5 Great Things About November in Rochester

They don't call the CMA Awards, which are usually held on the first Wednesday in November, (which is... tonight!) "country's night to shine" for nothin'! Even though there are a lot more awards shows out there these days, this one is still country music's biggest. And, because this year is the 50th anniversary, the show should be even more incredible. (It's on ABC tonight, starting at 7, by the way.)

This is always a great part of November, and usually takes place on the first weekend of the month. Of course, it means we all get another hour of sleep Saturday night into Sunday -- as long as you remember to 'turn back' your old-school clocks that don't automatically adjust.

It's even better this year, because my wife and I are heading to the Keith Urban show at Target Center on Saturday (with Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris), so it'll be a late night for us. It'll be nice to have that extra hour!

Thanksgiving, traditionally held on the fourth Thursday in November, is one of my favorite holidays. Mainly because it's all about the food. And, it's ONLY about the food -- there aren't any hassles involved with buying gifts. Well, there's that being thankful thing, too, which also makes it a great thing about this month.

Sure, we've been enjoying football -- both college and NFL -- since September, but it's now that things really start to get good. Late November starts the beginning of the home stretch into the playoffs in the NFL and, of course, the conference championships in college football, too.

While I've given up actually looking forward to turning yet another year older, each November 23rd marks another successful voyage around the sun for me. (And for Miley Cyrus, Robin Roberts, Chris Hardwick and Snooki, too.) And this year it falls on the day before Thanksgiving. Four-day birthday weekend? Roll out the barrel, baby!