A Final HodgePodge

It's HODGEPODGE time! Joyce over at "From This Side of the Pond" has elected to make this her last Hodgepodge link-up. I'm sorry to see it go, but life happens. More power to her! If you want to join in, it's a nice, quick little bloghop, just 6 questions. Click the link under the image.
 

Join HERE.

 Let's see what thoughts are provoked today...


1. What has been the highlight of your summer so far?
I'd say moving to Vietnam, but that's just ALL of my summer. To choose a single highlight? Maybe seeing the spectacle that is the Dragon Bridge. Maybe watching the International Fireworks Festival. Maybe finding a house. 

... Probably the fireworks. That was several fun, casual gatherings on the rooftop terrace of our building in Da Nang. We weren't close to the action, but enjoyed good company. And I LOVE fireworks.


2. What do you wish you'd done more of this summer? Less of?
More? Cooking, exercise, healthy stuff. But those are easy casualties of relocating. It's been a pretty good summer. I have no regrets.
Less? The only thing that comes to mind is "playing games on my phone" but even that is on the downturn. Again, no real regrets.

3. Something you're looking forward to on your September calendar?
There is nothing on the calendar except Brett's birthday. Mandarin class twice a week, and Brett's birthday. Each week, I had marked a room I wanted to focus on, but since we are waiting to buy more furniture until his next paycheck, that schedule will be stretched beyond September. 

I am definitely looking forward to celebrating Brett's birthday, although it falls during the week, so we will probably wait to do something until the weekend. And we might not do much. He's not a fan of a big to-do.


4. Best/favorite book you've read this summer?
A crazy little read by Morgana Best called "Miss Spelled". It's a bit girly, a bit mystery, a bit witchy (that's not really a secret) and such a quick, easy, light read, I would happily download her entire repertoire. However, right now I'm on a reading frenzy delving into a variety of genres as I begin my own writing journey. I will definitely come back to her.

Want to know my WORST book read this summer? Ugh. I'm still in it. "Midnight" by Dean Koontz. He's a bestseller, so I can learn something from him surely, and what I'm learning is to CUT THE DESCRIPTIONS! Holy crap, what a mess. I was at the 50% mark before I had any interest at all. But, you know, I'm learning about writing, so I read. 

(I'm ALWAYS interested in book recommendations, fyi. Please comment.)

5. Share something positive, encouraging, or uplifting here.
I'm terrible at linking videos, so...
If you love music, please look up "Postmodern Jukebox" on YouTube. I think I'm a late joiner to their trend, but these guys are awesome. (uplifting)

A story from life, then. (positive/encouraging)
Today, a friend was in an accident while passing my town (that's a blog for later), so she came to our place to assess damage and go to a pharmacy. As we were walking back from the pharmacy - where, first of all, the pharmacist sat her down and personally wrapped her ankle in the Ace bandage she had bought - as we walked/limped home, a woman on a motor-scooter pulled up alongside us and pointed to the back of her seat, saying something in Vietnamese. 
She had seen my friend limping, with a bandaged ankle, hanging on my arm, and gave her a ride down the street to my house (which was within sight, but maybe 80 yards away). People are good at heart. People in Vietnam are AMAZING. Such a simple thing to do for a stranger!

6. Insert your own random thought here.
I make little comments here and there about starting writing. In my Vietnamese class last month, we were learning about basic small talk, including the question "What do you do?" (what is your job?)

I'm not teaching. My personal business is not up and running yet. I sort of do audio recording sometimes, but the guy couldn't teach me how to say "audio recording", so I told him I'm a writer. That is my profession now. I'm not published yet, but that is my daily task that I intend to bring some sort of income at some point. I am a writer. There it is. Bold, declarative statement. I own it.

Question to you: If you are participating in this link-up, let me know in a comment, so I can visit. If you are not, how would you sum up your summer? And as always, got a book or author to recommend?

The Last Hodgepodge for a While

It's HODGEPODGE time! I started joining Joyce over at "From This Side of the Pond" a few weeks back. This will be her last Hodgepodge link-up until September, so I guess I'd better make it good. If you want to join in, it's a nice, quick little bloghop, just 6 questions. Click the link under the image.

Click HERE

1. I feel most energized when I ____________________.
Workout. Well, workout properly. I haven't had a proper "workout" since moving overseas. I do yoga, I get some strength training at home. I even did a couple online cardio workouts while in Beijing, so maybe that counts. (I definitely worked up a sweat.) But my primary exercise is walking. I miss getting up and hitting the gym for an hour before going to work.

2. Where were you ten years ago?
WOW. July of 2008, I was living in Delaware... that's four moves ago! That's the place I call home. I was working on my Masters, living and working at the beach. I had friends and margaritas. I still have the friends, but I don't see them anymore.

3. July 17th is World Emoji Day. Do you use emojis? Which one's your favorite? Your most used?
I wasn't much of an emoji user - only in Messenger, really. But then I moved to China. Chinese people use emojis more than possibly any other nationality on the planet. Maybe because the characters often have more than one meaning, and you can't hear tones in a text, so they add emojis. On WeChat -

the Chinese social media - they actually have a facepalm emoji! Why hasn't the western world done that yet? So yes, now I use emojis more than most of my western friends. In Wechat, I use the giggle emoji the most. On Facebook, probably the winkie.

4. What song would you put on a wedding DO NOT PLAY list? 
I have no idea. Anything tacky. Things like that 80s song "I like big butts and I cannot lie..." You know, anything I'd be ashamed for my mother to hear should NOT be played. Keep it classy, people.

5. What deserves less of your attention? More of your attention?
Less = games on my phone. I don't have many, but without working, I play them a lot. I just deleted one today.
More = people. I'm not naturally social, but maybe it would be good for me to put effort into the friendships I'm making here. My social anxiety has notably lowered since moving to Da Nang.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.
Joyce called this "Winds of Change Hodgepodge", and the questions do lead me to think about change. I'm at a place in life now where, once again, I'm trying to figure out how I fit. My identity is a bit up in the air. The person I am inside hasn't changed much but the way I live my life, and the obligations or lack thereof are extremely different. What is my role? What should I be doing? How do I do it? Can we afford it? 
For not going to church in a long time, I have to say my faith is about the strongest it's ever been.

Purging HodgePodge

 Today I'm participating in the Wednesday Hodgepodge, at From This Side of the Pond. If you'd care to join me in this blog-hop, click the link below the picture.

Join here!

1. What's something in your house you'd like to get rid of but can't?
The white bedding. I have others stored, but the bedding is included with the 2x weekly cleaning, so it stays. I've gotten makeup on it, and just the other day I killed a bug that smeared BLOOD right in the middle of the duvet! Yuck. Who uses white bedding anymore?


2. When is the last time you experienced a sense of nostalgia? Elaborate.
Thanks to Facebook, quite often. But I don't really have close friends to talk to "about the old days" - they are all so far away we stay in touch through social media. I think without someone to talk about the nostalgia, nostalgia passes pretty quickly.

3. You're only allowed three apps on your smart phone or tablet...which three do you keep?
My Bible app, Sudoku (maybe Brain Yoga, actually. It's a toss-up), and GPS. If GPS doesn't count against my 3 apps because the phone came with it, then I'd choose Instagram. A lot of apps can be done on a computer or piece of paper, but Instagram requires a smart phone or tablet!

4. July 11th is National Blueberry Muffin Day. Who knew? Do you like blueberry muffins? If you were going to have a muffin would blueberry be your choice? What's the last thing you baked?
Blueberry muffins are, perhaps, my least favorite muffin. Lemon Poppyseed, or orange-cranberry, or apple-bran are all more flavorful than blueberry, to me. However, I'll happily eat a plate of blueberry pancakes! 

I haven't had an oven in two years. I cannot remember what I last baked, but it was probably scones of some sort. I'll take any scone over any muffin almost any day! (unless it's red bean - which I've seen in Starbucks in Beijing.)

5. What's the biggest way you've changed since you were a child? In what way are you still the same?
I'm much more open-minded now; more accepting. I also have a better understanding of some issues I had as a kid. I still love Asia and geography, and I'm still an avid reader.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
I titled this "Purging Hodgepodge" because it purges something from my home, many things from my phone, and memories. Maybe there's a better way to connect these questions, but that was the first thing that came to my mind.

Hodgepodge Beyond the Sea

...Beyond the South China Sea, to be specific.
Today I'm participating in the Wednesday Hodgepodge, which has a New Jersey theme on the homepage. I feel I need to clarify that because my answers may seem off-topic. If you'd care to join me in this blog-hop, click the link below the picture.

Click Here

1. Security or freedom? Can you have both? Explain.
Yes. I just moved from a country with tightly restricted freedoms, and I felt I had to look over my shoulder all the time, and speak in hushed tones just to state an opinion. Very oppressive. I feel much more secure when I am free to speak my mind and go where I want without showing my passport.

2. If you could visit any historical American site what would it be? Why?
Now that I live in Vietnam, I intend to take one of the "American War Tours" offered by certain tourism groups. Maybe the DMZ, if there's anything to that anymore. Also, the northernmost US military base from that war is just north of me, and I believe it is maintained as a museum of sorts. Probably all of that.
 
3. Free as a bird, free reign, be free of, free enterprise, free trip, walk away scot free, free for all...which 'free' phrase can best be applied to your life in recent days or weeks? Explain.
"Free as a bird" or "Free from the daily grind". I am not working right now, and although I'm slowly laying groundwork to start my own business, this tropical lifestyle suits me just fine! Even the work I do,or hope to do, will be done on my own time.

4. Something in your fridge that's red? Something in your house that's white? Something in your view that's blue?
Sting Soda. So help me, God, I love this stuff. It's strawberry, not cherry, and slightly tart.


All the bedding is white. Not my choice. We have a furnished apartment.
 

I look out the window at buildings painted shades of blue, green and yellow. It's such a sweet change from the grey of Beijing!
 


5. July 27th is National New Jersey Day. Have you ever visited The Garden State? If so where did you go? Are there diners where you live? Have you tried Taylor Pork Roll? Do you like to play Monopoly? Salt water taffy-yay or nay? How do you feel about shopping at the mall? Springsteen, Sinatra, or Bon Jovi-you have to pick one.

I HAVE visited the Garden State several times. When I lived in PA, one of my good friends was from there and we went to her parents' house one time. Then I lived in Delaware, and my best friend is from northern Jersey. We stayed with her folks once or twice on jaunts into NYC. Plus, because I was in Lewes, DE, I took the ferry over to Cape May several times. That's a cute resort town. 

No American-style diners here in DaNang that I know of, but many corner restaurants, inside and out. Never heard of Taylor Pork Roll, and I don't eat pork anyway. I think the last time I played Monopoly was when I was stranded in a snowstorm in New Hampshire, maybe 10 years ago? I'm not great at Monopoly. I'm not cutthroat enough.

I can take or leave Salt water taffy, but I often took it as gifts when visiting the midwest. If it's around, I'll eat it, but I don't love it.

Not a fan of malls, but in Asian cities, they make it convenient for us expats!

I gotta pick Bon Jovi. After all, I'm Livin' on a Prayer!


6. Insert your own random thought here.

There will be no Hodgepodge next week on the 4th. That makes me think of July 4ths as an American expat. When I was a kid in Sri Lanka, the US consulate or embassy (I can't remember if we had an embassy there back then) would host a big, traditional cookout with hotdogs, hamburgers, Budweiser and Coke - all luxuries. They'd have a fireworks display after dark.
As a teen in Taiwan, there would usually be some get together with other expats, but I don't recall fireworks.
The last two 4ths, in Beijing - nothing. It's just a day on the calendar.
Here in Da Nang, by coincidence the finale of the International Fireworks Festival will be this Saturday. I will count that my 4th of July celebration for this year!

The Fireworks Festival, as seen from the rooftop terrace of our building.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I've seen this link-up on a few blogs, so this week I decided to take the plunge. It's still Wednesday in the US, so I figure I'm okay. It comes from From This Side of the Pond.

I can't make the button link, so here's the link.

So, here goes. My answers to the six questions of the week.

1. What happens to the mail at your house? 
We just moved to Vietnam, so I have no idea. Since we live in a small apartment owned by the guy who owns the coffee shop on the first floor, I would imagine that any mail would come to him and he will give it to us when he sees us. Or bring it up to our door. We shall see!

2. Something you always splurge on? Any guilt associated with the splurge? 
The first thing that comes to mind is wine, but I don't really splurge. I'm happy with the cheap stuff. Probably croissants. I have found that a proper croissant is a delicious breakfast, but they are hard to find here. Guilt came when we lived in Beijing and I had croissants delivered regularly. Guilt from calories and from the expense. Not here though. I can't get them as often.


3. There are many, but what are two important questions you think every bride and groom should ask/answer before they plan their walk down the aisle?

*blows on fingernails* 
NUMBER ONE! Discuss having children. This is not just a question, but a heart-to-heart, and BELIEVE your S.O. whatever he or she says. If you are not on the same page about having children or not, DON'T DO IT! How many stupid people have I seen get married thinking the other person would change their mind or get on board with the idea, then crash and burn. And I'm not going to soften that word "stupid". To not adequately address this subject before marriage is the definition of stupid. Just don't.

TWO is somewhat related, but broader: What habits does your S.O. have that raise red flags? Ask yourself if you can live with that for the rest of your life. Chewing with their mouth open? Sounds petty but if it will grate on your nerves every day, forever, it's not worth the commitment. Do not expect or hope they will change in conjunction with your wishes. People may change, but you cannot force it.  


4. What's the best advice your father ever gave you?
One time I was planning something and debating whether to tell the other person about it because I wasn't sure it would happen - an outing or party, or something - and my Dad said not to "deprive them of the joy of anticipation." He was very animated about it. Especially since I wasn't sure I could pull it off, at least letting the other person know I was thinking of doing something special would make them smile. I love that. 


5. Your favorite movie where a father features heavily in the storyline?
There are two that came quickly to mind:
Dead Poet's Society (Remember Kurtwood Smith's character?) He's a minor character, but pivotal.
Field of Dreams - I'm not actually sure about the "father" part, but wasn't the whole point his connection with his dad?


6. Insert your own random thought here.
I'm seeing a lot out there this week about failure, or feeling like a failure, or quitting (my own post). I think failure has become a dirty word, but we need to flip the script. Last night I was overcharged for some food from a food cart, and I felt terrible later ... like I had personally failed because I didn't bargain them down. 

Flip the script.
It's not failure on my part or a con on their part. I simply paid extra for a late night purchase when they were closing.
Or, I paid extra because I can. 
I am doing my part to improve their services.

How will you flip the negative script that runs in your head when something bad happens?