Thanksgiving 2009.

I spent Thanksgiving in Tokyo again this year.  It was my second.  This year, like last year, I had to work on the big day.  Depressing at best.  However, the work week ended and then I got in a quick phone call to the family as it was all winding down over at my my brother and sister-in-law's place.  So, that was nice, although it was definitely a sorry-ass substitute for eating and drinking with my family. 

Over the weekend, Jun and I celebrated properly.  We (rather, she) managed to find whole chickens at one of our local butcher shops.  They are awesome.  The evening before, we also picked up some bread and herbs for the stuffing, and a few nice microbrews and wine.  I looked for pumpkin pie, but failed terribly.  I think I'll probably just have to make one from scratch, if I can find the ingredients.  On Saturday, while I assembled our new storage box out on the porch, Jun skillfully whipped up the stuffing and threw the bird in the oven.  It's funny how we easily slipped into the stereotypical gender roles, although that's not always (or even usually) the case.  Later, as bird-eating time approached, I peeled up some potatoes and mashed them mercilessly and Jun completed the meal with a gravy, her first attempt.

Everything turned out great, except the gravy...although it tasted fine, it ended up looking like greasy, brown cottage cheese.  My potatoes were a bit on the dry side.  Next time, I'll be using more milk, I think. 

This year, I am thankful:  That my father is still alive.  That I have a wonderful and caring girlfriend.  That I have a fantastic family and friends.  That I have a stable job.  That my health is reasonably good.  That I can get up out of bed and walk, every day.