Wednesday Hodgepodge

So glad to have the opportunity to participate in Wednesday Hodgepodge this week! Just pay Joyce a visit, link up, and play along!  Alright...time to answer the questions!

1.  What's something you miss about the 80's?  If you're too young to miss the 80's, what about the 90's? 

For me, the 80's were a fun and memorable decade.  I graduated from high school in 1982, probably about the time some of you were born...YIKES!  I miss disco, pop, rock-n-roll and, of course, my high school friends.  We'd go 'cruising' down Central Avenue in Hot Springs, AR. nearly every Friday night with our car windows rolled down and our music blaring.  We didn't have a care in the world...no worries weighing on our shoulders. We were footloose and fancy free! Then, I graduated from undergrad. school in 1986 and from grad. school in 1987. I learned so much about myself during those years as I became independent from my parents.  I found out what I could accomplish with hard work and dedication...and it felt GOOD!  I suffered a few heartbreaks along the way, but I never lost faith that love would find its way...and it did.  I went out on a blind date with Chris in December of 1988.  Just 3 months later, we were engaged and 7 months after that, we got married.  I miss being young newlyweds and learning how to make it, just the two of us. We bought our first house in Knoxville, TN., a brand new 1,200 sq. ft. rancher that we were so proud of!  We spent several memorable years there and got our first dog, a Shih-Tzu named Gizmo. Bittersweet memories, for sure!

2.  Do you have a library card?  If so, how often do you visit? I haven't owned a library card since we lived in Collierville, TN. 7+ years ago. I used to take the girls to the library weekly when they were younger.  We'd go for story time and I'd let them check out about 5 books each. 

3.   What's the secret to success?   For me, it's having faith in God that He has a plan for my life and just trusting in Him.  So many times, I've wanted to toss in the towel, but I knew in my heart that God wanted me to keep moving forward with tenacity and a deep-rooted belief that everything would work out in His own timing. I am one to not give up on anything if I want it badly enough.

4.  This is National Backyard Games Week...what's your favorite backyard game?  Even though I obviously don't have the height for it, I love a good game of volleyball! I have a pretty mean serve, I'm not going to lie.

5.  If I dropped by today, what would I find on your coffee table?  Let's see, you'd find two coasters, a candle, a small vase, and a metal bowl of decorative balls.  Exciting, I know.

6.  Do you own a bicycle?  When we the last time you rode a bicycle?  Is that something you enjoy?  We used to own bicycles, but got rid of them a couple of years ago. The road we live on isn't conducive for bike riding...too hilly.  The last time I rode a bicycle was when Chris and I went to Vail, CO. with his former company about 6 years ago.  We went on a beautiful ride going downhill the entire way...and we were flying! I was so afraid I was going to crash and burn, but I survived and it was definitely worth it! 

7.  What's your favorite cheese?  I'm easy...American, plain and simple.

8.  Insert your own random though here.  After sitting at the doctor's office for 2 hours yesterday morning, I finally got seen.  I was given a steroid shot in the bum (OUCH!), a new kind of nasal spray, and a prescription for Amoxil.  I still have a little bit of congestion, but I do believe I'm on the road to recovery. Thanks for all of your well wishes! Then, when I got home, my dermatologist called to inform me that my biopsy showed an aggressive form of basal cell carcinoma, so I won't be able to use the cream, Zyclara, afterall. It's the kind that can grow deeper below the surface of the skin. He wants to see me in 6 weeks to see how it's healing and he most likely will have to scrap it down some more or cut it out. I'm hopeful it won't get to that point, but we'll see. On a much lighter note, yesterday, Brittany landed a volunteer internship with the Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Center. Her first day is Friday and she'll be working from 8 AM until 6 PM. She is so excited! She'll be seeing a variety of patients and she'll gain some great experience for future employment. Also, today is Abby's last day of her freshman year of high school. She was practically skipping when she walked out the door this morning.  No more rising at 5 AM...WOO HOO! Let the summer begin!