Blog Post 14: Thanksgiving (Gloria Pulley)

            So I figured this post would be the most appropriate to start with considering today is Thanksgiving. I guess I’ve got a few posts to catch up on.  I am currently in my hotel room watching Parts Unknown with Anthony Bourdain, pajimjams on, and Half Moon Run’s newest album blaring.  This isn’t exactly my typical holiday you could say… for as long as I could remember, which is basically past the age of seven, I’ve had two Thanksgivings, one with each parent. Both very different from each other.  Thanks to Murphy’s Law, Thanksgiving with my mom is usually celebrated on any other day except Thanksgiving because nursing cares little for family holidays.  Usually my uncle comes in from D.C. and stays for a day or two, at which time we proceed to assault him in our epic pillow fights.  Unfortunately, this usually ends with my mom telling us that we’ll drive him away or the dog/horse/cow knocks over a small child from the excitement (usually me).  Chinese food, a Christmas tradition which morphed into a Thanksgiving one, is usually involved the night before.  The day of, we make all the fixings and the adults enjoy some adult beverages while cheering for the Bears, and cursing the Lions.  There is also hiking or physical activity involved because let’s be honest, we all feel justified eating a ton as long as we’ve walked a mile…or seven.  Normally with my dad we go to my aunt’s house to have dinner because although he’s a good cook, I do not trust him.  She uses us as her guinea pigs for new dishes, and we have absolutely no problem with that.  This is the extent of our Thanksgiving(s).  No gigantor extended family.  No eager anticipation of black Friday.  No brussel sprouts. (I’m the only one in family who loves them, but my grandmother’s cooking ruined the rest)

            This year, however, we have shattered all the traditions.  Since my sister moved to Arizona for college, my dad decided now be a great time to visit her.  I had the traditional dinner with my mom two weeks ago, which she actually let me cook entirely this year since she was working. But, yeah right now in in Sedona just chilling.  It’s always fun to start the morning with a brisk hike up a mountain to get some lovely sunrise shots of the red rocks. Coffee.  Back to the trails.  Filled with smiles and dogs, the six mile path to Devil’s Bridge was a welcomed relief from driving and the boot.  We met some lovely elderly people with walking sticks and cringed as children scampered a little too close to the edge of a cliff.  What a lovely way celebrate, in the hospital and all.  By noon we had finished and spent another hour or so driving around and viewing the immensity of the canyon.  Thanksgiving dinner this year consisted of Mexican food and I’m totally ok with that.  Overall, I can say that I’m happy, and thankful for all the opportunities to travel I’ve received.  I’m thankful for my dad who has made this trip possible, and my mom who was chill with me going.  With that I shall leave y’all to your turkey eating and football watching.

(I actually did write this on thanksgiving, I’m just not posting it until now)