Thanksgiving Cheer(s)

So, I guess I forgot to add the very important addendum at the end of my last post: even with all the idiocy I managed to produce, I still got here to London, and I'm learning all kinds of things and meeting great people and seeing lots of theatre (yes, I am now consistently spelling that word British-ly, and feeling just slightly pretentious every time I do. Phoo).

Obviously, the fact that I'm here is a miracle, so yay for miracles!

Thanksgiving in London was a blast - the Brits in my program made a point of wishing every American student in the group a "Happy Thanksgiving!" as we came in to class Thursday morning. (Yes, it was weird having class on Thanksgiving.) They were just as, if not more than, excited about this "extra" holiday than we were! A guy in my program was hosting a Thanksgiving dinner and everyone was invited - we ended up with about 35 people from two different theatre programs (which is a word I just cannot bring myself to use the British spelling for) crammed into a nice/tiny little house with all different kinds of foods, both "traditional American" and British contributions. We laughed, ate, climbed all over each other, stuffed ourselves with turkey, mashed potatoes, candied yams, and mush (mashed-up vegetables - much tastier than it sounds). Just like your family dinner! I even made an apple pie from scratch (mainly because you can't get canned pie filling over here) and it worked out much better than it had any right to. (Also, you can become the party hero by bringing the extra apple slices - because naturally, you'll end up with about double the amount you need - and caramel sauce/dip. It was like the second coming of chocolate.)

While we were eating, I got everyone to experience the "tradition" of naming one thing they were grateful for. There were lots of people who were thankful for friends, for the chance to experience the holiday, just for being together and having fun. That really summed up the whole night, and was wonderful.

Nearly as wonderful was the other "tradition" I got everyone to participate in: at my family's Thanksgiving gatherings, we always sing a special song after the meal. We've done it for as long as I can remember, and it brings a warm glow to the heart. Everyone jumped in enthusiastically on the chorus, which goes like this:

Oh, Mister, Mister Johnny Brubeck

How could you be so mean?

I told you you'd be sorry for inventing that machine.

Now all the neighbors' cats and dogs will never more be seen,

They'll all be ground to sausages

In Johnny Brubeck's machine!

Touching, right?

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And other reasons to be thankful: the new Josh Groban CD came in the mail this morning, it's sunny in London today, I have a couple of appointments lined up to look at rooms (I'm going to be moving again - also a good thing), and I'm seeing Jersey Boys (the Musical) tonight!

Thanks to all of you for reading and caring and occasionally commenting and supporting me in this craziness! Loves!