First World Problem Hodgepodge

New Hodgepodge this week!  Thank you, Joyce, for always coming through with thought-provoking questions for the weary bloggers out there...

1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem?
I have no garage. I don't really miss it for the car -- I have a circular driveway -- but it is at holiday time that the storage for decorations is nil/packed in the attic.  Makes it so inconvenient to access. My other option is to take my only guest room and store it in there.
2.  Each year Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse...done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. Your thoughts? If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year? 
Since this is the time of year that we give out 10,000+ toys to abused and neglected kids, I'd give it to the donors and volunteers who make children's dreams come true.
3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so share it's history and how you display the pieces.
Yes!  I have quite a few!  I have a few small ones that stay out year round.  I love this one (the first one) and it is fun to collect the pieces, but my favorite is the one Joe gave me (it's the second one). It is the most beautiful, I think.

4.  Do you make an extra effort to give back in some way during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year?
I love volunteering at my church during the holiday -- this year I'm not attending on Christmas Eve in order to have more room for visitors. I'm attending the travelers service and ushering.
5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why?
My mom is tough because she buys everything she wants for herself and she has spectacular taste. When I find something for her it's a Christmas miracle!
6. What's the last delicious thing you ate?
My homemade chicken salad.
7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is________________.
Tell strangers that they are beautiful/handsome. Smile and laugh a lot.
8. Insert your own random thought here.

Three cheers to Willard Scott upon his retirement from The Today Show today. My grandmother always called him her secret love.  He is mine too. 

A Christmas Hodgepodge

Christmas Hodgepodge!

1.  Many families have a story they love to tell every year around a holiday. Does your family have one? Are you the star of that story, or does another family member take center stage? Share your story if you want.
I can't think of a story, but I usually do bring up the time I saved my brother's life when I pulled him out of the ocean. The entire family needs to know why they exist.
2. Are you afraid to speak your own opinion?
No.  Who're you looking at?  Huh, huh?
3. Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2016, and for the first time have chosen two shades-rose quartz and serenity. Hmmm...did you know serenity was a color? You can read the thought behind their selection here, but essentially it's blending the warmth of rose quartz with the tranquility of a very soft shade of blue. So what do you think? Are these colors I'd find in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in these shades to either place in the new year?
They are currently in my wardrobe and yes, I'll buy more.  Love both and think it is interesting that the choices are pale -- like me. My skin tone is pretty rose-quartz -y, so maybe I don't need to buy it after all!
4. If you could be in a Christmas carol, which one would you choose? Why?
Joy to the World.  It has always been one of my faves. When I was a teen, our church always let the high schoolers do a service (sermon, read the verses, congregational song choices, etc.) in the summer and I always made them sing Joy to the World -- breaking rules and creating scandal ever since.
5. December 9th is National Pastry Day. Will you celebrate? When did you last purchase something from a bakery? What's your favorite treat that falls under the heading of pastry? Do you make it yourself or buy from the professionals?
Buy it. Even if I make a pie, I always use the Pillsbury refrigerated crusts. When you can buy something that tastes that good and is so easy, why not?
6. When it comes to holiday decorating_____________________________.
More is more.  I hired someone to help me this year and she came up with a lot of new ideas. Moved the tree to a new room too.
7. When did you last laugh so much it hurt? Explain.
It wasn't painful, but I cracked up the other night watching SNL -- the sketch where Ryan Gossling was cracking up too.  Kate McKinnon is just hilarious.
8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Christmas card addressing is looming, so I'm out.  Happy to be back with Joyce and the Hodgepodge!

Hat Lady Hodgepodge

It's Hodgepodge Wednesday!  Let the games begin...

1. Are you comfortable with silence? If you're home alone, do you like silence or do you need regular background noise? Do you seek out times and places to be silent? What's your favorite place to find silence/be silent?

Hmmmm.  Even as I write a leaf blower is loudly working outside my window, a baby is crying down the hall (we let babies come to work until they're 6 months with their moms at CPD), and Joanna is talking on the phone next door, so you'd think I'd crave silence.  Nope.  I pretty much have TV or radio on all the waking hours of the day, unless I'm reading or praying and I can do those things anywhere.

2. October 28th is National Chocolate Day. Can't let that go by without a mention now, can we? Will you celebrate? How? Let's say you can have one of the following right this very minute... a cup of hot chocolate, a strawberry dipped in chocolate, a bowl of plain chocolate ice cream, or a slice of chocolate pie...what's your pleasure?

Ice cream or pie for me.  I'd probably choose the pie first since ice cream is a bit more of a constant for me.  Working at a charity makes chocolate candy everpresent.  We must have it for the kids -- at least that's what we tell ourselves.

3. How do you feel about blue jeans? Favorite thing in the world to wear or nope, don't own a single pair? How often do you wear blue jeans in a typical week? Do you own a blue jean jacket?

LOVE blue jeans!!!  I wear them several times a week.  We are super casual at work, and sometimes even wear them as a uniform with our CPD-branded T-shirts.  I love the way jeans hold it all in (if you know what I mean) and yes, I own several jackets too.  I don't wear them as often, though.

4. Are you superstitious? If so, in what way?

Yes, a little.  Mostly for my sports team faves.  When the Mavs won the NBA championship I couldn't even watch them because if I watched, they lost.  They owe me for their win.  Here's the post I wrote about it: http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2011/05/controlling-mavs.html

5. If you had to come up with a costume using only things you have on hand right now, what could you come up with? 

I have lots of hats -- Santa Hats, Ball Caps, Witches Hat, Headband with a Reindeer on it, Headband with Bunny Ears, Birthday Hat, etc.  Hat Lady, I guess.

6. What scares you a little? What do you do when you feel scared?

I watch scary shows all the time.  Right now American Horror Story is freaking me out quite a bit.  What do I do when scared?  Make popcorn and keep watching!

7. Perhaps today will be the day I ______________________________.

Hear back from some people I'm trying to get in touch with for CPD!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

What has happened to all of the Chinese restaurants in Dallas?  When I was young there were so many good ones -- Schezwan Pavilion comes to mind -- but now, it's pretty much either delivery or nothing.  Thank goodness for Royal China!

A Texan's Hodgepodge

Another Wednesday, Another Hodgepodge!!!  I just love answering questions (and asking them), so I'm always happy when it's time to let Joyce (from her blog called From This Side of the Pond) take over.

1. It's October so let's get this out there first thing...have you jumped on the all-things-pumpkin bandwagon? How so?

Not yet, but I will get it going soon.  I'm a big fan of Halloween decorations.  I don't do scary, gruesome stuff though -- only cute witches and pumpkins for me!

2.  "We have more power than will; and it is often by way of excuse to ourselves that we fancy things are impossible." Francois Duc De la Rochefoucauld  What's something you once thought impossible, but in hindsight see as more a matter of lack of will?

I often think it is impossible for me to lose weight.  I start thinking the old "life is too short to deprive myself" thoughts and even though I know (and so you do) that it is a lack of will, I still don't do it.  Just ate a Snickers in protest, BTW.

3. The rose is America's National Flower, but every state also has its own. Are you happy with yours? If you were in charge what would you declare your state's flower? If you're outside the U.S. what bloom would you like to see labeled as your country's national flower?

Every Texan knows that the bluebonnet is the state flower, and hell no we don't want to change it because it is the best flower.  We know everything in Texas too.

4. What have you lost interest in recently?

The Blacklist.  I watched for two years but gave up this season.  In fact, I think I even gave up in the middle of last season and erased them all from the DVR.  I do still love James Spader and think he is a great actor.

5. In your opinion, who's the best living musician?

That is a huge question.  For me that means they have to write and play music (multiple instruments) and sing -- do it all -- as well as be innovative.  I first thought of Prince.

6. S'mores-love 'em or no? Ever make them indoors? Last time you sat around an outdoor fire? Are making s'mores and sitting round a fire pit on your autumn bucket list? Do you have an autumn bucket list?

I don't like marshmallows, so no.  It's been a long time since I've sat around a fire unless you count my friend Cynthia's chimenea months ago.  No bucket list at this time other than to raise money for our Community Partners of Dallas Capital Campaign.  That is my full-time work!

7. Your favorite small town? Why?

Fredericksburg, Texas.  I know it well and love it.  Great food and wonderful memories there.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am loving the cooler weather in Dallas.  It is wonderful to wake up and go outside and have it be a little colder.  I'm even wearing a sweater today!

Hodgepodge for the Mind

It's another great week of Hodgepodge Q&A!

1. Last thing you did on the spur of the moment?

I hate to keep harping on it, but I kinda joined a gym on the spur of the moment.  I did visit with my friend Jan once before I joined, but so far so good.  Last week I went three times!  BTW< this is NOT where I'm working out -- I just walk the indoor track.  Moderation, people, moderation!

2. How well informed do you feel about the current Syrian refugee crisis?

I'm as informed as NBC Nightly News and The Today Show have informed me.  I'm so sorry this is happening.  Texas knows how the European Union feels.

3. What have you changed your mind about? 

 

Once you get to be a certain age, I don't think people change their mind much.  I still hate cilantro.  I have decided that Hagen Daz makes a good ice cream though since Blue Bell is still not being sold in Dallas.

4. A medium sized non-poisonous snake found it's way into the pool trap this weekend. If you'd been sitting poolside would you have fished it out? Gone running? Called for help? Pretended not to know? Continued swimming?

Call the cops!  Our police are so wonderful -- they even helped me turn my sprinkler off once.

5. September 10th is National TV Dinner Day...what's your idea of a great TV dinner? (Or at least a pretty good one!) 

I've never eaten a TV dinner.  I do periodically have a Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese --- cooked in the oven for 50 minutes, not microwaved.  I really don't use my microwave for anything other than melting butter for popcorn.

6. Samuel Johnson is quoted as saying, "Courage is reckoned the greatest of all virtues; because, unless a man has that virtue, he has no security for preserving any other." Would you agree? Where have you seen that played out recently? What's the second greatest virtue?

I do agree -- we have to have courage to do anything of value in life.  Sometimes just showing up to work is courageous.  Honesty.

7. What are three words you have trouble remembering how to spell?

Architect.  Cryptic.  Receive.  Some of this is typing trouble, not spelling.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I just finished a fun book called Delicious! -- Cute, quick read.  It's by Ruth Reichl.  Ruth was the editor for Gourmet Magazine and a restaurant critic for The New York Times, so she knows a lot about food -- it's her first novel.  Of course, I know her best as a sometimes judge on Top Chef.  Here's the link:  http://www.amazon.com/Delicious-Novel-Ruth-Reichl/dp/0812982029/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1441748841&sr=1-1&keywords=delicious%21

One other random thought -- so glad that Ladies of London is back!

Hamburger Stroganoff-y Hodgepodge

It's time for another round of Hodgepodge questions, so here ya go-

1. What's on your September calendar? Anything fun? 

OMG, YES!  We have one of my fave parties ever on September 20 benefiting Community Partners of Dallas!  It is called Change is Good.  It is basically a kids party on steroids!  Kids bring change (or bills are great too) to the party and for every $10, they get a chance ticket for a fun prize.  It's a great family party with good food, DJ, bounce houses, a bungee jump, etc.  Visit our website to purchase tickets today at CommunityPartnersDallas.org

2. You might be described as a natural born _____________________?

Leader -- at least that is what my mom says.  She says I came out of the womb wanting to boss people around!

3. September is National Courtesy Month...what one act of courtesy would you most like to see more of in your home, town, or the world at large? 

I want people to quit looking at their phones during meals.  They have someone to talk to right in front of them -- and who/what could be more fascinating?

4. Eager beaver, chicken out, clam up, or let the cat out of the bag...of the phrases listed, which one have you related to most recently? 

Out of these, I'd say Eager Beaver -- I like to get places early and (shockingly) I'm still going to the gym a few mornings a week!

5. What's your movie theatre snack protocol? Do you chow down on snacks during the previews or wait until the movie begins? Do you buy snacks or refuse to pay those kind of prices? What's the last movie you saw in a theatre? How many thumbs up would you give it?

I must have popcorn (with butter) at every movie -- even if I just had dinner, I'll save room for a small popcorn.  I want my own bag too.  

The last one I went to was Mission Impossible.  I thought it was just OK.  My friend Christie left about 45 minutes in.  Just too far fetched and silly.  Tom Cruise still looks good though.

6. Henry Ford is quoted as saying, "Nobody can think straight who does not work. Idleness warps the mind." Agree or disagree? Why?

Disagree.  Idleness is one of my favorite activities.

7. What's the last job you completed or task you performed where you had to 'work like a dog' until it was finished?

I have to do it all the time at Community Partners of Dallas; however, the work changes as you get older.  We are at the end of our Back-to-School Drive now, so donors are delivering boxes and boxes of supplies each day.  As a small non-profit, all staff members are called to the warehouse so donors have lots of help to empty their cars and trucks quickly and with lots of gratitude.  I threw my back out yesterday from picking up big heavy boxes.  Ugh.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Totally craving Hamburger Stroganoff tonight -- headed home to make it.  Going to be pissed if I have no Cream of Chicken Soup...

Dream Interpretation Hodgepodge

I'm answering the Hodgepodge again this week.  Hope you'll give me some suggestions for several of my dilemmas! 

1. It's hard to believe, but next week's Hodgepodge will find us in the month of September. What's one thing you want, need, or hope to do still before summer officially ends?

I usually take a day each summer (usually in July) and clean out my office at Community Partners of Dallas.  I hate to admit it, but I think I may have skipped a couple of summers lately...

Here it is:

Anyway, I would love to get this done, but I doubt I will.

2. When were you last at 'your wit's end'?

Week before last.

3. Describe a time you were figuratively thrown into 'the deep end'?

I was in charge of decorating a big building for Christmas once.  Believe me, decorators should be paid like kings for doing that work.

On a related note, I just hired someone to decorate my house for Christmas this year.  It will be the first time that I haven't done it myself.  I cannot wait to see how it looks!

4. Does the end always, ever, or never justify the means? Explain.

The end sometimes justifies the means.

I would never again do one bit of exercise if I didn't think it was going to help me get healthier.

Did I say never?  I meant NEVER.

5. What makes your hair stand on end?

I don't think classrooms have them anymore, the squeak of chalk/nails on the chalkboard still gets me.

I'm grossing out right now just thinking about it.

6. I read an article on the website Eat This! Health, that listed 11 foods we can eat to help end bad moods. Basically it's a feed your brain so you're less anxious, grouchy and lethargic. The foods are-mussels, swiss chard, blue potatoes, grass fed beef, dark chocolate, greek yogurt, asparagus, honey, cherry tomatoes, eggs, and coconut. Which of those do you think would most help end your own bad mood? Which do you fear, if forced to eat, would put you into a bad mood?

I actually like all of these things, so it's hard to pick just one.  Probably mussels in a buttery wine sauce with saffron and pomme frites on the side would be my first choice.  I love asparagus too and we could use the egg to make hollandaise.  Guess I know what's for dinner.  Yum!

I don't think any food could put me in a bad mood if I wasn't already in one to start with.  Not saying that I like all foods -- I hate cilantro -- but it wouldn't put me in a bad mood if I had to eat it.

7. What project around your home, office, or life in general feels like there is 'no end in sight'?

This is not a project, but I absolutely hate putting on mascara every day.  I even dreamed about it the other night -- that I had to keep applying and applying, but no mascara was getting attached to my lashes.  Of course, the mascara did go everywhere else on my face.  I may need an interpreter for this one.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I started back up exercising (walking) today and decided to take the advice of my friend Joanna and get a book on tape to listen to while walking.  How do you know what audible books are good?  I read so much that I have already read a lot of the popular ones.  Anyway, I ended up getting a book I never even heard of called Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter.

I've only listened to about 20 minutes of it, but I think it may be good.  I'm looking for suggestions on the next one, so fire away friends.

A Thinker's Hodgepodge

Another fun Hodgepodge post today, courtesy of my friend Joyce at From this Side of the Pond (see link in my favorites).  Feel free to start participating -- and let me know if you do!

1. Way back when several of you submitted questions as part of a giveaway I was hosting. I went back to that list for inspiration today and found a question  submitted by Marla, who blogs over at Marla's Musings. Thanks Marla!   She asks-At what age did you feel like a 'grown-up'? What keeps you young now?   

I guess I felt most like a grown up when I got my first home back in college.  I don't mean the dorm -- I mean the first time I moved out of the dorm (Junior Year).  I still feel that way.  Having a home of your own is such a grown-up thing.

What keeps me young now is working with a lot of young women -- they make me join Instrgram, step up the fashion, etc.  Plus, they are just fun!

2. When did you last buy a vehicle? Was this by design or because you had no other option? Was the car/truck purchased for your own personal use or was it bought for someone else to drive? On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being delightful and 1 being 'pass the Excedrin') how would you rate the experience?

Since I am single, I only buy cars for me.  I get a new one every couple of years because I love having a new one and I hate having a car break down.  Nothing makes me madder than a car that won't work.  I should also admit that I really don't care what color I get -- someone else could even pick it out.  I do only buy the same car now.  I've had a small Lexus SUV for about 10 years, I think.  My buying experience is a 10+, as I always use Jeff Hazelwood at Sewell Lexus.  Jeff is the best!

3. Corn bread, corn chips, corn pudding, corn on the cob, cornflakes, corn chowder-your favorite of the corn-y foods listed? What needs to be served alongside your selection?

Corn Chowder for sure.  Al Bernat's has the best -- they add a little crab to it too.  Delish.  I order it with the wedge salad and a slice of coconut cream pie.  It's a lunch to remember!

4. What's something in your life that regularly requires you to 'put your thinking cap on'?

Lately, it's been working on our capital campaign for Community Partners of Dallas.  This campaign is something I've never done before, so it's fun to research and get some of the best minds in Dallas helping me.  Just asking friends and donors for advice is wonderful and very thought-provoking!

5. Share a favorite movie set in a school or classroom, or whose theme relates to school days in some way.

Bring It On is one of my favorites.  Also Clueless.

6. Reading, writing, and 'rithmatic' are commonly referred to as the three R's. What are the three R's in your life right now?

Mine have to be Resting (not enough), Ridiculing (myself -- I love self-deprecating humor) and Refrigerating (gotta have AC in Big D).

7. What's something you've learned or tried recently you can say was as 'easy as ABC'?

Water aerobics.  Loved it.  Now I just need to make myself do it.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My favorite quote lately:

Hodgepodge in July!

1.  I recently read here about four secrets to happiness from around the world. They were-

Overcome your fears by facing them head on, allow yourself to relax and reset, work to live versus living to work, and find the good in life. Not sure if these are the actual secret to happiness, but which of the four do you struggle with most? Which one comes most easily to you?

Shockingly, I think I'm pretty good at all of these!  

Probably the hardest is living to work just because I'm single and don't have another option.  I do sometimes find myself envying women who are married and/or seem to be able to quit working and stay home or make a new life choice.  Not that I would ever want to quit my job at Community Partners of Dallas -- it's a great one.  It's more the fact that quitting would be impossible for me.

I'm best at facing fear.  My mom taught me that.  

2. How would you spend a found $20 bill today?

Dinner tonight at Mi Cocina.  Mambo Taxi, baby!

3. Ego trip, power trip, guilt trip, round trip, trip the light fantastic, or trip over your own two feet...which 'trip' have you experienced or dealt with most recently? Explain.

I sang and danced a little at lunch yesterday -- they were playing a great song at the restaurant as we were taken to our table.  Not that my dancing is fantastic, BTW.  I only started dancing again recently.  I quit about 25 years ago when I saw myself dancing in Cathy & Tom's wedding video.  Frighting.

Started again because I'm over 50 and no longer care what anyone thinks -- much...

4. If you could master any physical skill in the world what would it be, and how would you use that skill?

Maybe I should say dancing?

I would love to be able to play tennis pretty well.  I took lessons for awhile about 15 years ago, but quit.  It's really hot here in Big D and the public courts are not air conditioned.  Yes, that is the reason, plus the fact that I sucked.

5. As July draws to a close, let's take inventory of our summer fun. Since the official first day of (North American) summer (June 20th) have you...been swimming? enjoyed an ice cream cone? seen a summer blockbuster? camped? eaten corn on the cob? gardened? deliberately unplugged? watched a ballgame? picked fruit off the vine? taken a road trip? read a book?  Are any of these activities on your must-do-before-summer-ends list?

No swimming.

Yes ice cream.

Yes blockbuster.

Yes corn on cob.

No gardening.

No ballgames unless you count tennis on TV -- the French Open and Wimbledon.

No fruit picking.

No road trips unless you count a drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and back.  I don't.

Yes books.

Camping -- please.  You are killing me.  NO.

All the yeses I plan to do again, as well as watch the US Open.

6. The Republican Presidential candidates will debate on August 6th. What's your question?

What did you have last night for dinner?

7. What's your most listened to song so far this summer?

I promise it's not a political statement, but I cannot get enough of I Don't Like Mondays by The Boomtown Rats  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yteMugRAc0.  

I have also been hitting The Four Tops classic Bernadette pretty hard too.  I mean, just listen to his voice singing about her -- he wants that girl, doesn't he?  The angst is real, people!  The hilarious 60's models are fab in this You Tube video too:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-_sDdS-7Ug

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am very grateful to God for so many blessings.  This blog is one of them.

Hodgepodge in Versailles

It's Wednesday, so it's Hodgepodge time!  Many thanks to Joyce at This Side of the Pond for hosting the Q&A each week.  I've always wanted to be Oprah and ask the questions, but I must admit that I like answering them too.  If you are a blogger and want to participate in the fun, hit the logo below and read about the process.

1. Is your home air conditioned? If it's not air conditioned, is that by choice? Did you grow up with air conditioning? If not how did you cope with the heat? Share about a time or place you remember as being too hot-the temperature kind of hot, lest anyone be confused.

I live in Dallas, so you better believe I have AC!  I have never lived without AC (except at Camp Longhorn), but I did own a duplex for a few years that had window units, and my condo in DC only had window units.  I actually liked my window units and they cooled off a room super-fast. It is hot as hell here every time you leave the office and get in your car, though.  I even have air conditioned seats and it still burns my butt.

2. What's something in your life right now that falls under the heading 'up in the air'?

The main thing now is our capital campaign at Community Partners of Dallas.  Where will the building be?  How long will it take to raise the money?  Who will give us the large gifts?  The small gifts?  The first gift?  The final gifts?  Will I lose weight or gain it?

Never mind, I know that last answer.

3. Your favorite light and airy dessert?

It is Ina Garten's Mocha Icebox Cake.  Amazing.  I'm making it this weekend (again).  Here's the link:  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/mocha-chocolate-icebox-cake-recipe.html

4. When did you last feel like you were 'floating on air'?

I am a terrible loser.  When I play a game, I always want to win.  I can't remember the most recent time I won, but I'm sure that it was the last time I was "floating on air".  Or maybe at Versailles a few months ago.  I could be very happy living there.

5. Airport, airmail, airtight, airhead...which have you most recently encountered? Explain.

I've spent a lot of time this spring and summer at airports.

One thing I know for sure:  It is much better to travel with a friend who has access to the Admirals Club.

6.  Have you ever been to the Alps? If so where did you go? If not, is this a destination on your must-see list? If you were headed that direction this summer, which of the following would be your preferred activity...a gentle walk, a serious walk, a bike ride, a boat ride around one of the lakes, or summer snow skiing?

I may have been to the Alps, as my friend Priscilla and I spent a couple of months traveling all over Europe when we had graduated from college.  It was so long ago and we were super cool, so I have no records of the trip and not a lot of photos at my disposal.  I would certainly ride the gondola up and look out -- that's about my speed these days.

7. What is one saying or phrase that was considered 'cool' when you were growing up?

My favorite (and I still say it all the time) is -- Noun here (that/he/she/it) is SO gross.

Another was Scots are fine in '79 -- our high school team name was the Scots.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

If you travel at all, I totally recommend the Global Entry/Frequent Traveler/TSA Pre-Check deal.  It is well worth the money and such a blessing to not have to remove your shoes or jacket.