All week I've been so busy and so stressed that Thanksgiving was the last thing on my mind. Since the week began I was just waiting for it to be over. (I wish I could link you to some previous posts to explain my busyness, but I've been so busy I haven't even written those!)
My newest coworker, an American who arrived here in September, was very gung-ho about putting together a big Thanksgiving feast in his apartment Thursday night. All week long he was talking excitedly about it and I just didn't have the energy to look forward to it at all. I felt bad because I could tell my weariness was something of a downer, but I was just so tired.
Despite my lack of enthusiasm, however, he persevered and really championed Thanksgiving for us. We had six people in attendance: two Canadians, one Korean, and three Americans. I acquired three roast chickens hot off the rotisserrie, our host prepared amazing mashed potatoes and refreshing salad, our other coworker (famous for his patio kebabs) brought corn with sweet syrup and pork, and the Canadian-Korean couple brought a fantastic chocolate cake.
We drank Pepsi, orange juice, and boiled water and populated our friend's dining room with forks, plates, knives, and chairs from our apartments and from work. To make a table big enough for all of us, he moved his desk and drew up an elaborate construction using wooden boards and an old chair.
We swapped all kinds of stories and I think that it's been months since I laughed as hard as I did tonight. It was really a great time and, also, it was good for me. It seems a bit redundant, but I have to say that this year I am thankful for Thanksgiving.
My newest coworker, an American who arrived here in September, was very gung-ho about putting together a big Thanksgiving feast in his apartment Thursday night. All week long he was talking excitedly about it and I just didn't have the energy to look forward to it at all. I felt bad because I could tell my weariness was something of a downer, but I was just so tired.
Despite my lack of enthusiasm, however, he persevered and really championed Thanksgiving for us. We had six people in attendance: two Canadians, one Korean, and three Americans. I acquired three roast chickens hot off the rotisserrie, our host prepared amazing mashed potatoes and refreshing salad, our other coworker (famous for his patio kebabs) brought corn with sweet syrup and pork, and the Canadian-Korean couple brought a fantastic chocolate cake.
We drank Pepsi, orange juice, and boiled water and populated our friend's dining room with forks, plates, knives, and chairs from our apartments and from work. To make a table big enough for all of us, he moved his desk and drew up an elaborate construction using wooden boards and an old chair.
We swapped all kinds of stories and I think that it's been months since I laughed as hard as I did tonight. It was really a great time and, also, it was good for me. It seems a bit redundant, but I have to say that this year I am thankful for Thanksgiving.
