Thanksgiving

SCENE: During a company orientation As an icebreaker, we were asked to think of an adjective or verb that starts with the FIRST letter of our nicknames and that would appropriately describe ourselves. We both have names that start with the same letter. I teasingly introduced myself as "LOVELY L..... He said: Hi, I am LUCKY Lito. Since then, we would often use the same one-word description whenever we conducted or attended training sessions. You are "lucky" indeed and the world is "lucky" to have you back. I am happy that everything worked out well. It is really an occasion to celebrate. Welcome back home Lucky Lito! Clearly, you have more work to do. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Today is thanksgiving. I remember when I was still living in Boston this was one of the few occasions when I would experience tremendous homesickness. Thanksgiving is a big thing in the U.S. and a lot of families would get together and have a huge feast to celebrate. I had a difficult time moving away from home the very first time because I really missed my family during special occasions such as this. And so, I would end up visiting my relatives and spend the long weekend with them but of course it was not the same as being with my "real" family. I am sure I am just like several thousands of Pinoys all over who miss their families on special occasions, and now with the Christmas holidays coming. We don’t really celebrate thanksgiving here in Europe but nonetheless today, I would like to think of all the things that I have to thank for. Admittedly, the past four months have been quite tricky--with me adjusting in a country where English is not the first language, jobless (for the first time in several years) and waiting for my residency status. Nevertheless, 2004 has been a good year for me so I really have nothing to complain about. I just want to remind myself that there are a lot of things to thank for despite the little difficulties. Hubby will take the day off tomorrow so for us weekend will officially start tonight. We’re spending the weekend again in Amsterdam to meet up with friends and take them around before they leave for Manila. Anyway, happy thanksgiving to all my family, friends and fellow bloggers who are celebrating thanksgiving in the U.S. and have a good weekend everyone! Keep warm :-)