Date: 11/14/2003 2:19:00 PM
From Authorid: 43807
ah. im sorry. that stinks.  |
Date: 11/14/2003 2:23:00 PM
From Authorid: 15232
Good idea. Or you could tell your friends (with your best sad face) that you're going to be all alone on Thanksgiving. Someone is bound to invite you over. If you lived near me, I'd invite ya!   |
Date: 11/14/2003 2:54:00 PM
From Authorid: 42945
awwwwww hun, you cant be alone for Thanksgiving, its not the same....if I lived over there you wouldnt be spending it on your own...hugs  |
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Date: 11/14/2003 3:27:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Gee Karen - sounds good on paper, but I don't have any friends here. I had a boyfriend who was my only friend, but he moved back home to New Jersey. Scall |
Date: 11/14/2003 3:37:00 PM
From Authorid: 34487
Oh my gosh...I'm SO sorry to hear this. I've spent one Thanksgiving alone and it was terrible. I can't imagine doing that almost every year. I can understand why you feel like you do, I'd be upset by the circumstances too. I can tell you, that so many here would LOVE having you as an additional to Thanksgiving (aka: "Turkey Day!" LOL). I live in Michigan, not sure where you are but I mean it, you're welcome here. I hav a lot of italians in my family and we consider anyone family that wants to be! I know that's an awkward thought though, spending holidays without family and with strangers. I pray some day, you'll have a family of your own and then you'll want to celebrate it the way you've been dreaming about. I wish your family realized how important family is and didn't take you for granted. Family does that sometimes, I know I'm guilty of doing that too. If you need someone to vent with, I'm always available. Big hug to you and God bless you!   |
Date: 11/14/2003 3:40:00 PM
From Authorid: 34487
Wow, I just noticed you're in Washington. I'm quite a ways from you but I know there some USMers in your neck of the woods! Who knows....  |
Date: 11/14/2003 4:10:00 PM
From Authorid: 15904
I'm all alone too.  |
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Date: 11/14/2003 4:43:00 PM
From Authorid: 34487
That's terrible...I'm sorry to hear that so many will be alone on Thanksgiving. I wish I could help. |
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Date: 11/14/2003 4:48:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Thanks for the support Donuts, Zema and You Choose. It does suck to be alone when the rest of the world is celebrating but I will survive -- that's why I think up obscure ways to spend the day -- so it is at least memorable instead of "just another day". Lighthouse - how is it you're alone for turkey day? Aren't you only like 16 or 17 years old? Where is your family!? |
Date: 11/14/2003 4:54:00 PM
From Authorid: 50864
We once my coworkers that is had an Unthanksgiving buffet We had foods normally served on other holidays like picnic stuff for Memorial, Labor and July 4th Cherry pie (President's Day) Corned Beef and cabbage St Pady's Day Colored hard boiled eggsa Easter, and popcornballs Halloween among other things  |
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Date: 11/14/2003 5:08:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Mrs. Strider - that is such an awesome idea! But I'm prolly not going to have a buffet for myself. But I really do like that idea. Scall |
Date: 11/14/2003 7:26:00 PM
From Authorid: 53558
Oh, I am so sorry to read this, Anna-1, if I lived near to you I would invite you over. Great big hugs. Take care.  |
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Date: 11/14/2003 9:40:00 PM
From Authorid: 34487
The Thanksgiving that I spent alone I tried to sign up to work in the Center where you serve the homeless their food but they had a waiting list. |
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Date: 11/14/2003 10:43:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Excactly "You Choose" - seems most charities need money more than bodies. I tried to donate some time but they had more than enuf volunteers and not enuf money - so I sent them $20 and decided to do my 3 day solidarity fast for all the other lonely and hungry people out there. I'm going to journal my saga here on USM. I don't think it's not a bad thing. I'll be praying for and meditating about all the lonely and hungry people in the world -- can't be all that bad. Scall |
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Date: 11/14/2003 11:32:00 PM
From Authorid: 34487
Well, I admire your desire to help others and your attempts to reach out. You're doing what you can and you're doing more than most people do for others. |
Date: 11/15/2003 2:06:00 AM
From Authorid: 53909
I'm sorry to hear that. I wish for once I could be able to have a nice Thanksgiving with a big family and friends. I have a real small family.  |
Date: 11/15/2003 5:49:00 AM
From Authorid: 15228
I live in Texas, eveyone is invited to my house who can make it, my family lives far away, my husband is in Iraq, no need to be miserable, I'm inviting other people to my house who are in the same situation as I am..so far 4 adults 3 children are coming. I guess I've been an Army wife long enough to know you have to make your own family where ever you are.  |
Date: 11/27/2003 12:44:00 AM
From Authorid: 45684
Thanks to Wal-mart, I will be unable to see my family...no no, I'm stuck here with crazy jerk boyfriend, along with phone calls from his guilt tripping family..I would rather be alone.  |
Date: 11/27/2003 1:00:00 AM
From Authorid: 53052
nah go for a drive set a destination and go exploring a town city place you have never been that is half the fun i hear victoria is always nice*LOL*  |
Date: 11/27/2003 1:10:00 AM
From Authorid: 39370
I know how you feel. I'm not gonna be totally alone, even though I might as well be since it's only my mom and dad and me. We were gonna go and visit my family (which I was really look forward to because it's been four years ago today since I've seen any of them). But, my dad decided at the last minute that he didn't feel like going. So, it looks like there isn't going to be much a Thanksgiving here at my house.  |
Date: 11/27/2003 2:36:00 AM
From Authorid: 62146
well go spend the thanks giveing with friends or just one person from your family that lives closest you don't have to gather your whole family up.  |
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Date: 11/27/2003 6:34:00 AM ( Admin-FA )
I am sorry Scall... *HUGS* If there was a way you know I'd have you be here instead of being alone. |
Date: 11/27/2003 7:08:00 AM
From Authorid: 56489
I'm sorry to hear of all that will be alone. If I cooked I'd have you all over. But that's hazardous to my heath, & probably to anyone elses, lol. Try to make the best of your holiday (hugs).  |
Date: 11/27/2003 7:37:00 AM
From Authorid: 54987
Having a hunger strike for the lonely... or even starving won't do anyone any good, including yourself. If you were to ask a lonely person or a hungry person what you should do in solidarity... they certainly would not say, "Go on a hunger strike for me!" They'd say, "Eat, eat, and be merry!" It's just my opinion right... but I think if all these kind of holidays weren't in our lives we might be much happier! Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year only serve to make us feel even more lonely and isolated. The suicide rate goes up dramatically during these holidays. You can get together any time throughout the year with your families... why make a certain day an obligation that can be difficult for them to fill? I often spend thanksgiving on my own and I love it. There are many who would love the chance to avoid those get-togethers. I don't give christmas presents out either. Now, before you call me a Scrooge... I want to say that I give presents whenever I feel like it... any time of the year and don't have to give a reason except to say, "I love you and this is to show my appreciation!"  |
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Date: 11/27/2003 8:30:00 AM
From Authorid: 54247
One Thanksgiving in the 1950s when I was in the USAF stationed in Texas, many of us WAFs would go to this restaurant off base - the owner was so nice. That Thanksgiving, he opened up just for the military - did all the cooking - no charge for the meal (did have a cup for voluntary contributions). We all got so taken away - we jumped in and helped in the kitchen. I wasn't a good cook, but helped washing dishes using my experience in KP (Kitchen Police - a mandatory assignment in the mess hall). Probably my best Holiday even though the base mess halls always had rather good ones, too. Wonder if they still call them "mess" halls today? Have a great day! RAT |
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Date: 11/27/2003 10:38:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
TECHNICOLOR: Dump the crazy jerk boyfriend a voila! alone ;-) |
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Date: 11/27/2003 10:40:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Ah LUCY RICARDO - hugs dear, maybe next year will be better. |
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Date: 11/27/2003 10:42:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Cosmic Freak: If you've been following this, you would see that I don't have any friends in Seattle - not even one. My closest relative (my mother) blew me off - I asked her if she wanted to come here for TG and she e-mailed me back to say no - she had other plans with friends - she did not invite me. I can't even gather 1 member. Maybe life is good for you that you could gather at least one person - but not everybody is as lucky as you. Have a happy thanksgiving |
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Date: 11/27/2003 10:44:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Thanks CHATMIN FA: I know and thank you so much. Maybe next year when I get to know ya'll better (chances are I'll be alone next year too...) |
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Date: 11/27/2003 10:46:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
LOL Aimless ;-) |
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Date: 11/27/2003 10:50:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
KOOLAID: why do you think fasting for 3 days and thinking about people who have it worse than me is a bad thing? It's a symbolic statement of solidarity (to be in union with) that makes me feel better than if I were eating a bowl of soup watching the tube. It's a spiritual thing... perhaps you cannot understand that. Throughout the day, I will be researching less fortunate cultures, I will be meditating (don't know if you know but starvation increases ability to meditate), learning Tai Chi, and doing a little reading - who cares if I don't eat? |
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Date: 11/27/2003 10:52:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Thanks RAT - what a great story! Life sure was different back then. |
Date: 11/27/2003 11:26:00 AM
From Authorid: 42792
You're not alone. You are here with friends. My man is out on the road working and I have no parents. I am here with my kids and my cousin may come over later (She usually doesn't get out of bed until 3). It kinda stinks but I am hanging out here and the other 2 sites, talking to everyone Cheer up!  |
Date: 11/27/2003 12:11:00 PM
From Authorid: 31531
Why don't you go to a shelter in your area and help give the homeless dinner ,I am sure there are places to go and help other people who are homeless and in nursing home.They would love to have someone too talk too.I know it not same as family but to warm their hearts with your kindness will help you too stop feeling l lonely .Just a thought, big hugs from me on this Thanksgiving day.  |
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Date: 11/27/2003 12:24:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
I am not depressed about being alone today. By choosing not to eat for 3 days - I AM doig something that makes me feel good. |
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Date: 11/27/2003 12:26:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
KASTI - if you read above, that was my first attempt and the response I got was "too many bodies [to help] - not enough money. So I sent them money and decided to do this instead -- I'm looking at it as a character builder - I am not lonely even though I am alone. Scall |
Date: 11/27/2003 7:36:00 PM
From Authorid: 62367
I know what you are going through. I have only been with family for Thanksgiving,3 times since I was 19, some 26 holiday's ago. I have a standing invitation to attend my best friend's celebration. Unfortunely, I am working a 12 hour shift today. I have spent the vast majority of my 26 Thanksgivings sans family alone. I usually will fix a traditional Thanksgiving meal for myself and my feline companions. Yes, dwelling on your circumstances can make you miserable. I am a person that requires a large amount of time for solitude so being alone is not something I fear or dislike. Would I like to be with my family? Of course I would. I simply make my home celebration just that personal celebration. I have done this at Christmas as well. I will not be left out of celebration or miserable. It is entirely up to me to be miserable or make an enjoyable day. I also think about the real things I have to be thankful for like a close family to miss and a job that I can complain about. You have found one answer. I have found another. Just being alone is not an excuse to be miserable or to participate in the holiday.  |
Date: 11/27/2003 8:07:00 PM
From Authorid: 12341
I wish you were closer, I would have loved to have you Scall. I missed my oldest daughter today so much, she lives in Florida and here I am in Ohio. I missed her so much.  |
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Date: 11/28/2003 5:50:00 AM
From Authorid: 54987
Scall I didn't say it was bad. You were talking about doing something in 'defiance' of the American culture. And you talked of 'hunger strike' not 'fasting'. You only mentioned 'spirituality' in your reply to me. If you meant it differently, then make sure your post puts across what you really mean. I have no problem with fasting ... it's good for the mind and body. Fasting is a spiritual exercise. Hunger strike is a defiant action. |
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Date: 11/28/2003 8:19:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 62410
Koolaid: It started out as one thing and end up as another -- sometimes defiance is the catalyst that motivates me. I think all things in life are a ongoing work in progress. |
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Date: 11/28/2003 4:52:00 PM
From Authorid: 54987
Too true Scall... too true. However, if you don't make it clear, then you can't blame people for not being able to read your mind. |
