Alice's Restaurant

At the beginning of this week I was having a really hard time being in a country that doesn't celebrate a holiday that's so close to my heart. I'm surrounded by people who are from everywhere, not just the States, and even from within the States, there is no one who celebrates Thanksgiving the same. When I look at how amazing the day is at home, family, football games, Macy's Day Parade, Mom or Lori's Apple Pies, incredible friends and lots to eat, I realize how crazy lucky I am that I am able to celebrate like I do at home.

This is the first Thanksgiving I've ever had where I haven't been at home. And, while I'm still sad that I won't be in Valencia with Grandma and the Mutaws, or in Seattle with the Scotts, or in West Seattle with the Cannons and Mom and Mike, I'm learning. I'm learning that the people I'm with now are a different kind of family. One that I've chosen (in a way). We still have the Bone-Picker, the Olive-Finger Eater, the Mashed Potato and Corn Mixer, the Storyteller, the Stretchy Pants Person, the Newbee, and all the other people who usually sit at a table with you. They just aren't the same ones that you have at home. And I'm alright with that.


I'm thankful for:

• My family
• My friends back at home
• Being in Ireland
• My friends in Ireland. There are amazing people that have come into my life and hopefully will never leave it. I am so thankful that I'm sharing this day with them because they are my family here. They have made this experience everything to me. We're in this together, thick or thin, Amanda Maguire or Antoinette Duffy. They have helped me grow to be someone completely different from what I had ever thought possible. They are my world here. They are my family.
• The health of those around me and in my family
• Marina Carr :-)

I'm here. I'm not going home for the weekend. And, dammit, this is going to be the best Thanksgiving we can possibly make it.

I love my friends, my family and my life, and am thankful for everything g in and around my life.



Thank you!