Thanksgiving Thanks!

One day until Thanksgiving! The turkey is bought, the house is cleaned, and everything is coming together for the big feast tomorrow. Growing up T-day was always pretty low key and fun. Great feast prepped by mom and dad, and lots of family over. A girl couldn't have asked for more. My first thanksgiving away was in 2003, and calling it a disaster would have been an under statement. I attempted to put my big American roasting pan in a small British oven and when the juice hit the oven elements flames flew and not in a fun metaphorical sense. I remember hearing a knock on the door the same time the turkey was on fire and it was a British guy trying tell me about a vacuum he was trying to sell me. I remember in tears thinking what the heck do they ever give up? Only to remind myself that thanksgiving has no significance in England what so ever and at that moment I remember thinking this is rock bottom. I remember thinking about my family having a thanksgiving dinner together while I had a deep fried turkey and having a total break down. So for the last 6 years I have skipped out on Thanksgiving heading to friends houses, one year when Joey was gone my friend Jeannette and I even took on a Missouri buffet (that was one to remember). So now here we are 2010 and I have finally attempting the great feast again. I have never really looked at Thanksgiving as a historical significance, but as one day a year we take time out to truly be thankful for all we have and forget what we don't.

Over the years since leaving Oregon the holiday's have always made me sad on some level. I have tried not to dwell on the fact that we weren't going to be traveling home, but it seems like it was always easy to get wrapped up in what I didn't have rather than thankful for all the great people we have in our lives. So this thanksgiving I am focusing on all of the good in our lives before I catch myself thinking about all we are missing out on.

So here it goes:

Joey & Isla and all the happiness they bring to me everyday

My family back in Oregon

Leo and Delilah for keeping our house going non-stop

New friends and old

The kids I work with on a daily basis that remind me to never take anything for granted

Good health

Another attempt at Thanksgiving 2003 that will not end in a flame throwing turkey :)


I have challenged myself and I hope everyone else to remember how important it is to give thanks tomorrow and all year long. Happy Thanksgiving. For those home with family, enjoy everyone and all of their character defects that may drive you crazy the other 364 days a year and for those spending it away from your "home" find the small things to be thankful for :)