I have a confession. We’re going on day three of our long four-day weekend, and I have to admit that I don’t mind going back to work on Monday. It’s weird having so much free time, and it’s a strange feeling to not have things to do. For example, we had nothing–absolutely nothing–on our plates today. So, aside from going out to return a shirt and check out a knitting store, I’ve been home all day.

But an open schedule and relaxation (and a job that I love that is waiting for me on Monday) are just some of many things I should be thankful for, especially as we just celebrated Thanksgiving and should be counting our blessings.

This was the first Thanksgiving that Matt and I hosted, since last year, we went to Portland. On Thanksgiving night, Keba and Aaron (friends I’ve mentioned before, who moved here from the east coast), Jon (Matt’s childhood friend), Ashton (a girl we just met, who just moved here from D.C.), Matt and I did our best to devour two turkeys (one Chinese-style–think BBQ pork–and another deep-fried), mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, apple crisp, vanilla bean ice cream and pumpkin cheesecake. Despite our best efforts, we sent people home with leftovers.

It was a fun evening, though, starting with some cooking and then an exciting show of deep-frying the turkey (and figuring out how to rig it with a straightened hanger so it could be lifted in and out of the deep fryer). It came out with a dark, crisp skin and didn’t taste too bad. I’m just not a fan of turkey, so I’m all for eating some other sort of meat next year!

Phase one of Thanksgiving ended with a close game of Guesstures where the guys barely beat the girls. One of my favorite mimes was of Aaron acting out “joyride.” He pretended to be cruising down the street, leaning back in his seat, but then would break out into a show of joy by gleefully pumping his fist in the air.

Phase two of Thanksgiving began close to midnight when Keba, Aaron, Matt and I decided to drive up to Alderwood Mall, about 30 minutes north, which opened its doors at 12:01. We really had nothing to buy, but we were curious what this was all about. I think a large factor in our deciding to go was because we wanted to feel young again and enjoy our post-baby freedom (not like we’re planning anything soon, so don’t get excited!). Although it was kind of cool to be part of the hoopla, it was a disappointment to see that not all the stores were open. (Not to mention, it was sooo cold outside!!) The mall was packed with people who seemed to be just walking through the mall halls and not even entering stores. But even the stores were so crowded that browsing seemed more cumbersome than enjoyable. And the sales weren’t even that great, if there even were any. So an hour later, we headed home. But we did it, and now we’ll never have to wonder what it’s like.

Last night, we extended the Thanksgiving celebration by having dinner with the Chings and Wus, and finally met the Wus’ adorable new son, Grayson. Having that time with them–plus our Thanksgiving dinner the night before–reminded me how thankful I am for new and old friends we have here in Seattle who have become like family to us, since our families are so far away. It really is difficult to know how fortunate we are to have our families until we are away from them, but it also allows us to be more mindful of friends we are thankful for and how we hopefully can become friends and family to other people here.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, too! (Thanksgiving pics are up in the gallery
under “Fall 2007″!)