Happy Belated Birthday HodgePodge

1. What song reminds you of a specific time in your life and what is it about that song that makes you remember? Hands of Time. I first heard this song on the movie Collateral starring Tom Cruise. I watched it during a time when I was struggling with some personal issues. The song is a reminder to live for today, This Day!

2. What's something you've given up on? I've given up on losing 15 pounds. I'll be happy with five. So my clothes won't be so snug. Just sayn.

3. What's something you'll never give up on? My faith in God.

4. If you had to cook something from scratch in the next hour what would it be? Since you said cook and not bake, I went with a meal I can put together quickly and easily with items I generally keep on hand. Some people call this a burrito, or soft shell taco, or fajita. Whatever you call it, it's super easy, delicious, and nutritious. Start by putting 1/3 cup brown Basmati rice in a small sauce pan with 2/3 cup chicken stock. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer while you prepare the rest of the meal. Then use whatever cooked meat is in the fridge, saute some onions with shredded carrots, drain and rinse a can of black beans...throw them in, toss in the cooked meat, season with salt, pepper, and taco/fajita seasoning, add some frozen corn, and some green chilies. I would have started some brown basmati rice before the first step. The rice would be done by now and I would add that to the meat dish. Serve with warmed tortillas, grated cheese, green peppers, jalapenos, avocados (if I have any), cilantro, whatever is on hand.

5. Have you started Christmas shopping? Decorating? Listening to Christmas music? I have some shopping done. The decorations and music start this weekend. So excited!

6. What do you know about your parent's wedding? Not a stinking thing. Not even kidding. My parents divorced when I was six. My dad got custody of three children age 3-8. He doesn't talk about my mom much. My mom chose not to have a relationship with us. It's a sore spot.

7. I can't believe I used to smoke. I know. Disgusting habit. Can't even believe I smoked for so many years. Oh, the money and time wasted. Thank you, Lord for helping me kick that habit! Thirteen years ago.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK!!! How did that happen? I'm not even ready. Are you? What's on your menu? Do you have a "special" dish that is traditional to your family? I make my grandmother's orange salad. It's cooked vanilla pudding, orange jello, tapioca, and mandarin oranges. It's delicious and conjures up some precious memories for me.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 119:143 (NKJV) Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, Yet Your commandments are my delights.