Wednesday, May 18, 2016

In the Middle of Optimism

IT IS GOOD TO BE BACK!
I have missed the Hodgepodge for a few weeks so it is good to be back among this great group of faithful Wednesday bloggers.
Joyce, I trust you enjoyed your break as well.

1. Tell us about a time you found yourself 'in the middle of nowhere'. Was this deliberate?

West Texas is the middle of nowhere.  Our trips through that area were always deliberate, but it seemed to take forever. It always took a bit of creativity to entertain our two kiddos during that trek.  I will have to admit though, the view is expansive with a beauty of its own.  I can understand why one might have thought the earth was flat when seen from that vantage point; there is very little to break the horizon.

2. What's something you're 'in the middle of' today or this week?

I'm really not in the middle of anything right now.  No projects going.  However, I have been right in the middle of trying to make an important and difficult decision, but I think that is about settled.

3. At what age do you think 'middle age' begins? What does it mean to be 'middle aged'?

We used to think middle age was 40.  Then middle age was said to be whenever a woman went through menopause.  I think that might make the most sense because it does issue in a lot of changes not only for a woman's body but her psychic as well.  If there are children, then this time period often brings it's own changes and stresses.

What does it mean to be middle aged?  It is that period between young adulthood and old age.  Thankfully, I'm still there at 71.

4. Ravioli, stuffed peppers, samosas, deviled eggs, steamed dumplings, pierogis, or a jelly donut...your favorite food (from this list!) with something yummy in the middle. Your favorite not on the list?
Deviled eggs.  We recently had a "Boudin Stuffed Chicken."  Only we southern cajun folk will know how good that is.

5. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying ''In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.' Would you agree? Have you found this to be true in your own life? Feel free to elaborate. 

Yes, I agree.
I have found this to be true many times.  Of course it depends on the difficulty as to what opportunities might be possible.  But, I think it would be safe to say that in any difficulty the opportunity to come out of it better than you were would always be the desired result.

6. What's a song you remember loving from your middle school years? Do you love it still?

It is impossible to pick out a favorite from this time.  It was the late 50's and there were so many wonderful, great songs during those years.  Perhaps the one that was a favorite across all ethnic, racial, and religious barriers and is still sung today was "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" by Laurie London in 1958.

7. May 18th is National Visit Your Relatives Day. Will you celebrate? Which relative would you visit if time, distance, and expense were not considered.

I would want to have all mine and my sister's families together again like we used to do before our parents died.  My sisters and I see each other as often as can, but the cousins who used to be so close have not all been together since our mother's funeral in 2005.  That would be my wish. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

While in Indiana, I had a cervical injection that didn't work, necessitating the need for neck surgery up there on June 6; a lumbar MRI that showed collapsed vertebrae in the L3 and S1 that will require surgery and fusion in the near future; a lumbar injection that did sort of work; an X-ray that revealed my left hip is bone-on-bone and the need for a hip replacement before the back can be mended; and more evidence of spinal stenosis and degenerative arthritis in my neck, back and hips.

Needless to say, this all threw me for a loop for a day or so.

But, I can't let that keep me down or I might never get back up.  I came home determined to do whatever I need to do to be in the best condition for rapid and quick recovery from each of the upcoming surgeries.  I foresee being the healthiest bionic woman around when its all over and done with.

I am not seeing my glass half full, but brimming over. 

I recently read a joke about ever being the optimist and if you'll not judge me too harshly, I'd like to share it with you.

Late in the night, he finally regained consciousness.
He was in the hospital, in terrible pain.

He found himself in the ICU with tubes in his mouth, needles and IV drips in both arms,
a breathing mask, wires monitoring every function, and a nurse hovering over him.
He realized that he was obviously in a life- threatening situation.

The nurse gave him a serious, deep look, straight into his eyes, then spoke to him slowly
and clearly, enunciating each word and syllable, "You may not feel anything from the waist down."

Somehow he managed to mumble in reply,
"Can I feel your boobs, then?"


AND THAT, MY FRIEND, IS AN OPTIMIST!!
 
 HAVE A GREAT DAY!!
Elizabeth "Libby" Day
Elizabeth "Libby" Day

Hello, My name is Libby. I enjoy reading good books, painting, blogging, spending time with friends and whatever my "Heart" leads me to do. Welcome to Beauty Without Within.

12 comments:

  1. Oh my, I had to laugh at that joke. Praying for your efforts to get into excellent health before your upcoming surgeries.

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  2. Hahaha! Thanks for the early morning laugh! That would be my husband! I'm sorry to hear about all your pain. I was in grade school when that song was popular and everybody sang it! We even sang it at school with no criticism or lawsuits!

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  3. So sorry for your health woes. Sounds like a lot to take in and process, but I'm sure you'll manage it well.

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  4. That gave me an early morning chuckle. How funny! My goodness, I am so, so sorry about all these health issues but you sure seem to have a good attitude. Hang in there and we'll all be praying you through to the other side. Hugs!

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  5. Thank you for the giggles..

    My husband has deg. disc in his L5,L6,L7 and has vowed he will not allow them to operate. I am keeping you in prayer, sweet friend. Please keep us posted.

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  6. That fella was surely an optimist! Hope all your issues can be dealt with in an appropriate and timely fashion. Sending lots of prayers and hugs! xoxo

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  7. ROFL...that was a scream! Thank you for starting my stressful day with a giant laugh.

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  8. Texas has a LOT of middle of nowhere. Wow, what a huge state! Thanks for the laugh this morning. :-)

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  9. Awesome, glad you have no projects going on right now! I like your song choice. I'm really sorry to hear about your upcoming surgeries. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I know your going to be yourself again in no time. ((Hugs))

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  10. Great to end on a giggle. Sorry to hear about the "more surgery." Love to you.

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  11. I missed this somehow yesterday, but I sure enjoyed the laugh this morning, lol. Sorry to hear about all the physical issues, and yet your optimistic attitude is so good and inspiring. Thank God too when you think about it that there is soo much they can do to get you back feeling GOOD. I started a new doc this week because I too have decided it's time to address all my issues too. I am such a chicken, and your attitude is a real encouragement to me. He will get us through. Praying all your efforts to get healthy are quick and effective. Hope the rest of your week is a good one!

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  12. Hi Elizabeth,
    What a great post .... it's always good to get an insight into people's lives . I'm so sorry to hear of your health issues ..... hopefully they can sort it all out.
    I'm pleased that my joke gave your readers a good laugh ..... the best medicine in the world !!
    Happy weekend to you. XXXX

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