I thought giving thanks, since many of us are celebrating that holiday this week, would be a great MM&M 50th post. I’m thankful for that—that I was able to come up with some idea (some better than others) on Mondays, regularly at times, sporadic at others.
Fifty of them! Thanks to you for reading them. These end-of-year holidays are fun and bittersweet at the same time. Fun because you kind of put everything on hold—your worries, your work, your weight (ha!)—your brain takes a break from all that. Most of us celebrate these holidays with family and/or friends and do what we do on those days. Whether you work the holidays or not, there’s just a feeling about them. Everyone seems to be more grateful, aware, kinder. (P.S. – I’ve NEVER shopped on Black Friday, so I’ve not observed THAT kind of holiday spirit).
Bittersweet? I think so, for me anyway. I look back over the past year; some memories hold pleasure, others much pain. But holidays always give me hope—I look with anticipation toward the New Year. A year older, but I think wiser and more accepting of myself and well, life—the fun, the pain and all that bittersweet-ness.
A Quote From One Righteous Dude
I’m thankful that every year brings a new sense of urgency for me. I’ve realized how finite this life on earth is. There’s much to do and experience. And as Ferris Bueller said: Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile you could miss it.
I’ve had my share of Bueller moments but that’s another post.
And I’m thankful that I’ve come to that realization—I don’t want to miss anything or regret not doing something. I’m thankful I’m planning now what I’m not going to miss and not regret doing. I’m usually not even thinking of this until mid-December.
Fun Facts About Turkeys Because I Want to Post This Now
Because I’m busy making plans, I’m going to end this post with some turkey facts.
It’s the male turkeys that gobble, the females cluck (and roll their tiny little eyes at the males making all that noise). The male is called a tom or gobbler and the female, a hen. A young male turkey is called a jake and a young female, a jenny. A whole bunch of them are referred to as a flock- The heaviest turkey, ever—weighed 86 pounds. Talk about a feast—perfect if you’re worried about carbs, turkey has more protein than chicken or beef. Skip the yams and potatoes and you’re good to go. Or, just don’t worry about it—the exercise schedule will be there AFTER Thanksgiving.
- Commercially raised turkeys can’t fly (because they usually weigh twice the weight of a wild turkeys), all turkeys have really poor vision and turkeys can have heart attacks. (Gee, I wonder why.) On the plus side, they have great hearing.
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Carancle, snood and wattle — it’s all in the head area.
The next time you look at a turkey, see if you can determine where the carancle, snood and wattle is. HINT: You usually don’t eat these because it’s on their heads.
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If you want more fun facts about turkeys or Thanksgiving or some facts that you’ll forget by the time you read this, Google “Facts about Thanksgiving” and “Facts about turkeys.” As you can surmise, I did some heavy research.
I’m thankful that you read to the end of this and I hope you and yours have a beautiful and stress-free (yeah, right) Thanksgiving.
(To my Canadian friends, I hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving last month.)
Much love and THANKS.
Brigitte's Banter 
Thank you for thinking of your Canadian friends–I had a great Thanksgiving and I hope you have the same. Being very close to the border we are very aware of everything in the States and enjoy your celebrations too. I have had a year very similar to yours–good times and bad times; happy times and sad times–but I am ready for the holiday season and will watch with relish all the Thanksgiving goings on and parades in your lovely country. Enjoy Brigitte–you deserve it my friend!
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | November 25, 2013, 8:47 amI’m so glad you did, Lou and thank you. I know you’ve had some rough and trying times as well and I think of you often, as you know. I’m ready for the holidays AND a brand New Year. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | November 25, 2013, 9:22 amI’m thankful for you, Brigitte! And I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving. We’re going to a friend’s house for the feast and I’m bringing my famous Pumpkin Tiramisu. Should be fun.
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | November 25, 2013, 9:43 amAnd I, you Cathy. I wish the same for you and yours. Now, Pumpkin Tiramisu — I should have known you’d be whipping up something unique and delicious. We all expect the recipe (and a picture) at some point. Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by Brigitte | November 25, 2013, 9:58 amWill do! 🙂
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | November 25, 2013, 10:19 amHappy Thanksgiving!
Posted by Dugutigui | November 25, 2013, 9:46 amAnd you as well, D!
Posted by Brigitte | November 25, 2013, 9:58 am86 pounds? Imagine the wishbone! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving 🙂 .
Posted by Vickie Lester | November 25, 2013, 10:44 amI KNOW, right?? Happy Thanksgiving, Vickie and so nice to see you here.
Posted by Brigitte | November 25, 2013, 10:56 amLife does move pretty quick, so much so it is hard to stop and absorb the moments. Good reminder Brigitte. 2013 is a blurr..not sure how I feel about it yet. I get the bittersweet very well.
I do know I am thankful for alot of goodness in my life.(you’re on that list)
Happy Thanksiving to you and yours my friend.
Posted by unfetteredbs | November 25, 2013, 10:54 amWhy thank you, Audra. I just love that movie. And I know what you mean about the year being a blur and I know you get it. And you are most certainly on my list of things to be thankful for. I hope you, your hubby and your lovelies have the best Thanksgiving. xo
Posted by Brigitte | November 25, 2013, 10:58 amAn 86 pound turkey?! Wow. That weighs just a few pounds shy of my 13-year-old son. That’s a lot of turkey to be grateful for. 🙂
Posted by Carrie Rubin | November 25, 2013, 1:40 pmI heard that Sister. You and yours have a wonderful holiday, Carrie and thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 25, 2013, 1:41 pmThanks, you too!
Posted by Carrie Rubin | November 25, 2013, 1:42 pmBtw, that turkey was in London and it was in 1989. At least that’s what the ultra reliable Google search said.
Posted by Brigitte | November 25, 2013, 1:44 pmWe may have some messy weather tomorrow and Wednesday—anywhere from rain to freezing rain to snow showers tossed in for good measure—but Thanksgiving itself is supposed to be dry and sunny—and cold! Luckily, we’re not traveling far, just to DC for the big day itself.
You’ve been through so much this last year, Brigitte, and I hope this holiday season will mark the beginning of an enjoyable year for you and your loved ones.
Posted by jmmcdowell | November 25, 2013, 3:53 pmYeah I think there’s a wave coming up through the East coast but as long as you’re inside, it’s nice and cozy I think. Feels more holiday-like when it’s cold.
Thank you so much, JM. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season too.
Posted by Brigitte | November 25, 2013, 10:08 pmHappy 50th MM&M post! And Happy Thanksgiving Brigitte. Skip the yams and potatoes?! That’s just crazy talk. 🙂
Posted by notedinnashville | November 25, 2013, 4:51 pmWhy thank you, Anita and I’m so glad you are here and we found each other’s blogs! Happy Thanksgiving to you. And no, I won’t be skipping any of that. Bring on the carbs.
Posted by Brigitte | November 25, 2013, 10:10 pmHappy 50th MM&M Post!! Congrats, Brigitte! How cool that it occurred on the Thanksgiving holiday week? Like you, I’m feeling more of a sense of urgency, but also I feel less hectic about it, if that makes sense. It’s like I want to make it ALL count, so I choose things more wisely. We have lots of turkeys that walk around the neighborhood. I’ll have to see if I can identify their parts next time I see them. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Posted by The Bumble Files | November 25, 2013, 7:32 pmHi Amy, thank you. It is pretty cool I had it planned all along (not really). I know exactly what you mean — it makes perfect sense and that’s the way I feel as well. Choosing more wisely and making sure I enjoy the things I choose, really settle down and enjoy. How cool you have turkeys just walking around all willy nilly. At least there’s no 86 pounders, right? I’d run from that. You and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving too and thanks for stopping by.
Sent from Brigitte’s iPad
Posted by Brigitte | November 25, 2013, 10:12 pmBrig, I’m fixated on that 86-pound turkey, too. Was it a morbidly obese freak? How long did it live? Or did whoever raise it have both eyes on the record books? Did someone actually eat it? What oven could possibly fit a carcass that big? I think it would have to be grilled on a spit outside.
I’m putting far too much thought into this.
And Happy Turkey Day to you and yours.
Posted by lameadventures | November 25, 2013, 10:54 pmFrom my latest sources I just know the turkey was born in 1989 and weighed 86 pounds and I would call that morbidly obese for a turkey. Several have expressed interest in the turkey. Perhaps I should research (google) this more intensely and write a separate post. After all, 86 pounds — that a person and a turkey that big would be terrifying. Happy Thanksgiving, V. I hope you have a great one.
Posted by Brigitte | November 26, 2013, 9:30 pmI like that this Thanksgiving post falls on your 50th MM&M post… a perfectly serendipitous way to celebrate the holiday I think. 😉 While I’m slightly regretful that this will be the third Thanksgiving in a row I’m missing due to geographical differences, I’m (VERY) thankful that I’ll be back home in a little over two weeks for winter break. So at least there’s still Christmas and New Year’s that I can spend with my family.
Wishing you a warm, cozy Thanksgiving this year. Are you planning on visiting family/friends? Since the UK doesn’t have Thanksgiving, they are reaaaally getting into the Christmas spirit at the moment. 😀
Posted by lillianccc | November 26, 2013, 9:58 amIt is pretty cool and I wish I could say it was on purpose but it just happened that way. :). I have been far away from family many holidays so I know how you feel but so glad you’ll be with loved ones on Christmas. I think it’s cool the UK is celebrating Christmas. You should watch Love Actually and just immerse yourself in it. Thanks, Lillian and I hope you have the best and joyous of holiday season!
Posted by Brigitte | November 26, 2013, 9:34 pm