Wednesday, November 26, 2008

giving thanks


Ah, yes. Thanksgiving. It's tomorrow, right?


Like I'd forget. For some reason Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday around here, and not just because we all eat like garbage scows. I'm honestly not sure what the big appeal is, but since it's so hard to get a majority on anything in this house, I'll take it no matter what. It may be my last one until next Thanksgiving.



The food will be what it always is - pretty traditional stuff. Surfer Dude and I will do a bunch of stuff ahead of time today - just like we always do. I did all of my shopping last week to avoid getting caught in horrendous grocery lines, so I've got a second wind for the cooking. We're brining the turkey this year for the first time - cross your fingers. And we've got some friends coming over for dinner - which will make the day especially nice.


The elephant in the room, of course, is that this is our first post-divorce holiday. But in the continuing amiability that is my divorce, we've invited the FX to come and eat with us. This was very important to Gumby and Surfer Dude, so it's what we're doing. I've said all along that if we could get the kids through this relatively unscathed, then it would be very possible to have a happy ending. I'm sure it'll get weird, but what the hell. It can't get much weirder than the rest of the year has been.


One thing I think we'll need to do differently is going around the table and having everyone say one thing they're thankful for. That will probably be better avoided this year, because it could get pretty sticky. I'll say mine mentally, though. Because I know exactly what I'm grateful for this Thanksgiving.


I just don't think it would go over too well.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wise choice, skip the what I am thankful for.
I hope you and your family have a great time. I hope the day leave you feeling at peace and enjoying the love and company of your sons.
Taking the high road is better in the end and I admire your willingness to try.
Plus, if all else fails, there is always the wine.
XXXXX

Anonymous said...

WE don't have Thanksgiving in The Netherlands, not that we aren't grateful people. I wouldn't do a round of what I am grateful for either. It would get embarrassing. What I am grateful for and what I am angry about lie very close together. I haven't quite sorted it out. I wish you and the boys a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the multitude of food. Are you having pumpkin pie? That was always my favorite.

Irene

Potty Mummy said...

Happy Thanksgiving RC. Never ate pumpkin pie, myself - am I missing out? I mean, it's a vegetable... And yes, I know it has seeds so should be a fruit, but so does a cucumber and an aubergine (eggplant to you guys), and we don't make sweet pies out of those... as far as I know.

wakeupandsmellthecoffee said...

I hope the day goes well for you. What a trouper you are inviting the Ex-X for the sake of the kids. You've earned your place in heaven.

aims said...

Just don't do all the work yourself - before or after.

And put out the feelers so you can get an idea of what your Xmas is going to be like.

You know I'm going to be away after this - possibly a 2 day break in between shows and them I'm gone until the middle of January.

I just want you to know that you will be in my thoughts as you struggle along and rave against the world. Be at peace with yourself RC. You are special. You didn't deserve getting this dumped on you but I can see that it was supposed to be what happened to make you even stronger. I again get the picture of an Amazon Warrior. And it makes me smile.

Rudee said...

Oh, I think you should utilize your gift of gab and come up with something completely outrageous to be thankful for. For instance, come to the table dressed like a queen complete with tiara and scepter. Since I'm handing out tips here, be sure to keep your wine or other libation completely disguised in a nondescript container. My sister in law puts the vodka in the bottle of diet coke. This way, the Arabic relatives don't know she is consuming alcoholic beverages. Anyways, think about this; it's your opportunity to be unique and sparkle.

Have a great Thanksgiving. BTW, I love brined turkey.

Devon said...

Kudos to you and the fx for putting the kids first. My parents didn't do this initially and the divorce was hard on me.

Now we all have love fests with my dad's wife and my mom going off in a corner with some wine to trash talk my dad. Ahh, good times!!!

Have a happy day!

Tiggerlane said...

Good idea to skip that...you'd hate to say, "I'm thankful I'm no longer married." AWKWARD.