The Wednesday Hodgepodge #51

I hope you are all having a good week. It's Wednesday, which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce who blogs at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately?

Over here in England, if you’ve got a regular job, all the tax things are done automatically. The income tax and National Insurance get taken out of your wages before you’re paid, so what ends up in your bank is already dealt with. No forms, no figuring it out once a year and no stress. The only time you really have to deal with it yourself is if you’re self-employed, run a business or have extra income on the side. My dad has just been through it all with his business at the end of our tax year at the beginning of the month.

I have found general life taxing lately. Keeping on top of appointments, paying the bills, chasing up refunds, meal planning and keeping track of my girls. It's great they are independent now that they're older but it's hard to keep track of where they're going to be on any given day. lol What's made it more taxing is that Stu, my fella, had a few days off work last week, Becky is gallivanting to theatre shows, concerts and mini breaks and Ellie is off college for her Easter break, so life doesn't feel routine here at the moment. Nothing bad is happening, things just feel more chaotic than usual.

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.

We don’t travel all that often but when we do, I pack early. I like being organised and if I pack early I can add all the things that I forgot about. Usually things like chargers and make-up wipes. I try to pack light but that never happens. In the past, when I went away for one night, I took a little suitcase because I needed options. What if I change my mind about what I am going to wear or the weather changes? I want to be prepared for all eventualities.

A packing tip that has worked for me in the past is taking photos of what I've packed before I zip the suitcase up. It sounds odd but it stops me overthinking and wondering if I packed this or that! I just look at the photos and don't have to open the suitcase and rummage about.

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 very rarely eat cheese. From the age of about 8 until I was in my 20's I was allergic to cheese. It gave me terrible migraines. Since my early 20s, I've realised it's just cheddar or darker coloured cheese that causes them, so I can get away with ones like mozzarella, feta and my favourite Wensleydale. I haven't had a grilled cheese sandwich since I was about 8 years old. I do miss them. When my girls make them, I stand there just smelling the melted cheese! So good!

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 don’t think there has to be constant growth all the time. That sounds nice in theory. Always improving and moving forward but in real life it can feel exhausting. Sometimes I want to just relax and not have any pressure. Life isn’t about growing loads. For me, it’s just about keeping things steady, getting through the week and actually enjoying a bit of calm. Not everything has to be a big step forward all the time. I like a bit of growth here and there but not at the expense of my sanity.

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

Daffodils or Tulips - Ohh! This is a tough one. I love both. I think daffodils as they are so cheap to buy.

Lemonade or Iced tea - Lemonade! I am not a fan of iced tea.

Gardening or Hiking - Definitely gardening! I am too lazy for hiking.

Ladybugs or Butterflies - I love both but I would say butterflies because when they arrive in my garden it means that there are flowers and they are doing well.

Umbrella or Raincoat - Raincoat! I'd love the idea of just using an umbrella every time it rains but with the rain usually comes wind and that is no fun!

Floral patterns or Polka dots - Floral. I do like Polka dots but I don't have many items in my wardrobe with them on.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am getting very excited for a weekend of wrestling. It's the biggest show of the year, Wrestlemania and it's over two nights. My eldest and I have decided we can't stay up both nights and watch it, it starts late and runs each night for 4 to 5 hours. If you take in the time difference we wouldn't be goign to bed until the early hours. Eek! We are planning to watch the pre-show and maybe the first match on Saturday night, playing catchup on Sunday and then staying up and watching it live on Sunday night. Becky's fine with staying up all night. She works night shifts, so she's used to it, me not so much!