After putting up the Christmas Tree, Gerti was ready to fly back to Chicago, she hadn't curled up in her carrier since last year, but look where I found her! We both wanted to be with the family so badly! Wednesday night Paul and I made a yummy dinner together, spaghetti carbonara. It was a HUGE and filling meal but very good for our first time making it. I think we both would do some things differently next time but it was a good first attempt for sure. Then I made 2 batches of cookies, Ginger Molasses and Pumpkin and Paul did laundry. We finished the night catching up to Weeds. Anyone watching this season of weeds? Paul and I have mixed feelings about it but last weeks episode was a winner, finally!
Hungry boy ready to eat! (mind you he had almost a whole bag of pretzels and cheese sticks before dinner, so by the time dinner came, he wasn't that hungry! so bad!)
Our delicious dinner! So rich and filling, but excited to try it again! Thursday morning we got up early and got ready for the day. Before leaving the house Paul and I were able to video chat with my family. This was the first time he met everyone but my mom so while it was virtual, it was still great! Of course seeing my family via computer isn't the same, but thank goodness for technology. It was amazing seeing everyone. My brother always makes me laugh, and my whole family puts a huge smile on my face. Paul did just fine meeting everyone too and I am so excited to actually bring him to my parents house in Chicago so he can meet people in person!
From there we drove south to the Peninsula, where Paul grew up. He was suppose to have a water polo tournament but long story short, it didn't happen. He took me to his old High School, drove around town and took back roads to Redwood City, where his papa lives. We stopped by the first Starbucks he worked at, and wondered around for awhile. It was really beautiful. The trees were changing colors and it felt like a version of small town home. I was so excited that I was actually clapping in the car! It was a lovely start to the day. I forget what hometowns are like. It was amazing to hear stories of where he use to go, what he use to do and where he grew up! I can't wait to show him not only Chicago but Iowa, whew will that be an experience for him!
We made it to his dads house and there we helped his step mom and sister bake while we watched the end of the parade and then the dog show. And really by "helped" we sat and watched and nibbled on the goodies! Paul showed me around the house, showed me pictures and told me stories. It was lovely.
From there his sister, Paul and I loaded into my car and heading back towards SF (right outside SF) where we had Thanksgiving dinner with his papa's family. It was the first time I ever met his two aunts on that side of the family and a few of his cousins. It was a pleasant evening and we sat at the dinner table for hours. Dinner was great, and we pretty traditional, except we had rice! Never have I had rice at Thanksgiving :) Paul showed me around his Abuelita's (his dads mom) house where he lived for awhile with his papa and sister when his parents were divorced. The evening ended by 9 and that was good because we ate so much we were exhausted! We went home, slept it off and prepared for Thanksgiving #2.
On Friday we went to his Abuela and Abuelo (his mom's parents) house in Fremont (a little suburb south east of SF). Now this side of the family speaks primarily Spanish when they are together and are much louder and livelier than his dad's side, but it was a blast. His mom's side of the family is very loving towards me and I couldn't have appreciated it more. Music was playing, people were dancing, 20 conversations were going on at once, lots of eating and drinking, we brought the dog so he was running around like crazy, games were being played, it was just a great evening. The food was filling and full of fat in the best way possible. We had a great night. The evening ended with Cuban espresso and coffee (yes I had a double shot of Cuban espresso and a cup of Cuban Coffee and still was exhausted...the food was just that good!) I was able to talk to his Grandparents for awhile too when we were drinking our coffee and it was great to get to know them even better. Both of them don't speak English very often so they were giving me pointers on how to start learning how to speak Spanish. But never was there judgment that I don't speak their language, I think they just appreciated knowing that I want to learn, and I really do!
The family has welcomed me in with open arms and although Paul and I have come from 2 very different backgrounds it was so nice to feel at home even though my home is so far away.
So this Thanksgiving I am thankful for (this is a short list out of many many things I could say):
1. A family who loves me so much that I can honestly feel them with me even though I am 3,000 miles away. My family is the greatest and I am so lucky to have their love and support through everything I do.
2. A boy who I am very much in love with. Who treats me like a queen and would never have dreamed of letting me spending Thanksgiving alone so opened his family up to me. He spoils me and cares for me more than I ever thought I would want to be cared for and I am amazed by all he is. He is an unexpected treasure to say the least!
3. My dream job. Who would have thought a gypsy dancer would find a dance job that "pays the bills" and I love so much! I Can't believe I was able to find this job so quickly outside of college, but it is made for me and I love it! And to top it off, I work with some of my best friends in SF! How lucky am I?
4. A beautiful cat who brightens each and everyday. I love coming home to her and knowing that she loves me unconditionally! She is one of the most amazing creatures and I can't believe my mom bought her for me a on a random August afternoon in San Francisco, but wouldn't be the same without her!
5. I am truly and utterly thankful that in 2 weeks I will be on an airplane (with Gerti) to Chicago to see my best friends and family. Wow have I missed them all and I can't wait to give everyone a giant hug and I know I will cherish each and every moment I get with them. While I will miss Paul so much that its kinda hard to think about, I cannot wait to be back in the Midwest, to see snow (I hope) and to be with the people who know me best!
I failed to take pictures of our Thanksgiving...so bad of me, I know. Next year? And believe me, I am sure I will take plenty of photos come Christmas!!
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