Gobble It Up!

There it is. The world' largest gingerbread house. It's at Mall of America in Minnesota, out of all places.

When i told coworkers i was going to Minnesota for Thanksgiving, people frowned and grimaced. Why Minnesota? Who in their right mind would choose to go there? Their reaction suggested.

I got to spend some time with relatives and friends. Family not related by blood who welcomed me in their home anyway, and showed me a good time. The next day I got to take a cab, feeling all city-girly (in California, it'd be called "tourist without a rental"), and i actually had a lively chat with the Nigerian driver.

In addition, i got to explore the night scene of Minneapolis for the first time. It's really a cool place, i have to say. Compared to the hole it was 13 years ago when i visited for the first time, the place has really boomed. You see manifestations of globalization everywhere. Seriously, they did NOT have sushi back then. And i had to be grateful for the "heat wave" they'd been having - during daytime we'd actually hit the 40's.

Best of all, i got to know my cousins a little better as adults. They are really cool people. We had such a good time just goofing and chatting. I actually started to take in the infectious holiday cheer.

Actually, come to think of it, the best aspect was that i didn't have to endure a night of sobriety.

Given, by the day i had to fly back home, i was anxiety-ridden and not there at all.

When i got home, Sweet Jesus, there was a whole bunch of email waiting for me, from people i actually want to hear from, god bless their hearts. Including York II. I guess the holiday spirits of forgiveness and generosity got to him.

I'm glad he wrote. For Lord knows i would've never had closure.

And now i shall indulge in 4 hours of taped TV shows and Netflix films. Life is good.