Wednesday Hodgepodge - Totally Random

Joyce has some up with some very interesting questions this week.  I always look forward to her Wednesday Hodgepodge!  If you'd like to see what everyone else has answered or if you'd like to play along, just click on the button above.

1. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to mis-use, over-use or just general uselessness and they receive over 1000 nominations. Here are the fourteen words/phrases they'd like to see banished in 2011-viral, epic, fail, wow factor, a-ha moment, back story, BFF, man up, refudiate, Mama Grizzlies, The American People, facebook/google when used as verbs, I'm just sayin', and Live life to the fullest.

 

What word or phrase would you like to see banished from our everyday vocabulary in 2011? You can choose one from the 'official list' or you can get creative and come up with your own.
I think any noun used as a verb out to be outlawed.  

2. Do you consider opportunity something that comes to you or something you create for yourself?
Yes.  Ha!  Seriously though, I think opportunity can be something that comes to me or something that I've worked to create ... or both.  

3. Since we're all eating healthy this month, ahem, what's included in your favorite salad? Is there dressing?
Various lettuces, some thinly sliced red onion, some sauteed prosciutto, some shredded parmesan and a light vinaigrette (not too much).  We have that salad 3-4 times/week. 

4. The fourth Monday in January is said to be Blue Monday...aka the most depressing day of the year. The date was calculated using many factors including weather, debt level, time since Christmas, time since we've failed at our new year resolutions, low motivation and feeling a need to take action. Do you get the blues this time of year and if so what is something you do to lift your spirits?
I don't normally get SAD.  Although I do grow weary of too many days in a row without sunshine.  I love snow, so although I have extremely low tolerance to cold, I don't usually react (emotionally) to winter (including January) like most people do.  

5. Do you wear a watch? Any other everyday jewelry essentials?
I used to wear a watch, but once I retired, I put it away.  When retired, time of day becomes less important ... and besides, we have clocks in almost every room of the house.  When we travel, I do wear my watch, though.  I always wear my rings (engagement/wedding).  I haven't worn earrings in years (I wonder if my holes have closed up?).

6. What is something useful you learned in high school?
Typing.  I took it only because my mom stressed how important it would be (it and shorthand and home ec would be -- it was a totally different time back in a small rural community back in the mid 60's).  Turns out typing has been important ... with computers used for everything these days.  My family and co-workers always teased me because if they heard something typing away on a keyboard at a high rate of speed, they knew that it was me.  ;-)

7. Do you use an accountant when completing and filing your income tax returns or do you attempt to muddle through all by yourself?
No, we use Turbo Tax.  I'm sure that I could prepare our returns myself, but using Turbo Tax means that I don't have to worry about math (after 30 years of working as an accountant, I can't do simple math on my own any more ... I need a spreadsheet or a calculator! ha!) and that I can e-file.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I've survived 2 days back at work ... things have gone well.  I'm having some trouble getting into my new routine.  I worked full days so far this week because I will be unable to work tomorrow or Friday.  Next week I should be able to get into a normal work schedule ... and hopefully a new normal routine here at home.