Thanksgiving Memories

With the scent of turkey and fresh baked buns in the air, I decided to reminisce about my favorite Thanksgiving memories. And then I realized I didn't have any. I have memories of doing things on Thanksgiving weekends, like my dad inviting me to go hunting for the first time or going shopping with my mom or playing games at my aunt and uncles house. Nothing about the day stands out except general memories of being well fed and loved.

What I realized is that while I don’t have a favorite memory, I do vividly remember the worst ones. So I’m counting down my top three worst thanksgiving memories.

#3) I was in college and instead of going home to Montana for turkey, I was spending it with my aunt and uncle who live south of Seattle. This was the first time I've ever tried to drive anywhere the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Not being one to skip classes (yeah, I was one of those), I got a late start.out of McMinnville. Previously my experience with traffic was getting stuck behind the school bus or our grandma-like driver neighbor, Ben. This kind of “traffic” does not prepare a person for Portland and Seattle holiday traffic. Traffic turned what should have been no more than a 4 hour drive into almost an 8 hour drive. Nothing quite like driving up I-5 at walking speed to start off the holiday!

#2) The year my mom decided I needed to learn how to cook a turkey. She thought that I needed to learn how so someday I could cook a turkey for my own family. Here is what I learned: raw poultry (chicken, etc.) is gross. Raw turkeys are disgusting because they still have their innards. Who on earth decided it was a good idea to take the turkey apart and get it ready to cook, then stuff some innards back in? Gross, gross, gross. She hasn't made me help cook the turkey since.

#1) My worst Thanksgiving ever. I was young, maybe fourth grade. My mother decided that this was the year we were going to eat all the most disgusting vegetables available in one sitting. Admittedly, I was a picky eater then (and now), but there are a lot of things that I didn't eat as a kid that I eat now. But I still do not eat any of those repulsive vegetables to this day. Squash and brussel sprouts and yams, oh ewwww. I thought I was going to be sick. Apparently so did the 'rents because I was sent to sit in the bathroom while everyone else finished dinner. Nary a squash or brussel sprout has touched these lips since.

May your turkey be moist, your potatoes un-lumpy, and dessert plentiful. Happy Thanksgiving!