Thanksgiving 2011

This Thanksgiving, Chelsea and I took Lisa four hours north to our dad's house in Redding. After the tedious trip on I-5, we finally got to introduce Lisa to our family. Instantly, my family loved her, my stepmom hugged her and kissed her face like she was our third twin (triplet?). My dad and Hayley grabbed our things (with much better ease than I would have) and we made our way inside. I should have rehearsed my future plans before arriving because I sat down in direct proximity to my ever-questioning dad. Why hadn't I sent resumes out? Where was I going after college? When would I be working for the government because of their great benefits? I'm not really use to it, but I know he's just trying to talk to me.

When my two brothers finally got home (after Jesse started in SLO and picked up Jon from Monterey), the house went nuts. My little sister was so excited to see her brothers again, my dad was the proudest I've ever seen in Jon (who finally knew what it was like to be in the Navy) and my stepmom couldn't stop talking about how her sons should have gotten there sooner. Oh family, gotta love them.

As much as I love the family, I should have warned Lisa about two things: they bring up taboo topics and they put a lot of emphasis on money. Taboo topics at the dinner table in front of Lisa last night: 13 year old abortions, dysfunctional "crack" families, our menstrual cycles and menopause. That's an awkward first night back.

Lisa couldn't help noticing how much my family talked about money too. This was $9, plus shipping! That was originally $150, but I got both for $60 each! How much are clothes in Germany? I could buy you this corkscrew, only $30, but you don't have to do any work! These were all real conversations. True story. And now, as if Black Fridays couldn't be bad enough, my littlest brother and sister are currently sitting in front of a Target....which is opening at midnight.

Hayley: I'm just back to get socks and hats for Jesse and me. Its starting to rain!
Me: So, what are you going to buy? (at midnight is what I was thinking...but didn't say)
Hayley: Oh, nothing. It's just a tradition of Jesse and me. He wants to buy the 42" t.v.
Me: But how would he buy it?
Hayley: His credit card.

Um, I think I missed something. And when I tried to bring it up...

Me: I think my siblings are obsessed with money...
Stepmom: Well, they're not getting any of mine.

Again, am I missing something? When did Thanksgiving become the "Biggest Shopping Day of the Year?" And why am I going all the way to Target to stand in line in the freezing cold at midnight? Because I love my siblings and I'd do something I hate in order to spend time with them.

Despite that, I loved that Lisa, Hayley, Jon, Chelsea and I learned and played Cloud 9 together. And I liked eating Thanksgiving dinner with my family. Finally, my stepmom stopped pacing in the kitchen, my grandma stopped cleaning, Jon woke up, Dad turned off football and everyone stopped to eat together. Lisa took a million pictures of the turkey. My grandma said, "Always let the men open things like wine. I've been married for over 65 years, how do you think I did it?" Dad even got teary-eyed. It was a nice dinner. =)

The Big 22

Admittedly, every year I almost forget that my birthday is coming up until perhaps the week before. This year was no different. Although, given my long distance relationship, I've known for a while that the weekend following my birthday was reserved for something. And wine tasting it was. Finally after living in wine country for at least a year when I could drink, I'm going tasting. And what better way to make it memorable than bringing along a fair amount of good-hearted people? That's what I thought. 

Maybe its because I've shared a birthday with my sister since I was born, but it's hard to make a big deal out of a day I hardly had control over. "Yay, you were born whether you liked it or not!" Maybe it's the limited power I have in making people do what I want. Like this year, I want my friends to play Shenanigans- a charade-like game that Damon taught me awhile ago. The last time I played must have seriously been a year ago. And why? Because I don't have much power on a normal day. But on my birthday I could get someone to stand on their head and whistle the Star Spangled Banner. It's my birthday, who could refuse? 

Whatever the reason for birthday celebrations, I simply like the extra attention from my friends. It's not really the presents, because I forget who gave me what about two weeks later anyway. It's the fact that people will go out of their way for you. On my 19th birthday, Lisa baked me a cake when she barely knew me. My aunt came to a surprise birthday party for me. Mrs. Lichtman is driving up today to take us to lunch. Frau sent me a card. Small gestures that people extend on my birthday are the things I like best. 

I can't tell you how excited I am to see a big group of my friend again this Friday and Saturday.