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Home for the Holidays

This is the first year I've ever come home for the holidays! That statement sounds much bolder than it actually is because apart from last year, I've always been home for the holidays. Born and raised in Vancouver, I've always had my crazy family around me during the holidays (and all other days). Family dynamics are so peculiar. Each one with their own obsurd and unsettling (if not disturbing) quirks. Frighteningly, I don't think much about my family is incredibly unique. Here are some common behaviours:

1. Silent Partners - Although they spent a large chunk of their lives around each other, direct communication is now taboo.
2. Eyes Wide Shut - The family members who refuse to acknowledge obvious truths and voluntarily turn a blind eye to all kinds of bullshit.

3. Singles Stigma - If you're 30-something, single and ethnic... You're parents may suspect you've got the gay.
4. Brinksmanship - Do you have more money than your cousin? More children? More clout? Anything measurable is up for comparison. 

5. Tradition as a Weapon - Old world traditions are often introduced into the new world as a manipulative tactic. We all know the women that translate the male role of "protector" into "payer" (of everything).

6. Fake Fanatics - Fijians fake the funk when it comes to religion and custom because most families just make stuff up. I think most like to appear pious. 

We like to drink, dance and dine on loads of amazing food. Hopefully the shindig ends before a fight breaks out.

This isn't just my family, right?

More In My Ear

I've lived in London for over a year now and my ear is definitely getting sharper. Not only am I able to allocate people to a specific region in the UK as soon as they open their mouths, I'm still discovering (and re-discovering) some great music. Now, it's not all British, but here's how I knock my head these days:

Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyA8zfouG4Y

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - Bhindi Bhagee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI7UCJN-mu8&feature=related

Amateur Transplants - The Drug Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXROnzpsrlg

Prince - Rasberry Beret

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87k4QLn_q-Y

Vanity 6 - Nasty Girl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEDRyJT240w

Caribou - She's The One

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUNTeYjQHt4&feature=related

Feist - Inside and Out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmG0sPyZJBg

Camera Obscura - Hey Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heartbroken
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Who4OL08iR8

Charlie

Why is Charlie short for Charles? Both have 7 letters.

Thanks to Candied Carbs

Hey, I just figured out why Americans are so fat! Kidding. Sweet potatoes seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar and completely covered under a thick blanket of marshmallows. Yes, this is the traditional American Thanksgiving dish called Candied Yams... mmmm.

When did I make this startlingly sweet discovery? I was at an American Thanksgiving dinner held at a friend's place. Tiff's originally from Arizona, but she has lived in the UK for 3 years and celebrates the occasion with food, friends and all that patriotic fanfare each year. It was a highly enjoyable affair. In fact, one of the guests blogged about the meal the next morning. Check it out: http://www.hotandchilli.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-at-tiff.html

The enjoyment started with the food. I had always heard of a dish called Candied Yams, but was pleased with the surprise and delight it provided my tastebuds. The mushroom gravy was divine and the bird was very well basted. I actually loosened my belt buckle while seated at the table. Perhaps not the best form, but the company was forgiving and a perfect complement to the meal.

The entertainment continued with newfound friends. First, the chef... I've known Tiff for about a year. A beautiful human being (and I don't often talk that way). Everyone else was new to me. Upon arrival, I met Sam whose a clever, young Brit on his way to Montreal to have the live/work abroad experience (that's original, right?). Then came a well travelled documentary film maker who sleeps in his flatmates beds when they're out of town, collects womens leggings and likes to play with dolls (right... That's original). Rosa, the hot and chilli Brazillian food blogger immortalised the evening with her take on the night. And Nelsey kept the crowd classy with her ability to coordinate the night (she's an actress so she was conducting things).

The essence of the evening remained patriotic as we literally gave thanks. Before dining, we went around the table and each shared something we were thankful for in our lives. The evening was fantastic and by the next morning, I was lucky enough to have several more reasons to give thanks. xxx.