Learning Another Language

Blog Prompt: What is the best reason for learning another language?

I think the best reason for learning another language is that it broadens my horizon. It helps me be less egocentric and realize that there are other cultures out there besides my own. With an awareness other cultures, it opens up the door for seeing other ideas and perspectives that may be different from my own. Yet, I have also noticed a lot of similarities too. Many words in different languages have the same base which helps me understand the words easier. I may not know a particular language but if I can connect to word in another language that I know, it helps me understand it easier. Since we do a lot of traveling, this really helps communication and getting around go a lot smoother. So far, I’ve learned French (8 years including high school and college), some Spanish, some Italian, and some Chinese.

I also think learning another language helps exercise the brain. Memorizing new vocabulary keeps the brain sharper. I read somewhere that learning a language can help people ward off dementia but I’m not sure about that. I like brain exercises and I like the challenge so I will continue to learn as much as I can.

Original image: 'Welcoming'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56013895@N00/122872445 by: fly

Memorable Move

Blog Prompt: Have you ever moved? What was most memorable about it? If you never have what do you think would make it memorable?

The most memorable move I remember was right before I got married. My fiancée and I lived across each other in an apartment complex and were moving to a rental house when we married the next week. He had a lot of furniture and stuff at a storage building that was going to be moved to our new house. My assistant, her husband and three teenage boys came in their truck to help us move on a Sunday afternoon. We used the security code to open the gate in order to get into the storage building property and loaded up the truck. Then when we got ready to leave, we punched in the security code to open the gate again and nothing happened. We were locked inside the property. Apparently no one told us that after 5pm, the gate can’t be opened until Monday morning. We ended up calling 911 and the police tried to contact the owners but was unable to do that. My assistant’s husband said he had the tools to dismantle the gate if the policeman could be a witness that we weren’t stealing anything. When he got the gate opened, we unloaded all of our belongings on the outside of the gate and then he put the gate back together again. My assistant and I had to sit with all the stuff while the guys made two or three trips moving it all to our house. What an experience!

On a side note:

I finished my reindeer hat and it is hideous. It looks great in the picture but I won’t dare put it on my hubby’s head to show you what it looks like when it is on his head. The pattern is very pretty but on his head, it looks like a dunce’s cap or something from a Harry Potter movie. I’ve whined about it on Plurk and Ravelry already but there is nothing to do but chalk it up to a learning experience. Next time I try a pattern, I will look at the other projects already finished and read the comments that they leave before I decide to try it. I also see why it is important to leave comments on my own projects.

Original image: 'untitled'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31703752@N04/3984755784

Frozen Food

Blog Prompt: March is National Frozen Food Month. Do you freeze your own or buy already frozen food?

The only thing I freeze is usually meat before I cook it. I like to buy packages of meat that are on sale and usually that is more than the two of us can eat. In the past, my hubby would not eat anything frozen so I solved that problem by not telling him about it. I don’t usually freeze any meals because I’ve been able to cook enough for the two of us without any leftovers. My hubby hates leftovers and will not eat them at all.

Original image: 'Frozen Peas'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56507475@N00/283749768

Panic

Blog Prompt: Panic Day. Have you ever had a panic attack? If so how did you control it?

When I was a freshman in college, I put a lot of pressure on myself. I was a straight A student in high school and things came easy to me.

But when I attended this small private college in South Carolina, I felt like a fish out of water. All of the other students around me seemed so much smarter than me and I felt like the dunce of the school. By studying hours and hours every day and night, I was able to keep up with the others but it was hard work. School work at college was so very different than high school. I wasn’t used to studying this hard just to maintain good grades. When I failed my first test, I was crushed! Luckily the professor took pity on me and let me retake it. The reason that I failed was not because I didn’t study but because I froze from fear and couldn’t remember a single thing! This fear continued the whole first semester.

By the time final exams came, I was not eating regularly (I hated the campus food) or sleeping well. I started to have major panic attacks and had to carry a paper bag with me to help my hyperventilating. In fact, I lost 30 lbs. and was under 100 lbs. so I was put on probation (I think they were afraid that I had anorexia.) I couldn’t return after Christmas unless I weighed over 100 lbs. and was eating right. I also had to learn relaxation techniques to stop the panic. So, to get through final exams, the school made me drink peanut butter chocolate milkshakes three times a day and practice deep breathing as well as walking for exercise. These really helped me tremendously.

When I came back to school in January, I weighed over 100 lbs. and was doing much better mentally. I also think I was homesick since it was my first time ever being away from home and 800 miles was a long way. The school actually gave me a special card for my dinners to be made at the student center grill just for me. I think this caring attitude at school helped me get through my first year too.

Original image: 'don't panic!'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20771223@N00/15529699 by: Jon Moe

Faces

Blog Prompt: What physical feature on a person do you first react to?

Faces are important to me. That is what I look at when I have a conversation with others. I can tell by their smiles or grimaces how they are feeling. I can look in their eyes and tell if they are sincere. I can also see if they are angry, sarcastic, unhappy, or miserable. All of this can be determined by looking at people’s faces. I think that is why I hate using the phone. Phone conversations can be misconstrued or cause lots of confusion because I can’t see their faces. I have enjoyed using Skype now because I can see other people’s faces when I talk to them. The problem with that is not everyone I know uses Skype, which is a shame because it is a free program for your computer. Of course not everyone I know uses a computer either. So, I will continue to have face to face conversations as much as possible.

Original image: 'world mosaic: a tribute to flickr portraits'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72905923@N00/1514977212

My Name

Blog Prompt: Who chose your name? Were you named after someone else?

My parents chose my name. I’m not really sure why they chose my name other than at the last minute, they liked the name Patricia. I heard the story about how my name was supposed to be Gail but then it was changed. Patricia means noble and I like the thought of being noble. My middle name is Ruth and Ruth was my grandmother’s name. Growing up, I thought Ruth was an old fashioned name but now I like it. I like the thought of it being in the bible and that it seems like a strong name. My sister has been telling me some stories about my grandmother that I never knew and it makes me wish that I had known my grandmother better before she passed away. The stories are good though and I feel closer to her just from hearing about her.

Original image: 'red velvet cupcake madness!'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35468136000@N01/99894244 by: Klara

Dreaming

Blog Prompt: At what age are you too old to pursue your dreams? Or are you ever to old?

I think you are never too old to dream. Dreaming is part of living. I love having dreams and having them come true. Then I pursue new dreams. This pursuit is what makes life interesting. Sometimes it takes longer to make some dreams come true than others but I’m learning that it is fun to work at it. Sometimes the pursuit is almost as much fun as the dreaming. I wish I had known this when I was younger. I wish someone had told me this when I was younger. But then again, maybe someone did and I didn’t listen. But now I know and I’m making a list of things I want to learn or do and slowly, I’m marking the dreams off as they come true. I hope I continue to dream and pursue my dreams until the day I die.

Original image: 'A young boy dreams big dreams of what lies beyond'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10271343@N00/2628104710 by: Ken Bosma

Old Stuff

Blog Prompt: Today is "Old Stuff Day." How can you expound on this?

I love old stuff (which you could tell if you ever came to visit my house!). Beside my hubby and me which qualifies as old stuff now that both of us are over 50 years old, we have tons of old stuff in our house. Our playroom is decorated with lots of “old stuff” that we find at yard sales, flea markets, and antique stores. “Old stuff” fascinates me! Sometimes I like to look at these things and wonder what they could say if they could talk. What kind of history have they experienced? What were times like when they were “new stuff?” “Old stuff” symbolizes wisdom, experience, and memories of good times. Even when times were hard, there were good times that can be remembered. “Old Stuff” should be saved and honored and remembered.

Original image: 'Mizener's Flea Market (Formerly Circle M) / Waterdown / Flamborough, Ontario / July, 2007'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/3036736172 by: Bill Barber

Jeans

Blog Prompt - Today is Levi Strauss' birthday. Do you wear jeans a lot or do you have a hard time finding that perfect pair of jeans. If you have found the perfect jeans, pass on the brand name!!

Since I retired, I live in my jeans. I love blue jeans because they are so comfortable. I can wear them with my heels, clogs, tennis shoes, sandals, or flip flops. I can tuck my shirts in or wear them outside. I can put on a sweater or blazer with them. They are so versatile that I can’t imagine wearing much else. I don’t wear a brand name because they are usually more than I want to pay for a pair of jeans and they don’t usually fit me like I want. Many of them are too long or too tight or too ugly on my body. But the best ones I’ve found have been the ones I get at Wal-Mart. They are the right price and the right size for me so I’m happy.

Original image: 'the blues'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/71815015@N00/2824472748 by: Susanne Koch

Carnivals

Blog Prompt - Today is Carnival Day. Do you love or hate to go to carnivals?

I love carnivals! Of course I didn’t go to them until after I was married and had children. I am fascinated by all the lights and the excitement in the air. I love the smells of all the different foods as their aromas drift by my nose. I love the laughter in the air from all the children who are also thrilled with all the sights and sounds. I love to hear the booth operators calling to people passing by in order to entice them to visit their booths. I love the sound of the bell as young men hit a spot with a hammer to show how strong they are. I love to watch young couples as they walk with hearts in their eyes. I love to taste the hot dogs and the cotton candy and the popcorn. I love to observe the ride handlers and see how they dress and what they look like. I try to imagine what life is like traveling with a carnival. Yes, as you can tell, I love carnivals!

Original image: 'Dusk'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/48600090482@N01/42095586 by: Julie Falk

Currency Day

Blog Prompt - Today is Currency Day. It was introduced to the US in 1862 by President Lincoln. Do you carry much cash around with you or do you prefer to use a credit or debit card?

I hate to carry cash and I love my credit card. My husband is always fussing at me because I don’t carry cash with me so I have a stash of emergency cash that I hide but I never use. Then when he asks me if I have cash with me, I am able to tell him that I do. It is so much easier for me to pull out my credit card and use it. Then once a month I pay off the entire balance so we don’t pay any interest. I use my card for everything including gas and groceries so I know how much to set aside in our budget to pay the bill. We don’t buy many extra things so our budget amount is usually the same each month. By using my credit card, I don’t have to worry about loose change or digging out cash. On the opposite side, my husband never uses his credit card and only uses cash.

Original image: 'Dreams...'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68422830@N00/120499365 by: Noah Coffey

Dog Treats

Blog Prompt - Today is International Dog Biscuit Day. If you have a dog, do you give them treats and if so, what kind?

I don’t have a dog now because we travel so much but I used to have a dog. His name was Caesar and he was a chow. Boy, did he love to chew things. When he was a puppy, I used to worry that I would wake up and find all the wood furniture in the house chewed up into toothpicks. We would give him big dog biscuits and he loved them. He would also eat table scraps without any problems. But what he really loved were pig’s ears that we would get at the pet store. They wouldn’t last long but he loved them Original

image: 'HomeMade ♥ Cream Cheese & Honey Biscuits ♥ For Dog'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39171970@N00/491449642 by: Tamisa S..

Toothpicks

Blog Prompt - The toothpick was patented in 1872. Besides the obvious use of the toothpick, is there something else you use this invention for?

I have used toothpicks for:

· Testing baked items to see if they are done

· Serving appetizers

· Wedges when fixing something

· Cleaning out small places

· Holder for string when I was beading something

· Applying glue to small places

· Manipulatives to teach math skill

· Science projects

Original image: 'Mondadientes / Escarbadientes / Palillos'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/17513020@N00/392671743 by: Julián Rodriguez Orihuela

Random Act of Kindness Day

Blog Prompt - Today is Random Act of Kindness Day. Did you do something kind for someone today?

Since it is too early for just today, I will tell you something I did the other day. I had made a snowflake headband in a class and I really liked it. Then I met with some friends and I decided to give it to one of them. This friend is always doing for other people and is such a caring and giving person that I wanted to do something for her. She is always complimenting me on the prayer shawls that I knit and I thought it would be special to give her something that I had made. She was surprised and really seemed to like it too.

As I go about today, I will look for opportunities to be kind to someone. I really like to practice random acts of kindness whenever I can and not just today.

Original image: 'Random Acts'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8628862@N05/2300235407 by: John

Fleece

Blog Prompt - Today is the day Nylon was patented in 1937. Is there a material that you love and could never live without or hate and wish it was never invented?

I love fleece! I have two fleece lap blankets. One of them I take with me camping so I can wrap in it at night around the fire. I have a couple of fleece jackets that are warm and soft. I even have a pair of fleece pants that I wear around the house or at night when we are camping. I just love the feel of fleece and how it keeps me warm!

Original image: 'Check out the paw ...'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92949075@N00/3170837522 by: Alison

A Day Off From Work

Blog Prompt - Today is Presidents Day and a holiday for most. Tell me what you would do on a day off from work.

Since I am retired, every day is a day off from work. Yet, I have certain routines that I have developed for specific days of the week. I do a certain household chore on a certain day instead of trying to do them all at one time. This has really worked for me. I also like to go weekly grocery shopping on Monday mornings since I have the menu for the week planned out. In the mornings I like to walk on the treadmill for an hour and then spend a couple of hours reading the blogs in my Google Reader and responding to emails. I also have certain days where I work on blog posts for my Successful Teaching blog. When the weather clears up and gets warmer, I plan to spend a couple of hours in the morning working in my gardens. It feels like I am busier now that I’ve retired than when I worked!

So, if I had a day off from “work”, I would visit with friends and knit during our visit. Of course, the visit would involve lots of food too!

Original image: 'Whilst Most Daleks Are Out Conquering The Universe, Someone Has To Stay Behind To Do The Housework'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/95492938@N00/360684955
by: Alan

Inventors Day

Blog Prompt - Today is Inventors Day. Is there an invention out there that you know you could sell?

I would invent a machine that would exercise my muscles while I sleep that would burn off enough calories so that I could lose weight. I could plug in the amount of weight I want to lose and while I sleep, my muscles would be working away. Yet, I would wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, not sore, and energized. I think if I invented that, I would have no trouble getting people to buy it!

On a different note, I went to a knitting workshop last weekend and learned how to do fair isle. This is my first attempt and I think the snowflake headband came out pretty good. I will be working on a hat for myself tomorrow for the Ravelympics on Ravelry.

Original image: 'I lose water weight during the week and gain back over the weekend'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10856561@N00/1921693664 by: Victoria

Umbrellas

Blog Prompt - Today is Umbrella Day. Do you have that special umbrella that you would like to tell us about?

I think umbrellas are beautiful but I hate using umbrellas. Let’s just say that I’m umbrella-challenged. All of the umbrellas I’ve ever had usually end up broken. If I decide it is raining hard enough to use one, by the time I get it out and open it up, I’m usually soaked anyway. A strong wind will inevitably turn it inside out and breaks it. If it isn’t broken, when I put it in the car, it gets everything wet. So, needless to say, I don’t have a special umbrella. In fact, I think most umbrellas quake in their covers when I get near them.

Original image: 'rain man'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23749336@N03/2322435576 by: enrico

Living with the Ingalls

Blog Prompt - Laura Ingalls Wilder's was born on this day in 1867. Do you think you would've enjoyed living in that era of time?

I know without a shadow of a doubt that I would not enjoy living during those times. I love to travel and can’t imagine traveling the country in that covered wagon. I also love my washing machine, dryer, refrigerator, computer, treadmill, and hot tub which didn’t exist during that era. I also think the quality of life was very hard in those days and people died at a much earlier age than now. Teachers had a hard life too and had to heat up and clean up the one room school house. Now that I write this, it makes me even more thankful that I live in today’s world.

Original image: 'Rodeo Trail Ride 2008'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16057786@N00/2304140183 by: Gary Hunt

Computer Clean Up

Blog Prompt - Today is clean out your computer day. Do you need to clean out some files and straighten up a bit?

I have lots of scrapbooking files that are taking lots of room on my computer. I don’t like to move it to the external hard drive until I have tagged them in Picasa. Unfortunately these files have piled up and it is so overwhelming when I look at it and then I just move on. I keep telling myself that I will come back to it later. I keep my picture files pretty well organized and moved to the external hard drive. Other than those files, the rest of my computer files are pretty neat.

Original image: 'Literary cat'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37996600126@N01/32454407 by: Suzi Duke