Here's a little advice on how to survive Thanksgiving, which is Nov. 25.
This will be the first time in three years that I can travel for the Thanksgiving holiday. That hasn't been the biggest of deals because my parents and sister live nearby. However, anyone who's married knows that once you've tied the knot, you're suddenly "related" to a bunch of strangers you must also visit. This will be one of those years.
I used to work for an Evil Retail Empire, which forced me to work the Fridays after Thanksgiving despite the fact that I worked in advertising and had zilcho to do that day. Nonetheless, now I'm free from those bonds.
Having spent once previous Thanksgiving with the Petite Filet's family, I know now how to conduct myself in a manner that guarantees a) I won't be disowned by anyone and b) my pants will still fit afterward:
• The key is smaller portions, but making sure to get a portion of EVERYTHING. Little old ladies who've slaved over hot stoves for three straight days somehow get offended if you pass over their Atomic Velveeta® or Marshmallowy Jell-O® Explosions for more of Aunt Crabby's green-bean pie. Each dish must be represented on your plate, even if it's just a fork's flick of color on the very edge of it.
• Compliments must also be given equally and without forgetting anyone.
• Even if something tastes like it was washed with Uncle Fartful's dirty underwear, smile, chew, smile, chew and swallow. Getting caught for a spit-in-the-napkin infraction can seat you at the kiddie table for the next five years.
• Don't feed anything to the dog. However, it is acceptable (if nobody really notices), to feed the yucky stuff to your almost-2-year-old boy. Fortunately, I'll happen to have one of my own this year and can sneak him some of that nasty purple-walnut-stuff.
• Burping is permitted and encouraged, especially while watching football. Anything less is considered an insult.
• Do offer to help with the dishes, knowing full well men aren't allowed in the kitchen that day.
• Do offer to take out the garbage, but be prepared to take out the garbage.
• We'll be staying at the PF's parents' house, but it's always advisable to park so you can't get blocked in. You never know when you need a sanity break, which is available only on an open road 10 miles from the house and everyone in it.
• I try to exercise before eating myself silly. Because we won't be on the road until that morning, I'll make sure I get a good jog in the day before, and then possibly the day after. I heard there's a fun run up there, but I don't know if I'll be in the mood to slosh my edible goodies so soon after gorging.
If none of this is possible, load up your plate with your favorite foods and unzip your pants to relieve the pressure. And keep your car keys close at hand, just in case.
Thanksgiving for me is with the in-laws too and I only wish I could escape for a few minutes when need be, but I'm the only daughter or daughter-in-law so that means kitchen duty.
Your tips are awesome. Purple walnut stuff? Blech!
Mmm..I love Thanksgiving!! It's my favorite holiday of the year.
All this talk of food has me curious about Dinner Project II.
I've had a brand new pair of running shoes sitting in my closet for months. I need to put 'em to use. Its getting started that's the hard part, but at least I could eat whatever I want...."in moderation"! Like you...I just can't do that low-carb thing.
We always go to my husband's Aunt's house for T-giving. It's nice - most of the family is there and Punkin gets to see her cousins. But there's only so much small talk I can stand. Thank goodness no one gets mad if you go off by yourself for a walk after dinner.
Hey -- Get yourself out to the Turkey Trot! There's a fun run around Zinc Lake at 31st and Riverside... WoooHOOO!
You're bound to have better weather than we will at the Turkey Trot here: http://www.epturkeytrot.homestead.com/
I think it's supposed to be maybe 25 degrees -- after rain/snow -- yikes! on Wednesday!
Get your a$$ moving, mi amigo!!! Turkey and weird marshmallow dishes always taste better after a run in the a.m....
Shameless plug for the Tulsa running club events:
http://www.tulsarunningclub.com/events.asp