3 holidays: 1 is important, the other 2 not so much

About 7 weeks have passed since I was supposed to write this blog.  Pretty pathetic on my part considering the first topic is the most important national holiday.  I honestly thought I could let it go and just do a Christmas blog during 12/11(which I'll probably do anyway).  But I've got a guilty conscience.  Really I just want to share what the Christmas holidays mean to me.  I've not always been very reflective of holidays and truly soaked them in.  For me, up until the last few years, Christmas was about being around friends.(Still is to an extent)  Sure I'd be around my family closer to the 25th, but some of the best hangouts, adventures and scenarios of my life have been over Christmas holidays.  As for this past Christmas, my life was pretty simple.  As I've gotten older, there are less friends to hang out with.  It kind of shocked me to be honest.  One great thing that I did do this Christmas was relax.  Almost each day of the break I found myself in deep thought.  I don't have the patience to type all of what went on in my head, but let me just say that when you look at Christmas with Jesus in the forefront of your thoughts, you truly appreciate it more.  Well to top Christmas off, we got a little snow.(And then some more snow)  I can't remember a white Christmas since I've been alive. The snow we got Christmas day was kind of overshadowed by the snow we got in January.  I'm writing this now because the snow reminds me of this past Christmas, which should remind all of us that Christmas should bring good reminders.  Happy late B-day Jesus!

Next, I'll blog on 2 holidays that don't really mean much to me.  First, is New Year's.  The only real thing that I can appreciate about New Years is watching college football.  Luckily, the team I root for the most went to a bowl game in Jacksonville.(lovely city by the way)  That made for a really nice new year.  It's really the only fun I can get out of New year's.  I don't like going on last second new years trips just to a big party.  You could call me out and say "Well Mac didn't you go to Dallas to watch Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl last year?"  I'd say yes but the common denominator for my trip to Dallas and my trip to Jacksonville was friends.  I'd go to any bowl game for MSU but having close friends there make the trip that more special.  The only other thing about New Year's is your resolution.  I've never followed through on one, that I can remember.  So this year I told myself, don't start the resolution right away because you'll just fizzle as always.  So I started back working out the first of February.  I'm still with it but only time will tell. 

Lastly is Valentines Day.  I've never had a grasp on this holiday.  I've been on the single and not single side of it and I wake up feeling the same on the 15th each year.  To be honest both sides suck.  I can see how most single people will either wish they had some significant other.  On the flip side of it, you can treat it just as any other day, which for me personally works just fine.(If we don't get out of work or school for it, it's not a holiday)  I feel that this holiday is not important just because of what it represents.  It's a day supposedly where "people in love express their love for each other."(At least that's the google definition for it)  Here's my problem with it: if you love someone shouldn't you let them know that more than just one day out of 365?  I mean seriously, when you say I love you, does it mean more on February 14th than any other day?  I think the holiday has really just become over hyped by the media driven world.(yeah I'm talking to you Jane Seymour and your Open Hearts Collection)  It's a perception holiday.  At some point in the holiday's history, some guy went over the top with what he bought for his significant other.  The girl then told her friends and they began to expect from their boyfriends/husbands.  Yadda yadda yadda and so on...it brings us to now.  I might not ever be in another relationship in my life,but if I am I'll show her love for the duration of our relationship, not just for show on a day that is just the 45th day of each year and nothing more than another day that God has given us to live to the fullest.

Thanks for reading,
McKinley

Coach I woke up this morning and saw my shadow and therefore there will be 6 more weeks of recruiting speculation

2 subjects today: The first is one that is not for the faint of heart.  It's a cut-throat, ruthless topic that there really is no way to dissect in an exact manner.  But that's what I aim to do.  If I sling a little mud at a rival school in this blog, then I apologize up front.  But if you keep up with in-state recruiting, you know some of the crazy stuff that's happened over the last month and a half.  Let me say first that I am a person that keeps up with recruiting in Mississippi, specifically Mississippi State recruiting.  I have invested a great deal of my time and interests into MSU athletics and as expected I like to keep up with the players they are interested in.  This being said I am unhappy with this year's recruiting season.(notice I didn't say recruiting class)  I'm proud of all the Mississippi kids who signed football scholarships and will further their education.  However, I am not sure that all these kids will be entering their respected schools honestly.  The biggest example I can make is a young man by the name of C.J. Johnson.  This is a student athlete who up until early last month was committed to Mississippi State for over a year.  What happened between then and now is unknown to me but I have my own theories.  I'll use facts first: 1) At the egg bowl this year he was an Ole Miss visitor and stood up when Chris Relf had a long run in the first quarter....some one affiliated with Ole Miss ripped his visitor pass and lanyard off his neck and said that if he was a rebel visitor then he didn't need to visit Ole Miss 2) He's been quoted as saying that his father's dying wish was for him to play for Mississippi State. His dad said "At the end of the day, all you have is your word." He followed that by saying I'm 100% committed to Mississippi State. 3) He says a reason he decommitted is because his main two recruiters(Diaz and Hudspeth) took other jobs(he committed to MSU before Diaz was even hired 4) He also said that State fans put too much pressure on him by putting stuff on his facebook wall(you can take that for what it's worth) 5)Lastly, he was MSU's bell cow recruiter himself up until the day he decommitted.  Now with all that being said, he decides to commit to Ole Miss just days after 3 and 4 happened.  I don't want to say that something illegal was done to get him to Oxford but I can't get out of my mind how it wasn't....unless of course the kid is just a pathological liar and I don't believe he is.  There were other prospects that were big on State and switched late as well but the situations were different and I wasn't as dissapointed that State didn't sign them.  That being said, it's kind of refreshing that this in state rivalry is getting heated up again(like it was in the late 90's).  I like it when both teams are doing well....the Egg Bowl means more when both teams have something to play for.  All in all, I wish Mr. Johnson and the rest of the Rebel commits success except for one game each year.  I'm proud of the kids that signed with state and hope that recruiting continues to flourish for those that don Maroon and White.  Oh and it's groundhog day....two words: Bill Murray.  Love the movie and glad we get an early spring.....yeah right.

Until next time, thanks for reading
McKinley

P.S. I've been writing a bunch of blogs...just havent published them...I'll be slinging out the good word a bunch in the next few days of ones I've done since Christmas

14 day Roller Coaster

Man i have so much to blog about.  I could have broken this one blog up into about 20 in detail blogs that are single subject specific(nice alliteration) but instead I figured I could wrap it up into one.  So if you read the title then bear down because this is going to be a really long blog about my last 14 days.

First off, I should have blogged on Thanksgiving.  I really have been pretty good about blogging on special days but I might have missed the most important so far.  I really appreciated Thanksgiving this year.  I have every other year but this year I really realized how blessed I was.  There was no monumental happening that caused me to think this way.  All I did was stopped everything I was doing and went into deep thought.(You should try it sometime)  I used to think that Thanksgiving was just about eating with family and watching football.  But if you really stop and think about how thankful you are then it is really amazing to understand what God has given you.  I usually pray from different angle points.  For instance, I'll ask God to help me go to sleep....or to give our countries leaders strength....or to give me strength.  But on Thanksgiving I just prayed and told God all that I was thankful for.  I don't mean to steal Morgan Freeman's line from Bruce Almighty but I'm gonna.  "That's your problem Bruce, you've got too many questions.  You're always looking up for answers.  You can be your own miracle."  Oh and on a side note, I ate really really good.  My mom is an awesome cook.

Next topic, I also hate that I missed blogging on the Egg Bowl.  Some might think that now that the game has been played that I could boast and brag on Mississippi State for winning.  But I'm not.  Instead, I'll put a different slant on it.  As advanced as we are with social networking, this game still gets blown way out of proportion.  Don't get me wrong, every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving I hope Mississippi State beats Ole Miss, but I don't see the point in talking trash about it.  Facebook and Twitter have ruined the State/Ole Miss rivalry.  I'll be the first to defend the team I root for when an Ole Miss fan makes an attempt to belittle them.  But I also make an effort to correct a State fan for doing the same thing.  This goes back to being thankful.  For instance:  2 years ago Ole Miss was on a huge high after beating MSU.  And rightfully so.  State was at a pretty low point.  I know plenty of Ole Miss fans who let MSU people have it.  Fast forward to now and it's the exact opposite.  People forget so quickly that success is hard to come by in the SEC.  I've heard Ole Miss fans wanting Houston Nutt fired and I've heard State fans saying that we better win 10 next year.  Lets just be happy with success when it comes to us and hopeful for it when it's not.

Next topic:(told you this would be long)  I have not once blogged about my experiences student teaching at Mooreville Middle and High School and my last day was Monday.(shame on me)  Going into it, I didn't know what to expect.  But I can assure you that it's been a great experience for me.  It's been a goal of mine for a long time to become a teacher and student teaching was a perfect stepping stone.  I made a ton of friendships with the kids and hope that I impacted their lives in a positive fashion.  I'm really thankful to work with such a good faculty.  I want to personally thank Perry Wilburn and Jeff Tally for taking me under their wing and teaching me the finer points of teaching.  Those are two good men right there.  I'd also like to thank James Blunt(not the annoying singer) for giving me the opportunity to coach and learn underneath him with the boys and girls soccer teams.  I love giving my knowledge to them and I feel like they have gotten much better from what I've observed.

Next topic: Bowl game!!!!  I couldn't be more excited.  I'm just happy that I get to spend time with my MSU friends.  I won't say much about this but I'm sure I'll have a blog about it after I get back from Jacksonville.  I will say that it's gonna be tough containing Denard "Shoelace" Robinson and that I expect a shootout.  Take the over betters....it's gonna hit.  See you at the Gator Bowl.

Last Topic:  Well after an up and down experience as a college student.  I'm finally gonna graduate Saturday.  It's been a a great ride that I'll never forget.   If I could go back and change anything I'd probably go to class more and spend less money.  But I don't think I'd be the person I am today had I not taken the path I took. 

Well that's it besides that apparently Dan Mullen is the hottest coach in the country and I don't want him to leave.  Dan if you're reading this(yeah right...pipedream) Mississippi State loves you and we want you to be our coach forever.  But honestly I just want you to be happy and if another job is what makes you happy then thanks for what you've done for us.

Warm Regards,
McKinley

Judgement at First Sight

I was flipping channels last night before my buddy Will and I decided to turn the channel to Sunday Night Football.  It was about 15 minutes before the game started and we could have kept channel surfing but instead we decided to watch a one on one interview between Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick and NBC's Bob Costas.  The best asked and answered question Costas asked Mike was "When do you or did you find redemption from your troublesome past?"  Mikes answer was too long to type but he basically said that he didn't know if he'd ever find redemption but that he was working at it.  He also said that people can appear to be on the right track but that might be to just get the media off of their back.  And added that you don't gain redemption and become a better person by appearing to be rehabilitated, you actually have to do the things you say you are going to do to get better. He might be lying and he might be telling the truth....but it was how I perceived it that matters the most.  I was inspired to write a blog on perception because of this interview.  I can't lie to everyone and tell you that I don't assume someone is a certain way when I see them, because I do....we all do.  But for the most part, I always like give everyone a chance before I write them off as this or that.  Its kind of a innocent until proven guilty approach(and even then there's always second chances...except for infidelity...I am really against it).  If you barely know me, you probably think that I am just an outspoken, easy going guy that really likes to laugh and really enjoys sports.  Well, guess what....that is 100% true.  But those things don't make me entirely.  A few things people don't know about me is that I really enjoy conversations that are about the grand scheme of the world.  I also tear up easily during emotional moments(Ex: when nick bells mother rang a solo cowbell on Saturday night before the Ark-MSU game.)  I really enjoy spending time with my mother, even though it seems like I'm never home.  I made a list a while back of things that people don't usually see in me and it makes you appreciate yourself a little more.  I'm not really trying to accomplish anything with this particular blog, I simply wanted to share it with everyone.

Thanks for reading,
McKinley

Blockbuster Video

I had a heartfelt moment today that was kind of unexpected.  Lately, I've been trying to catch up on tv shows that I like and ones that I haven't seen at all yet.  We don't have netflix and OnDemand will only let you see so many shows.  But anyhow, I decided today that when I got out of school, I was gonna go by Blockbuster Video and pick up the First Season of the Sopranos.(some say its the best show of all time)  I walked in and not a sole besides the guy that's been working there for 13 years was there.  It immediately took me back in time.  For those of you in my age bracket, do you remember when your parents took you to the movie store with friends or alone or in whatever circumstance?  I certainly do.  When I  had friends over my parents always wanted them to have the maximum amount of fun.  So on top of probably ordering pizza, playing outside, maybe even getting into trouble, going to the movie store was definitely on the agenda.(I know you remember this Wyge)  You walk in the store and it's awesome just looking at all the different movies.  I used to run around and look at ones just to make fun of the titles and cover pictures.  Eventually, you'd get to the checkout with 5 movies that you promised your mom that you'd watch but you know you'd only watch 2.  I'm pretty easy to please so I can't say that the movie store has ever let me down.  Of course I've always gone by for a particular movie and if they don't have it I'll just get another one.  But anyway, this blog is dedicated to the one movie store that has always been there for me(It was an immediate nostalgic feeling when I walked in).  With all the emerging conglomerates like Netflix and redbox taking over the watch-a-movie-at-home night that we all have, most movie stores are out of business.  In Tupelo, the only thing we have(that I know of) is Blockbuster.  It has stood the test of time.  Because my mother and I are both rewards members(a membership that they've had for at least 15 years) we get free movies and credit.  For instance: today I got the first season of the sopranos for 2.12$.  Redbox doesn't carry it and even if they did it would only be 24 cents more to buy it at blockbuster, and I'm using the same amount of gas to get there.  I'm not saying redbox and netflix aren't really cool or time and money effecient because they are.(I got my first taste of netflix at my buddy Seans last weekend....it's so tight.....it's linked right through his xbox 360)  But what I'm saying to you is this, if you are going to drive into town, go to blockbuster to get a movie.  They are a company that might be on the verge of closing, but they are still fighting.  What might make this story funny to some of you is that I told the guy working at the counter the same thing an hour ago.  he said to me, "Man, when I started working here, I hated it...but I loved movies so I stuck it out and now we are the only movie store around.  But I'm glad to be here."  This to me shows the commitment that Blockbuster has to please customers with today's latest flicks.  Like I said, this store has always been there for me and I'm gonna stick it out with them until the end.

Thanks for reading,
McKinley

Nothing Like It Anywhere

Good Morning, I come to you from the Continental Breakfast area of the Best Western Hotel in New Orleans Garden District.  Not exactly an ideal blogging location(specifically because the guy behind me is watching me type), but I wanted breakfast and figured why not take the laptop.  So anyway, where was I....oh right New Orleans.  I could say very little about this city or say nothing at all because it speaks for itself.  This weekend was  my first trip here since 2004.  It is really the first time I've been here and not been completely limited from doing anything I wanted.  Dont look too far into that though, I don't have jaw dropping story.  I just had a decent weekend.  I would have loved to have taken the city in a little more, but you can only do so much in 3 days.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.

New Orleans

1. Good: I think the one thing that stays with people after visiting here is the diversity of people they see while they are here.  To me, that is New Orleans best quality.  It is the city that doesn't discriminate.  Personal titles and labels do not matter here.  All you need is a pulse and a means of transportation in this city.  The food alone here is worth the trip.  You can get food that is special to New Orleans outside of NOLA but the taste just isn't the same.  I love the history of this city.  From the homes to the statues to the churches and stories that you'll hear about it.  I love how beads hang from trees and power lines and they don't clean them up.  Another great thing about this city is how much the people that live here love it.  After all they have been through, they continue to push on.  I've been to this city 4 times and it hasn't changed a bit each time.  I hope it stays that way for the most part.
2. Bad: There can't be a blog on New Orleans without a bad section.  This is definitely not one of the cleanest cities in the world.  Bourbon Street is the city's biggest attraction and it's by far the nastiest road I've ever been on.  I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I've never had a good time on Bourbon Street because it would be a lie.  However, I think the bad outweighs the good.  Like I said the street is disgusting.  It reeks of vomit every 30 feet you walk, it degrades women in the worst way and all of it's merchandise and edible/drinkable items are price inflated.  But the worst thing about it to me is the creepy edge that it carries with it.  At times I've felt uneasy walking it.  I feel like I can't so much as make a wrong turn in an alley without something bad happening to me or more importantly the friends around me.  I see why people love it so much but for me there are other things that make New Orleans special.
3. Funny: Let's just say that there are some characters around here.  I feel like you can't turn a corner without seeing someone that looks like this.

Well, that's it.  If you come to New Orleans don't come with an agenda.  Just come down here and let the Big    Easy come to you.

Thanks for reading,

McKinley

Ok folks it's upon us

I don't think you have to be a rocket scientist to figure out what my blog topic is this morning.  For a lot of us, the wait for this day started the day after the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Texas Longhorns this past February.  I'm in the city of Starkville, MS this morning in a buddy's apartment watching College Gameday as we speak.  I got up this morning and went to Hardee's to get a Bacon, Egg and Cheese biscuit and a copy of the Daily Journal.  Anyhow, this day isn't about me.  It's about the sport that so many of us love: College Football.  So without any further adieu, I give you my take on the subject.  On to Good, Bad and Ugly.
College Football

1. Good: What is not to love about it.  It's buying a preseason magazine, it's texting friends your gameday plans, it's the car ride to your respective favorite team's town, it's the tailgate scene, it's checking the spread and getting ya bets in, the team walk through, it's the pregame video, it's the opening kickoff.  All these things are special to me.  I try to savor all of these moments.  It's just apart of the ride for me.  I love to win just as much as anyone, and I'll admit I do get mad when the Bulldogs lose, but I am trying to take more in then just the final outcome of the game.  I've watched so many good football games, and to me it's almost like nothing else is going on outside of the moments that make you think "Wow look at this". 
2. Bad: Of course a few bad apples will ruin a good time for everybody.  You'll easily be able to point them out at a football game.  These people are why etiquitte rules are in place on how to act on gameday.  I won't elaborate anymore on this, but I will give a piece of advice.  If you can't act right then just stay at home.  Another talking point in this section that I can't stand is the bickering between rival fans.  I grew up a Mississippi State fan, but I have many close friends that are Ole Miss fans.  I've been in my fair share of arguments over this rivalry but, for the most part I just try to focus on loving my favorite team.  The bottom line worst situation is when someone who is a fan of the team you love, is uneducated on the subject and simply doesn't know what he's talking about when arguing with a rival fan.  This is why each team's fans always say the other school's fans are stupid.  Can't we all just get along and hate Alabama.
3. Funny: I'm struggling to think of one specific thing that's funny to me about college football.  But one does come to mind.  I laugh a little inside when someone gets what they've got coming.  Whether it be a team that has bent the rules and gets beat, or an obnoxious drunk that gets taken out of a game for his/her behavior.

Link of the day: Even though he and I haven't seen eye to eye on music lately, Kenny Chesney hit the spot with this one.

So people, strap on your gameday gear or get comfortable on your couch and enjoy this day that so many have watied on.
Thanks for reading,
McKinley