recipe that I shared HERE.  It's like watermelon salsa- delish!

 

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child? If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin? Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate. 

 

 

 I am not.  I am the oldest and my personality fits me to a tee when it comes to birth order.  I studied a lot about birth order when I started dating Rob so I could understand his kids- especially his middle child who completely fits that mold- it is too funny!

 

 

 

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people? Explain. 

 

 

 I would like to talk to everyone...I am a people person...I love people and want to talk to as many people as possible.

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 I got nothin'...ha!

 

Wednesday Hodgepode

 

 

 

Hi Friends!  I am here with Joyce  for her fun linkup...let's answer her awesome questions shall we?

 

 

 

1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer. 

 

 

 What a great question because I am feeling both for one particular day- August 19th- Move In Day at Merrimack for Diana- so very excited for her- excited to unload all the dorm stuff and get her set up, decorated and organized but dreading walking back to the car...will do my best acting that day for sure!

 

 

 

 

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls?

 

 

 Awww how fun!  You know what?  I have a girls dinner planned tonight so if there are dollar oysters, I may just partake to celebrate.  Love oysters and shellfish but don't eat much of it all anymore. LOVE LOVE pearls-so classic- classy-preppy and my mom gifted me a beautiful set for Christmas one year and I cherish them :)

 

 

 

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'. 

 

 

 

 I have a necklace that symbolizes exactly this!  It has the Lola oyster charm and signifies the world being my oyster.  I felt like it when I went to college for sure...and even working in my twenties.  I get glimpses of that now off and on...trying to hold onto that faith and hope and dream about the future

 

 

 

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why? 

Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

 

 I have only been to Martha's Vineyard out of this list.  I would say Kauai Hawaii if someone else is paying for it for sure!  Hawaii is on my bucket list

 

 

 

 

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following- 

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time."

Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month? 

 

 

Completely agree...still in the peak of my favorite time of year/favorite season but change is always on the horizon with back to school...this year even more so...so the nerves have been ratcheted up...but when all is said and done...I still love August...the heat...the beach...my dad's birthday...our anniversary...Diana's Birthday... 

 

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 

 Driving home from the beach on Sunday...we were stopped at a traffic light...I looked to my left and saw that "The Towel Guy" is still there...still peddling his awesome beach towels...he has been there selling since I was in high school...made me miss my best friend from AHS and I snapped this pic and sent it to her...such nostalgia...extra nostalgic and melancholy right now :/

Wednesday Hodgepodge on Thursday!

 

 

 

Hi Friends!  It is time for Hodgepodge again with Joyce ...let's answer her fun questions...

 

 

1. What was the last thing you celebrated? 

 

 Another grad party this past weekend...I am loving this grad party circuit...it is an excuse to socialize with my favorite Senior Mamas and also get to witness these kids embarking on such exciting adventures. We have one more weekend to celebrate then one by one, these kids are heading off to their respective colleges and next adventures...such a bittersweet time!

 

 

 

 

2. July 29th is International Day of the Tiger. Besides the wild animal itself, when you hear the word tiger what's the first person-place-thing-whatever that comes to mind? 

 

 

 

 Tiger Woods= Golf and that infamous voicemail..."Hey...it's Tiger..." ha ha!!

 

 

 

3. The expression 'eye of the tiger' describes someone with intense focus, determination, and the drive to succeed. What area of your life are you currently bringing that kind of energy to? 

 

Work...always...whether it is recruiting or client relationships...I am always pushing for more...yes out of necessity but I have always had that internal drive to succeed and do more! 

 

 

 

 

4. What was the last meal you cooked? 

 

 I am writing this first thing Monday morning so it was dinner last night (Sunday) and it was Steak Bites, Tomato and Spinach Pasta and BBQ Green Beans.  It was delish and the whole fam loved it which is a win in my book!

 

 

5. Describe your July using exactly five words. 

 

Fun- Hot- Emotional- Celebratory- Melancholy 

 

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

Still looking for recommendations on blog designers for a blog refresh.  I have some initial meetings set up but I am looking for a couple of more comparisons.  Who do you know?  Who would you recommend?

 

Thank you friends! 

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

Hi Friends and Happy Wednesday!  It's time, once again, for Hodgepodge with Joyce!  Let's answer her fun questions...

 

 

 

1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate. 

 

They energize me...they keep pushing me forward...reminding me to focus and keep my eye on the prize...whether they are personal goals and dreams or professional ones...my faith is the biggest thing that gives me strength and energizes me and then my goals and dreams come next! They are all crucial to my personal growth. 

 

 

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons? 

 

 I LOVE lemon!  I love the taste and the flavor and the scent- one of the cleanest scents around.  I love lemon in pasta dishes and with seafood dishes and I love a Limoncello Spritz- reminds me of Italy!

 

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it. 

 

It happens to me constantly at work.  When a placement doesn't come together or when I get overlooked/passed over for great opportunities- it can be very difficult to not get stuck.  When these things happen, I feel sorry for myself and get crushed but try not to stay there.  I focus on my next goal and a productive task I can focus on that will hopefully bring good results in the future.  It is a work in progress. 

 

 

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color?  

 

 Flowers- Nail Polish- Accessories- Candy and anything LEMON :)

 

 

5. How would you describe your attention to detail? 

 

 Average- Yes I am detail oriented but I am also not super picky and low maintenance when it comes to many things. I am a sales person through and through so I focus more on revenue-generating activity, pushing and making connections.  I worry about the details later sometimes.

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

To go along with the lemon theme, I wanted to share a recipe with you that was a recent win.  It is actually part of a video going on TikTok this week too!  Check out this Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe HERE 

 

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

Hi Friends and Happy Wednesday! Once again, I am here for the fun linkup hosted by the lovely Joyce so let's answer her fun questions...

 

 

1. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Elaborate. 

 

 

 

I feel guilty relaxing any time of year...I chalk that up to the traditional Italian Catholic guilt that I was born with/raised to have (insert eye roll emoji here)

 

 

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset?

 

 

I get quiet...and I am never quiet...processing my emotions...putting my guard up...either that or I raise my voice because I get extra emotional...again Italian Catholic...blah blah blah...ha!

 

 

 

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? What do you see as a benefit? How about something relating to AI you see as a negative? 

 

 

 For a Recruiter like me, when it first started entering my newsfeeds and message boards, I got a bit nervous.  You know the naysayers saying it was going to replace humans and in particular, recruiters.  I made sure I read up and started playing with Chat GPT.  Well friends?  I am happy to report that AI is a great tool for Recruiters and professionals in general.  We are utilizing it to help make our jobs easier and make us better at what we do.  I have embraced AI and I am constantly playing with tools to make sure I remain current and cutting edge.  Now learning this makes me excited.  I always love to learn and become better!

 

4. You're invited to a summer pot luck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing? 

 

My friends always request my "crack bars." That is what they actually have dubbed them.  They are really "Rolo Ritz Bars" and you can find the recipe HERE.

Other than that, I tend to go for appetizers.  I love trying new recipes.  This corn salad/dip is a new fave.  You can find it HERE 

 

 

5. It wouldn't be summer without___________________. 

 

 

Swimming!

 

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 I drink seltzer water all year long.  Anyone who knows me knows that the Polar Orange Vanilla is my favorite flavor.  Drinking seltzers helps me hit my water goal every day.  Hey!  It also keeps my life more interesting...anyway, I digress.  Polar has a limited time summer flavor that I am crazy about!  It is Poolside Grape Pops and it is outstanding- give it a shot!  It will bring you right back to childhood AND help you add another glass of water to your daily total ;)

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge!

 

 

 

Hi Friends!  Happy Wednesday!  I am joining Joyce for her fun linkup as always!  Let's get to these questions...

 

 

1. What's something you enjoy now that your younger self would never have appreciated? 

 

 Technology. We didn't have any of it- cell phones- iPads- On Demand TV- all the conveniences nowadays that I have come to depend on and enjoy!  Sometimes it is mind boggling to think I never had any of this up until the end of college!

 

2. What was peaceful about today? 

 

 I am writing this on Monday evening and today was the first day both of my girls went to theater camp.  The house was nice and quiet and I got into my work zone and felt busier which always gives me a buzz and makes me happy! Being busy at work, as funny or as weird as it sounds, brings me peace.

 

 

3. It's National Blueberry Day (July 8). Will you celebrate?  You can have one of the following right now-a slice of blueberry pie, a warm blueberry muffin, or a stack of blueberry pancakes...which do you choose?

This or that-blueberries or raspberries? blueberries or strawberries? 

 

I LOVE blueberries!  Blueberries and lobster signify summer for me.  I prefer blueberry anything and would pick them over raspberries and strawberries any day!  Out of the list above, I guess I would pick a warm blueberry muffin! 

 

 

4. Do you need a break? From what? 

 

 Yes I could use a little break and a little staycation to rest, relax and get some beach time in but I am not sure that will happen this summer.  We are in a busy season.  Some day I will miss this believe me but I do desperately need a break from work, stress and all of the worrying about where my business will be coming from.

 

5. What has surprised you most about getting older? 

 

That I have more energy now and feel better than I ever have in my entire life physically. It is a gift I am not taking for granted! 

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

On that blueberry note, here are a few fun blueberry recipes.  Thank you for inspiring me Joyce!

 

Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Puff HERE 

Blueberry Caprese Salad HERE 

Blueberry Breakfast Quesadilla HERE 

Baked Brie with Balsamic Bacon Blueberries HERE 

Grilled Chicken with Blueberry Relish HERE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge!

 

 

 

Hi Friends and Happy Wednesday!  I am joining Joyce once again for her entertaining linkup!  Let's answer her questions shall we?

 

 

 

1. What do you love most about your country? 

 

 

 

Our freedom- our sense of community- our patriotism- endless opportunities- the beauty

 

 

2. Your favorite patriotic song? 

 

"Proud To Be An American" by Lee Greenwood 

 

 

3. Red, white, or blue? Stars or stripes? Something you own besides a US flag with some combination of those colors or decorations as part of its design? 

 

 

 All three?  No...I always choose BLUE and STARS! Some patriotic decor around the house :)

 

 

 

4. What's one thing you want more of this summer: fun, rest, adventure, connection, quiet, or confidence? Elaborate. 

 

Connection as a family this summer before Diana leaves for college

 

 

5. What was your ultimate, go-to summer activity when you were a kid? Do you still do any version of that today? If you answered yes, does participating in this activity as an adult make you feel like a kid?

 

Swimming for sure.  I grew up with a pool and it was always our favorite summer activity.  I also loved to swim in the ocean at the beach.  YES!  I swim in our pool occasionally and any time I am able to get to the beach and yes!  It brings me back to childhood and fills me with JOY especially on our Mama Daughter Boogie Boarding Day! 

 

  

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

 

I miss Elin Hilderbrand's summer reads.  I know she has another book with her daughter coming out this fall but it is not the same.  I am glad you helped me learn about Abby Jimenez but I'm looking for some more beachy/Nantuckety reads?  What books/authors do you recommend?  Thanks in advance friends! 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge on Thursday!

 

 

Hi Friends!  I am joining Joyce for her weekly linkup.  I am a date late due to WUW but needed to squeak a little more fun in.  Let's get to it...

 

 

1. Summer's here!  In the northern hemisphere anyway. If you're in the southern hemisphere substitute winter for the word summer. What do you love most about summer? What's your biggest summer pet peeve? 

 

 

 

I LOVE summer...it is my favorite season...some of my faves include the weather...the beach...the ocean...pool time...more time outdoors in general...fireworks...all of the patriotism...extra time with my family 

 

 

2. What song always reminds you of summer? 

 

 

 Theme From A Summer Place by Percy Faith and His Orchestra

 

You can listen to it  HERE

 

3. What's something you remember about your childhood summers? Do you think kids today get to enjoy summer the way you did as a child? Elaborate. 

 

So much pool time....a trip to the beach...a trip to Canobie Lake Park...a trip to Rockport...I think kids can enjoy summer the way we did...we can keep it simple...but we compete with the phones and sports schedules for sure.

 

4. We celebrate Fathers Day on June 21st. Do you favor your dad in looks or temperament? Tell us something about your dad. Or your husband as a dad. Or a son/son-in-law as a dad. Or your grandpa. 

 

 Yes.  I look more like my Dad and his family.  I guess I would match his temperament too but I also act a lot like my Mom.  

 

5. Let's wrap up with a summer this or that-

flip flops or sandals BOTH!
beach or pool BOTH!
watermelon or peaches BOTH!
shorts or sundress Sundress
iced coffee or ice cold lemonade Iced Coffee
amusement park or water park Water Park

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 My favorite summer flavors are Blueberry and Lobster- they scream New England Summer to me :)