New Experience : Live Christmas Tree

So dear reader, I’m at an age, that I’m not going to disclose to you – tho if you have been reading closely could likely figure it out – in which it’s very hard to have new experiences. However, this past weekend I did just that. I had a brand new to me experience that I’d like to share.

See for my many, many years we have climbed into our attic drug down some boxes and assembled our Christmas tree usually as Christmas music played in the background and my brother and I fighting on which ornaments we wanted to put on the tree. See we’d assemble the tree, then we’d have to check the lights and untangle them. Then we’d each pull out our favorite ornaments which always had to have prominence on the tree. Then often involved moving other’s favorite ornaments and moving them to the back of the tree. That would require strategic and careful planning over the next few weeks to ensure that your ornaments didn’t get moved around. I myself had several that I would pull off the tree to play with before returning them to the tree. The point is that it was a very interesting experience that resulted in several smashed fingers as we pulled boxes out of the attic and carried them into the living room inevitably banging our knuckles on the door frames as we walked. At some point in the afternoon my brother and I would wander off losing interest and come back out of our rooms to find that my mom had single handedly transformed our house into a Christmas masterpiece straight out of a magazine.

We have been fighting Christmas decorating cause my mother recently had hip surgery and while it has gone amazingly we had no idea what to expect. The last thing I wanted was a lot of “junk” lying around that she would have to maneuver around. It also seemed silly to decorate if she was going to be in a rehab facility for the entire month, meaning we wouldn’t really be around to enjoy any of it either cause we’d be visiting her. See, last year at this time, we nearly lost my mother to a bleeding ulcer that has perforated, and she was bleeding internally. So last year, mom was just getting out of rehab about this time and we didn’t really decorate for Christmas. We went to my brother’s house but our house had very little Christmas joy inside of it. Because of that this year my father decided he wanted to go all out. 

WE GOT A LIVE TREE YALL!!!!!  

We didn’t go cut it down ourselves mind you but went to a Christmas Tree lot near our house, picked it out, brought it home. On the way to pick up the tree my father told me that once while he was hunting and SHOT DOWN a Christmas tree cause he didn’t have an axe. Then he drug it all the way home to give to his mother. I had no idea my father had it in him. It was a fun morning the young man we bought the tree from never took the cigarette out of his mouth as he sold us the tree, cut off the bottom to the right height, and loaded it into my dad’s truck. He informed us that he has to stay there 24/7 cause he’s also security. I was shocked and frankly there doesn’t appear to be any place for him to stay. I hope he’s paid well. I gave him a $5 tip and I thought my dad was going to plotz. 

Then we carried it from the car into the house and almost took out a lamp and the ceiling fan as we brought it into our living room. Needles were every where. And I mean every where. We then had to go into the attic to find the precious ornaments and lights. I decorated it while mom picked the ornaments she wanted to put on the tree for a change. 

I think it turned our rather pretty. I will admit I miss the things that a fake tree gives you. We have several LARGE ornaments that this live tree just isn’t ready for. I missed being able to take a branch and fold in back onto itself to allow it to hold a heaver ornament. We’ve had a few fall only to catch at the last minute before tragedy took place. I fear we won’t always be there to protect the precious darlings. 

My father did well, it’s starting to feel like Christmas now, even if the real tree doesn’t quite smell like the fake one did with evergreen sticks hidden inside it.

So Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays/Happy Haunakuah/Happy Kwanzaa/Happy whatever. Here’s to the new yar, may 2020 be a good one for us all. Have a safe holiday season wherever you are and I hope you’ll still be around to read my ramblings in the new year.

Marcy
@beaslma

Dragon Con is coming ……

Dragon Con is coming …… in a few short weeks I’ll be packing up my car, heading to Birmingham to pick up my crew and then heading to Dragon Con to get my 6^th badge (in 6 years) and enjoy several fun filled days of people watching, chilling, and just hanging out with the best person I know … GOLDEN !!! I can’t wait. I was super pumped about it cause this was going to be our first year in a host hotel and I was going to get my dress up on. I no longer had the excuse of shuttles or uber vehicles to contend with so I was going to go all out. Then yesterday all that changed. 

Me and my crew are still hitting up Dragon Con for the 6^th year in a row but our hotel fell through. They ripped it out form under me a week ago and didn’t even bother to tell me. I saw several complaining about it online so I pulled up the ap and checked my reservation and it said cancelled. Two weeks ago when I checked it for a similar reason it was still intact. I immediately called them to say what the hell. The lady on the phone couldn’t have been nicer. She was in the main “office” of said chain and was the go between for me and the actual hotel, who wouldn’t answer the phone. The nice “office” lady was super helpful and even complained about the actual hotel people who just….weren’t. I told her that’s why I called you I couldn’t get them on the phone. She said they told her people have been calling to complain all week. Gee I wonder why. I have since posted on a Dragon Con message board and I wasn’t the only one that this happened too which should make it better but it doesn’t. I mean this hotel doesn’t care they are going to get their money and then some that weekend so who gives a fuck about me and my squad? I do. I feel like I’ve 100% let them all down.

Last December when I booked the room, I was so excited I was bouncing around my office, texted my crew, tweeted I had won the biggest prize of all, I was just on cloud nine. Everytime I have thought about this, I have gotten excited. It was going to be a whole new experience for me and my crew who have always stayed away from the con and shuttled back and forth. So much wasted time. Waiting on the shuttle that never seems to come, finally calling an uber, getting to the hotel, getting all comfortable and not wanting to get back down into the crazy. I was looking forward to not having to deal with that. To just getting there and ... being.

However, as disappointed I am by this turn of events we did get a hotel, that is connected to a shuttle so that’s a plus. It’s not the hotel we typically stay in, it sold out 2 months ago, so I’m not sure what to expect and as you know dear reader I’m not a fan of the unknown. I’m still planning to take my gear and I might still dress up but I also might talk myself out of it. Atlanta is hot yo! This will be a fun relaxing trip cause that’s what me and my squad need. We need a few days of hanging out, eating good foot – or cold pizza, laughing, people watching and just enjoying life. I really need this I can’t tell you how badly I need this trip. 

So the Con goes on and so will we but this is my post telling my squad I’m sorry I let this get screwed up and next year we will try for one of the other host hotels, cause it will be a cold day in hell before I stay at xxxx. So watch this space as we lead up to the Con it will still be fun, it will still be a good time, it will just be different and who knows that might be good too, maybe this shuttle will actually show up when it's supposed to. A girl can dream right?! 

Marcy
@beaslma

2016 Christmas TV Schedule

PLEASE find below a Jpeg of the 2016 Christmas TV Schedule. Once again, the calendar is set up in 11X17 format but if you have to print it 8.5x11 it is readable, but if you can print it 11X17 your eyes will thank you. The best way is to save the JPEG to your favorite portable device and zoom in and out, tho it breaks up some the more you zoom. If you would like a PDF send me a DM on twitter (@beaslma) and I'll send it your way.

This year I tried to highlight new specials (meaning had not aired previously before Jan. 1, 2016) in RED but as they are new be mindful of what you and your family sit down to watch. I vouch not for their quality, their rating level, or even their sappiness. I for one had to look up who Taraji was, why her holiday was white hot, and if that was a good thing or not. To save you the same trouble, it turns out she’s on Empire, a show that hasn’t graced my eye holes but I understand for those that have viewed it… they like it. Hence she gets her own holiday show Dec. 8^th on Fox. There are some new shows, some old classics, and some mediocre stuff that just fills the time slots throughout the month, some of which made this calendar.

I found a good list on the TV Guide channel’s website of specials/shows coming on with great descriptions but they failed to list what CHANNEL the shows/specials would air on. I found this less than helpful. Come on TV Guide Channel you are better than that, or you used to be (PS there’s a reason not many “get a TV guide anymore” … just saying.

Hallmark, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries (HMM on the calendar btw), Lifetime, and Lifetime Movie Network have been vomiting Christmas themed movies since like last October (meaning 2015) it seems so only a hand full of theirs made the listings. That being said Lifetime decided to only release the first week or so of December, cause yeah that totally makes sense. It’s like they hate my calendar…but that can’t be true, everyone loves the Calendar…EVERYONE! Right?!

It’s amazing to me really that they take the same concept, really the same story, change to a different “snow covered town,” change out the actors (usually Candance Cameron Bure for Lacey Chabert (from Party of Five fame, and Meg on the 1^st season of Family Guy, and Eliza on the Wild Thornberrys—didn’t know that did you? See you learned something by reading my rambling. Good for you!)), add a super cute guy who has lived in said “snow covered town” his entire life, put a new title on the movie and we got us a show!

As always there are guidelines. . . .

First . . .  a few guidelines:

·         NO E-MAILS about taking Christ out of Christmas, it’s just a really long word and using X-Mas allows for more shows on the already full calendar.

§  Thanks for your understanding.

§  For those that don’t understand I’ll be glad to remove you from the list just let me know.

·         I live in the central time zone, the times on this calendar reflect that, adjust accordingly.

§  That said unless otherwise stated the times are PM

·         This calendar does not focus on established shows “Christmas special episodes” so watch out for those … some are fun to re-watch this time of year. Psych for one has a great Christmas episode, and so did How I Met Your Mother, Friends, Wings, Family Ties, and other established shows.

o    Again, that is not what this is about. 

·         This calendar contains shows I want to see, so a mixture of adult themed shows/movies and kid themed shows/movies are represented. Some are classics and some are new, so PLEASE be mindful of what is on before you sit the kids down with popcorn to watch.

§  Don’t call me cause your little one watched some holiday movie on Lifetime and now has “questions”. . . . that’s your mess not mine.

¾      Please NOTE: The Disney version of a Christmas Carol (AKA the computer animated Jim Carrey version) is a little dark and can be scary (much like the original story btw), you might want to check it out before you and little man/lady plop down with popcorn and a blanket to “watch a classic” that may also result in sleepless nights for both you and said child. Not me I’ll be sleeping like a baby like an adult.  

·         Keep an eye out for additional shows/movies that pop up throughout the month as networks change their lineups.

·         Feel free to add your own specials and traditions to the calendar that’s what it is there for.

·         As stated some channels have been vomiting Holiday specials for several months so if a network had several great specials in a row I only listed one figuring you’d be alerted to the others, hey something had to give right!?

·         For you stay at home mom’s they run specials all day long and for the most part my calendar focuses on the after work hour times since that is when I can watch.

¾      That’s right it’s all about me I just share the wealth cause I’m awesome like that!

A few programs of note:

·         A Charlie Brown Christmas – ABC Dec. 1^st with repeat showing on Dec. 22^nd. A must viewing if you have little people in your life, even if they aren’t in the room, better yet tie them to a chair and force them to watch. They will thank you one day, if you know… social services will let them.

o    My lawyer has informed me that actively suggesting that you tie your kids to a chair might result in well you tying your kid to a chair, I don’t not condone that and don’t support it at least that’s what her statement said to write.

·         I can only find A Christmas Story during the TBS Christmas Day Marathon so make sure you work it into your Christmas celebrations.

¾         Bless you Ted Turner, you crazy old man, may this tradition live forever!!

¾         I think it’s a rule you watch at least once.

o    If it’s not a rule it should be.

·         National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, one of the best movies ever, comes on several times this year. If you don’t know the joy of Chevy Chase finally getting the lights to work…well I feel sorry for you and your family and the people that know you because you are missing the joy in your life. Correct that this year please!

·         IT’s A Wonderful Life – Dec. 3^rd on NBC Repeats on Dec. 24^th

·         The “boys” in my life informed me that DIEHARD should have been on the calendar …. boys are silly … however and I couldn’t find it showing anywhere so yeah there’s that. If you all find it let me know so I can let them know.

o    Sorry fellas. I tried, kinda.

A few programs of note that are not “Christmas” related but interesting enough to make the calendar include:

o    CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute – Dec. 11^th – it’s nice seeing that in a world full of insanity there are some people out there trying to do good and are being recognized for it. It’s a really inspirational night even if this year you have to deal with Kelly Rippa, so check it out.

o    Could have been worse, could have been Kathy Griffin, for the love of all that is good CNN please don’t make me suffer through that!!!!

o    Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show – Dec. 5^th on CBS – a dear friend of mine loves this and insists that it go on the calendar every year, she’s the boss.

Anyway, the intention of this calendar, much like the Halloween one is to get your family to pause and spend some time together making memories. In this season where we spend so much time rushing around we forget to enjoy the down time and enjoy the family time. Great specials come and go and if we don’t watch they will go forever.

Today’s “classic Christmas special” may be next year’s no show on the calendar. That’s the other reason for this calendar, if we stop watching they will stop showing. I’m looking at you CBS and Yes Virginia which I’m sure is airing but I can’t find out when so keep an eye out for it. The point is, just because you have The Grinch (which is not on this calendar nearly enough (NOTE: I can’t tell if it’s animated or the movie anymore and I’m NOT ok with that, when I could tell I marked it (TOON)) on your shelf or Charlie Brown Christmas (which comes on twice this year), take the time to watch it with your family as it airs so that it will air for years to come.  If not for me do it for the children, as they are our future, according to some nice lady.

So sit back, laugh, smile, and cry (some of these are sad, I mean who doesn’t cry when George Bailey is standing next to the tree with Mary and his friends are coming in to save the Bailey Savings and Loan, oh no did I give the end away ?!) and have a GREAT Christmas!

Marcy (@beaslma)

Thankfulness Challenge - Day 9

So I was planning for this post to come in a week or so but after yesterday’s game it’s the right time to show my Auburn Pride. The Auburn Family needs a pick me up after watching our miracle luck run out in epic horrible fashion. Auburn is not just a team, it’s not just football it’s really more a way of life. I was the 10^th in my family to graduate from Auburn University, and I hope my nephews will continue the tradition.

In elementary school we had a “career day” where we were supposed to come to school dressed up in what we wanted to be when we grew up. There were kids in doctor scrubs, kids in football and baseball uniforms, boys in their Sunday best as businessmen, girls dressed as teachers carrying around books, and even a few mommy’s walking around with dolls. As the teacher went around the class asking each kid to explain what they wanted to be she skipped over me. As a super awesome kid I just assumed she wanted to save the best for last. After the last kid went she started to move on to the next thing on her daily agenda. I raised my hand and asked why she skipped me. She said she assumed I had forgotten. I said but I didn’t. So she asked “Well what do you want to be?” I stood up next to my desk all tall and proud and said, “I want to be an Auburn student!” I was dressed from head to toe in Auburn gear. Auburn sweatpants, sweatshirt, bow in my hair and socks with a big AU on them. In my head that’s what students wore.

My mother grew up in Opelika which is located about 10 minutes from the campus of Auburn University. She met my father while he was a student there. I owe a lot to Auburn University, because if they hadn’t both been on the same path that day I wouldn’t be here. That’s not why I love Auburn tho. It’s just one of the many reasons that I love this University. On every day, not just Day 9, I’m thankful that I am an Auburn Tiger!

My dad has had season tickets since he graduated. It was his “splurge” that he never questioned. As a young kid going to spend the weekend in Auburn meant seeing my grandmother (who still lived in Opelika) and spending Saturdays playing football with other tailgating kids, eating food right off a fire, and cheering on the Auburn Tigers. I used to make it my mission to find Aubie. There is not a mascot on the planet who gives better hugs, better high fives, or just induces more smiles and giggles from its fans.

 

 

As a kid I could have cared less if Auburn won the ball game, which is good cause at that time we lost more than we won. There were no devastating looks on the faces of the Auburn Alumni and fans in those stands back in those days. Sure a win was appreciated but not as “expected” as it is now. Nope, for me the ball game was secondary to walking around the beautiful campus, seeing the spectacle that is an SEC game, watching the students make their way towards class as I walked around on a Friday afternoon with my dad, mom, and brother. Every single time Dad would point out the same buildings and his old apartment as we rode around campus then just as we left campus to head to my grandmothers would point to what is now a parking lot where he met my mom. Once the game was over dad would take our hands and walk us back to wherever we parked the car (no assigned parking back then it was every car for themselves). I could never figure out how he always remembered where the car was in rain, shine, or in the dead of night after a night game. We’d make our way back to my grandmother’s spend the night (or have dinner if it was a day game) then the next day would see aunts and cousins before making the trip back home to start our week again. Dad to work, us to school, that among many other memories is why I associate Auburn with family.

My grandmother and I getting ready to walk to the stadium

When it was time to apply to colleges, Auburn was the only one I applied to. I didn’t have a backup plan, I didn’t have a safety school. I didn’t need one. I was going to be an Auburn student and it was going to be awesome. My brother was at the University my freshman year, we overlapped by a semester and I was glad we did. He taught me a lot, provided me with a lot of my social interaction, and was a phone call away when I needed him. It was at Auburn that I met my sister from another mother, Golden and learned how to prioritize, be responsible, and manage money. It was at Auburn that I became more than just a student I became the person that I was destined to be. I was finally an Auburn Tiger and would eventually become an Auburn Alumni Lifetime member since 2001.

 

 

Auburn is more than a University, it’s more than a football team, it’s more than a W or a L on a schedule it’s a truly a way of life. Would I have liked to win yesterday, sure but let’s face it it’s been a great season with some epic moments, but our luck was bound to run out at some point. With a schedule as challenging as ours was honestly it ran out a lot later than I would have thought. Another epic last minute win would have been great, however the pressure is now off and we can finish out this tough season strong and go into these final games without that “playoff” monkey on our back. I for one am looking forward to watching a ball game sober, to not having a 4^th quarter heart attack, and to not gaining more grey hair based on what Nick Marshall and his offense does or does not do on the field.

So until next season Auburn Family stay strong. Wear your Auburn Orange with pride, be true Blue and keep your head up. Auburn’s been down before but we aren’t out we’ll finish the season strong and it will make next season even better because let’s face it if you are in the hunt year in and out you come to expect it and stop appreciating it as much.

WAR EAGLE!!!!!

-marcy (@beaslma)