Friendsgiving 2017

I've always loved Thanksgiving. I know it is based on a myth of pilgrims and Native Americans coming together to share a meal after the indigenous people saved the refugees from dying of starvation. Still, despite the myth, the thought of sharing our bounty with family and friends is a sentiment I love. We start our day with some of us, or all of us, participating in a turkey day run, proceeds go to charity. In recent years, I’ve not signed myself up for the formal walk, but have been there with additional donations, cheering on my daughter and the other racers. Pup has a field day as it is a very dog friendly event. Recent years have raised over $100,000 for our local family service and food shelf. What better way to show appreciation (and get a little healthy activity) than raising money for  your neighbors that need it before joining your own loved ones for a hearty meal. Amazing.

My birthday is Thanksgiving week as is a good friends. I seem to get the luxury of meetups for coffee and lunch, and great conversations, in part due to the extra-long weekend holiday. The quietness of the office for those that are working make it a relaxing environments and folks linger a bit longer over a cup of tea or sharing lunch at a communal table. The young crowd seem to honor and appreciate the spirit of Thanksgiving as much as I do, having shared meals together, despite their geography. DS usually texts me with a question about some dish he plans to bring to whatever friends is hosting food and football. DD2 is getting in on the act and meeting up with friends for a meal Wednesday afternoon, dubbed Friendsgiving. Even DD1 and friends from countries far and wide joined in a not totally authentic Thanksgiving when she was a student in London in 2013. She is on route though, spending the holiday with us this year, as I type this post. 

Schools all over America are playing Turkey bingo on whatever day is the last one before the break. From Kindergarten to seniors in high school, the cry of Bingo and kids gobbling down the halls has been a silly tradition that I used to think was just in my community. 

I have some shopping to do tonight for my dishes I bring along. I’ll bring in some muffins or pumpkin bread to the office tomorrow, and get a meet up for lunch with a former coworker. I really love working with my current colleagues but so thankful that I’ve kept my friendships from my old place. I really wish my friends from nation far and wide could join me in the US some year. Thanksgiving is not just  stuffing our face, but in the right mind, a time to truly appreciate all I have.