Thankfulness Challenge – Thankful for GOLDEN

Whew ….. 30 days …. 30 posts on this blog. I admit there at the beginning I just didn’t think I was going to make it. It was hard coming up with something meaningful to say every.single.day. However it was also kind of fun. I’d say let’s continue but yeah I’m not gonna do that. You all knew I wasn’t going to do that, it is nice to know that I can tho.

This challenge started cause I re-read a post from 2014 in which I did 30 days of Thankfulness Challenge in which every day I posted about something that I was thankful for or that made me happy. Before I started this new challenge I wrote down each topic from that challenge to make sure I didn’t repeat anything. There were a few days there where I almost did to see if anyone was paying attention but in my mind that wouldn’t have been me completing the challenge and well I couldn’t have that now could I? That’s not to say some didn’t overlap. Like for instance in 2014 I talked about Christmas Music, and this year I gave my top 10 Christmas Music List, so similar but different. Although upon looking back at the 2014 post I noticed a lot of the same songs made my top 10 list. Which frankly didn’t surprise me. I mean a good song you listen to nod your head and move on a GREAT song well that makes the top 10 list, it stays with you forever, it is marked in ink on your soul. I also posted my Christmas TV calendar in both years but I’ve been doing that calendar for over 10 years now so that’s also not a surprise. However, for the most part each post is unique and true to itself. I’m kind of proud of that.

The major change from 2014 and 2019 is that Golden provided 7 posts in 2014 and none this year. What up with that huh?! It's Golden after all who made this blog a thing. Well she started the idea … when the universe was trying to kill me. Back in 2014 I did a very nice post about how thankful I am that Golden is in my life. You can read that here. I met Golden back in 1997. That’s crazy to me. That 22 years ago the Auburn Housing Board randomly selected us to be suitemates (there’s a good reason God didn’t make us roommates that you can read here) and the rest as they say is history. Being so far away from one another 5-6 hours, depending on who is driving, it would have been really simple for us to lose touch, drop out of one another’s lives and move on, or become internet friends that like and comment but don't really interact. However some things are worth holding on to, some things are worth fighting for, and this friendship is most definitely one of them, her cheese balls are another. Guys she makes the bestest cheese balls ever. She put tomatoes in it, but not everyone is perfect. I love Golden like the sister I never had. Sometimes we fight like sisters, but we also always have each other’s backs like sisters. The best part of the friendship side instead of the sister side is that we can also tell one another when they are out of line and it’s ok.

It is because of Golden that I’ve gone to Las Vegas and looked for Tupac. It’s because of her that I’ve gone to Dragon Con now 6 years and counting. It’s because of Golden that I have a higher appreciation for art and the relaxing nature that is pumpkin carving. There are a ton of movies I might not have seen without her suggestion or her putting it into her DVD player. I learned through her that Kill Bill is an excellent movie to fall asleep to. If it weren’t for her I wouldn’t have known Roxy and Lulu and the blessing that is Mighty. I wouldn't have a second family up North that I know I can call at any moment should I need them. She jumped in the car when I wanted to go see Bryan White in a backyard BBQ. She took me to my first casino in MS and showed me the secrets to Skee Ball. She's the reason I can't pass a corn field without yelling CORN at the top of my lungs. Even when I'm alone in the car. She and I spent several awesome days walking out asses off in the Magic Kingdom, Universal (Harry Potter), ok that one was for Golden’s niece who was going to be in the parade with her school band. That still counts. She showed me how wonderful going to the Zoo could be, especially when surrounded by friends and family. When I wanted to go to New Orleans the year after Katrina she jumped in the car and off we went. She is always up for an adventure and I love her for that.

So today, and everyday I’m thankful for Golden ….. I am thankful for her friendship, her support, her laughter, and her ability to always put whatever I’m going through into perspective. Thank you for 22 years of awesome memories here’s to many many more!

Marcy
@beaslma

Golden
@theonlygolden 

Thankfulness Challenge - naps

I suck at taking naps. I mean dont get me wrong I can fall asleep with the best of them when I'm tired but I wake up from naps ill as a hornet trapped in a coke can. Why is it a coke can?! Is it cause I am in the South and everything revolves around cokes ?! Like in Washington is it a can of something else and in Detroit something different?! Anyway back to my original point. 

I just woke up from a nap. 

Right before I fell asleep I was telling how I didnt feel good. I've pretty much been miserable all day and I'm not even hung over or day drinking and that's just not ok. My head has been killing me and my back is hurting well not really hurting but is spazzing so it hurts at certain times like really bad then just a dull ache. 

I fell asleep and the Trolls movie was just now coming on. I just woke up and it is going off. So maybe that's my problem. I never mastered the 20 min recharge nap. I usually pass out for 2 hours or more and I guess that's too long. Also dad says I snore, he should know hes king of snoring. 

Cause well..... I suck at naps. 

Marcy

Thankfulness Challenge – Happy Thanksgiving

Wherever you are, whomever you are with, and whatever you are eating may you have a great day, may the dressing be delicious, and may your credit card not get cut up after Black Friday. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving from SayWhatMG AKA Marcy and Golden!

Now get off your various devices and try to enjoy your family and friends if at all possible! 

Thankfulness Challenge – Thanksgiving Talking Points

So tomorrow is Turkey Day! This means people will get getting together with friends, or family or both to enjoy a meal, watch some football, play some football, and well…talk about football.  We are going to my brother’s house, his wife and two sons will be there as well as his wife’s mother. Then add myself, my mom, and my dad and that makes for a very full house without the college admission scandal (too soon?!). 

So I thought I’d give some “safe talking points” for today’s post. Feel free to modify these for your particular area or situation. I’m thinking your friends and family might not care as much about say… my nephew’s grades … for instance. 

• Wow this food is delicious, who brought the Ham? It’s fantastic! 
• Hey {fill in blank} how’s the new job going?  -- this assumes that there will be someone at your table with a new job. 
• How awesome is A Million Little Things!? 
• Anyone want to go outside and throw the football around? 
• Did everyone get my Christmas TV Calendar? I e-mailed it Tuesday night. 
• How happy are you guys when Say What MG posts?! It’s awesome right?! 
• Please pass the dressing? No .. no I mean dressing it’s not stuffing, you know what never mind I’ll get it!
• Anyone want to go outside and play basketball? 
• Name your favorite Christmas song. 
• What is everyone Thankful for this year let’s go around the table. {fill in blank} you start! – granted this one is like last ditch effort but it’s always a good one to keep in the back pocket. 
• So, boys …. How’s school going?  -- I have nephews … you may need to change this to “So ladies…. How’s school going? – This one can also be a time bomb waiting to go off so be careful and read the room correctly. 
• What does everyone want for Christmas? 
• How about those Auburn Tigers!? Football…Basketball….Volleyball…. doesn’t really matter the sport. 
• Name your favorite Christmas movie (you know research for next year’s calendar – which might not be your intent)

Most important ……. Remember this one …….. 

• Thank you so much {fill-in-blank} for hosting all of us this year

Anyway, no matter what you do enjoy the moment, take care of yourself, talk a walk outside when you need to and remember you get great food and maybe a slice of pie, at least that’s my hope for you.

Thanks for reading, 
Marcy

Thankfulness Challenge – 2019 Christmas TV/Movie Calendar

I present to you as your present the 2019 Christmas TV Schedule! See the bottom of this post. Once again, the calendar is set up in 11X17 format but if you have to print it 8.5x11 it is readable – hopefully you have glasses - but if you can print it 11X17 your eyes will thank you. I have also found that saving the PDF to your favorite portable device is the best way to keep the calendar handy and as an added bonus you can zoom in and out to read that ever so small type. The jpeg breaks up the more you zoom so if you can the PDF is the way to go. 

So, they’ve done it …………. They’ve broken me. Hallmark and Hallmark Movie and Mysteries has been showing movies nonstop since June. I’m done. So, for the calendar the only Hallmark Movies that show up are A. The classic ones I want to see again and B. New movies/specials that, again, I want to see. After all as I’ve said on other occasions this is about me and I just share the wealth. You are welcome! 

Most of this calendar this year will focus on network specials, AMC, TCM, Freeform, and Lifetime. Hallmark has taken over this calendar for the last year …… so yeah if you can’t find anything on my list flip over to Hallmark or Hallmark Movies and Mysteries (why they insist on having two non-stop Christmas channels is beyond me – just rename them Christmas 24-7 and be done with it) and see what they have going on. Spoiler alert the dude who the girl hates at the beginning of the movie … will get the girl by the time the credits roll, at some point there will be a huge misunderstanding that a 5 minute conversation could solve and there will be snow, even when the movie is set in a state that traditionally does not partake in snow... Just saying. 

• Freeform started their Christmas holiday in November with a “Kick off to Christmas” before they had 25 days of Christmas (starting Dec. 1), but since they gave so much love to the Claymation of my childhood, I’m going to let it slide. I’m very excited to see what their lineup has to offer this year tho it concerns me a little their recent connection with The Simpsons. I love it but am also concerned. 
  
• TCM hits the holiday fun on Dec 1^st with classics like It Happened on 5^th Avenue, Remember the Night, The Greatest Story Ever Told, A Christmas Carol, those movies and shows that made the Christmas special magical. If you are wanting nostalgia Christmas this is the channel to check out. This is especially true should you have an older loved on in your house. These are the shows Grandma or Grandpa with Alzheimer’s remembers. Let them relive her childhood a few times too.
  
• AMC started their holiday on November 25^th which runs through Christmas Day featuring over 60 films and specials airing all day every day in what they are calling the “Best Christmas Ever!” However as with Halloween they are not releasing said Schedule cause they don’t care about me or my calendar and that’s just fine …. I mean ……. It’s rude but … fine. I found some of them but I’m sure not all of them. 
  
• Lifetime is like Hallmark in which they are turning into a 24-7 holiday, they did at least limit it to starting October 25^th and they don’t take over the calendar they get to stay another year, but I’m watching you Lifetime. Get it together man! Also keep in mind if you are looking for G rated Lifetime is not the place for you, I’m not saying you’ll get NC-17 mind you but if the kids are watching too then you might want to  head on over to Hallmark instead if you are concerned. Better yet go to TCM or Freeform and show them something fun. 
  
• Food Network is back in the game with all kind of Holiday themed competition shows. Frankly however all the Halloween ones made me mad so I’m not showing them on my calendar. That’s their punishment. Take note Lifetime. They typically air Sunday, Monday and Wednesday nights so yeah find them….. Holiday Wars, Gingerbread Showdown, Kids Baking Championship, etc., There is one exception, a Hanukkah Challenge that will air on the 21^st at 8, which frankly made me smile. Nice to see them giving some love to the other side of this holiday for once. It’s not all Santas, Snowmen, and Mangers (oh my!) after all people! 
  

For those that do digital Might I suggest Season 2 of Magic for Humans from Justin Willman, which will appear on Dec 4. Keeping with the spirit of the calendar there is a holiday themed episode there you will want to watch. Also there’s a Christmas movie Holiday Rush which started playing Nov. 28^th, I’m sure it’s still around check it out. If you are a Million Little Things fan Rome stars in that movie and if you are a MLT fan I don’t have to tell you how wonderful he is. My boss swears by A Very Murray Christmas which came out in 2015. So if it is still out there (I don’t understand how Digital stuff works) then check that out.

So… here’s what Netflix has in store for you …cause I love you and I want you all to be happy too …

https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/10/8574620/netflix-christmas-movies-tv-shows-2019

I post this today cause tomorrow on ABC you can find A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and well dear readers you know how I feel about that lovely Charles Shultz movie but you might find it interesting so here you go.

Marcy
@beaslma

Thankfulness Challenge – What Grinds My Gears

So yeah … I’m stealing this idea from Family Guy but I think I’m ok I doubt they will find this blog. If they do …. Seth McFarland feel free to reach out to Golden. She’s my representation and she will take care of any concerns you might have. Also please forgive me. I did at least give you guys credit, that’s good enough right!? Huh!? I mean please! :D

So I’m climbing on my soapbox for a few minutes to gripe and complain about some things that I won’t be able to talk about at Thanksgiving lunch in a few days.

News - Twitter is not a news source …. For the record neither is Facebook, and don’t get me started on Instagram  -  I used to love watching the news, reading the news paper, getting several different versions of the same story and researching further to get the “true story.” Nothing makes my blood boil more than hearing the words, “As he posted on twitter” or “she unfollowed him on Instagram” I know we are all addicted to social media but it’s not a news source. It isn’t to replace PR and it’s certainly not the freaking gospel. 

Politics - not politicians but the idea of politics. I used to live for presidential debates. The commentary before, the "spin room" after, the speeches, the issues oh how I miss them actually discussing an issue. However politics has become the place I flee from now. I can't stand the my side vs your side mentality. My father is a very smart man and yet is convinced everything wrong with this world can be traced back to Democrats. He stubbed his toe the other day and I said Damn Democrats and he just looked at me then smiled. I like to think he got my joke but he probably thought I was coming over to his side. See I'm not a Republican but on paper I am. Being in a red state most of the important races fall on the Republican side. So if I'm gonna vote in a local election that matters to me I gotta go to that side. The crazy thing is I often straddle the fence, seeing the argument on both sides being pretty equal in a discussion. I dread family holidays cause at some point the discussion leads to politics and you know what I do then. I go into the kitchen and refill the tea pitcher. Let them have their talk I just dont have to sit there and listen to it cause goodness knows no one wants to hear the other sides view anyway. 

Working the holidays – I’m soooooo sick of hearing people complain that places are opening early on Thanksgiving to get a jump on Black Friday and saying that companies don’t care about their employees or won’t let their employees spend the holiday with their family. First off. . . . when you got that job you knew that place was open on the holidays. Second off . . . if you don’t want to work the holidays then don’t take a job where you will have to work the holidays. My partner in crime, Golden, has to work holidays and yeah it sucks but that’s the job she has and she just does what she has to do. No body gives a damn when she works from noon to 2 am ? But God forbid she have to work on the 4^th Thursday of the 11th month. My brother has recently taken a job that is going to require him to work some of the holiday, not all of it mind you. Family members are acting like it’s insane he’s going to have to work …. I’m like wait what?! It’s not like they decided to open the holiday just to ruin his holiday ….. I mean they area always open the holiday the only difference this year is that we are aware of it.

Black Friday is Stupid – I think Black Friday is stupid, however I get that there are people out there that treat it like it’s their actual holiday and love it. That’s fine. You do you but don’t look at me like I’ve got a freaking lobster on my head cause I’m planning to spend my Friday off sleeping in and well enjoying my day off. I had a coworker today ask me if I’ve “made my plan” I was like for what? She said for the big day. I was like “oh we are going to my brother’s for lunch” she said “no idiot, Friday I could care less about Thursday, we have already had dressing” I was so taken a back by that. I told her I don’t do Black Friday. There is little they could give me that could make me want to get out there in all that madness.

Dogs suck – well not all dogs, I love dogs. I had one of the best dogs ever, Golden has had some pretty awesome dogs as well. However the neighbor’s dog makes me want to ask Santa to bring me a bazooka to take him out. In all honestly it’s not really his fault, I’m sure he’s a lovely dog. However the people that he belongs to that I should take out. See this dog starts barking around 6:30 at night and continues to bark until he literally passes out from exhaustion. Once he was yelping not just barking so I drug myself out of bed to look out the window. He had wrapped himself around the tree he was tied up to. That particular night I felt bad for him until about hour 3 of this but they never once came out to check on him, much less try to free him from his tree. It also doesn’t help that they have two dogs. However the dogs are chained up close to one another but not close enough to interact or keep one another company. Truth be told I feel for these dogs. If you don’t want a dog don’t get it. 


That’s all for now … I’m sure I’ll think of more but for now this is what grinds my gears!
Marcy

Thankfulness Challenge – Top 10 Christmas Songs

The other day I talked about Christmas Movies, today I finished up my Christmas Holiday TV calendar which includes specials and beloved movies that people should be on the look out for during the holiday season. When I work on my Christmas calendar I always listen to Christmas Music to get me into the right mood. It’s weird I used to LOVE Christmas music. I was that person listening to it in April. Now I can’t really start listening to it until late Nov. cause all it does is remind me of all the things I haven’t done yet, like shopping, gift wrapping, cards, etc.

However if I’m being honest, I love Christmas music. It’s all so happy and upbeat and even songs with the same title sang over and over by different artist bring something new to the song. Not saying that’s always a good thing but it keeps it interesting. I have talked about Christmas music on this blog before … here ….. but this time I thought I’d do one better…. Here’s the top 10 songs that would make my playlist if someone told me I could only have 10 songs to listen to during this season. Now this list is not about artist, if it were all 10 songs would be by Bryan White …… honestly his Christmas music makes me really happy and you should check them out …. This post however is about the songs that no matter when they come on I always listen, and yes one or two of Bryan’s made the cut. 

1. Oh Holy Night – Martina McBride – you can’t beat this version of this song. Granted any version of this song is fantastic this one beats them all. The woman is amazing. 
2. I Believe – Frank Sinatra – I love everything about this song, the message, the music, the happiness I feel when listening to it. 
3. One Bright Star – Various – this song has been sung by many including Bryan White and Vince Gill. It’s a fantastic song that has a tendency to give me chills when I really pay attention to the lyrics. 
4. Christmas In Dixie –Alabama – Honestly anything by Alabama this time of year is my favorite, from Tonight is Christmas, to A Candle in the Window, to Thistlehair the Christmas Bear, all of it makes me smile and brings up memories of me and my mom putting ornaments on our tree. Any song that is but that Christmas Shoe’s song that one makes me cry like a little girl, every.damn.time 
5. I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Pentatonix  – ok I’ll be honest a variety of people have sung this song a ka-billion times but I had to admit this version is one of my favorite ones. 
6. I Still Believe In Santa Claus –NKOTB – I love this song, I love the message of this song and I love the way these 5 men blend their voices in it. I 100% believe in Santa, in the idea of Santa and the feeling of wonderful and happiness that Santa instills in people. How could anyone not believe in something that’s sole purpose on this planet is to make people happy? 
7. Mary Did You Know –Laura Wright – This song is a different spin on the story of the birth of Christ. It twists it up from Mary’s point of view. I have heard this song by many others but since I have recently discovered the lovely voice that is Laura Wright and my ears are very happy for it. I’ve heard several versions of this song but I really like this one, it doesn’t hurt that Laura has a fantastic voice to back up the song. I’d highly recommend any album or song she has sung on being added to your playlist … STAT! 
8. Finding Christmas – Bryan White – I love this song, it’s a new one not a cover of the same songs over and over and it’s brilliantly done. It’s about a guy who rediscovers his love of Christmas through his children’s eyes and it makes me smile. I love the part where his two boys join him on the chorus the first time I heard it it was so unexpected and now it’s my favorite part of the song. It’s just so pure and innocent. 
9. Mr. Bailey – Eric Bay – this is not a typical Christmas song that’s all over the airwaves but it totally should be. Eric is a master of taking a thing and turning it into a song. He expertly puts It’s a Wonderful Life into a musical journey and I am forever grateful for him doing so.  
10. Til’ Santa’s Gone (Milk and Cookies) – Clint Black – I love the fun playfulness of this song. It never fails to put a smile on my face and a pep in my step.

So there you have it, my Christmas music top 10 list. Honestly, I could have gone to 20, 30 songs but I had to limit it or we’d be here until New Years.

Have a great week!
Marcy