>Thanksgiving was a very fun, satisfying day! Sam and I slept in, had a bagel breakfast, got some coffee, and drove to Simi to visit my mom and family. It was also Papa’s birthday, so I wanted to make sure to see them. It seems like most Thanksgivings in the last few years I’ve spent with my dad … I can’t remember the last time I was at my mom’s! They are always very casual with dinner, and it was just the immediate family plus Sam and I. I made the stuffing (Stovetop, and it’s actually very delicious) and we were watching Sleeping Beauty in the background- my favorite Disney movie! We ate early, around one, and then we were off to Sam’s parents house for our second dinner! We had about 25 people at Sam’s parents … totally packed! I did finally get to meet his Aunt, Uncle, and cousin Danny, of whom I’ve heard a lot about from Grandma … they were all really nice and funny. After another huge delicious dinner we sat around reading Trivial Pursuit questions to each other.

Unfortunately I didn’t get to see my dad or that side of the family this year. My dad loves to camp and the last few years they’ve gone out of town, either to the Malibu RV Park (GORGEOUS view of the ocean) or up to Flying Flags, in Solvang, which is where they were this year and last. Last year Sam and I drove up for the day and it was very nice … if you’ve never had a camping style Thanksgiving you have to try it! Of course, the weather here in So Cali is usually sunny and warm which makes camping at this time of year that much easier. There is also the fact that RVing is very different than tent camping- you have a full kitchen so making dinner isn’t much different than it is at home. I can say though, nothing compares to having a wonderful turkey dinner outside in nature, watching the sunset over the ocean, or just being outside in the sunlight all day- that’s what makes me thankful to be alive!

This weekend was also busy at work! Work has been so slow lately- traditionally this is the slowest time of the year, but combined with the economic crisis and trying to cut back hours at work (as opposed to layoffs) I’m practically unemployed. Friday was my first fully booked day in months, literally. I was pretty happy about it! Of course, Saturday had slowed down again, but maybe things will improve after the holidays. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

As we roll into December, finals are coming on … I have two this week and four next week (one of my classes has a two-week final) … so unless you want to talk about Points or Herbs I’m afraid I’ll be unavailable until December 11th!!