Turkey (Or Rather Tostada) Day!

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! What with my loving family (both in the US and my host-family here in Germany), creative and fun friends (some of whom happen to be in college, others in high school, and a few in gymnasium), and simply the fact I'm healthy and alive, you could say my "List of Thanks" is pretty stacked at the moment. So of course today's the day to celebrate!

There may not be turkey, but there sure is tasty!

I met up with a some other exchange students in the area (87% of the group was from the US) and had a good ol' all-American dinner at a Mexican restaurant in downtown Aachen. Nothing says "present day Thanksgiving" like tostadas and some quality guac! It was a little weird wandering through the Weihnachtsmarkt this evening on the way there, though, I've got to admit. Santa should still be enjoying his siesta.

But let's be honest, any season is alphorn season.

But returning to the theme of thankfulness, yesterday I got some very awesome, very tangible things to be happy about. I had my interview/job briefing with the organizer of a local program that prevents elderly people in the area from feeling isolated. It pairs volunteers like me with a local senior who I'll visit, help with tasks like grocery shopping, and just be a buddy to in general. Anyway, one of the tasks with the seniors is to do a bit of fitness together. The program organizer gave me a hot pink workout band that I'll be using during "Fitness With Lily" once a week with my 96-year-old local senior buddy. Getting the band made me feel more official and really a part of the program.

Lily = Happy x Psyched ^ 67220000000

Then, at soccer, my coach gave me the best early Christmas present ever-- a Burtscheid Turnverein (BTV) team windbreaker! Not only is it a great practice jacket, it's my first team apparel here in Germany. Woo! Not taking it off until July! (Or when it starts smelling funny.)

Celebrating with my American kinsfolk, Grace and Erich.

I hope everyone has a fantastic and safe Thanksgiving and please make sure to eat a piece of pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream for me-- I've got the Aachener Printen covered.