Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

It's time to head over to Patrice's porch for the weekly chat. She is in the middle of the 
backlash from the hurricane. Cold and lots of rain. I hope Wendell stays in the barn.

When I talked to my brother last night, they were expecting some heavy snow but they are further down than Patrice. 

Questions

1. What's your favorite Thanksgiving side dish? For anyone not in the US, what's your favorite fall side dish? The stuffing!
2. What's the first thing you do when you have a headache? I try to ignore them - usually get a cup of coffee. Most of my headaches are from a lack of caffeine- that's how addicted I am. If it's really bad I'll hold the cup to my temples (for the heat). I don't like to take pain killers of any kind so I just tough it out.
3. Do you like to "people watch"? (Observe people in public while waiting for something or relaxing) I love to people watch. It can be quite entertaining.
4. Where's your family most likely to eat for a day to day meal? (Read= not holiday) Usually in the kitchen. I have a little bristro table there. My dining room table makes a great place to fold and stack laundry! But I won't give it up, even if it isn't used except for once or twice a year.
5. Tell me about your plans for Thanksgiving Day. Or tell me something special you will do soon. I'm going to cook! Then I'm going to eat. Then clean, then carry up boxes of decorations for Friday.

Coffee Chat

Time for the Coffee Chat! If you'd like to join, head over to Leslie's at Time out for Mom.

  The topic is: Lessons Learned

I had my post all written (in my head) but decided to read Leslie's before putting it down in words. Now mine seems so trivial in comparison that I'm almost embarrassed to write it but here it is:

Last week, I told you that my dad taught me to "always have a plan b." That one lesson has served me SO well over the years. I've been through two downsizings which threw me into the world of unemployment. With the last one - I was totally prepared! I had my "unemployment" budget worked out five years before it actually happened. Worked out - on paper - detailed spreadsheets - I was ready, at least as ready as anyone can be. I have to say that having that plan, knowing what I had to do, helped alot. I'm not sure I could have stayed afloat without that plan.

So now that I am employed, and things are MUCH better - do I still have a Plan B? You bet! Plan A, Plan B, and even a Plan C. I've been told that I'm somewhat anal when it comes to my budget.

So there it is - nothing nearly so deep as Leslie's but it is what it is.

Monday Quiz About Me

Based on the original Meet Me on Monday hosted by Java at Never Growing Old, Heather over at Acting Balanced  posts 5 questions on Sunday evening along with a linky for you to link up your post answers! Since Java is back , Heather has changed the name of her hop to "Monday Quiz About Me."

This weeks Questions:

1. What is your favorite kind of soup? Potato soup!

2. When was the last time you saw snow? About 5 minutes ago. I didn't get snow at home but they did here where I work!

3. What is a must have trait if someone is going to live with you? Cleanliness - I won't tolerate someone who doesn't pick up after themselves.

4. Who was your favorite James Bond? Sean Connery (sp?) - He just fits the part.

My 5th question: Does it seem to anyone else that they work harder over the weekend than they do during the work week, or is that just me?

No Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun

Welcome to the weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop!

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Normally, every week, Hilary over at Feeling Beachie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs.  But she was affected by Sandy and is trying to start the recovery process. Hopefully, she and Marc will soon have electricity back. Stop by her blog and let her know that we are all thinking about her.

Pondering With a Purpose

Thursday again! Time to do a little "pondering" with Brenda from Ponderings of an Author.

Her rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)

2. Look at the week's prompt

3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.

4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.

5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.

6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

This Week's prompt:              Independent

I have been told that I am TOO independent but it is something that has developed out of need. I have had to depend on myself because there was no one else to depend on. I've been single for 20+ years. Before that I was married for almost 10 years to a man who had no desire to help me with anything. I was able to go to my dad when things were DIRE but that option was a "last resort." 

I wish I had had the opportunity to be able to depend on a partner to help me but since I wasn't, I've learned to be a very independent person. That, at times has probably been a factor in why I never remarried. I've gotten used to doing things my way and I have a very hard time trusting anyone else to help. It was "me and my kids" for years and it really still is. I would turn over backwards to help them if they needed it - and find a way to make it all work out. Plan A, Plan B, Plan C.......... "if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again." That's the way it is with me and I don't forsee it changing. 

So... independent? Definitely, and actually quite proud of it. What is mine, is mine because I have worked for it and will continue to do so.