Wednesday 19 August 2020

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 19/8/20

Wednesday's Hodgepodge is hosted by Joyce over at "From this side of the Pond".  Pop over there to see who is playing and how to join in.  If you do join in remember to visit your neighbour on the Linky List.  Have fun.

1. Five years ago this month hubs and I relocated from New Jersey to the Palmetto State. What were you doing five years ago this month?

Relaxing at home and planning for our annual family get together at the end of the month.  Unfortunately that won't be happening this year thanks to the pandemic.  Gatherings of more than 30 people are not permitted and the accommodation is closed. :(

2. What was the last 9-5 job you worked? Tell us about it.

I was a School Business Manager for the primary school that my kids (and their Dad) had attended.  My youngest was in his last term there when I took the job so it didn't cause any issues.  I loved that job but unfortunately new management made it become unbearable so I left in 2015.  I'm a lady of leisure now although not yet retired and of course my family, especially the Grandkids keep me busy.  The job also involved responsibility for Health & Safety and I'm really glad I'm not having to do the endless risk assessments that must be needed at the moment as schools prepare to reopen fully in September.

3. Plead the fifth, high five, take five, it's five o'clock somewhere, or the big 5-0...which number five phrase relates to your life in some way currently? Tell us how.

I think take five.  We're in the throes of moving house and sometimes I just need to "take five" to get away from that lol

4. During this season of spending so much time at home, what distractions get in the way of being your most productive? Or have you been extra productive since this whole thing started?

How much time have you got?  Am I being productive?  On and off.  Am I easily distracted?  Definitely.  The television.  The internet - especially social media.  My phone with it's constant stream of messages - large family whatsapp groups can be very time consuming.  Thank goodness you can turn off any annoying chimes every time a message comes through!  I'm hoping once we get to the point of exchanging contracts on our move this will give me the kick up the backside I feel I need.  And of course once we're in the new house there will be lots to do.  

5. Give us a list here of your top five anything.

Well you get a bonus here - in no particular order these are the books I've given 5* to so far this year.

  1. Her Fearful Symmetry - Audrey Niffenegger
  2. Saving Missy - Beth Morrey
  3. The Other Half of Augusta Hope - Joanna Glen
  4. Cilka's Journey - Heather Morris
  5. The Book Thief - Marcus Zusak
  6. The Silent Patient - Alex Michaelides
  7. Half a World Away - Mike Gayle

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I checked out the spelling of "throes" earlier just to be sure and was a bit surprised at the meaning - intense or violent pain and struggle, especially accompanying birth, death, or great change.

I guess moving does mean great change!  It's also definitely intense and a struggle.  Hopefully it won't involve violent pain. 

24 comments:

  1. Here's hoping your move does NOT involve violent pain! I'm sorry you are not able to have your get together.
    Jan
    Laughter and Consistency

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    Replies
    1. Thanks. We might plan a picnic or some other get together outdoors.

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  2. It must be a hard time to move with all of the restrictions in place. Sorry you aren't able to have your get together this year. New management can really change a job. I am glad you didn't have to stay. Have a great week :)

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    1. Thanks. The hardest thing has been the time lag (due to lockdown) of securing a buyer for our house and then being able to get out and find somewhere we wanted to buy. If we do manage to move in September it will have taken us 9 months.

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  3. Sorry you can't have your family reunion. I hope all goes smoothly with the move. Have a great day :)

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  4. I am really enjoying reading everyone's different 5's today. I am sorry about the no family reunion. I hope you have a beautiful day friend.

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  5. Oh, I know you are glad you are not involved with a school system this year. Our daughter and DIL both are teachers and it is mind blogging all they are dealing with. I'm praying things will settle down as the kids so need the routine of school.

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    1. Yes it's definitely a relief to not be part of the educations system. 2 of my DILs are and I know they're concerned about it all, as are the parents. But yes the kids are the ones suffering from all the disruption. Our "A" level results this year (which determine which universities the kids get in to) were a total fiasco and many kids have been left, unnecessarily, very disappointed!

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  6. Hi,
    We just finished moving the boys to an apartment in a community about 45 minuets away. So I am taking five with you. ;-)

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  7. I've read a few on your list. I read The Book Thief a number of years ago and really liked that one. My book club read The Silent Patient and everyone seemed to enjoy that. It's going to eventually be a film and I'm wondering how that will be for those of us who've read the book since we know how it all turns out. Good luck with your move!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Joyce. Yes it will be interesting to see how they film it but I always like to read a book if there is one before seeing a film.

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  8. eek! No violent pain please. Oh how nice it will be when your move is over and you only have boxes to deal with in your new abode. Take Fives are a good thing to do in the midst! All the best as you accomplish this huge task!!

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  9. Hopefully your move won't cause pain!! The Hodgepodge is always fun! Hoping those contracts get done and exchanged soon!!

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  10. Thanks for stopping by, especially since you had trouble finding me! I've missed my blog friends.
    So you're moving...bless your heart! Of course, it's all worth it in the end.
    I'm so sorry you're not able to have your family get together, this year, thanks to the pandemic. I'm SO ready for this thing to be over!
    Kathy (Reflections by Kathy)

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    1. Thanks Kathy. I'm sure we'll catch up with family at some point although it may have to be in smaller groups. I'm sure many will want to come and see our new house!

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  11. I think the hardest thing is not being able to do things with my extended family. At least social media and cell phones and Face time keep us together.

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    1. It definitely is Susan. We didn't see one of our Grandsons from February until a week or so ago. That was so hard. But yes social media helps.

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  12. This hodgepodge always looks like so much fun, and gets the wheels turning for me. Five years ago seems like an eternity in so many ways. I like your list of 5 star books. A couple of them I would rate the same, haven't read the others, so I'll have to look into them.

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    Replies
    1. Well the next five years will seem short as we'll probably be writing 2020 off!

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