Home At Last Part 1

Wednesday was quite difficult to go through because I had to wait paitently for my father to come and get me from VCU. Had it not been raining, I would have been fine, but the tragic formation of a Coastal Storm that brought flooding rains and howling winds to much of Virginia, definently dampened all of my spirits. But alas, I did prevail by watching an entire series of Yugioh episodes and talking to the handful of people on the floor. At 2:00, the time that the residence hall closed, my dad arrived at the front and I said goodbye to Johnson Hall. I loved being there however, it was time to come home and see family and take a break from living the fast paced life.

The ride home was quite pleasant perhaps. I fell asleep after attempting to play some of my game and then I woke up when I saw the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel. This is a fantastic piece of Hampton Roads. I loved seeing the really choppy waters with birds sitting on the tops of the waves, it was a sight to behold. I missed seeing the fisherman though.

The next spot on the ride home was to go to one of my favorite malls, Chesapeake Square Mall. Loe and behold right upon entering I saw one of the people whom I used to work with at Wendy's. Truly, no matter where I go I always see someone I know. I went to the mall and followed my brother to the EB games store and debated on whether or not getting a game. I knew that I shouldnt get a game so I didnt, but it was hard to resist the urge. My dad went to get a gift for their anniversay on today.

We left steadfastly and came home to see my stepmom. I was gladdened to finally see her. Talking on the telephone weekly was good but seeing face to face is even better. I had to rush out to go with Phylicia to her families place for dinner once I got home, sadly. We went somewhere in Chesapeake I believe and we ate some food (it was my first time having Banana Pudding and it was good, apart from the bananas, I cant remember the last time I had one). Her family nearly reminded me of mine in Florida, in which everyone crowds into a house and eats from lots of food and talks. Except the house in Florida was much smaller, had more people, and was even hotter, but it had my Grandma in it so it made it even better (oh yeah and my favorite cousin, Shamar). We talked for a while and then left after a few hours.

Thanksgiving opened up with brand new things in store for our days. Upon waking up, we left out for Fourth Baptist Church. This is my favorite churchs in the world, quaint yet large, large yet familiar, friendly yet classy. At church we made thanksgiving dinners for the friends, family, elderly, and hungry of the community and it was fun. I loved scooping out the stuffing/dressing unto the plates. It was a challegne though, as I had to attempt to scoop enough of the three pans to last through 200+ plates. But we managed and ran out with the final one made. Whoever made the fried turkey was great and those mashed potatoes were excellent! I want to do it again next year and serve food again.

Thanksgiving dinner took place at my Grandma's house (on my stepmom's side). It was another fun event in which I got the chance to see my immediate family (three aunts, three uncles, four cousins and a husband, and an unborn child). I loved grandma's collard greens and string beans and hope to have more soon. VCU Shafer Dining Court can even beat the Macaroni and Cheese, it seems like that ever since I got there that homecooked food seemed better and better.

I have learned that Thanksgiving is not only an eating event but an event for people to unite under a common cause. Through the serving of food, the partaking of dinner, and the communitcating with family and friends, you truly do realize how thankful you are to have them in your life.