Social Media Break

Happy St. Patrick’s Day ! That means Lent is nearly over and I have to admit this Social Media Break has been a little tougher than in years past. I haven’t really missed it …. I’ve thought about keeping this break going through the election. I promised when we started this thing that I would avoid politics and I meant it. It does grind my gears that all these years later and we are back where we started and that just seems stupid on so many levels.

However during this break I have thought several times about specific people that I “check in” with on the various social media apps and wondered how they are doing. Golden has kept me informed of news events I need to know about and she has apparently created a TickyTock playlist for me assuming that we are all still allowed to use TickyTock by the time I get back.

So what have I been up to ?

I got to take a work trip in late Feb. as part of that trip I got to see Golden, walk around a bookstore and eat some good food. I also got to go watch my boss get inducted into the Engineering Hall of Fame which was really really cool. See he’s amazing. I helped prepare his application for induction even after he told us to stop. He said he wouldn’t win so I doubled down. I really wanted this for him. When we found out he won he looked me right in the eye and said I want you there. I said yes sir. I booked my hotel room and waited fro someone to steal my seat. Turns out he bought his OWN table for his family (brothers/sisters) and I had a seat at that table. I felt super important and got to meet many people who I’ve e-mailed many times over the years but never talked to in person. That was pretty cool.

My nephew and his wife just celebrated their one year anniversary. I think they had a good time, they are hoping to take a trip once the summer starts to really celebrate it. I hope they do. They have been through a lot this year but they are still standing, things are still moving forward. They are about to move from a cramped townhouse to a starter house (renting) with a yard for their big furbaby. My nephew is about to finish his college life and I think that’s sinking in some. The real world is waiting I’m not sure he’s ready but he’s going to figure it out quickly.

I just got a new phone …. I got the Samsung S24+ mine was ok … but it was starting to lag and kept telling me it had no storage even though I had removed everything I could off of it. I just got tired of fighting it and said I’m gonna get a new one.

My Auburn Tigers have just lit up the place in basketball and my gymnastics team is gearing up for the SEC tournament. My poor Gymnastics team they were doing so well and the last few meets seemed to have gone off the rails. The SEC Gymnastics championship are in Baton Rouge and I almost bought tickets but cooler heads prevailed. I mean I just bought a phone, taxes are coming up, and work is still moving pretty fast. I like to think they miss my peptalks.

Golden and I did secure out Dragon Con memberships the other … yippie something to look forward too! :D I am also hoping to get to her house for her birthday again this year. If nothing else we’ll be in the same room. We might both be sleeping through the movie of choice …there will also be laughter, fun, and good food.

So until I get back online … I hope you are all doing well, having a good week/day and I’ll see you all again soon!

 

Marcy

An Open Letter to Coach Caddy

I write this the morning of the 2022 Iron Bowl, but it has been rattling around in my head for days, maybe even weeks. This is not a call for Auburn to give this man the team outright, tho I admit I'd love to see that happen, it is simply a letter from one Auburn Alumni to another. 

Dear Mr. Williams, 

Thank you.

While that doesn’t seem like enough that’s really what it boils down to, thank you. Thank you for reminding the Auburn Family what it means to be a family. Thank you for giving this fan base something to rally around. Thank you for showing this team what they are capable of then helping them unlock it on the field. Thank you for salvaging a season that frankly didn’t have a lot going for it. Thank you for showing the character and heart that an Auburn Alumni has 24/7. Thank you for showing kids that there is another way and that you can in fact break and rebuild the mold at the same time. Thank you for not giving up on these boys. Thank you for not phoning it in the last few games but going out there and fighting for every second of every game since you took the helm of the ship. Thank you for making this fun again. Thank you for letting passion overtake polished. Thank you for speaking from your heart not a playbook handed to you from the University. Thank you for making mistakes and learning from them. Thank you for being the living embodiment of the Auburn Creed. Thank you for all the memories I have of watching you run that ball down the field in such amazing ways. Thank you for understanding TEAM vs ME. Thank you for completing your degree and showing the true character of an Auburn Man. Thank you for teaching kids everywhere that you could do both, have a career and an education. 

       

Let’s go out and do it one more time and let the momentum that you have built carry on for years to come cause the most important thing you have taught us this year is that when the fan base is behind these Tigers, they can do AUsome things. 

Mostly, thank you for that, may it be a lesson we always remember.   

Marcy

Happy 2022 … wait what it’s already March ?!

                                      

If 2020 was a literal blur and 2021 and was kinda blur the first 3 months of 2022 have been just nonexistent for me hence my first posting of the year coming in March. Between working getting insanely stupid in January to Golden finally getting Covid (with her job it wasn’t when it was if and if finally caught up with her) and the stress of losing my grandma on my fraking birthday, working non stop on a proposal in the middle of burring my grandmother, and then Golden getting pneumonia in February and work continuing to blow up hard for me, plus two new employees to train and get up to speed it’s just been a hot minute since I could breathe. 

This past weekend my bestie took me to Auburn for some much needed R&R … we got to watch Gymnastics, and Softball and even squeezed in some Tom Holland via Uncharted and ate some great food. Got to hang with the nephew and his better half which was a lot of fun and it was just a great relaxing weekend. I didn't realize how much I needed it until we were on our way home and I realized for the first time in MONTHS I was fully relaxed. 

Today is Mardi Gras so I’m off of work, I took yesterday off too but ended up working about half a day. I have a submittal due on Friday so they are hopefully reviewing the “final draft” now and the work I ended up doing on Monday will make Wednesday a little easier ….. I’m also waiting on a subconsultant to get back with me …. One that I’ve not communicated with but my Project Manager has. I hate that. Make the connection then let me and their marketing person get together and handle the rest. Sigh …… I am trying to treat my vacation (PTO) time with the respect they deserve. I have neglected it far too long. So today, I spent my time preparing for my next trip. DRAGON CON !!!!!! I have secured the hotel, I have secured the membership, Golden is making her plans and guys ….. I have a Care Bear suit. I’m gonna be Tenderheart!!! I had Birthday monies in my pocket and a drink in my hand when I purchased it but damn if it's not cute. :D If I have the courage to wear it in the Atlanta August heat that is. Stay tuned for that. 

Since it’s Mardi Gras you know what that means. It’s nearly time for Lent. 4 ways to observe Lent are below if you are looking for ways to participate. I know Lent isn’t only about giving up things it can also be about adding things to the plate but to me erasing something for 40 days is easier than adding as no two days are ever the same. This year's Lent is gonna be hard yall …. Not only am I giving up social media … which frankly I’m looking forward to at the moment, but I’m also giving up Caffeine. No soda’s, no tea, just water and juice moving forward for the next 40 days. Lord help the people I live, work, and are around on the daily.

 

Why do I post my lent plans here …. It’s to keep me in check. I feel that my body is begging for me to do something, literally anything to get myself back in check. I recently did  a health care screening for my work (something about our health care BS) and well let’s just say I’ve never seen numbers so far off. Like it was all so far off I’ve thought about making a visit to my regular GP to just see what’s up. My BP is always high … always … even when I’m taking my medication as prescribed but this time it was like off the charts did it 4 times to make sure high. That’s not good. My weight has been a constant journey since I stopped playing sports and well it’s weird I don’t “feel” huge but lord knows that scale sure felt it. DAMN…. So I am reaching the point where it’s now or never and starting is always the hardest part. I know you are supposed to look at inches not weight but damn I still can’t get over that number. So I’m going to spend the next 40 days trying to retain my body to not crave the crap that I eat and drink. It’s not that I eat badly, hell most of the time I’m not even finishing the meal in front of me but I do like soda, I do like chips, I like to “snack” I just need to make better choices and that’s going to start with me and with Lent. I feel like if I can do it for 40 days … maybe I can make it last.

 As always you guys hold the world together while I am away and for the love of GOD someone please check on Golden every once in a while for me! 

Wish me luck!

 Marcy

OLYMPIC FEVER

I have a fever …. and the only cure is well more TV screens possibly another pair of eyeballs. I am writing this as I watch the opening ceremonies … again. See I half watched them this morning while I was getting ready for work and while I was well … at work. It was cool tho cause well where I work is pretty awesome. As long as I get the project done and don’t disturb anyone it’s cool. One of the interns in our office caught Covid while at a baseball tournament last week …. Part of me wishes I had interacted with him so I could have an excuse to be home to watch all the sporting lovely.

I was devastated when the Olympics were postponed and I’m so glad they are back, I love the athleticism, the stories, the underdogs coming out on top, the dinosaurs looking and getting one last taste of glory, the drama of a 4^th place finish by only a tenth of a tenth of a second.

A few things I’m not looking forward to ……. Sigh ….. the announcers …. the “hosts”…. the “breaking news that isn’t news” …. the endless supply of stupid questions….the time zone so that most of the events take place while I’m in my bed sleeping. Speaking of sleeping … how in the hell are any of the Olympic committees allowing these athletes who are not only representing their various counties but who are considered the BEST in their fields that we all have to offer to SLEEP ON CARDBORD BEDS?! Have you seen video of these beds? This is not ok at all.

The thing that fascinates me the most about an event like this that they don’t really talk about enough is the LOGISTICS OF IT ALL … like the Rowing teams .. did they ship their boats to Tokyo? How long did that take ? Are they using boats already in Tokyo … what did they train in while their boats were in transit ? Where the heck do you pick up your boat that you ship to Tokyo? What about the other equipment … the basketballs or volleyballs the Bicycles for cycling … archery equipment ? Does someone travel with all this stuff to make sure they aren’t messed with ? How the hell do I get that job?! Wait no I don’t want that job it sounds stupid stressful. This sounds like something Fed Ex or UPS need to get involved in. 

I have my schedule mapped out over the next few weeks but I also know I won’t get to watch nearly as much as I want but I hope to watch more than I want during the weekends and as much as I can during my work week. My boss is ready he understands that this is something I get super excited about, as I said he’s cool as long as I get the work done…which I will. I always do. As watching the Opening Ceremonies this morning the guy across the hall walked in just as the US Team was introduced and I started clapping from my desk and he ran over … “did I miss it!” I said yeah but here … and he and I stood there for a few minutes in silence watching the next Olympic class take their place on the greatest athletic stage ever created.

My alma matter has 18 athletes at the games …. Some current students some recent grads but once a Tiger always a Tiger!

https://auburntigers.com/news/2021/7/22/general-auburn-boasts-18-representatives-at-tokyo-2020-olympics

I’m not going to lie Watching Sunisa Lee on  this journey has been great but I can’t wait to watch her in an Auburn Leo competing in the flesh! Auburn is well represented ….. Track and Field, Swimming, Softball, Gymnastics, Tennis, and Women’s Basketball.

WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!!

https://olympics.com/en/sports/

Games I am excited to watch include:

• Artistic Swimming – better known as synchronized swimming – the beauty, artistry, the power of these athletes it’s all fantastic.
• Baseball is back!!!! The tournament aspect of it is interesting and should be fun to watch.
• Softball is also back!!!! See note above about Baseball.
• Beach Volleyball – have you tried to play volleyball in the sand … it’s hard people … respect it.
• Canoe/Kayak – man made springs for these events always make for a very interesting thing
• Cycling (around the track … not so much a fan of the going on a bike ride race deal)
• Diving – guys this sport is frustrating, awesome and confusing all at the same time
• Gymnastics – all of it … athletic, rhythmic, trampoline, just flip people … girls of course but also the boys. Every games I hope they will get their stuff together and they always let me down but the Girls … I pray we aren’t putting too much pressure on them.
• Handball – picture basketball and soccer AKA Football having a baby and deciding to date Field Hockey and they had a baby ... that would result in "handball" **UPDATED**
• Rugby – I don’t fully understand it but it fascinates me and I am trying to learn more about it.
• Soccer - I admit I’ve watched more Soccer this year than any other year
• Table Tennis – guys it’s ping pong and they play it like no other. The speed at which this sport is played is nothing like you have ever seen before.
• Indoor Volleyball – I love Volleyball ….. played it for 4 years in high school before a set of bleachers ended my career early in my senior year. these are the best of the best and the speed is incredible. The saves are even better and the power is second to none.
• Water Polo – it’s basically field hockey in a pool …. But they can’t touch the floor and they still rise up out of the water to score. It’s hard people…. Respect it.

Games that I could care less about but likely will watch if it’s on my tv …..

• Archery – once you have watched this sport in Invictus regular people shooting an arrow isn’t special anymore ha!
• Badminton – I mean .. honestly. 
• Basketball 3X3 ? wait what?! How is this a thing?
• Boxing – I’ve never understood the need to put two people in a ring and watch them beat the crap out of one another
• Equestrian – interesting but not really something I’m into and that is ok.
• Fencing – I don’t even pretend to understand what’s going on here and I’m not sure I care enough to change that
• Field Hockey – it fascinates me and I always watch but it’s one that if I miss it I’ll be ok too :D
• Golf – like yeah….
• Judo– I don’t even pretend to understand what’s going on here and I’m not sure I care enough to change that
• Karate - if it’s not the original Karate kid …. Then why bother.
• Modern Pentahlon – it fascinates me but yeah if I miss it I’m ok too
• Rowing – I’m fascinated by the synchro aspect of it but that’s about it
• Sailing – any sport that can be halted by not having wind is well not a sport
• Shooting – yeah hall have fun
• Skateboarding  - isn’t this more an x-games sport?
• Sport Climbing – not even sure I know what this one is
• Surfing – any sport that can be hampered if there isn’t a wave is an issue
• Swimming – I mean I watched when Phelps was all in but it was more cause I was waiting on Diving to come back on
• Taekwondo – I just can’t …
• Tennis – I love Tennis but it just doesn’t do much for me at the Olympics
• Track and Field – I love the variety of track and field but it takes soooo freaking long for such a short burst of activity.
• Weightlifting – again … watching this via Invicuts makes watching normal people do it seem less so.
• Wrestling – the most exciting part of this one is watching the big dude shove the other big dude out of the circle … wait that might be a different sport!

As I said it’s going to be an exhausting few weeks and I can’t wait for it!!!!!

Olympic Coma here I come!

 

Marcy

Thankfulness Challenge – College Days

So as I said yesterday my family and I put on all our Auburn gear and headed to the local arena to watch the Tigers play basketball. It was a super fun night that ended with my nephew asking “What is it about Auburn Sports? It’s not a game unless you are about to have a heart attack.” He’s 100% right. Being an Auburn fan is not always fun, it’s not always easy but it really is GREAT to be an Auburn Tiger.

I’ve talked on this blog before about what Auburn means to me it’s more than a university, it is home. That feeling of belonging that feeling of calm that comes over me when I go back to that campus fascinates me. Just getting off at that exit and driving towards campus makes me feel like I have class the next day.

I started at Auburn in the college of Liberal Arts with the plan of going into communications with an eventual degree in journalism. That was the plan. However as most college students need to understand often the plan changes at least once or twice in those 4…4+ years.

My older nephew is currently at Auburn and he’s at that cross road where he stays on the path he’s on or he shifts the plan and go in another direction. I’ve told him every student on that campus has gotten to that road, the question he has to ask himself is what do you want to do. It’s not an easy decision and it’s not easy to trust yourself and go with your gut. For me, the decision was really made for me. The weed out class for a Journalism degree definitely weeded me out. At the time I was devastated. My guidance counselor told me you can do what you want to do with a degree in English. That…was….a …. Lie. Well not a lie, I mean she wasn’t being malicious about it or anything she was just largely mistaken. See I loved my guidance counselor. When I graduated my mother gave HER a graduation gift. She is the reason I have that piece of paper on my wall in a nice fancy frame … collecting dust. Her advice however was misguided. The people I tried to get a Journalism type job from were done with me after they realized I only had an English degree.

I can’t imagine trying to be in the journalism profession today. It drives me crazy how lazy some journalist are now especially in the light of everything going on in the world. It drives me insane that a social media account has become a source. They are no longer concerned with getting the story it is more about repeating whatever one else is talking about. If you watch two or three channels or read a few articles the same text or talking points are used over and over.

Not to mention that now a days it’s harder than ever to break into and I wasn’t someone who wanted to be on the screen. I was more interested in the research side of the table or the writing of copy. I am however grateful for where I have ended up. It’s not at all what I thought I’d be doing with my life as a 20 something year old but I’m good at it and feel very secure in saying that someone knew that that’s where I needed to end up and for that I am grateful. I now it’s not easy but trust the plan, even when it changes, it might be exactly what you needed.

Marcy

Jumping onto my soap box

So I still owe everyone a post about the end of my North Carolina trip which consisted of family fun time and NASCAR shops with a friend before heading back home and back to the real world.

I'll get to it I promise. However, I need you guys to give me a minute cause there are some things happening out in the World that I feel needs my two cents added to the conversation. So here I go. 

Lent is stupid
So….I am not Catholic, yet I participate in Lent. It’s not just a Catholic thing but they are way more strict about it. However Lent is stupid. Not the actual process of Lent mind you, I still fully believe in giving up something for 40 days as a sacrifice and in an effort to better yourself even if it’s not for religious reasons. Golden for one has spent the last some odd 20 days or so giving back as her Lent acknowledgement. She has paid the bill of people behind her in fast food lines and in other ways and I commend her for that. As you know dear reader I gave up both Social Media and Soda for Lent and.... guys … it’s been hard. Thus Lent is stupid. I can live with the social media break, actually I enjoy it but since Lent started my AU Gymnastics team has had three meets, went to the SEC Championships and I have had to watch it all from the sidelines.  

However all of that aside one of my favorite Gymnasts Sam Cerio had a horrific accident during her Floor Routine during the first night of the Regional at LSU, in which my team advanced to night two thank you very much. She broke both her legs and dislocated BOTH her knees. It was a horrific thing to watch do yourself a favor and NEVER WATCH IT. I was watching live on the internet and almost threw up on my keyboard. The coolest thing is that the next day the President of LSU visited Sam in the hospital. I thought that was really cool and shows the support and love that the SEC has for each other off the playing field or Matts in this case. 

It’s been awful not being able to reach out to Sam and give her support at this time. She graduates in May and I understand is getting married in June. She has stated she plans to walk down the isle and if anyone can do it … SAM CAN! She’s amazing. I have a message board on my desk, that I try to update at least once a week, this was the board the week after the meet.  

In addition to all of that my beloved Auburn Tigers got to the freaking FINAL FOUR!!!!!!! That’s never ever ever in life happened and watching it from a far was super hard. Not checking in with the team or watching the various fan events that happened during the tournament but not being able to connect with anyone about it was really hard. Like for reals hard. It was also difficult to find scores and times when the games would be without seeing spoilers. It was a damn fun run to the Final Four and I couldn’t be more proud of those guys. I can’t wait until the 22^nd to hit up Bruce Pearl and thank him for leading these young men in such a positive wonderful way. They all made me very proud to be an Auburn Tiger. It also cracked me up that this team caused a TP shortage in the Auburn/Opelika area, if you don't know the ways of Toomer's Corner, well I'm sad for your very sheltered and horrible upbringing.  

However social media woes aside the hardest part has been the missing of SODA in my life. This year I decided a full ban on all things soda. If I NEVER drink another glass of sweet tea again it will be too soon. My plan is the Friday before Easter I’m going to buy a 6 pack of Wild Cherry Pepsi and I plan to drink all 6 on Easter Sunday. I have missed soda every time we went to lunch and they woud ask “what would you like to drink” all of me wanted to say a COKE give me a freaking COKE ASAP! I’m proud to say that as of the 10^th I’ve held strong but it’s not been easy. Not easy at all. My family keeps saying you aren’t Catholic just drink a coke (I’ve been a little cranky) already but I’ve come this far I can go another 14 or so days.

My plan for Easter …. wake up, go to sunrise service and while there drink a 2 liter of coke by myself as the preacher talks then on the way home hit up Sam Cerio as my first tweet and my second tweet a picture of my nearly empty coke with a countdown of sodas to follow throughout the day. 


Harry and Megan, the Royal Baby and Rumors on top of Rumors
Ok let me start by saying STOP IT. Leave this damn couple alone. Granted they have squeezed in all the things into a single year, the marriage, the kid, all of it before the 1^st anniversary and so that’s on them but my goodnees they can’t do anything without it being a major controversary. I don’t blame them for not wanting to do the “photoshoot” on the stairs of the hospital like 7 hours after the kid pops out. The last two times Kate did that she got flack for it but now everyone is acting like Meghan is personally whipping her new kid's butt with the unwritten Royal Protocol. I mean from the moment this couple became a couple they have been scrutinized at every step. From how she dresses to how his face looks when they are together, to other media woes with her super stable and loving family. He has always been a very private person and it kind of cracks me up how the entire focus is now on her when they are together and it's almost like he is allowed to relax cause he is very conscious of that fact. He also seems to turn into her security officer when they are out and about which I think is adorable. You can very clearly see him scanning the crowd for trouble and mentally preparing a plan for should it arise. 

How dare they get an Instagram without me, not being able to follow or see their pictures. No before you ask, cause I know you will, I don't believe she is running it. Is she sending in captions to the person running it … maybe … but I don't believe she's sitting at Fogmore with phone on her giant belly deciding what to post on Instagram. Sigh …… that was so rude. I also think that this backlash where people are creating a KP VS the Sussex is just dumb. The “Fab 4” can and will do amazing things if people would just back off and let them have the space to breath and do it. If anything this might force William and Kate to step up their game as a solo unit now. I really hope the stories of the boys drifting apart are not true but more two busy people leading very busy lives. I mean my goodness William has three kids for Christ sakes, their lives are separating cause it's the natural order of how life  happens between normal family members. If I see one more headline about William missing the birth I'm going to scream. Last time I checked the brother didnt have to be there not to mention Harry was out of the country for all but Louis (and for that one he was in full wedding mode) so people just need to stop it already. Not to mention that their public life focus is very different and that's ok. That's what made the Royal Foundation work. I hope it stays in tact cause its definitely sheading light on some areas that deserve to be highlighted. The good that this 3 some did can only be better now with 4 voices and focus behind it. I look forward to watching. 

The truth is they can do it now or do it in a few years when Charles becomes King and everything HAS to shift. Do it now and it will allow the focus to stay on Charles when he becomes King, as it should be. Let's be honest they weren't going to be joined at the hip forever. People keep forgetting that William also took his little family out of the limelight moving away from KP for a while when George was little. Of course in my opinion that was during the time that William was still kind of running from this role.  This couple deserves the time and space to start their family and I pray that the media, the “fans” and the rest of the world allows them the space to do so. Everyone needs to back off and just let them be and I don’t want to hear that they knew what they were getting into when they walked into this party. May we all be so lucky to fall hard in love with another human being like they seem to have. She seems to make him really happy and if people would just back off I think they just might make it work. Tho maybe that's the issue there are those that dont want this couple to make it and that's just sad and pathetic.

Let me also add that I don't believe the Queen gives a flying Corgi if they raise this child vegan or vegetarian or feed it well Corgis every day for breakfast, ok in that instance she might step in. As long as the kid is taken care of she will likely let them do whatever they want with the kid, in reason of course. The kid is going to be so far away from the throne it really isnt as big a deal in that instance. I am not saying that the kid doesn't matter I'm simply stating that it's not quite as stressful for this kid as it would say George who will eventually,  God willing, reach the throne. Even Charlotte and Louis will just be sideline players, again assuming God takes care of this little family. If Harry and Meghan were smart they would be pushing for the kid to not have a title opening up the path that kid can take in the future. Sure it could take on private life or continue the works of Mum and Dad, or frankly both, but the bottom line is that Babby Sussex could have choices that Harry and Will never had dreams about having  However that's just my opinion, I have often though Harry had the better deal. All of the fun of Royal life with a fraction of the pressure. I also think that once he decided he could use this role given to him for good he jumped in with both feet. I often think William still just has a toe in the water but that his pool is much deeper so I kind of understand that.

Last point I’m going to make on this …. If they have a girl if anyone on the planet is dumb enough to think Harry is going to name said girl Diana they haven’t been paying attention at all. I can’t imagine a world in which he will be able to physically say Diana for the rest of his life. I’m not saying one of the 7 names they give a kid might not be Diana but it will be buried deep into the name. I personally hope for a boy (tho I’m not 100% sure why I even care) cause I want them to name the boy Phillip and I'm sure they care what I think about that. 

College Scandal – LEAVE AUNT BECKY ALONE 
I am so sick of this story, this scandal, and the fact that of all the parents involved two “celebrity” parents are getting the brunt of it. I love how every story talks about Lori Laughlin like she’s personally responsible for this entire thing. Then in the second breath they mention the “Desperate Housewife” AKA Felicity Huffman (who in my world will always be Dana Whitaker - RIP Sports Night) as an oh yeah she’s also involved. Why the hell is that ? 

I feel Lori Lofton is being treated really unfairly in the stupid thing. Dont get me wrong what she and the other parents did was wrong on so many levels but they are just the tip of this. What about administrative people who looked the other way. Coaches who gave up scholarships to really talented kids why aren't they in trouble??? Its like prosecuting the drug pushers when the main dealer is sitting next to them at the table.

I mean honestly is this the biggest issue in the world?! Is it really necessary to ruin the careers of these two ladies and why aren’t their husbands being drug through the mud? Why isn’t William H Macy being black balled left and right? It all seems really stupid that these two ladies are looking at 20 years in prison OVER THIS?! I’ve seen people who have done far worse who have gotten far less. It’s just majorly stupid!

Politics … specifically Trump Vs Democrats

Ok guys I've talked about Trump on here before and while Golden and I said early on that we wouldn't get political, I think what I've said so far straddles that line, cause I gotta open that door one more time. I need the Democrats to move on. I typically vote Blue unless the Red race will affect my every day world and needs my attention. Living in a Red state that happens more than I'd like to be honest. However I need the Democrats to move on. There are like 75 people running on the Democratic ticket and while I know it's early in the game, I'm not sure any of them can beat Trump. The Dems have done exactly what they didn't want the Republicans to do from day one, not concede this election. I get it, he's not the President you wanted, he's not the guy you voted for, but suck it up buttercup he's who we have. Instead of fighting him every step of the way or continuing this collusion BS or think about impeachment proceedings how about you guys pull on your big boy and girl clothes and get to work. Force him out the right way, give people someone they can vote for instead of him. Right now I'm confident he'd get a second term and that's not ok. That's not acceptable and that's entirely on the Democrats head if he does. They talk so much about what he has not accomplished but they can't point to their own accomplishments either. It's a giant cluster either way you look at it and our Nation isn't in a great place right now so let's all be adults, the Mueller report is out, if you must … read it... learn from it.... then move on. 

One more thing about this Biden has give his time to this Country, he's made a very positive impact along with Obama and frankly needs to step aside. This is NOT his fight. I'm not saying he can't help whomever makes it through the pack of crap running but I just feel it shouldn't fall on his shoulders. He's an amazing man, a loving man, a man that cares about the Veterans and a man that deserves to do whatever he wants at this stage in his life. I'm not sure President is something he needs to add to his resume. However he can do whatever he wants … and likely will. 

Jessie Sommelet - Chicago PD 
Ok just no. Here's what happened. Some asshat actor made up some BS story to get his name in the papers and up his reputation and the social media community pounced on it before they even knew what happened. The public support was so great and he was so high profile that the Chicago PD jumped in with both feet too and put the full force of well the force on this case. They wasted a TON of money, time, efforts, and manhours on this case. The end result being that it was all crap and now they want him to pay for it … no. Good police work will show it's BS from the beginning. You don't throw money down a hole, which is what they did. When they saw it starting to go south you pull back, put less on it and move on. They also dropped all the charges about false statements so they couldn't even get that right. If dude isn't guilty then he shouldn't have to pay. That was on them for letting the public outcry dictate how they ran their department. It was fun to watch it play out while I could cause the wave of social media on this case proved just how messed up social media can be. The support was huge, then the disappointment after learning the "truth" was a dull roar followed by silence. The world moved on long before the Chicago PD did and now that dude can't catch a break yet he still pops up in my news feed from time to time. It's going to be interesting how this plays out to be honest. 5 years from now he'll pop up in some random movie and blow everyone away then he'll be the huge start he wanted to be when all this started. That's my guestimate but first he'll have to endure a Lifetime or BET movie about the entire situation in which they won't even allow him to play himself. 

Ok I’m climbing down now … thank you for letting me get some of this off my chest, I admit I feel better. 

Thanks 
Marcy 
@beaslma

AUBURN GYMNASTICS

Before I shut down my Social Media for Lent I have to give a shout out to my Auburn Gymnastics team and let them know that while I’m not going to be cheering them on online I’ll be thinking about them daily, sending them positive vibes, watching from the sidelines and wishing them the best SEC Championship ever cause this team deserves all of it.

It’s been a fantastic season for the Auburn Tigers …. 4-0 at home … 3-2 away … 7-2 overall. Their only losses in the SEC coming at the hands of Florida (the eventual SEC Champions) and Alabama, whom they came within like 3 toe point points and a stuck landing of taking down in Tuscaloosa. Read that again .. I’ll wait. As a matter of fact if Auburn had gotten the score they put up against Florida in Tuscaloosa they would have tied the meet with Alabama. It was their second highest road score of the season and gave them a 2^nd place finish in the SEC Regular Season. Just saying this team is capable of taking the entire tournament. 

This does not come as a surprise to me. I have seen this coming. As I think I have said before on this Blog, my dorm for all 4 years at Auburn was the closest dorm (at that time) to their practice facility so they would put the Freshman Gymnast in our dorm. In an effort to support these ladies we formed a group that would go to all the home meets and cheer the girls on. We'd put up things in their hallway with positive thoughts and encouragement for the weeks they had away meets. Heck I often drove them to practice so they wouldn't have to walk it. Gotta save those legs, they might have also been running late ha! During my 2nd or third year the group of girls in our dorm (cause I lived in the dorm all 4 years at Auburn (my last two years in a room by myself) since I had a job in the dorm that basically paid me to do my homework) came to the front desk one day while I was working and said that they really appreciated my support and loved that I came to the meets but politely asked that I go to get a drink or a snack during beam cause I could be distracting.  

Jeff Graba, pictured, and his staff have been building to this for years. He joined this program in 2010, I believe, and had a vision from his first day in the gym with these ladies. They have been planning for it, recruiting for it, and preparing these ladies for this shot, this chance and now they are going to grab it and hold it high. Graba has given them the tools, the coaches, the drive, the determination and the belief that they can win it all. Or completely fall on their faces … that’s how Gymnastics works. It’s not what you have done it’s what you are doing right this second that counts. No matter what happens this year has been so much fun to watch and this team can only build on this moving forward. I've said it before and will say it again. The FUTURE of Auburn Gymnastics is strong. 

There are 6 freshmen on this team, several that have already made their mark on the events this season including the amazing Derrian Gobourne who is so much fun to watch. If you haven’t seen her perform yet you really need to treat yourself and look her up, she’s won several all-around titles this year and I can’t wait to watch her evolve over the next few years. She can only get better which should scare the rest of the teams out there.  She’s powerful, talented and just a joy to watch work. Then you have 5 Sophomores on the team ready to take over leadership roles when asked including my home town favorite Allie Riddle an excellent Beam walker who does the other events pretty well too. I can't wait to watch her over the next few years too. She's from my hometown so I have a special place in my heart for her. GO UMS Bulldogs.  

Our Seniors include Sam Cerio (Engineering), Taylor Krippner (Human Sciences), A’Miracal Phillips (Science and Mathematics), and the always consistent Abby Milliet (business). I’m gonna miss these ladies but look forward to seeing what’s in store from them off the mats. Each of these ladies have served as leaders on this team and are a large reason why this team is in the place they are in right this second. They have helped build the foundation that the rest will build upon moving forward. 

Auburn has two more meets before the SEC Championships (in New Orleans March 23^rd BTW). One with Alabama, this weekend March 9^th in Birmingham and another with Air Force Academy in the Auburn Arena on the 15^th. Both events are great and fun events and allow Auburn to get that Bama monkey off their back before the SEC Championship which sets you up for the NCAA Championships which will be in Texas in April. I have no doubt in my mind that they can and will beat BAMA before this season ends. It's gonna happen. 

I tell you all of this because these young ladies deserve your love, support and respect. They put in the hours in the gym, more so during the off season. Their hard work is definitely paying off and it’s showing. Now we as fans need to continue to show up for them. 

War Eagle Ladies …. FINISH STONG!!!!!

Marcy (@beaslma)

Auburn, a fun destination that still feels like home

My self imposed Social Media ban has been surprisingly easy, however I do admit I missed it so much this past weekend. I took last Friday off and one of my work friends and I took off to Auburn for a short but sweet trip. I got to eat at my favorite places, and watch the Auburn Gymnastics Team flip on Senior Night and marveled at how much the place had changed since I left it so many years ago. I probably do not get back to Auburn as much as other alumni and admit that it has been a while since I went for a sporting event.  Pulling off the interstate it was like stepping into another world of businesses, apartment complexes, restaurants, and so much more that now lines the streets of the town I used to call home. Where is the freaking grass I kept thinking to myself. However when we got into the heart of campus I felt this immediate calm wash over me as I was back where I belonged. The place that literally gave me the foundation that would shape me into the person I am today.

It was a fun trip and I hated not sharing it with my social media friends and family. Prior to the meet we ate a delicious cheese burger at Cheeburger Cheeburger (with fries and onion rings cause I'm an adult), yes they have bigger mason jars now and no I didn't steal one but I really wanted to do so. I'm grown now and I guess I know better. I knew better then too but let's not focus on that or the fact that there's at least one jar in my cabinet (maybe two). Then we walked up to the famous Toomer’s Drug Store for some shopping at J&M Bookstore, and Tree appreciation time before going to Tiger Rags, must stops for any Auburn fan. We also decided to catch a movie while we were in town since we had some time to kill and we love movies. I'll watch anything as long as I have popcorn. Too bad a. the popcorn was kinda stale, and b. I accidently dropped it before the previews were done and lost half of the popcorn on the floor. We went to see “The Shack” which I have to admit was better than I thought it would be even if there were things about it that I didn’t like and I'm sorry .... Tim McGraw was a distraction. I never fell into the movie enough to know that wasn't Tim McGraw and frankly he annoyed me during this movie.  It’s one of those movies that I’m glad to have experienced but not one that I’m going to rush to Amazon to buy the book, or get it on DVD so I can watch over and over again.

Last time I focused on my lack of negativity via social media and this time I was reminded of how much positivity I tend to throw out there too. This week’s Auburn Gymnastics meet celebrated “Senior Night” and to not take a moment to tell the Senior class what a joy it has been to watch them work was hard was really hard.

So I'll take the time now, MJ (Psychology), Lucia (Pre-Med), Kelsey (Mechanical Engineering), and Kullen (Aerospace Engineering) it has been an honor to watch each of you work and I'm sure whatever path you walk...tumble...down next you will be amazing at it if you only show HALF the dedication that you have shown to this Auburn Team. Thank you for your time, your dedication, and the memories, War Eagle and happy graduation! (side note, I included their respective majors cause I wanted to give a shout out to how smart my Tigers are as well as talented and strong!)

These ladies give up so much to wear that Leotard from time with family, with friends and with loved ones to the amount of time they train, study and support each other it seemed wrong to not acknowledge it. The meet we went to was between Auburn and Pittsburg, not exactly an SEC clash of the titans meet but Pittsburg had a great meet. The Pittsburg team was staying our hotel and while we only saw them for a few minutes the interaction I had with them was very positive. They looked like a great group of young ladies and they definitely put on a show for the Auburn fans Friday night. I would have liked to have tweeted to the team’s twitter handle to tell them how much I enjoyed their performance. They definitely came to play as did the Auburn Seniors in their final night before friends, family, and fans in an Auburn leotard in a home setting.

The season is not over but for those Seniors that’s a night they will always cherish. I also loved how the entire team came out to each of the exits to talk with fans, take pictures and sign autographs (let’s see the football, basketball, baseball teams do that and I know their tickets are more expensive). Watching these ladies with their fans was fun, watching little boys and girls afraid to approach but then be welcomed with a hug and a picture was heartwarming, you got a sense that they appreciated us being there as much as we appreciated what they do. Those ladies are pretty amazing! Next up for the Tigers is the SEC Championships in Jacksonville. This young team has the opportunity to do well at the championships, they have been knocking on the door all season with great scores they just need solid scores, hitting their routines and they could have a great night. Don’t get me wrong I don’t harbor this insane idea that Auburn will win it all, that’s between LSU and FL (my money is on LSU) and you can never rule out Alabama but I think Auburn could be the dark horse no one is watching to come in and finish 5th. This team is building and with a young team they have a bright future ahead of them.

After the meet we went to one of my favorite places in the world to eat “Willie’s Wings.” It was a mainstay in my student life and they deliver! They are only open from 5PM until about 1AM so it was the perfect late night place to go for some good hot food that wasn’t pizza. A college kid can only eat so much pizza. I was so excited to walk into the Resturant and was immediately transported back by the smell. I couldn’t wait to get that sandwich in my belly. Western Sub with Tots, I’ve tried to recreate it at home and I come close but NOTHING compares to Willie’s Western Sub with Tots. With a fully belly I slept like a baby.

On Saturday we got up frolicked around campus some more, sent Golden a note from Biggin Hall (her home away from home while at Auburn) and hit the road to head back home. It was a great weekend of conversation, fun, food, and laughter. I can’t wait to go back. I wonder if my boss would let me take every Friday off to spent 24 hours in Auburn, better yet I wonder if they want to open an “Auburn branch” with me as their first employee. I could move back there in a heartbeat. In a few years my nephew, Lord willing, will be at Auburn and I just might have to make more of a point to get up there and make sure he’s not making the same mistakes I did while in school. Auburn will always have a special place in my heart and I hope he’ll feel the same way after he gets his degree. It’s so much more than a place or a school it’s the atmosphere, the people, the area itself and until you experience it I can’t explain it to you. So I’ll leave you with this …

WAR EAGLE!

Marcy (C/O 01)

Why I love Cam Newton

Tonight on CBS was Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos or as the media talks about it the Cam Vs Peyton show, a changing of the guard type event. Now I live in a state that’s insane about College Football. Loyalties are formed before birth, often before conception. We taught my nephew to raise his hands in a referee touchdown motion so that we could slip his t-shirt on. No joke, people in my area have literally killed over it. However my state doesn’t really have a dog in the NFL fight. So I’ve often watched the Super Bowl just because everyone will be talking about it on Monday, I watched it for the commercials, but mostly watched it with one eye as I surfed the internet or put together a puzzle since literally nothing else was on.

However this year is different. This year I cared about NFL football. I wanted the Panthers to get to the playoffs undefeated, which they nearly did. I wanted everyone who was talking trash about Cameron Newton to shut up. I wanted people to take notice and man did they ever. However not all of it was great commentary on a man who frankly is just damn fun to watch. May we all have a job we love as much as Cam Newton loves playing football.

Now for full disclosure I’m typing this up as Carolina trails Denver 7-16 so it’s not like Cam is being remarkable on the field, then again neither is Payton. Denver finally figured out that the way to beat the Panthers (at least so far) is to shut down Cam and his offense. Granted the Panther offense isn’t giving Cam much time to do anything in the pocket, something they have been great at all year long. My point is this post isn’t about a Quarterback setting the field on fire with his awesomeness. No this post is about telling people about the Cam Newton that makes me smile. The Cam Newton whom I think little kids should look up to, the Cameron Newton who deserves more respect.

1.     Granted the man led my team (War Eagle!) to an SEC Championship, a National Championship, and did it with class. When I say he LED the team I mean exactly that. I’ve seen him walk up and down that sideline pumping up a teammate who may have had a bad play, cheering for the defense like a little kid for a good stop and I've watched him lead the team (all of them even the "bench warmers") down towards the student section before 4th quarter in an effort to bring the crowd into the game for one final push to victory. He knew then how much the crowd brings to the game, which is why it’s fun now to watch him give a ball to a kid after a touchdown (notice it's ALWAYS a kid). He didn’t just start caring about the crowd that’s been part of his DNA for years. That people is why people who love him LOVE him.

2.     Speaking of kids the man loves kids. He wants them to succeed he wants them to believe in themselves and his love for kids is infectious. He volunteered at an elementary school while he was a student athlete long before anyone took notice of it. When he left his JR year for the NFL he came back to see those kids whenever he was in town, he kept in touch with the school and keeps those connections alive to this day! He cared about these kids and because of that they cared about him. Did you see the instagram post where a kid on the sidelines at practice was telling him how to "throw the ball" and how focused Cam is on what the kid is saying? His caption for the picture was "Always be coachable!" A great lesson for kids to hear in a world where kids think coaches are a waste of time. The man is not just a role model but he should be the bench mark role models are held too.

3.     He finished school. This should be higher on the list cause i'm just so darn proud of this fellow alumni! Sure it was a promise he made to his mom, but let’s face it Cam could have gone anywhere he wanted for school. He came back to Auburn every summer (during his off season), went to classes, attended sporting events, and got that piece of paper when frankly he didn’t need it. It was important to her, so it was important to him. He returned to a school that he had already given so much and he showed kids everywhere that yes an education was important. Again if that's not a role model then I don't know what one is.

4.     His smile. No joke no one has a smile wider, bigger, or more genuine than Cam Newton and the man looks great when he smiles.

5.     His love for his family is admirable. He went back to school for his mom, he says a prayer at the beginning of each game for his mom. His mom is his inspiration, his biggest cheerleader, and I would argue his best friend. Did you see his Instagram page where he posted the text she sent him prior to tonight’s game? That’s love.

6.     His ambition in life is to open a day care center, or some other type of school for kids. There is no doubt in my mind that when his NFL career is over he will do something with kids and those kids will be the luckiest kids in the world for being a part of that environment. Nothing appears to make him happier than being around kids.

7.     I do think that as soon as he’s no longer having fun he will end his career. He’ not going to be a player that plays for the paycheck. He's not going to hang around long after the "glory" has faded and he's just there in the background. Granted he’s not going to play for free but the paycheck does not drive him, it's just what allows him to have fun and play a game he's been destined to play for years. 

So these are just a few of the reasons that I like Cam, notice not many of these have anything to do with his on the field capabilities, I let those speak for themselves. Everyone knows he can throw a ball, even if sometimes I think he might throw it a little hard. I love watching Cam play football, I love how supportive he is of the guys around him, the love he shows to the fans, and the smile on his face. Even in games like this one where not much to write home about has happened he wears his heart on his sleeve. He lives and dies with that team and what is happening on that field. He's not a QB who isn't really paying attention when the defense is on the field until 4rd down. Cam shifts into spectator mode and is as into it as the rest of us are. No one will walk out of that locker room tonight more upset that Cam. You can see it on his face he blames himself for the way tonight has gone, he's defeated but he's not down. They will regroup, they will come back and this is not Cam’s only shot at a ring with the Panthers or anyone else. There is no doubt in my mind he'll get that hardware one day and Chosen will be jumping up and down in the players box challenging his grandma for dad’s biggest supporter when he does!

Everyone needs to sit back, leave him alone and enjoy the ride cause it’s a fun ride to be a part of !

War Cam Eagle, forever and always.

Marcy