EXPATS AGAIN

EXPATS AGAIN! Experiencing other cultures while enriching our global view.

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Munich, Germany
I am married to the love of my life and am finally able to shower him with all of the attention he deserves. I am now retired and living the life here in Europe. I am an American, he is an Australian, and this is our second overseas address. The first was Shanghai, China and now Munich, Germany. Come along and live the life with us as we continue our adventure of discovering all Europe has to offer.

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

WEDNESDAY'S HODGEPODGE




I am thrilled about being back home and being able to participate in Joyce's Wednesday's Hodgepodge.  I so enjoy responding to her intriguing questions, reading the responses of fellow participants and finding that we have so much in common.  What I like the best is being able to follow the other bloggers who I am beginning to know.  Please join in the fun and click on the badge above to access this week's Hodgepodge.  I guarantee you will enjoy it!


1. Have you ever been 'asked' to report for jury duty? Were you chosen to serve? If not, were you happy or disappointed?

I was summoned to jury duty and was informed it was a capital offense, a double homicide where two men were stuffed into a trunk of a car and it was set ablaze.  It was over a drug deal gone bad.  At the time, I was the drug coordinator for the high school I taught at.  The prosecutor really wanted me, but the defense team had me tossed off.  Good thing too because before I was tossed off I had to go into the judges chambers and answer a question in front of the defendant.  The question was, "Do you believe in capital punishment?"  I never anticipated the question and having to answer while the accused looked me straight in the eye was unnerving.  I kept thinking, "What if he gets off and comes looking for me if I said I could pull the switch?"  I know, too many Hollywood movies, but I was scared out of my wits.  Nevertheless, I answered as honestly as I could.  I was not happy or disappointed.  I was relieved not to have to decide this man's fate.  Although I think jury duty is our civic duty, it is also something that takes you far away from your comfort zone and I do not relish ever being in a position where I determine whether a person lives or dies.  To me, that is God's decision.  Not mine.

2. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very), how mechanically inclined are you? Give an example to back up your answer.
I am more mechanically inclined than I would admit to, surely.  When push comes to shove and I have to do something mechanical, I seem to find a way.  I will Google the procedure, study it, ask questions, and then tackle it.  I surprise myself time and again with my ability.  I guess I underestimate my competence in things mechanical.

3. Beets-cabbage-cauliflower-butternut squash....of the four, which is your favorite fall vegetable?

Butternut squash.

4. What do you recommend to overcome self-pity?

I have found that extending myself to help others, less fortunate, takes away all of my self centeredness.  There is no time to wallow in the mud when you are too busy helping others.  An added bonus is that you begin to feel good about yourself and what you can do to make others feel better. A win/win situation.

5. Do you enjoy classical music?

Yes, I do, although I am fairly ignorant about it.  Recently I have put a folder of classical music on my ipod.  I have no idea what is good or not so good, so I just chose by listening to it on i-tunes and then downloading it.  I like to listen to it when I walk or when I am sunbathing.  I find it very relaxing.  I also love symphonies and fortunately we have a very good one here in Germany and many outstanding orchestras throughout Europe.

6. October is National Book Month...what's on your reading list this month?

I am currently finishing The Lotus Eaters, by Tatiana Soli, and loving it.  I need to finish it next week for my book club.  Then I will begin, The Wedding Officer, by Anthony Capella, for December and A Pale View From the Hill, by Kazue Ishigure, for January.

7. What is your idea of 'cute'?
Oh, boy.  As a former high school English teacher, I would chastise my students for overusing this word.  Instead, I asked them to be more specific.  What was it that they found "cute" and to elaborate on this quality.  So, heeding my own advice, I would say that my idea of "cute" would be anything I could pet (like a dog or cat) or pinch (like a baby's cheeks or my husband's dimples).  Other than these examples, I would have to use better adjectives like "charming,"  "dainty," or "delightful."

8. Insert your own random thought here.
This evening we listened to CNN and learned about the National Security Forces, the FBI, CIA, Homeland Security, and police force foiling the assassination plot, paid for by the country of Iran, intended to kill the ambassador of Saudi Arabia on American soil.  It was to happen in a restaurant that would have had members of congress in attendance and would have likely killed and injured a large amount of people.  Our government is holding Iran responsible. 


 I say, "Job well done, America!"  How fortunate are we to have a vigilant security force!  We have an awesome track record so far of keeping danger far from us.  Thank you, United States of America, once again!

15 comments:

Conny said...

Just read you live in Munich ... I was born in Frankfurt & miss Germany SOOOOOOOOOO much!!! Hoping to plan a trip "home" in the Spring after 6 years away, no doubt I'll find it much changed again! Last time we lived in GE (1999!), the Euro had JUST begun to be in use!!

Joyce said...

Wow...I have to say I'd have been shaking in my boots if I had to respond to that question in front of the defendant too.

Definitely going to check out your book list!

Anonymous said...

Stopping in from the Wednesday Hodgepodge! What an intereting life you have! And I love your photos from previous blog posts, too!

Formerly known as Frau said...

I agree with #1 I would not want to have any ones fate in my hands. Your totally right on the over use of cute I'm so guilty of that and many others words too!
Have a wonderful day!

Tami AKA My Kid's Mom said...

I hadn't heard of the assassination plot. I really need to pay more attention to the news. With my son in the service, I try to but it seems like I miss a lot.

Expats Again said...

Conny, I thought you had German roots by your blog's name. I am a follower now. Could probably use your help in many situations, lol.
Joyce, the choice is difficult when it is theoretical, but when it is reality, it's a real test of your convictions and morality. Looking another human in the eye and telling them you could put them to death is something I hope I never have to do.
Toll House, Thank you. We are very fortunate to have this time in our lives and be where we are at the moment. I thank God for his great blessings.
Frau, there are so many to count. I am guilty too. You only notice it when it is used countless times in one writing. It's a good practice to hone your descriptive writing skills, but I always forget.:-)
My Kid's Mom, the only reason we knew it was because we watch CNN 24/7 because we can't understand German TV and haven't had the satellite dish hooked up yet. Otherwise, if it isn't on the internet, we won't know about it either.

Nel said...

Enjoyed your answers. #1 would be quite unnerving! I was on jury duty once but it was simple things, an insurance case, dwi. Just wanted to thank you for your prayers for my daughter and me! Appreciate it.
until next time... nel

Cathy Kennedy said...

I hope I'm NEVER called toa juror for a homicide. That certainly would have been a scary ordeal, and would find the courage to trust God for strength and direction to handle the situation.

Nice meeting you. This is my first time playing Hodgepodge!

Check out some of my posts...

Wayback Wednesdays…1994

Wednesday: Chit Chat on Patrice’s Farmhouse Porch & Hodgepodge

Have a good day!
Cathy Kennedy, Children’s Author
The Tale of Ole Green Eyes

Becky said...

I do not know if I would have the guts to look someone in the eye and decide their fate. That is scary I agree. I do believe in capitol punishment.But could I look at the perpetrator and I do not know. I would have to just pray I could be honest. The evidence would have to make me positive beyond reasonable doubt.

Kathy said...

That was some jury duty experience that you had! Now I remember why I am afraid of serving. Wow.

Michelle said...

I had forgotten about the word `cute` being over used. You are right to correct your students. I agree with your idea of cute.

Anonymous said...

I agree with your statement about underestimating your competence in mechanical things. I am impatient, and I despise waiting on someone else to do things. So, like you, I google and figure things out myself! Kudos!

BTW, your jury story gave me the creeps! I think that kind of question, in front of the defendant, would have made me nervous as well!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

A lot of people said that for #4 about going and helping others. I agree with your answer on cute!
Enjoyed all your answers and enjoy the rest of your week.

Judy said...

I enjoyed reading your answers to this week's Hodgepodge. Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Megan (Best of Fates) said...

Wow, that would have been quite the jury trial! But probably for the best that you weren't asked to serve!