Thanksgiving 2010
I wanted to write more and so I need to force myself to write at least once a week. I really need to make this a habit.
Why so? Because I think it’s healthy for me. I’m not one to share whatever feelings I have to my friends (except for some random tweets and emo nights where I text my really close friends). Also, it’s one of the few ways that I am able to express my creativity. Either way, it’s good for my soul.
So last week, we celebrated Thanksgiving Day. It’s only my 6th Thanksgiving ever since we moved here in the States. I must admit, it’s growing on me. I still remember the first couple of years where I could care less if I get to celebrate it or not. Most of the time, I end up just visiting friends for dinner.
A couple of years ago, I celebrated it with my best friends and we all cooked and helped out in preparing our Thanksgiving dinner. It was really fun and memorable. This year, I originally planned to go out of town. However, due to certain developments I’d rather not talk about for now, I decided to stay in the city.
And what good way to keep myself busy by deciding that I will cook the whole dinner and invite a couple of people. Ok.. ok.. I asked my mom to help me cook and also our awesome neighbor gave us some dishes as well. Since I created the menu and since I’m not a big fan of turkey, it was a Turkey-free dinner hosted and prepared my moi.
I made Deviled Eggs, Seared Scallops pasta in Alfredo Sauce, and Fruit Salad. Mom made her infamous Shrimp Surprise, and Steamed Lobster in Garlic and Butter sauce. And my neighbor gave us a tray of Pancit (Filipino rice noodle), Spaghetti, and Afritada (meat stew). Jem, my good friend from way back, made some yummy Mashed Potato. I also bought a Pumpkin Pie and some white and red wine.
It was nice to have friends at home (some of which have families out of state and out of the country). It was also nice that my mom got to meet my new friends and vice versa. They all loved my mom! Although I was really embarrassed when my mom was telling them how stressed I was the entire day. Let’s just say that even though I take pride in my planning skills, some things fail to follow through. And I hate that I can’t control the situation when that happens. But I’m learning to accept that. It was clearly one of those days where I was thankful for Filipino time. Haha!!
So the dinner went really well. Some got really drunk, some played impromptu games, and thank you speeches were made. It was really an awesome night.
I want to end this Thanksgiving 2010 post by saying my thank you’s. I am thankful first and foremost to my family and friends who continue to support me and love me for who I am. I am thankful for good health, a good job, and all the blessings that I’ve received this year (graduating from college, passing the boards, and travelling, to name a few). And most of all, I am thankful for love lost and love found. I’ve loved and continue to love. And despite the pain, the tears, and the heartaches, it was all worth it. I’ve learned a lot this year and I will bring it with me as I move on.
Cheers!