The day after Thanksgiving and no shopping. I've not been shopping on the day after Thanksgiving in many years because I've not been on the mainland US on that momentous occasion since 2000. It was a great time that year. My mom came to Tallahassee to stay the night with me in the dump I was living in without heat. We got up at 5:00am to be in line at Toys-R-Us with the other sale maniacs looking to save on Christmas gifts. I wanted the Princess Amadala doll and a Furby or two for some friends' children that year. We also went to Best Buy to get cheap CD's. The highlight of the day was going to Governor's Square Mall and seeing Tiffany perform songs from her new album. Yes, the same "I Think We're Alone Now" Tiffany of 80's fame. It was so fantastic. My mom and I had a great day. I miss spending quality fun time with her like that.

My family has a hard time having fun together. It's always been like that. We don't have a lot of patience with one another so we easily irritate each other. A family gathering turns into a questioning and correcting fest, fun for the whole family. I'm just as guilty as any other member of my family of doing this, but I'm probably the one it has affected the most. Maybe that's why I'm so neurotic. I'm not relaxed around my family. I don't think they get me, and I'm pretty sure I don't get them. I don't know my brothers at all. We were not friends during my teenage years, and I hit the door running after graduating from high school. Only occasionally do I look back. It's kind of sad.

Thanksgiving is a time for families. It's the only big holiday in the US is not about gimme, gimme, gimme. You don't have to buy the best gift, give flowers or chocolates or worry about if you've bought the right size. It's a day for you to gather with those you love and share a nice meal. I think that's great.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.