Thanksgiving in SoCal

My first Thanksgiving in 27 years away from my family. Traditions change as we get older but it still is hard bc I am such a tradition person...my mom has created such amazing memories and rituals for my brother and I so it is hard to give some of those up. However, that being said...I think this Thanksgiving was one of my favorites in a long time. It started off waking up at 6am to head to Balboa Park for a 5K Turkey Trot. Roxie came with and she even received and wore a bandanna for her participation...how cute! It was a gorgeous sunny and cloudless day so it felt nice to be out among 10,000 other San Diego peeps getting a little fresh air and exercise in.

After the walk it was too gorgeous to not continue spending time outside....so I grabbed Jake and we headed to Coronado Island with Rox in tow to play on dog beach. Barefoot with my feet in the sand on Thanksgiving in SoCal...yup...I can think of worse ways to spend Turkey Day.

After that it was back to my house for a little rest and then to start cooking for my dinner I was going to. My stepdad's family was so welcoming and warm towards me...most people I was just meeting for the first time. They made me feel right at home and even teased me and gave me a hard time...much like my own family does :) They were of course laughing at my "y'all", wondering where my accent went, and complimenting me on my politeness and manors...yup...my mom would have been proud! The once awkward, mean, short tempered teenager I used to be, has actually grown into a very charming adult...well...when I want to be at least ;)

I ended up having such a great time that I stayed waaaay longer than I imagined. I ended the night with Jake and our friend from h.s., Allison, who was in town visiting. We went to a local dive bar and then showed her a few cool spots in SD.

So while I missed my family, missed my Gran's biscuits, my mom's stuffing, and all my North Carolina relatives...I have to say...holidays are about being around good people, sharing good times, and being thankful....my Thanksgiving included all of those and more... so for that...I have to say...I am truly thankful for. However, I am still looking forward to Christmas in ATL with my family and our traditions. Only about 3 weeks to go!!!!!! The countdown has already begun of course!!!