Wednesday HodgePodge

1. Do you and your family enjoy camping? What do you enjoy most/like the least when it comes to family camping? When was the last time you camped?

- My family and I used to go camping at the Disney campgrounds once every year or so. That's about as much camping as we ever did. The best part about camping at Disney is the indoor plumbing that exists just a short walk from your tent. You get to sleep outside, roast marshmallows, and enjoy family time without having to find your own place to relieve yourself. Camping outside of Disney isn't really something high on my to do list. I'd much rather stay in a hotel with air conditioning.

2. Did you attend a summer camp when you were a kid? Is that a happy or not so happy memory?

- Once I entered middle school, I attended church camp for a week each July. That week was something I looked forward to all year long. It was a chance to get away with my best friends and spend some quality time with both them and God. I had a special rock I'd go to each morning and evening to do my devotionals. I miss that rock and the peace it gave me. Once I started high school, I also attended band camp each summer. Band camp was a different story. Eight hours in the Florida heat each day was not something I ever looked forward to. Sweating, getting ordered around, and rarely being allowed to talk wasn't exactly fun, but it was necessary and helped me make some great memories.

3. Over the course of your life, what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else?

- I spend a lot of time thinking about the future. What is planned for me and what I will be able to accomplish. The biggest thing I ponder is probably the "with whom?" as in "who will I be with? Who will I marry?"

4. Which of the seven natural wonders of the world would you most like to see? There are many lists of 'wonders' but this is the standard natural wonder list-Mount Everest, The Great Barrier Reef, The Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls, The Harbor of Rio de Janerio, Paricutan Volcano and The Northern Lights.

- I've had the privilege of seeing the Grand Canyon once a few years ago. It was absolutely magnificent. I'd love to have the opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef before it gets destroyed, which is bound to happen relatively soon. I'm slightly afraid of sharks though, so snorkeling near the reef may be challenging.

5. What was your first real job?

- I've babysat since I was around 13 and I worked at my dad's office during the summers when I was younger, but the first legitimate paycheck I received was from First United Methodist Preschool.

6. Lemonade or Sweet tea...which do you prefer on a hot summer day?

- Arnold Palmers! I've always been too lazy to make my own and I never get the correct tea to lemonade ratio, but my boyfriend recently introduced me to Arizona Tea's Arnold Palmer and it's perfect.

7. What is something that always brings a smile to your face?

- A hug from a friend I haven't seen in a while. I love those running hugs friends give each other after a long summer apart or even just a weekend in separate places. It's wonderful.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

- Oh sweet summertime, I'm more than ready for you to be over. Don't get me wrong, I love lounging around as much as the next girl, but too much isn't healthy. I'm ready to be back in class, in Orlando, with my friends.