The HodgePodge 9/8/12

(I don't often do this, but today I'm joining up with the Hodgepodge.  Join us by clicking on the picture and linking to Joyce's blog.)

1. In an effort to combat obesity, the mayor of NYC has plans to ban the sale of large sugary drinks (anything over 16 oz.), initially in restaurants, movie theatres, and street carts. Corner stores would also be affected if they are defined as food service establishments. You can read more here. Your thoughts?

I think it's great we want to help people make better decisions, but there are some things that just cannot be legislated.  Part of living in the United States is the freedom to make your own decisions--good, bad or indifferent.

I'm not sure, however, that selling drinks in a smaller ounce size will solve any sort of problem since people can refill them as many times as they want--often for minimal cost.  And if they fill that 16 oz. drink 6 times, how has the ban benefitted anything?

I'd like to say this issue hinges on lack of education, but I also know people learn what they want to learn.  If we want to spend the rest of our lives believing food/drinks solve our problems, we will likely be the people who constantly purchase the 32 oz. of sugary drinks when something has gone badly in our day.  Truly, that same argument works for more than this issue--people will be as responsible as people will be and they will value the things they value.

2. Art festival, music festival, food festival...which would you most like to attend?

I'd rather a music festival than just about anything.  I love quaint, hometown sorts of bands you would never hear unless you attend this kind of event.

3. What are you irrational about?

According to my husband, irrational is my natural state of being.  But I have been a bit paranoid about what people think about me.  When God started to push me out of my comfort zone regarding those fears, it was one of the most difficult seasons of my life.  Believe me when I say there were any number of people who openly shared how "snotty," "arrogant," and "rude" I was while also indicating I was closer to following Satan's influence on my life than God's.

After a while, I had to start learning to let go.  It's none of my business what other people think about me.  It's definitely nice not to walk around in constant worry regarding what other people think, though.  (At least, most of the time.)

4. Do you feel confident you'll have a comfortable retirement?

Oh, not really.  But I have no intention of retiring.  One day, a few years after Favorite retires, I will quit my job and it will be fine.

5. What's been your favorite Olympic moment so far?

(Not ever, just in the 2012 Summer games.)

I don't really watch the Olympics.  I've never been a fan of sporting events, and while I have a great appreciation for these athletes, I've also had things that have taken me away from the television for the bulk of the events.

6. What would you label as the messiest room in your house?

By nature of what it is, my mud/laundry room is fairly messy.  It's not "a mess" persay, but it's a little less than orderly because I have to sort laundry for the next load.

And also, there's Favorite and his shoes.

There's also a shoe rack, but his shoes rarely make it there. 

7. Do you follow your heart or your head?

I used to go with my feelings regarding everything.  Then I realized how unreliable my feelings are.  My feelings chased after boys who were not the best choices.  When my feelings were hurt, I would act accordingly--even if they were hurt unknowingly.

So I've had to train myself to follow my head.  Which sometimes works and sometimes doesn't.  And given my level of irrationality, sometimes it doesn't matter.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I really need to plan a few things for my Advanced class since school starts next week, but my mind is just not there.

That said, I'm looking forward to a new school year.  I like seeing people on a regular basis, having a reason to get up and find some structure to my days.

Now, if only I could learn to feel that way about grad school.