November in a Nutshell...

Happy November! Wow, this month has some major trending going on.  Let’s see...there is No Shave November, NaNoWriMo, Breaking Dawn, National Fire Your Bank Day, and of course we cannot leave out Thanksgiving and Black Friday!  Whew, that is a lot to spit out!  It seems that between now and Christmas, everything becomes a blur.  As I was driving to work this morning, I noticed that lighted Christmas wreaths are already hanging from the light poles.  Come on people, it is only the start of November!  I have yet to even THINK about decorations, shopping, and the ever so annoying carols that play through my mind like a broken record (over and over).  Oh, let’s not forget about Lowe’s having their entire Christmas stock out by the end of September (and priced too high if I should say so myself).  With the thought of Tom Turkey and Christmas chaos overwhelming my mind, I suddenly find myself searching for an escape from this hellish reality…and to my own disbelief, I do not find one!  Oh well, at least I tried. 

Now, it is time to dig a little deeper to see what all of these unusual trends are all about (in a nutshell, of course!).

No Shave November:  I know several people who started this trend a little early this year, try September!  There is nothing more amusing to me than seeing this transition go into full force.  I know that before too long we will all feel as if we have been thrown into a “Planet of the Apes” sequel, awaiting to overtaken by those who we supposedly evolved from (hmm…this may give the evolutionists something further to believe in).

Of course, the hunters use this ‘no shaving’ concept as their rite of passage into becoming ‘one with the deer’.  In order to succeed at this, one must act like the creature.  This involves smelling like the animal (no bathing and being sure to scent the body with their urine) and looking like it as well (by not shaving and dressing to blend with the surroundings).  This, my friends, will surely bring in the ‘big’ one!

In all seriousness though, No Shave November has a real reason behind it.  This was designated originally to address the issues of men’s health, especially for those who have suffered from prostate cancer.  The month of October is specific for “Breast Cancer Awareness” and it is a huge success, so it is only fair that we give the men a month to raise awareness for their concerns.  With that being said, let’s give a “hoorah” for No Shave November!

NaNoWriMo (aka National Novel Writing Month):  I love this!  The goal for NaNoWriMo is to reach 50,000 words by 11:59:59 on November 30.  The concept is to push writers to almost completing (or finishing) a novel within the specified time frame. 

I would have participated if my creative flow would have actually been on track.  But, of course, my mind won’t allow me to process too much at one time.  It took me six months to put together 36,000 words only to turn around and toss it out because no matter how I worded it, the work was unsatisfactory. Oh well.  So, here is a big SHOUT OUT to those who are participating in NaNoWriMo! Best wishes.

Breaking Dawn Part 1:  This one is for all of the TWIHARDS who absolutely live for the Twilight Saga!  Stephanie Myer brought a whole new outlook towards the creepy vampire vs. werewolf fantasy.  The books (and movies) are filled with so much emotion that you are left longing for your very own Edward/Jacob relationship.  My husband defines the epic love story as follows:  A female phenomenon where adoring husbands are lovingly (aggressively) coaxed (forced) into suffering through the two hour long love fest!   

*** Let’s hear it for the Team Edward fanatics! ***

National Fire Your Bank Day:  November 15, 2011 has been officially declared as National Fire Your Bank Day!  I believe a “thank you” is in order for all of the BIG banks (specifically Bank of America) that have decided to place a ridiculous $5 monthly fee on those who are debit cardholders.  Oh, but wait, I do believe that the insane proposal has been withdrawn; thanks to those who signed the petition!  I mean, on what grounds do the banks have for suddenly deciding to charge cardholders?  Personally, I think it is one of those ‘because I can’ situations. 

I currently work at a Credit Union as a CSR and have been in the banking field for over five years.  Honestly, when looking back on working at a regular bank, in NO WAY do I miss all of the corporate greed or pompous personalities.  While the local banks are busy gouging the ‘little’ people and pampering those who have large assets, your local Credit Union is working hard to maintain higher dividends, lower interest rates, and continuing to know their members on a more personal basis.  With the C.U., a handshake still means something!

Thanksgiving Day!  Yum, I can already taste Thanksgiving dinner as if it were sitting right in front of me, fresh out of the oven!  There is nothing better than eating such a gigantic meal and crashing on the couch immediately after.  Yes, the one day of the year where being a glutton is acceptable. 

Now, we must not forget about giving thanks!  Facebook is currently trending the 24 days of thanks.  Hmmm, I am already struggling with finding 24 days worth of what I am thankful for.  Don’t get me wrong, I am super blessed and grateful for everything and everyone in my life; but, to stretch it all out for that length of time is a little tough.  It is kind of funny to see how some of my FB buddies are only 3 days in and already struggling to find the words to describe what they are thankful for. 

With that being said, I know that I will be grateful if my blog eventually picks up some more readers! J

Black Friday: Well, I am finally down to my last point, Wahoo!  Ugh, the biggest yet most dreaded shopping day of the year!  I think it is crazy to get up at 3 a.m. just to be trampled on at 5 a.m.   Even if I wanted to get up at that time, there is no doing so because I cannot even fathom coming out of my turkey coma before 8 a.m.  Even though I do not make it in time for the most AWESOME deals of the day, I do manage to snag some pretty neat gifts before it is all said and done.

This is the one day where you literally see some of the nicest people turn into something vile and borderline inhuman!  For instance, last year I almost allowed myself to become innately evil over a Zhu Zhu Pet!  All that I can remember from the incident is practically yanking this little, motorized rat in a box right out of this lady’s hand.  I know, shameful isn’t it?  My adrenaline was so high at the time that my conscience did not kick in until I had gotten home that evening.  It goes to show you that ‘attitude’ will eventually rub off on a person, especially in the event of being swept up in a massive crowd of people who are all sleep deprived, on a turkey hangover, looking for that one perfect gift at a ridiculously low price!

Whew, I have finally completed my journey into what is trending in November (you can stop jumping up and down now)!  Please feel free to leave me your feedback…thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it!