"Gobble Gobble Gickel"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ok, so we celebrate it about a day before everyone in the U.S. due to the time zones, but I suppose that just means I get 2 days to celebrate it.

There is so much to be thankful for, that I decided to make a list: (I was inspired my a friend of mine.)

1. I'm thankful for family and friends, and I know that's a huge cliche, but it's true.
2. I'm thankful for my family that, even though I'm half-way across the world, they still support my decision to live away from them. 
3. . ...and that they put up with the fact that I've missed almost every holiday and family function the past year and a half.
4. I'm thankful for my friends who call me just to know how my day went, who miss having me around, and even though they desperately want to see me on a semi-regular basis, allow Skype chats, photo uploads, and random Facebook messages to replace me.
5. I'm thankful for my girlfriend - who cares for me, loves me, and supports me, and is one of the most amazing people. 
6. I'm thankful for my job, which I enjoy on most days.
7. ...and even when I'm having a bad day, I may complain, but it's better than working a job I hate, being unemployed, suffering depression, or dealing with bankruptcy.
8. I'm thankful for kimchi - food of the Gods. (and a good food to help you lose weight)
9. I'm thankful for my health - even though I have visited doctors more this year than any other, at least it's not because of anything serious.
10. I'm thankful for being happy - the happiest I've been in a long time.
11. I'm thankful for Korean friends and co-workers - who even though we have our misunderstandings and miscommunications, are some of the most incredible and kind people I've met.
12. I'm thankful for mandu - because I need to eat it at least once a week.
13. I'm thankful for Apple Computers - because my MacBook and iPod make my life so much easier and entertaining!
14. I'm thankful for a roof over my head - especially one that the school pays for
15. I'm thankful for clothing that fits me - not just because losing 30lbs feels amazing, but NOT feeling ginormous compared to Asians feels AWESOME!
16. I'm thankful for Seoul - because it's one of the biggest cities with a plethora to experience every weekend.
17. I'm thankful for SNSD (Girls' Generation) because --- well---have you seen them? 
18. I'm thankful for being able to travel and see the world: Korea, Japan - next Thailand?
19. I'm thankful for freedom - something I take for granted at times, but something I'm thankful to the people in the past and present who protect and defend it.
20. I'm thankful for laughter - because without it, the world would be a dark and boring place.

My Thanksgiving took place in Ansan (about 20 min south-west of Gunpo) where I met up with friends at a bar that serves smoked turkey legs. Turkey is pretty uncommon to find, and very expensive. Also, not many people have ovens to cook it!

It was a decent meal and we all ate and drank a lot. 

Some more than others...

 

I hope everyone had a great Turkey Day!