So much to be thankful for!, originally uploaded by docfranxusc.

A sweet home Japanese (?) Thanksgiving! Granted, it’s not a holiday the Japanese celebrate…um, no pilgrims, no Indians, no Plymouth Rock? But that’s not to say that Americans in Japan don’t try to make turkey day a great one. We spent it with some of our friends from the hospital. Let the Officer’s club make the turkey and the sides, we supplied wine and snacks and games and spent a very rainy, pretty cold afternoon with newfound friends playing ESPN Scene-it and Cranium. And drinking plum sake. We LOVE new traditions!

We miss our family, of course, and were happy to check in with everyone on Friday (Thanksgiving in the States). We even got up early to watch the Cowboys play here. (some traditions just shouldn't be forsaken).

It’s just a reminder for me, at least, that I have so much to be thankful for. The love of my life. A supportive, loving, healthy family. A job. The opportunity to live in a place where most Americans might never even visit. New and old friends. God.

Life is good.

Happy Thanksgiving.