Pros and Cons of Thanksgiving

Well, the long weekend has past and I feel rejuvenated yet not ready to come back to work. But in mulling over the events of the past few days, I have decided to make a pros and cons list of Thanksgiving. So here goes:

Pros
The food: There's always plenty to choose from, and I usually eat too much...
Family: It's great to see everyone after not seeing them for months, especially Chris' grandmother - Arlene - she's an amazing woman and though she's sweet as can be, she'll tell it like it is. I respect that in a person. No bull crap!
Weather: in Georgia and Tennessee, the last Thursday in November usually means beautiful colors and cool temperatures. This year it was a little cooler than usual, but it's nothing like what we would be feeling up north.
Traveling: Though being in a car is not the best way to have fun, it allows us to have a great view. Driving from Rome to Cleveland, we tend to take Highway 225 quite a bit, which is SO beautiful and beats the interstate any day.
Babies: Though you probably wouldn't think I even like kids from some of my past blogs, I really do. And on Thanksgiving I get to see lots of babies/kids. My favorites include: Kylee, Hannah, Sarah (all at the age of 3 and all with their own personality), Isaac (who I didn't get to see this year but is the smartest kid I know), Cadence and the new addition to the family, Josiah (yeah, that's his name - the parents are very much into biblical names). All of these kids make me laugh. And best of all, I get to play with them and then give them back.
Chris: It's always good to have a day, or a few days, off with my favorite person in the whole world!
Reflection: It's a great time to think about all the blessings in our lives!

Cons
The food: Yeah, there's plenty of it, but I seem to be a little pickier than I once was. People may get offended, but I don't like stuffing with a half pound of sage in it, dry turkey, flat biscuits, gravy that is congealed or dessert that is nothing but pure sugar!
Family: I love them, but oh my gosh! Chris' dad's side of the family is great. There's like 40 people in one house and we all seem to get along and just enjoy being together. Then we go to Debbie Downer's house, where we'll hear about the latest death in town or get chewed out for not visiting enough (and they wonder why we don't visit more often). Then there's my family, which is a mix of good and crazy! I love seeing all of them, especially my brother Matt and his family and my sister. My other brother hasn't shown up for a family gathering in about three or four years, and my mom always seems to make it about her, even just for a few minutes... But, like I said, I love 'em!
Birthday: Like a few years in the past, my birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year. Some people think this is great. No, it's not. I don't like sharing MY day with a turkey or that part of the family that is on the cons list. No one remembers it's your birthday, and maybe they wouldn't anyway. But I wouldn't be around to see that they forgot. It really doesn't piss me off as much as it sounds like. I have a great husband who always makes me feel special. Also, my awesome best friend and I have made a pact to make each other's birthday special since a) we are getting older and no one cares and b) my birthday falls a month before Christmas and hers falls about two weeks after Christmas. We both always get the old "well, this is your birthday AND your Christmas present." Nice...
Weight gain: I don't think I actually gained any weight, but it felt like it. I tried to do moderation each day, but when there's like 1,000 calories per three bites, it gets difficult. Oh well! I'll just have to run my ass off... literally!
Abandonment: I have to leave my dog too much around the holidays. I mean, everyone gets to bring their snotty, coughing, screaming kids. (here I go sounding like I don't like kids again) Why can't I bring my sweet puppy? Yeah, she sheds and licks people a lot but that's it! She'll help entertain the children, eat scraps off the floor and is happy to see everyone. One of these days I'll convince everyone that dogs are better than most people!

So that's it I guess. I'm sure you all share some of these feelings about your own Thanksgiving celebrations. Overall, I really had a great weekend and hope you all did, too!