The Surrogate

This year, both Landlady Chang and I were orphaned for Thanksgiving. We considered hosting a meal but figured it was easier to get adopted instead. So she headed for Wayland and I for Watertown, because we're suckers for W's.

I spent the day with the Chaos, a true testament to their name. We did not pace ourselves wisely, and by 5pm were all lying on the couch wondering if we'd ever eat again (then again at 7pm). Though I doubt anyone regretted starting with the sticky rice. And pomelos. And the constant snacking on Jess's unfathomably dense cookies. By the time the turkey and tenderloin were done, I was halfway there as well. But we soldiered on. It took three walks around the block to pump up for dessert, dessert that outnumbered people 2-1. When you're in a situation like that, there's no choice but to eat and balance out the numbers.

When all was said and done, the Chao minivan dropped me off at home, like so many other Thanksgivings before, and I trudged upstairs to Landlady Chang, declaring that we didn't have to cook again until Christmas-- only to find her awash in a sea of cookies and leftovers of her own. Adoptions are messy, yes, but also incredibly awesome.