First, the small details:

It’s past midnight.  I have an early morning meeting tomorrow that periodically pops into my mind.  “Get some rest,” is what the voice says.  The computer behind me is making whirring noises, I’m not sure whether it’s on the brink of failure or if it’s dust caught in the fan.  Doesn’t matter.  I should shower.  Got back from a long walk – Killiney to Scotts to the last train heading towards Marina Bay.  Work was okay, minus an angry e-mail sent from an Australian customer, the day was mixed with a smattering of good chats, productivity, and a pleasant social call.

I got some exercise in too.  Beijing 2008, here I come.

It’s Thanksgiving today.  From Wikipedia: “A celebration of being thankful for what one has”

I like Thanksgiving.  The week leading up to it is the start of the holiday season for me.  Where moods lift, food becomes plentiful, and if you’re in the right place – the weather turns cool and crisp.  Yes, in Singapore it stays tropical, but the decorations and fake snow get applauded for effort.

A lot of people pause on Thanksgiving and think about what they are thankful for.  Which is good, we should take time to do that.  Better yet, recognize those things and appreciate it year round.

Aside from the common gratitude towards family, friends, and special people, there are random things I am thankful for.

·         The Republicans are no longer in control of the United States government

·         I can be entertained by mass-produced (thus readily available) TV shows such as Lost & Prison Break.

·         T-shirts are allowed at work

·         I know a good video game shop in Sim Lim Square

Thanksgiving reminds me that I’m American.  I miss Thanksgiving dinner.  Back in the US families sit at the dining table in front of a large, hopefully brown juicy turkey.  Cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, and potatoes are common.  Everyone eats, the turkey turns into an unrecognizable hulk of white meat – enough to refrigerate and eat as leftovers for a few more days.  The tryptophan sends the adults into a deep nap.  That’s a great feeling, sleeping in front of a TV.

Singapore is a difficult place to celebrate Thanksgiving.  Pumpkin pie is rare.  Turkey ends up dry.  Stuffing is unheard of.  Mashed potatoes are made from instant powder.  The horror!  It’s okay, I found a restaurant serving a feast tomorrow night.  We’ll see how it goes.

Food-wise, I’m sure it will beat the Thanksgiving of 2000 when Moshe and I cooked Cornish Game Hen and Lamb Tongue for our meal.  The hen was great, I made it.  The tongue, well, it’s hard to find recipes for lamb tongue, and in hindsight it isn’t the type of food one should experiment with.  Chewy.

Have a happy and wonderful Thanksgiving.