There's an old saying about success only coming before work in the dictionary. May I suggest also that the same should be true as far as Christmas coming before Thanksgiving?
Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas! The decorations, the music, the good will, the togetherness...all of it. But I also love Thanksgiving: Crispy autumn days, family meals, and quiet reflection. I want to see cornucopias and pumpkins and turkeys! I'm feeling orange, yellow, and brown, not red and green. I refuse to let the "spirit of Christmas" bully the spirit of Thanksgiving out of the way. There's plenty of time for snow and tinsel and those pesky "jingle bells"! Whether it lasts the entire month of November or just for one day, I will not forget why I am so Thankful for Thanksgiving and that I have reasons to Be Thankful. Christmas will still come...at the right time.
To me, the details of the first Thanksgiving aren't as important as the history of my personal holidays. I have vague memories of "making" cranberry sauce in 2nd grade. I remember Grandma's riced potatoes (with real butter, not margarine!). I remember bowls of black olives which my cousins would practically devour while waiting for the main event. And who hasn't made a "handprint turkey" at some point in their life?
A Thanksgiving celebration can be public or private, grand or small, traditional or modern. It doesn't matter if we're eating turkey, ham, or a bologna sandwich. You can watch the Macy's parade, enjoy a football game, be out waiting for that big buck, or prep for a Black Friday shopping adventure. (Note: It's illogical for Black Friday to start on Thursday; but that's for a different discussion.) We may gather around the same table, sit in front of the computer for a video chat, or make an old-school telephone call. I will be thankful for any and all of it.
I know this post is a few days early for Thanksgiving. But as of tomorrow I plan to be spending time with my son, who I haven't seen since he went off to college three months ago. This year, that is the gift for which I am most thankful.
No, I'm not getting up before dawn and donning my blaze orange. (Bambi, be careful!)
And I do realize that there are events honoring President Kennedy and remembering his tragic death. I was just an infant at the time, so while I respect the occasion and its impact, I have no personal recollection.
Saturday is the long-awaited, much-anticipated "Doctor Who" 50th anniversary special. Sure, the show hasn't been on the air continuously since 1963, but it's still pretty impressive that its first episode premiered 50 years ago! What started as simply a "British" show grew into a "brainy" show with sort of a cult following. Today, it could be considered a worldwide hit. (I also "premiered" 50 years ago. Coincidence?)
I have vague memories of being introduced to Tom Baker courtesy of Wisconsin Public Television. That's also how I got sucked back into it during the David Tennant years. Family members are fans as well, and a few friends; I was on my way to becoming a full-blown Whovian, and I was bringing my son along for the ride. When I found our new cable package included BBC America, my fate was sealed. Oh, I don't rearrange my life to watch any particular episode, but I've seen enough to know which ones are my favorites and are worth watching multiple times. I still have a lot to learn, but I'm getting more familiar with the Doctors of the past. I need to get to know them better.
I swear I don't really watch all that much television. But when I find a show I truly enjoy, I become a loyal viewer. These days, I try to catch "Castle," Psych," "Supernatural," and "Grimm." I enjoy having to think at least a little bit while I'm watching, but I don't want to spend too much time learning a back story or mythology and watching for hidden clues each week. I can't imagine ever investing so much of my life in a show like I did with "Lost." I can pop in to Twitter and get a quick fandom fix any time I need it.
So tomorrow, I will join fans around the world (it's a global simulcast!) and immerse myself in the adventures of Doctors past, present, and future. Pretty appropriate for a character who travels through time (wibbley-wobbley, timey-wimey) and space, don't you think?
Allons-y! Geronimo!
I recently enjoyed my annual trip with the girls. It was the fourth trip, though I, unfortunately, have been able to make only three. (I just know they spent that one weekend talking about me!)
You may ask yourself, because sometimes I ask myself, how can you possibly keep the "weekend" interesting and worthwhile when you've all known each other for so long and regularly talk and spend time together? We don't visit "tourist attractions." We don't go on "shopping sprees." We don't participate in "planned group activities." What do you do with yourselves?
Actually, part of the trip's allure is that we don't necessarily do anything! Our schedule is very...fluid. We have each spent a good portion of our lives keeping track of events and people and projects. We help ensure people arrive where they're supposed to be at the proper time and having completed what they're supposed to do. So for at least these two days each year, we can sit back and just "be." That is where we're supposed to be and what we're supposed to be doing.
We always watch the Packers game. We chat. We have a glass of wine. We visit just a few of our favorite shoppes. (Believe me, they are not just "shops.") We stop in for a bite or a drink at our favorite establishment. We have meaningful conversations. We repeat as needed.
Was there anything particularly notable about this trip? We didn't run into any bad weather or into any deer. We didn't spend outrageous amounts of money. We didn't overindulge. (In fact, we always take along too many supplies!)
Naturally, I can't share too much. Most of it wouldn't translate well if you weren't there. And part of the bonding experience is the creation of new inside jokes. But if asked what I brought away from the weekend I would say...
Air quotes, when used in moderation, can still be effective.
Some people are very attached to their pop (or soda) preference.
Even a trusted adviser can steer you wrong when it comes to movie recommendations.
Not everyone keeps a flashlight next to their bed.
The phrase "totes adorbs" seems to sound different depending on the age of the person saying it.
But most of all, I was reminded, in an unexpected way, that we are staunch women (no air quotes required). I don't know if that's because of what life has placed before us or in spite of it. And let me tell you, we've had our share of unexpected...opportunities. We are devoted, steadfast, and strong. As long as we continue to "weave our tapestry" of moments together, we will continue to be so.
