last night on earth

Thanksgiving Traditions

I remember celebrating Thanksgiving when I was a kid, so excited because it meant we could finally put up our Christmas tree (dad’s rule). Not that we didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving (we did, my family loves to eat), but I just thought of it as a kick-off to my favorite time of year. As many cookies as I could eat, presents, time with family, Christmas songs on the radio all day, every day…

It wasn’t until I moved away from my family that I realized how much I treasured our Thanksgiving Day traditions. I try to sprinkle them in now, as we start to develop our own family traditions. Here’s what I’m looking forward to next week:

  • Catching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade while cooking
  • Playing board games (most likely Last Night on Earth, although I miss playing Scrabble with my mom)
  • Setting the table – my favorite centerpiece is a collection of mismatched candles
  • Reaching out to family and friends (this year I plan to make more phone calls instead of texting cute turkey emojis)
  • Sharing a nice bottle of wine or champagne with Alex
  • Listening to jazzy Christmas music
  • Spending a few minutes talking about what we’ve been thankful for this past year
  • Watching Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  • Getting out just a few Christmas decorations (I’ve decided that tree-trimming deserves its own special day)

Looking over my to-do list above, I’m grateful I have a job that doesn’t require me to work on Thanksgiving (or the day after, for that matter). Because I spent many holidays away from my family due to a work schedule, I am more careful about how I support companies that have open hours on holidays. I get the fun of Black Friday shopping, but when you think about a mom who had to go to bed early on Thanksgiving so she could be awake at 4am to get to work the next day… 50% off a TV doesn’t really seem to matter. At least to me, I guess. Remember to laugh, love, and be thankful next week – even if your crazy uncle gets on your nerves.

Introducing Ashley // MMD Contributor

I’m so excited to introduce you to my BFF (and favorite travel/adventure buddy) – Ashley! She will be sharing posts on some of her interests, like cooking and staying fit. Ashley has been a huge inspiration to me (also, isn’t she the prettiest!?) and I’m excited for her to share some of her favorite recipes and fitness challenges!

Meet-Ashley-MMD-Contributor

I am a food addict. I’m actually eating right now as I type this at 12:52 am. It’s an apple though. With maple almond butter. Healthy, right? I figured it was better than the three peanut butter cups I had before it.  I’m Ashley. Misty is my BFF. I’m honored that she asked me to guest post for MMD. It’s hard to decide what things are the most important to share with you, but here’s what I’ve got:

  • I pick up everything with my toes. Everything. The other day, I picked up a slice of cucumber that rolled off my salad with my toes.
  • I began fostering kittens for the Maryland SPCA this year. It’s one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life.
  • Cheese is my biggest weakness. Or chocolate. No, cheese. Dang it, I want another peanut butter cup.
  • I’m training for a half marathon next month in San Francisco. I use the term “training” loosely, as I’m really just occasionally walking or jogging and I’m going to do it regardless of how well I train. I will probably also regret that decision.
  • When I was 21, I resolved to travel to at least one new place each year. I’ve been to multiple countries in Europe and am planning a trip to Australia next year with Misty.
  • Hozier is my current obsession. Have you heard his music? If not, I highly recommend listening to “Take Me to Church” at the very least.
  • Maybe I have two obsessions right now. Have you played HearthStone? It’s an addicting online game to which I’ve devoted many hours. I also enjoy Last Night on Earth, Settlers of Catan, and many other board games.
  • Every time I have played “Two Truths and a Lie” with new people, one of my truths was that I was born with a tooth.
  • I dip my fries in mayonnaise. Everyone should dip their fries in mayonnaise.
  • I like making bulleted lists.

I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences with you. I love to talk – especially about food. I already have a few recipes I plan to share in the coming months. Those things seem more interesting than knowing that: I’m about to be 30, I’ve lived in Columbia, MD since I was 11, and I’m a Business Manager at a marketing company. I’m fortunate to be where I am in life and I’m looking forward to sharing a part of my journey with you.