Turkey day is just around the corner and I couldn’t be any happier. The first food I think of when I think of Thanksgiving is always mashed potatoes. Sometimes with gravy, sometimes with a ‘lake’ (you know what I am talking about) of melted butter. Yum.
This year will be the second time that GTG and I have had dinner with each other’s families. Last year I think we both were timid about meeting the opposites family. My family, which has a bead on this blog and anything mentioned here will be a choice topic for conversation, was civil but wary of the hotty English teacher. She’s now liked more than I am - go figure. GTG’s family was tame as well but of course as a new person in the group you get the questions:
- Where did you go to school? (In my case I say ‘University of Illinois …. cough .. Springfield’ - under our graduation contract all alumni of UIS are allowed to get away with this)
- How did you meet? (always lie on this one… say the park)
- What do you do for a living? (avoid mentioning computers - you might be taking one home to fix)
- Brothers - Sisters? (Be careful how you answer this. Aunt Suzy may be looking to hook up her not so kind to the eyes daughter - I am just sayin’)
- Future plans. (This is like an interview question, think and prepare often. Here are some keywords: investing, new home, upgrade, healthy)
Then there is the topic of sports. I am not a huge sports person, but you have to have some picture of what is going on in the world of sports and mild to moderate knowledge of at least one. It is one of the biggest days for gnawing on a turkey bone and watching football and Uncle Bill is going to want to ask you football questions. If you can’t hang with the big dogs in football trivia hold up your red card and take yourself out of the game.
A. Switch sports. I prefer to bring up baseball. You may need to move to Nascar, polo, or basketball. Again watch it, Uncle Bill is an all seasoned couch potato.
B. Be the thoughtful listener. Respond with “Ohh really”, “I didn’t know that”, “How far did he go?”, “Kids these days”,”You’re sh!t’n me”.
C. Cranberries are the leading cause of diarrhea on Thanksgiving. Pull up a copy of Reader’s Digest and wait it out.
At the end of the day, take leftovers home. Grandmas do not like strangers who do not take leftovers home. She thinks it makes them shady and they are too good for her food.
Hopefully if you are the new person this year at Thanksgiving these pointers will help out.
Gobble, gobble.
I thought your new person helpful hints were pretty funny there shoofly.. although im not the new person and i guess i will never be again.. i found them to be rather amusing! See ya later!
When you move up here you get to eliminate the Springfield altogether…no one knows it even exists.
Thanks, Geezy! I swear my best writing and grammar comes out of me ten minutes before I go to bed.
Shoo, if you ever find yourself in a NASCAR conversation and you feel unprepared (although I doubt it after your visit to DAYTONA USA) you can always call me or text me, and I can supply you with great tidbits and rebuttals.
Important Facts for Holiday NASCAR Conversations:
Last weekend, Jimmie Johnson (#48 Lowe’s Chevy Monte Carlo) won the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup after a season full of adversity & disappointment. He took home a $6.2 million dollar prize.
The final race took place in Homestead (Miami) on Sunday. Jimmie only had to finish 12th or better to clinch the title. He finished 9th.
The actual race winner was Greg Biffle (#16 Subway/National Guard Ford Fusion).
Brownie Points: Mention that you called it after Jimmie won “The 500” (The Daytona 500).
Extra Brownie Points: Wonder out loud whether Ward Burton will get “a ride” in ’07. (Always use the word “ride.”) You can even speculate that Waltrip will pick him up for the Toyota Racing Team. It’s a long shot, but NASCAR fans will appreciate your bold predictions.
BTW…
PUJOLS WAS ROBBED!
Note to oldest child - we do like her more than you. She’s cute!
PS – Besides your appetite, what are you bringing on Thanksgiving and don’t say Sarah?
“bead on the blog”?? I’ve never heard that before - charming Shoo.
Betsy - Thanks for the Nascar tips. Really I think you can get away with just knowing how lil E’, Gordon, and Stewart are doing.
D - Cheezy Puffs and beer. Why, do I need to bring cheese sticks this year? Ohh, and Buddy.
Meliss- I’ve been reading my Blogging for Dummies book. It must be working.
Pujols was not robbed, Howard had the better stats and deserved the mvp
I’m cuter!! I’m bringing cranberry relish…and I’ll try to keep Shoo at home…but no promises.