Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, like Columbus Day, is not a holiday that I really adore. I think it has something to do with the fact that these holidays have to do with Europeans coming in and slaughtering the native population. Something about that just doesn't settle with me.

But, pessimism aside, I like spending Thanksgiving with family or friends. This year I didn't travel, because I'm finishing up applying to college. (I don't think saying that sentence will ever feel normal.) But, instead of just sitting at home, my dad and I went over to my friend's house. We had a wonderful dinner with him and his family, and then he, his younger sister, and I watched Pangs, the Buffy Thanksgiving episode. Watching Holiday-themed episodes of Buffy near to or on the holiday seems to be slowly becoming a tradition. I'm not opposed to this. My feelings about Thanksgiving are the same as Willow's, but, as I said before, I like that Thanksgiving brings family and friends together. Plus, you do get pie (or cookies! or cookies AND pie!).

I am also a vegetarian, but it wasn't too hard for me to find food to eat. People seem to think that Thanksgiving sucks for vegetarians, but I manage. I don't think it's all that hard, and in the five years I've been fully vegetarian I've never really felt awkward at Thanksgiving. I'm perfectly fine with my salad, pasta, and other sorts of yummy veggies. But I don't like Tofurkey. I generally don't like faux-meat vegetarian things. I am perfectly happy with my veggies, legumes, and soy, thank you very much! (I also like bread. and cheese.)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I figured that I should list what I am thankful for:

• My Family-I love them so much, they put up with my craziness. I love how intelligent they all are, and what wonderful people they are. When I don't see them, I miss them like crazy.
• Even more specifically, my parents- you two have always been there for me, and supported all my hobbies, and taught me about the world. Even though you guys get on my nerves sometimes, I love you both SO much, I can't even begin to describe it. Thank you, I can never thank you guys enough. :)
• My Friends-Always there for me, they can make me smile. There are a few special ones who I've known for what seems like forever, and who I value so greatly.
• Tea-The warmth it provides: on a cold day, when I'm feeling ill, when I'm feeling sad, or just because.
• The world that is literature-It has shown me marvelous lands and times, and has taught me of friendship, loyalty, trust, and has helped to shape who I am today.
• The ability to have an education- as much as I may say "oh, I wish I lived in Shakepeare's time" (or the 1800s, or 1600s, etc) I love that I, as a girl, can go to school and learn. I love it, and I treasure that privilege. That is one aspect of 21st century America that I appreciate.
• Warm Blankets on Cold Evenings
• Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Doctor Who, and Gilmore Girls- all shows that have helped me to learn about the world. (Okay, so this "thanks" isn't as serious as the others, but it is still there).