A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

thanksgiving

Changing traditions

Years ago, when I first turned 21 and beyond, one of the best days of the year was Thanksgiving Eve.

People came back to the area and would all congregate at local establishments to have a few cordials and some good chat. There were always two types of crowds, too — the older ones and the younger ones. It was usually split by time — the older crowd usually started and ended earlier than the younger crowd.

I haven’t been out on one of these nights in probably 5-6 years. When I last did it, a couple of friends successfully talked me into going out and we kind of stood away and chatted with some people. I won’t lie — it was a fun time. But, we went out probably in the 8-9 p.m. range and were done by 11:30-12. So, we had officially joined the older crowd, which was fine.

The other thing is I think back to when we used to do it and it was before the technological boom. Not that I’m some old fart, but I do remember the days when smartphones and such didn’t rule the world. Those were the days when people came into a bar, had a drink or two, and talked to other people.

Times they have changed, however. Booming prices, a different crowd, and just the lack of interest in going out anymore has made this night like any other, outside of having the next day off. This night was spent watching South Park.

This tradition is no different than when we used to play “touch” football every Thanksgiving morning. I look outside and see all this snow and thing… no way! Back in the day, this would have made it better.

Traditions they change with time … and it’s not always a bad thing.

How about you out there? Any Thanksgiving traditions you still do or have changed?

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Be thankful

It’s Thanksgiving in the United States.

And, depending on how you celebrate it, it could be with a turkey, trimmings, much more food, and football. Some families do other things, be it games or going outdoors or whatever else. Some people work. Some people just relax. It truly depends.

I’ve a lot to be thankful for the past couple of years, including being employed, improved health, family, and friends.

Even during my stretch of unemployment, I always tried to stay upbeat and thankful. Remember, as bad as you think you may have it, there’s a good chance there are many out there who have it worse.

If you are reading this, the odds are really good there are others who have it worse. So, I always try and keep things in perspective.

On this day, I implore you to be thankful for what you have.

In other words, next time you are in line at a Starbucks or something and have to wait 10 minutes for that $6.00 latte, remember how many people would love that $6 just to survive.

When you get fired up because somebody is taking their time on the road, be thankful you can afford a car and be able to drive places.

Or, if you are that person driving slowly, remember that people often are trying to get places, so maybe consider pulling over and letting people pass by – and be thankful that you have the ability to take your time and look at everything around you.

If you don’t like your job or think you are underpaid, think twice about complaining to too many people and be thankful you have a job. There are still many people unemployed who would likely trade spots with you in an instant. And if you aren’t where you want to be professionally or in life, be thankful we live in a country where you can work to change that.

Be thankful gas prices are dipping (sometimes), which might make it possible for you to travel and see loved ones.

Stop, sometimes, to “smell the roses.” In other words, watch what is going on around you so you can take a breath and enjoy life every so slightly. Life is short and precious, so appreciate everything you have and have worked for. Remember others. Smile. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the little things in life.

We all have our pet peeves – me included – but even when I get a little bent out of shape now, I take a deep breath and try and put it in perspective. Things can always be worse. Take the whole picture into consideration.

Enjoy today and be thankful. Eat some turkey. Watch some football. Spend time with family and/or friends. It’s what this day should really be about.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!