Rochester, NY
11:35 AM
There is something about knowing that when you wake up, the day will be filled with family, food, and fun. Thanksgiving has always been a holiday that I look forward to. During college I would fly home to see friends and my family. The night before Thanksgiving is the “biggest night of the year” for going out here in Rochester. You never know who you’ll run into.
The one year I did not come home for Thanksgiving (last year), I was in Charlotte. I went out with my friend Ryan, his girlfriend, and another girl. We are all from the north and since it was the night before Turkey Day, we were all geared up to hit the scene. It was strange and I learned something. Most of the young people in the south are not from the south. There was no one out that night. Everyone had gone home to the north to live it up. I guess it’s the biggest night of the year north of the Mason Dixon line.
I did go out on Wednesday. It was a cold, windy, and rainy day and that put a damper on my party energy. This night is a night for road blocks and DWI’s. I volunteered to be the driver. Rob and I met some guys up Maiden Lanes. They were finishing up their league. We then proceeded to a Greece spot, McGinnity’s. My phone was buzzing with people going downtown. Caytie and Bryan were in for the night as they had to get up at 6 AM and drive to Bryan’s hometown in New Jersey. Matt and his new lady came out and we all ended up staying at McGin’s. My old friend from high school, Darcie, was there. It’s always fun to see her. Rob was disappointed we didn’t go downtown, but I had no desire to fight lines and rain and crowds. I guess that’s what happens when you’re the driver.
I woke up on Turkey Day to the smells of the day. My mom had put the turkey in early and its aroma had made its way into my room. I was not complaining. I laid there and took some breaths and thought about the day. The turkey and the gravy, the Cowboys and Lions, my Aunt and Uncle and cousins all played about in my mind. I rolled out of bed and went downstairs to do a little turkey inspecting. I couldn’t see much because he was in the oven covered in foil, but the hum coming from the metal box was sweet music. I wanted to eat light in the morning to allow for maximum gorging for the afternoon. I made myself and my parents and ham and cheese omlette. It was close to 11:30 when we ate. I then checked my fantasy team, hit the showers, and settled in to see Peyton throw for 6 TD’s.
The crew came over at about 3:30. Uncle Bill was first in. He made the walk form next door and brought good tidings and a bunch of shrimp. I poured him a drink and we sat down and watched what had turned into a blowout. Aunt Diane and Morgan came next. Kyle is slow to get ready and he made his way at about 4. He is 23 and I could tell he lived last night like it was the biggest night of the year. Barbara and her son John were here at about 3:45. I stayed with John while I was in Baltimore.
Our group was here and things went according to plan. The spread was perfect: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole (prepared by me), squash, broccoli soufflé, gravy, rolls, and of course the cranberry. As things happen on Thanksgiving, we ate way too much and punished ourselves. Onto the couch the men went. The Cowboys actually looked good.
From there, we were forced to eat more. Desert was delicious apple crisp and pumpkin pie that was homemade by Barbara. I was done. We all played a game, Cranium. Uncle Bill, Barbara, and I won. People began to disperse after that. I was in no shape to do anything. So I didn’t. I sat in the TV trance that I seem to be getting into more and more. And that was Thanksgiving. It doesn’t get much better than that.
When I reflect on the day, I guess it really makes me thankful (eloquent). We talked about it at dinner, how lucky we are to have a family like this, and a house like this, and food like this. There are so many people out there who have less or even nothing. There is a guy out there with family far away or none at all, cooking up his Spam and canned potatoes for the holiday. He may be watching the same thing on TV as I was, but he is not where I was. It’s sad that there is such a division of haves and have nots. Is it better that I think about that stuff? Or is it worse that I think about it and don’t really do anything about it? I am not sure.
So today we recover from the food hangover. I just got back from the gym with my Dad, Uncle Bill, and Morgan. It was good idea to go sweat out the turkey and gravy. I will say it has been a long time since I worked out in a gym setting. Prior to my trip I used to hit the Y up pretty often. I didn’t do much exercise at all while on the road and have gotten soft. I can’t wait to see how sore I’ll be in the coming days. Enjoy the long weekend.