Wednesday Hodgepodge- June 27, 2012

Wednesday Hodgepodge- June 27, 2012

Thank you JOYCE for being a gracious host!

1. What do the words 'freedom' and 'liberty' mean to you? Does your mind go more in the direction of not being persecuted or discriminated against or does it head in the direction of doing what you please?

 

I think people take the freedom and liberty thing too far. When our founding fathers spoke of freedom and life, of liberty and the pursuit of happiness, they certainly weren't saying we could do whatever we wanted. And I don't interpret it that way either. They wanted to be independent, to break free from the British government and set their own laws and system. That system is constantly changing. Sometimes for the better. Sometimes the worse. Of course, which way depends on your viewpoint in each matter and I don't want to get into any political debates here. But one thing I do know is that whether we like the rules or not, we need to follow them. Nothing functions without rules, whether that be countries, businesses, schools. Even families need to make rules.  Outside those rules, our acts are somewhat subjective. On a personal level, if people do things I don't agree with but they aren't hurting anyone, then I overlook it. If they do things that put people in danger or cause trouble, then I certainly don't condone it. And when people use "I live in a free country" as an arguement for their poor behavior or manners, I think badly of them.

Okay...that was actually more than I wanted to say on that subject.

2. Nathan's sponsors a hot dog eating contest every 4th of July. Last year over 40,000 people attended the event and almost 2 million watched it on TV. The winner ate over 60 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. How do you like your hot dogs? 

I don't eat hot dogs. But let's say I did. Then it would need to be grilled so that it's crispy. Then it would need to be smothered with mustard and onions. 

3. If you were going to enter an eating contest what would be on the menu?

I love food. All kinds. Just about any vegetable, fruit, fish and seafood, meats, desserts. However, I like to savor the flavor of my food. Therefore, I'd never enter an eating contest. Food should be enjoyed (and preferably washed down with a nice wine) so an eating contest sort of defeats the purpose.  They'd have to offer an extremely good prize to even get my attention. And if I did take part, which is unlikely, it would probably be a major shock to my stomache. I don't need that.
 

4. Do you run your house more as a dictatorship or a democracy?

Things are discussed, and we try to be fair. However, we make it clear to our daughter when a decision is made, that is the way it is. There is no negotiating your way around things. Democracy doesn't mean you have the right to do whatever you want. That applies to family as well. Rules are rules. Breaking them has consequences.

5. Where was your favorite summer place when you were a kid?

My family didn't vacation, except for attending my father's work picnic at Hershey Park each summer. That was fun. I also enjoyed camping with my grandparents. Going in the woods. Hanging at the pool.  As long as there was something fun going on, I was happy. I'm not sure I could pick a favorite place.

6. Do you have a guest room? Would you want to stay there?

Yes, we do. My in-laws just spent 4 weeks in it. And I wouldn't mind staying there. It is as big as our own bedroom, has pretty curtains, and plenty of space for clothing. 

7. Next Wednesday America celebrates her independence. Do you have any special plans for the 4th of July? If you live outside the USA when and how does your country celebrate its own patriotic holiday?

Celebrate in Germany? Well, we celebrate the reunification of Germany and the Germans basically find any reason to celebrate throughout the whole year. Summer is the best. Every weekend there is a Fest. We are never bored. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Right now I am watching the EM (the European soccer championships). Germany  is playing Italy. We need to beat them to play in the final game. We have a strong team this year, but Italy is always a strong contender. Unfortunately, things aren't going well. It is almost the end of the first half and the score is 0:2.  Sigh. I hope the second half might turn things around.