The Wednesday Hodgepodge #81

Happy Wednesday! I hope you're all having a lovely week so far. It’s time for another round of the Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce who blogs at From This Side of the Pond. Joyce gives us six questions, we share our answers and everyone links up! Simple!

1. Marilyn texted me something that inspired this question, so thank you Marilyn! Of the following sayings, typically associated with the (American) southern way of speaking, which do you most relate to right now? Explain.

Bless your heart ~ too big for yer britches ~ madder than a wet hen ~ you're preachin' to the choir ~ knee high to a grasshopper ~ oh my stars.

I love the southern way of speaking and in my head I heard those phrases with that accent! hehehe. Right now I think I would go with "Too big for yer britches". I definitely know a few people who could be described this way. I don't mind someone being confident. In fact, I like people who know their worth and aren't afraid to show it but there's a big difference between being confident and walking around like you're something special. The type who think they're the most important person in the room, have an opinion on everything and manage to make every conversation about themselves. I think it's important to stay grounded and remember where you came from. Just because you've got a fancy job, a bit of money or a nice house, it doesn't mean you're better than everyone else. Nobody likes a show off and there's nothing more embarrassing than someone who thinks they're above everybody else. So if you're getting a bit too big for yer britches, maybe it's time to loosen that waistband, climb down off that high horse and give yourself a little reality check. Bless your cotton socks! Hehehe.

2. The Hodgepodge lands on (US) Veterans Day this year. Are you a veteran? Have a family member who's a veteran? If you answered yes, tell us something about them. Will you do anything to mark the day in some special way?

I'm not a veteran but my grandad served in the Army during World War 2. He was a wonderful man and always made the best dippy eggs and soldiers, he got them perfect every time! I wish I'd had the chance to ask him more questions about his experiences and what life was like for him during the war. When I was younger I didn't think to ask those things.

I'm in England and we had Remembrance Sunday over the weekend a day to remember everyone who has served and lost their lives in conflicts and today is called Armistice Day instead of Veterans Day. I'll be observing the two-minute silence and thinking about my grandad and everyone else who served. I always think it's important to take a moment to remember those who have served, those who are still serving and the families who have supported them. It is a good reminder to stop for a moment and think about the sacrifices people have made.

3. Is breakfast for dinner a stroke of genius or a sign of total household collapse? Is breakfast for dinner a regular thing at your house? Are all family members on board?

I love it! I'm one of those people who could happily eat breakfast at any time of the day. When I think of breakfast for dinner I think of a Full English with sausages, bacon, fried eggs, hash browns, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and a couple of slices of toast. What's not to love?

It doesn't have to be a full English either. Breakfast for dinner covers all sorts. Beans on toast, scrambled eggs, crumpets, pancakes, waffles, bacon sandwiches or even a bowl of cereal if you're having one of those days. I am happy to eat those foods at any time of day and of course my family are all on board with it!

4. How do you see the world?

This one took a lot of thinking about! I think I see the world in a down to earth way. I appreciate the little things, find humour in everyday situations and don't think life has to be perfect to enjoy it.

I notice the ordinary things that make up everyday life. Family moments, funny conversations, traditions and all those little things that don't feel important to anyone else but make life what it is. I think I am practical in my outlook on life. I appreciate people who work hard, make an effort and don't give up when things get difficult. I believe in giving people a chance rather than judging them. I also like to see the funny side of things. Life is far too short to take everything seriously and I don't mind making fun of myself along the way. I know the world isn't perfect and I am at a stage in life where I know what I like, what I don't like and what I'm no longer prepared to put up with. I don't need an fancy lifestyle or exciting plans. Sometimes a nice meal, a good TV show, a laugh with family or simply having a day where everything goes to plan is enough for me.

I suppose I see the world through a mixture of realism, humour and appreciation. I know life isn't always easy but I don't want to spend all my time complaining about it either. I'd rather enjoy what I've got, look after the people who matter to me, laugh whenever I can and make the most of the everyday moments.

5. And this week's gratitude question-what's something about your surroundings (home, neighborhood, city) you're grateful for?

I'm grateful for where I live! It is just a short walk away from my dad and a 10 minute bus ride from my brother and his family. Being close to family is something I never want to take for granted. I also love that we're surrounded by countryside. I like having open spaces, fields and quieter roads nearby. The best thing is that we're not miles away from everything either. We're close enough to town to pop out for shopping or go for a coffee and if we want something a bit different there's a much bigger city not too far away. I think I've got it quite good. I can enjoy the quieter side of life without feeling cut off from everything.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It's my birthday in just over a week and I finally settled on what I am doing to celebrate. I've just booked the train tickets and a hotel. Stu and I are going to a Christmas market. I did think about going back to York but this year we're going somewhere new. Eek! I love my birthday being at this time of year with all the festive things going on.