Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Hodgepodge

 


I am joining up for the weekly hodgepodge where the questions are asked by Joyce at From This Side of the Pond.

1. When someone finds out what you do or where you're from, what's a question they always ask? 

Hmmm. I have no idea. I am from Alabama and people often have pre-conceived notions about our state due to historical events. Most people here are just like people everywhere. We consider ourselves friendly and welcoming. Regarding my job, I am on staff at a large UMC. Sometimes people want to know things that go on at a church! They might be surprised.

2. Did you participate in 'Greek Life' when you were in college, or have children who did? If so what was your experience like? Taking another tack...have you ever been to Greece? If not, is that a destination on your bucket list? 

My husband was a Beta Theta Pi at Auburn. He said it was like living in the old movie "Animal House." Our daughter was a Zeta at Auburn. I would go work behind the scenes during rush (recruitment) week and I always had a great time. Funny true story - I am a 67 year old college student and I did get an email about attending the Greek meeting on campus. I wonder what they would do if I showed up and signed up to participate!! 

We went to Greece in October 2024 and it was so beautiful!

Our first view of Santorini from the ship

3. Do you like Greek food? If so what's your favorite dish?  

I love Greek food and we have a wonderful Greek community and lots of Greek restaurants here in town. Taziki's started here in Birmingham and I love their Mediterranean salad with chick peas and I always add grilled shrimp. When we were in Greece I had the best gyro I've ever eaten. In June, our nephew married a girl whose parents came to America. She has made several wonderful Greek dishes from spanokopita to baklava.

4. What incredibly common thing have you never done? 

I have never worked in a restaurant or any type of food service establishment. 

5. What is a telltale sign that you're upset? 

I tend to yell (I'm embarrassed to admit that!) and then I shut down and sometimes I cry.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The low temps this week (at night) are unbelievable. This is August in Alabama and it was 59 last night and is going down to 61 tonight. It is awesome!

20 comments:

  1. My husband was a Pi Kapp at Auburn. I have seen videos from his stint back in the 80’s. I think they made Animal House using his fraternity. They were so bad. They built a slide in the parking lot while security looked on but didn’t stop them. There are always crazy memories shared when the guys get together - all stuff the kids today would never be allowed to do.

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    1. Just this past weekend, Mark was talking about playing intramural HORSESHOES (haha!) at Auburn. Mark has an identical twin brother and they were in the same fraternity. He tells stories about beer runs (they couldn't get it in Auburn).

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  2. Perfect weather for college football kickoff! Usually everyone is melting. We just had a new place open one town over and everyone says their gyros are really good so we'll probably try it one day soon. Have a great day!

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    1. I cannot believe this weather - it is so lovely!!

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  3. That's what I think of when I think of the Greek Life, what I have seen in movies. I would have gone to the Greek meeting just to see their reaction. hehehe
    It has been a lot cooler here too and I am loving it.

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    1. I seriously considered going to the meeting. One of my very young co-workers (just out of seminary) told me that she felt sure I would get in one hahahaha!

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  4. I didn't realize Tazikis began in Birmingham. I am also loving these cooler morning and evening temperatures! Have a good day.

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    1. Yes! Tazikis was started by a couple here in town!

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  5. Hi, as always, enjoyed reading your answers.
    I understand what you mean about preconceived notions because of history.... interesting.

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    1. Thanks so much for dropping by! I'm sorry that I'm just now replying to everyone. Class started back this week.

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  6. Come to think of it, I have never worked in a restaurant or fast food joint. That would be a hoot for you to show up for that Greek meeting! Yum, Greek homemade food!

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    1. I truly wonder what they would have done if I had shown up!!

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  7. Your love obviously for Greek food shines through, especially with the local connection. Also, those cool Alabama nights sound like such a refreshing surprise

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  8. I've never worked in a restaurant either. I watch waitresses carry big trays loaded with four or five plates and think, "No, that would totally be on the floor if it was me!".

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  9. Isn't Santorini the best? I'd love to be able to afford a summer home there! Thank you for telling us about the Greek restaurant Taziki!

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    1. A summer home in the Greek Islands would be amazing!!

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  10. The weather has been fantastic the past couple of days.
    I will be happy when the Greek Food Festival is here. We always enjoy going.

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    1. We've been unable to go to the Greek Food Festival for the last several years due to conflicts. I love going!!

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  11. Yes, depending on my mood I begin by yelling, then get quiet because I'm mad at myself, then, commence the crying. I totally understand what you're saying!

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