Lent - 2019 Social Media Break for Lent

It’s Lent people. 

Well ok not yet, but starting Ash Wednesday, Lent will be in full effect and I'll be back at work so I'm posting this today on my day off for Mardi Gras. You guys I actually went to a parade this year … it was fun ….. the weather wasn't so great but the floats were fun …. 

Now I don’t consider myself a wholly religious person. Yes I go to church, yes I participate in various events (vacation bible school, Easter egg hunts, anything really dealing with the kiddos etc.) but this is a practice I've really gotten into for the last several years cause it allows me to shift my focus from me to the world around me. What is Lent you might be asking me . . . well not me cause I’m not there but likely the person you are with... I'll answer since that person seems preoccupied to do so ….. rude....  

Well according to dictionary.com it’s …. 

According to Wikipedia it’s ….

Lent is a solemn religious observance in the Christian Calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later, before Easter Sunday. The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer, doing penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, and self-denial. In Lent, many Christians commit to fasting, as well as giving up certain luxuries in order to replicate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ's journey into the desert for 40 days. Many Christians also add a Lenten spiritual discipline, such as reading a daily devotional or praying through a Lenten calendar, to draw themselves near to God.

However, Lent isn't only about "giving up" things you could ADD prayer to your day, ADD reading the bible, Add Meditation about what your spiritual journey means to you. I also found this list of things you can "give up" that can have a positive impact on your life and those around you …. enjoy.

Golden used to do a 40-acts Lent event ….. a British movement that uses the 40 days of Lent to focus on the religious principle of giving to others from a Christian perspective. 40 days of giving back, doing good, and living generously. 

Basically it’s 40 random acts of kindness while expecting nothing in return. That by the way is the very definition of a Golden but with extra profanity and diet coke thrown in for flavor. I don’t know if Golden still does the 40acts but I’m sure she does something similar if not. She’s the most giving person that I know and I know like enough people to count them without having to use my toes too. 

As I have done the last few years, 2018, 2017, I’m shutting down my social media for 40 days to regroup, live in the moment, and step away from the negativity that social media has become. Granted it’s not as “BAD” as it has been for me lately cause after my first year doing this, I got rid of a good chunk of negativity on my feeds. As I have said before I’m a huge believer in a block button, in the unfollow button and in the hide button. I think sometimes people have views that don’t align with yours and that’s ok but I don’t need to see it.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not trying to shut down views that don’t align with mine. However what most on social media users fail to realize is that a CONVERSATION about different views is good, heck one of us might even learn something from that conversation. ATTACKING one another for your different views however is NOT. People are stupid brave behind a keyboard and it’s insane. I’ll never understand it. You know what I do when I see a post I don’t like, I keep scrolling. If it’s a post that’s just really unnecessarily awful or attacking I might report them to Twitter and block said person, but I don’t give it more thought than that. I especially block and report when I see someone pretending to be someone else. That’s just wrong on so many levels. Don’t try and contact me like you are Bryan White when I know the REAL Bryan White and you aint him! Trust me I've been to the man's house, I've played with his boys, he's awesome people and that guy aint him. Just saying. That’s oddly specific but a thing that happens more often than you’d guess. PS if the blue check aint there, it’s not him. Same could be said for nearly every other “celebrity” on earth but back to the task at hand.

This post is about Lent not the breakdown of social media and ways to make it better. Maybe that’s a post for another day. For Lent I have also decided to give up SODA in addition to Social Media this year. No I didn’t suddenly move North, let me explain. For those that know me …. Coke is my downfall. I LOVE a good COLD Coca Cola, a fresh coke is like my crack cocaine, a Cherry Pepsi is my meth. Last year I gave up Coke/Pepsi but allowed myself to drink “Sprite” so I’d still have that carbonated drink in my life. However, this year …. SODA in general is out. Nothing but water, sweet tea or juice for me for the next 40 days. Lord help the people I work with. 

So I’ll see you guys on the other side, cause as you know I get real involved with this blog when I can’t do much of anything else during Lent. It’s not social media if you aren’t interacting with people so hit me up in the comments and let's use this forum as it was intended ….  

Are you guys giving anything up or adding anything to your life during this Lent season?!

Marcy (@beaslma)

Lent - SOCIAL MEDIA BREAK

 

 LENT: Lent is a solemn religious observance in the Christian calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 14^th ) and ends 6 weeks later before Easter Sunday (March 31^st). The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer, doing penance, mortifying the flesh, repentance of sings, almsgiving, and self denial. In Lent, many Christians commit to fasting, as well as giving up certain luxuries in order to replicate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s journey into the desert for 40 days. Many use that “extra time” to read daily devotionals, pray, and meditate in order to draw themselves closer to God.

So last year for lent I gave up social media. I was kind of sick of my timeline filled with BS that was stressing me out. I was pondering giving it up all together but decided instead of a lent break. I have to say …. I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. Since coming back from that break this thing that was supposed to be used to be social with people I’d never know without it has become that for me again. I’ve had conversations with people, I’ve done more than just share and RT everything in sight. I’ve read more articles instead of blindly sharing them. It was a nice reminder of what these sites, FB, Twitter, Instagram etc., were created for.

It’s funny to me cause last year I did it to alleviate some anxiety in my life to step away from the negativity that had taken over my social media timeline and this year … it’s more about just stepping away. When I logged back into all the sites last April I also did a cleanse of my timeline, followers, friends and now my social media is a place I enjoy going to. This is truly a sacrifice because I use Social Media to keep up with people, like Golden, my favorite musicians, sports figures, sporting events, my family etc., so it’s going to be harder this year than last year I think. I mean the Olympics are on, my Auburn Gymnastic team is poised to have a fantastic month, I’m going to see Eric Erdman play a show Wed.,  and I won’t be able to talk about it.  

However, I’m also reminded of the lessons I learned from my Social Media break last year, how I posted, what I shared, the positive energy and negativity that I put out there on my own TL for others to deal with that kind of thing. It made me a better person both in the digital world and in real life as this break also allowed me to be fully engaged in the everyday world I was living in. Let’s  not forget that it was on that Social Media break that by happenstance I found Ed Sheeran’s music and my ears have been happier for it. I wonder who will hit my radar when I’m allowed to really see that radar this year?! I also refocused my energy on this blog during my social media break which reawakened my creative side to an extent.

So my point to you all is this …. When I turned off all my notifications last year my phone immediately went silent to the point I thought it might have died. It was not uncommon for my phone to go off several times an hour, it was a distraction and those 40 days with no notifications made me not miss it or want to check my various feeds. When I relogged into everything after the break I was very selective on whose notifications were turned back on, and whom I decide I didn't miss enough to have those constant notifications. That has made my social media life way more enjoyable and far more social. 

 

I’ll see you guys in March … until then be safe, take care of yourselves, and if you don’t mind ….do me one favor … check in on Golden every once in a while for me :D She's planning to do another 40-acts this year and frankly that's what I'll miss the most about this break, she's the most giving person I know and  the world needs more people like her. 

 

Thanks,

Marcy (@beaslma)

2018 Resolutions/Guidelines

HAPPY NEW YEAR…. In a few hours … look I plan to be sound asleep in bed at midnight or at least in bed wishing the neighbors would stop with the fireworks already. So I’m telling you happy new year now mostly cause I can’t wait for this shitstorm of a year to just go. Seriously 2017 don’t let the door hit you on the way out. It’s not 2017’s fault, really I mean it just showed up and what happened …well it just happened however I’m blaming 2017 cause there’s really no one else to blame.

Overall it was a pretty decent year, for me anyway, for the Country that's for history to decide. My 2017 resolutions all pretty much came out ahead so that’s a positive. In 2017 my resolutions included write more … which I did … kinda …hey I finished my Haley and Michael’s story so that’s one thing I did … I didn’t start a new one which I had wanted to do but hey that’s Future Marcy’s problem right?! I also wanted to exercise and lose some weight. I did kind of do this, I maintained the weight I was at so I didn’t gain any but I lost very little too so I’m calling this one a draw. I wanted to Travel more and damn if that didn’t rocket to the top of my success list. I traveled to Auburn a few times, Birmingham a few more times, Atlanta a few times, Pensacola (for work), Orlando for fun, and Nashville for the best weekend ever. I definitely can say that this resolution was met with a very happy yes let’s do that attitude. I wanted to get more involved in church, since I had just started a new church in 2016 and I can definitely report that I did do that, from Vacation Bible School to helping with Communion and the Nursery this was also a successful resolution. I also helped with several “parents night out events” and have been appointed to keeping up with the monies coming in and out of the church in 2018 which I’ve already started. I wanted to spend more time with friends which I can report I did so, I mean I didn’t go on all those trips myself did I? I want to make more time to stop and do lunch with friends, or have dinner with friends I don’t see often more in 2018 so that’s a new goal. I also didn’t want to die. That was the main thing I wanted to accomplish for 2017 and I can proudly say that I accomplished that goal. Whew … it was touch and go panic wise most of the year but I did it. Suck it 2017.

So … what do I hope to accomplish in 2018 …. What does it have in store for me ….. what can I try to control when the outside world is too much ….. these are my resolutions/guidelines for 2018 …

1.       Lose Weight – I desperate need to keep this one in check. It’s weird I’m like the opposite of anorexic, like I don’t feel overweight when I’m just sitting around or walking around then I walk by a piece of store front glass and I’m like who the hell is that or someone takes a picture and I’m all ewwwwwwwwwwwww. I really need to get this in check sooner than later and no time like the present, or tomorrow, maybe tomorrow is better. If nothing else I want to be able to go to things and buy a tshirt remembering that trip or that event and right now I’m often told they don’t have that size I have started wearing clothing that fits instead of clothing that’s too big so I can hide in it some. That’s helped a bit but I have more work to be done … stupid chips … being so damn delicious.

2.       Clean More – I have a tendency to let things go until I simply can’t take it anymore then have a massive day where I spend it cleaning, typically it’s a Saturday and by say 5pm I’m done even if I’m not done. So my area often looks worse than it is cause there are piles of crap everywhere. I need to take a lot of stuff to good will, I have far more clothes than I’ll ever wear, I need to throw things away that I’m not going to use and are of no use to anyone else. These are things I really need to do. I should also vacuum more but I know me let’s start with just being able to sit on the window seat.

3.       Spend more time with Friends – this includes dinners after work, or long lunches with friends I don’t see often. I did some of that this past year but not nearly as much. There was still al lot “let’s do x-y-z” then nothing came of it, and I miss these people. My goal is to do more of the planning and less of the not doing the planning. I’m not talking long trips, I’m talking around town going to movies, going to dinner, having adult conversations over adult beverages. I’m really bad about thinking no one wants to do x-y-z with me so I don’t ask, but I need to trust these people to tell me no. ha!

4.       Travel more – I want to continue to travel in 2018. I really enjoyed that aspect of 2017 getting to go and do things instead of being at work or not being at work. I even enjoyed a few of my work travel trips, tho my friendship trips were way more fun obviously. It’s not even 2018 and I already have a trip to New Orleans planned for Mardi Gras (who am I ?) and also a trip to Orlando in October with that same friend now that I think about it. So I’m hoping 2018 will follow 2017’s example and I’ll have more fun during my “downtime” cause after all that’s why I work as hard as I do right?!

5.       Spend time with the nephew’s – As I said the other day the older nephew will be in college next year, that’s just insane. I know after he gets to Auburn he’ll have less time with his aunt Marcy and that’s ok. He’s growing up and has his own life but I have little time left to hang with him so I want to take advantage of it even if he’s busier than I am between school, work and his girlfriend, bring her a long, I like her. As for the little one when big bro leaves I want to hang with him more too cause I remember when my brother left for school I suddenly felt like I was disconnected from him even if we didn’t spent a lot of time together as it was. I want to do more with them than go to a sporting event, have lunch, then come home.

6.       Discover new music – last year I found a new artist whom I adore cause I took a chance and found someone who I my ear holes have been very happy that I found. My twitter follower list is filled with independent artist just waiting for that big break and I like seeing that from the beginning. I also want to post more about these artist to try and put their name out there some. When this blog first started I wrote a lot about my obsession with music, I need to get back into that.

7.       See more movies – I’m not talking about DVDs tho I do have a ton of those still in the wrappers but I’m talking seeing movies in the theater. I had several movies this year that I wanted to see then never did. Either I couldn’t’ find anyone interested in said movie or there wasn’t a good time to go so the movie left the theater. My goal this year a movie every other month even if I have to go alone, I mean it’s not like me and the friend I drag along are going to be talking through the movie right?

8.       Write more letters – sure social media is fine and allows us to feel connected even when we really aren’t, but a long or short letter to someone can make their day. I want to do that more often, I had a pen pal I guess I still have that pen pal I haven’t heard from her in a while but I went a few months without reaching out to her too. I want to make more of an effort to her and to others in my life who aren’t close enough to touch but that would be fun to reach out to in this more traditional way.

So that’s the plan for 2018 …… I’m sure I’m leaving a few things off but just cause they aren’t on this list that doesn’t mean I can’t do them right?! I’m not nearly as anxiety ridden about 2018 as I was but I see another social media break for me in my future. I really enjoyed the Lent break I took and I think that’s going to become a yearly thing for me. It’s good to step away, stop with the RT and shares and think about how we use that platform not always for the greater good. I’m hoping that 2018 will include more conversations and less name calling, more discussions about events and ideas and less dismissing things outright since they don’t fit into my beliefs. I think we can make the world a better place in 2018 but only if we strive to listen to one another, have the conversations we’ve been avoiding and realize that it’s ok to not agree with others as long as those disagreements are done respectively. You can’t change someone’s view but treating that person as if they are an asshat. You don’t have to change the world but you can make it a better place. Let’s make 2018 a positive year and that starts with what we post, how we interact with one another and frankly what we put out into the world. 

Let’s do this!

Marcy (@beaslma)

Growing up different… not just for kids

Growing up different I was more than familiar to what bullying was. I think the things that surprised me most about the practice of bullying is that 1. Children...sweet, innocent, new to this world, fresh faced little cherub, light of our eyes children … are complete assholes; and 2. Bullys don't go away. They just grow up and become bullying adults.

Now that I am adult my “different” has increased ever more so and I find times that I am still getting bullied by both kids and adults. But fuck them, I learned to blow it off years ago….Bullshit. It still hurts. I've just learned to suppress it. But this response isn't about me. I work with mentally ill adults and since doing so have noticed the bullying trend not just from people on the outside of the spectrum making fun of the mentally ill, but that the Mentally ill themselves are starting to bully each other more frequently. They are looking for and finding differences amongst each other to create an imaginary platform to elevate some against others.

I've seen bullying between…

Mentally Ill and Intellectually deficit…

People who have put themselves in the Mental Health System vs. Court ordered to be here…

Court ordered violent offenders vs. Non-violent offenders…

Diagnosis vs Different diagnosis…

People born with their illness vs. those whose illness was caused by head trauma….

and it goes on and on and on. So...why? If we are all in the same place, if we are all dealing with the stigmatism of mental illness, if we have all been down into the worst of ourselves, how can we not recognize the human need to act as a collective and see ourselves and our struggle in others and raise up to offer support to those that have been there. So, based recently on an indecent at my work, I was asked to give a response to our residents about bullying. Afterword’s, as I went to delete the file, I decided to instead post it to this blog in the hopes that maybe it will help someone, out in the interwebs, where it is often hard for people to get away from bullying, who may need it. 

Always remember talk to someone if you are in need. I have included a few hotline numbers at the end of this post for quick reference. Never forget you unique, you are beautiful, you are loved.

-Golden

                                                                                                                  

Offering support

Response to bullying within the community

As we grow we find that life is often harder than we expected, especially when you live life with a form of mental illness. According to NAMI statistics, approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. (which is 43.8 million or 18.5%) experience a form of mental illness. There are a lot of us in the world, yet we still feel so alone.

Sometimes there is safety in numbers…

The positive thing about having so many experiencing some form of mental illness is that, even though we are all different and have different journeys, we can still offer support to each other. Everyone, at one point in time, knows what it feels like to suffer through their illness, and sometimes having someone just shake your hand or pat you on the back and tell you “you got this” can help.

Everyone of us walk a different path, even if you have the same diagnosis as someone else, your stories are not the same. There could be two people, twins, with the same diagnosis but show different symptoms and require different medications. Some people’s symptoms range from mild to severe and can often times vary within a few days. That can make daily life hard. That's why I try and talk to you about your medications so often. If your meds are not working for you, THAT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. You won't get in trouble for something you can't help. Not all medications help everybody and can sometimes, even cause more side effects than they are worth.

A lot of people are afraid to talk to their doctor and admit that they are still experiencing/displaying symptoms of their illness. Instead of going through a med change. Why would you want to take something that doesn't work? Having your medications adjusted is not a failure.

I often hear people brag that they only have to take 2 pills while others take 18. If what you are taking is working and allowing you to be the best you possible, what does it matter if you are taking 5 pills instead of 2? Taking several medications does not make you a failure.

We are all here and we have all had to go through periods of adjustments, so if you see your friend, neighbor or roommate going through something, offer them the support you wish someone would have offered you when you needed it. Offer them the respect they deserve and the encouragement to stay strong.

Living with mental illness is a journey that can be hard but we don't have to make it hard on each other. And every one of us is a work in progress, just because you may need a little extra support doesn't mean that you are not going to be a great success, it just means that you have to make it through and when you do, you will know how to offer support to the next one in need.

----

Bullys exist everywhere, not just in the Mental Illness community. If you need someone to talk to, to help you through times of doubt regardless of situation here are a few resources. Remember no matter how lonely you feel, YOU   ARE   NOT  ALONE!

§  Adolescent Suicide Hotline: 1-800-621-4000

§  Adolescent Crisis Intervention & Counseling: 1-800-999-9999

§  AIDS National Hotline: 1-800-342-2437

§  CHADD – Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders: 1-800-233-4050

§  Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD  (4-2-24453)

§  Cocaine Help line: 1-800-COCAINE (1-800-262-2463)

§  Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

§  Drug & Alcohol Treatment Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

§  Ecstasy Addiction: 1-800-468-6933

§  Eating Disorders: 1-888-236-1188

§  Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310

§  Gay & Lesbian National Hotline: 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)

§  Gay & Lesbian Trevor HelpLine Suicide Prevention: 1-800-850-8078

§  Healing Woman Foundation (Abuse): 1-800-477-4111

§  Help Finding a Therapist: 1-800-THERAPIST (1-800-843-7274)

§  Incest Awareness Foundation: 1-888-547-3222

§  National Center For Learning Disabilities: 1-888-575-7373

§  Missing & Exploited Children Hotline: 1-800-843-5678

§  National Allianceon Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

§  Panic Disorder Information Hotline: 1-800-64-PANIC (72642)

§  Post Abortion Trauma: 1-800-593-2273

§  Project Inform HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline: 1-800-822-7422

§  Rape (People Against Rape): 1-800-877-7252

§  Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)

§  Runaway Hotline: 1-800-621-4000

§  Self Injury (Information only. This is not a crisis line, info/referrals only): 1-800-DONT-CUT (1-800-366-8288

§  Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

§  Sexual Abuse – Stop It Now!: 1-888-PREVENT (773-8368)

§  STD Hotline: 1-800–227-8922

§  Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

§  Suicide & Crisis Hotline:1-800-999-9999

§  Suicide Prevention – Trevor HelpLine (Specializing in Gay & Lesbian Youth) 1-800-850-8078

§  Teen Helpline: 1-800-400-0900

§  Victim Center: 1-800-FYI-CALL (1-800-394-2255)

§  Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-HIT-HOME (448-4663)

Golden @theonlygolden

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)

Death to all the flies

I am on the most wanted list, that is if Flies have a most wanted list. I literally just killed over 20 flies in my house. I feel like that one fly that I let get away went back to wherever the flies gather and had to tell the other flies that … well Steve, Brandon, Stephanie, Jack and all the others didn’t make it back. Then like one angry fly dad hollered at the Lord of the Flies …. Insert your laugh here … What did we gain by sending them in there like that … what were you thinking? Then the fly that got away, whom I’ve decided is named Jeffery, not Jeff but Jeffery, pulled out his cell phone (flies have cell phones) and said I got the giants picture and shows it to the crowd. I look a lot scarier when seen by 55 eyes (I imagine there’s a group of at least 11 that can clearly see Jeffery’s cell phone) all of whom are starring at the phone in horror, I mean Jeffery didn't even get my good side, assuming I have one. I will never get the sound of all the moving and buzzing as the flies died out of my head. It was like they were yelling or maybe yelling to one another to stay clear. I did at least give them a proper burial, I shoved them into a plastic cup and tossed them into the trash. I just know they are down there coming up with a revenge plan, as long as they don’t team up with the roaches I think I can take them, tho it may require a trip to the store for more bug spray.

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I’m off from work today, down here in the south our young and young at heart gather on Fat Tuesday to celebrate Mardi Gras. It's supposed to be a day of excessiveness. Hence the name. Maybe my excessiveness centered on Flies ... who knows. The aforementioned excessiveness includes food, drink, revelry, and I'm sure good things too like laughter, hugs, family time etc., My boss, who is from New Orleans, has been celebrating Mardi Gras since last Friday when he left the office, granted he’s been going “home” every weekend all month but it got in full swing last week, both here and there and we won't get into the argument who started Mardi Gras cause honestly I don't care.  I have several friends in Mardi Gras organizations that are celebrating the day. While I like to look at all the pretty floats, I myself am using it to chill.

I slept until 8 (instead of my alarm getting me up at 5:30), had breakfast, played on my computer a bit, and well of course murdered a bunch of flies, now I’m killing some time in front of my computer screen again. I know that technically my self-imposed Social Media ban doesn’t start until tomorrow but I kind of started on Sunday for me. When I killed off all my notifications my phone stopped vibrating nearly immediately. It was not uncommon for my phone to go off several times throughout the day as a tweet would come in or a FB message would hit me. Not getting the notifications has made me not want to check my different feeds.  It’s also surprised me what I’ve done instead. I have played games on my phone (nothing new really because I play a lot of games on my phone) but I’ve also READ more news articles than I have in the recent past. Most of the time I skim an article hit share and move on to the next article. I find myself reading more of the article and paying more attention to what I’m reading. There are several things that I have thought this is interesting I should share it then realized I couldn’t. However, I’ve also realized I’m not the only person to read that article and I’m not responsible for making sure the rest of the world reads it. That was kind of freeing. I realized that if I was interested in it, likely my friends were too and the odds are we all found the article … I think this break might cut down on my “shares” or RTs which I’m sure my followers for lack of a better word will enjoy.

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That’s not to say this self-imposed Social Media ban hasn’t been tough. There were several times I wanted to reach for my phone and send out a tweet or post of Facebook but then didn’t. Yesterday I tried to go to lunch, I say try because I went to 4 different fast food places none of which were very fast and none of which seemed to care if Marcy ate lunch. These were named restaurants who all had about 5 or 6 cars in line that were not moving. Normally I’d send a tweet tagging said restaurants in them wondering what was going on. Then I finally ended up at a place got lunch and proceeded back to my desk in record time. Upon reflection, it hit me that I didn’t even think about sending a positive tweet about my lunch experience at the place where I walked in and out very quickly getting my lunch in record time but was nearly obsessive about sending the negative ones to the places that didn’t seem interested in my lunch needs at all, much less my timeline allotted for lunch dictated by my employer. That too has taught me about what I post and how I post. Most people like to be told they are doing a good job, most people would be infuriated to be blasted for something out of their control. Maybe these places were having problems inside the store, maybe the car in front of me rolled up with an order of like 35 burgers for an office. Maybe they were short staffed due to illness …. Whatever the reason they don’t need me and my negativity in their face by telling the home base what a screw up they are on this particular day.

So my point is that I’ve only been doing this since Sunday (today is Tuesday) and I’m already reducing the negative energy on the net, so this should be a good experiment for me, and it’s teaching me a little bit about what I post and how as I am thinking more about posting not just reacting.

Then again you will have to deal with ramble posts from me until April, so maybe it’s not a win for everyone.

Have a great Mardi Gras everyone … stay safe!

Laissez les bons temps rouler AKA --- Let the good times roll! :D

PS Prayers to the Gulf Shores High SchoolMarching Band who didn’t get to start or complete their parade today when a guy plowed through the band in his car. I pray for them and I pray for the man who did this and I really pray it was a horrific accident, nothing more. People are scary out there.

Marcy

New Year’s Resolutions cause why not….

So I said the other day I’d post my 2017 New Year Resolutions, and my biggest goal is to accomplish the things I say I will do so here goes. Before I begin let me say, these all sound more important then they really are actually cause typically after I post this I forget all about it and nothing happens cause frankly…. I’m lazy. Like insanely lazy, and truth be told it isn’t that I’m lazy so much as I have other things to “deal with” ha!

For instance, my New Year’s Resolutions for 2016 included …. Seeing more movies. Which I did not. Spending more time actually talking to Golden. Which we did not stupid contradicting schedules. Visiting Golden more often, which I did accomplish, kinda. I visited her for her birthday then we had a relaxing trip in Atlanta for DragonCon … well until I took a nose dive after giving blood and came back home with busted glasses, a fat lip, and a massive headache. Losing weight … which I think has to be on the list for me but I did not really accomplish this year. Exercise more is another one I didn’t do, obviously. Having work not be all consuming of my energy, this one I semi-accomplished. We expanded our department and while my work load didn’t really change it felt like it wasn’t all on my shoulders so that helped in the stress department. I also wanted to go out into the world more and be around people, but then remembered I don’t like people so I really didn’t do this. Tho a friend and I did spend a lovely weekend listening to some great music at the Flora Bama which got me a little out of my comfort zone. So I’m counting that one as a success. I sadly didn’t finish my Haley and Michaels story … I started to several times but it sounded stupid so I deleted it. I think I’ve finally figured out an angle that will allow me to finish it and finally get Shannon and Ryan out of the airport. So let’s see three out of ten isn’t horrible…. Ok it is … shut up!

So what’s this year’s resolutions you may ask …… I’m not really sure. I mean last year’s were such a success it’s going to be hard to top those but ok fine I’ll try. Think of these as more of a 2017 guideline.

1.       I want to write more. Not just on this blog but that’s a huge goal too but write the things in my head no matter if it think it sounds good. I can’t tell you the number of times I wrote something in my head, went to write it out only to delete it cause it sounded “dumb.” I want to write creative things, stories and plays as well as items for this blog. I want to be able to type #AmWriting on twitter and it be something I not only finish but that I’m also proud to share. Mostly I want to finish my Haley and Michael’s story if only so I can move on to another.
 ** UPDATE ** I finished my Haley and Michael's story .... check it out if you are interested ... A Royal Musical Journey-conclusion

2.       I would like to exercise and lose some weight. Not because I feel I should but because I think it will make me feel better in general. I’ll be honest my mom isn’t in the best health and part of it is her weight and if she had done anything even 10 years ago she’d be better off. I don’t want to be in the same boat one day, mostly cause I’m not going to have a Marcy to help me out like she does. Plus who knows if I pull it off maybe she’ll follow suit.

3.       I want to travel more. Golden and I used to go on trips a few times a year. There’s a new cruise company here in town, I think I’d like to do that, mostly to say I’ve done it. I’d like to look up an artist tour schedule and instead of thinking that’s like 7 hours away think wow that’s only 7 hours away and then go. I’d like to make a list of placed I’d like to visit then start a plan to make those trips happen.

4.       I’d like to get more involved in church. We recently joined a new church, our old one folded and closed the doors around Thanksgiving. It was sad but about 2 years overdue really. WE have found a new church home and I think I’d like to get more involved. I’m not sure how to do that yet, but I think I’ll figure it out. I’d like for church to be something I’m a part of not just a place I visit once a week.

5.       I want to spend more time with friends. Not in the yeah we will totally get together then never do way but in an actual sitting across from a friend laughing/drinking adult beverages over some good food. I want to call up a friend and say let’s do ….whatever and then we do … whatever. Or be the friend where they feel they can call me and say let’s do whatever and know that I won’t call the day of and say I have to work (sometimes I really did have to work).

6.       I’d like to not die in 2017. This one I’m overly concerned about with all the changes coming about but I’ve also come to peace with some of those changes. I wish the rest of the world would calm down and let’s just see how things shake out. If every generation rolled over and died when they thought something awful had happened well the next generation wouldn’t exist. We are a strong nation, we will get through this, it might not be easy, it won’t be fun, it will be interesting and it will not be boring. So let’s do this 2017, bring it. WE got this.

So that’s my plan for 2017, we’ll see if I make it happen. Wish me luck.

So what about you guys …. What’s 2017 got in store for you ?!

Marcy (@beaslma)

Thankfulness Challenge - Day 21

Social media is pretty great, it allows family members who live in different parts of the country to feel like they are sitting right next to one another, it allows high school and college friends to remain close after graduation, and it allows people to connect to their favorite shows, celebrities, and fellow fanatics. No matter where you live you can find someone out there with similar interests and thoughts as you.

However social media can also be evil ….. spoilers for shows you want to see but aren’t home yet …. Movies you want to see that you didn’t get to the theater yet… people who feel it’s perfectly acceptable to say anything they want because they are behind a keyboard.

I like to think the great things about social media far outweigh the bad, it’s just that the bad can sometimes be really really bad. Typically when you hit reply to someone’s post it can go the following ways: you never hear back from them, it starts a short conversation (that sometimes leads to longer conversations and a follow), or a nasty reply that you then get to ignore or acknowledge.

I’m a big fan of the “block” I don’t use it often but there are times when it’s necessary. When your timeline fills up with junk to the point you miss the actual conversations that make you log on to your social media to begin with it’s time to use the block. I’ve never understood the need of people to use this medium that is supposed to connect us and bring us together to spread negativity. For the record I've also found that those people tend to get even madder if you don't respond ... which makes me happy so BRAVO internet for bringing it back around to me.

So today I’m thankful for people that use social media and the internet in general to bring positivity and happiness to other people. A dear friend, @kyfurneaux started a movement called Make Someone’s Monday or #MSM for short thinking that everyone could use a little boost on Mondays. A little spark to get their week started off right, or just a reminder of their awesomeness as they transition from a weekend to a workday. So as you go through your weekend, and see posts by your friends make mental notes for people you might want to send a #MSM to. It could be as simple as #MSM @theonlygolden I hope you have a great week … or #MSM @bratmom I hope your son is feeling better or even a #MSM to a friend starting a new job.

Whatever you do take a moment on Monday and spread some love, some positivity, cause let’s all face it the internet is full of a ton of asshats and somehow they never seem to have internet connection problems. One of the amazing things about the universe I guess.

-marcy

PS Ky has recently written a book ... she's a Hollywood stunt woman and is awesome and fantastic and her book is too ... here's the link, check it out. ... http://www.amazon.com/Superwomans-Survival-Guide-Conquering-Unexpected/dp/1628736623/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416626749&sr=8-1&keywords=ky+Furneaux