If my Thanksgiving Break had its own soundtrack, the first song would be “Don’t Come Around Here No More” by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Being away from home for three months may not seem drastic, but so many parts of my life have changed, while everything – my house, my bedroom, the streets and neighborhoods, the restaurants, even some of the people – were so familiar, almost frozen in time. I wasn’t expecting any extravagant transformations, but it was a weird feeling to return home from college, which has now also become my home.

Good Grief

Don’t get me wrong, I love Pixar films and Disney characters, but the Peanuts gang has always had a special place in my heart. Growing up, my brother and I spent our summer days in the “Camp Snoopy” area at Cedar Point (I especially loved the “Lolli Swings” and the “Woodstock Express”). In seventh grade, I did a huge “independent study” project on Charles Schulz and the Peanuts. My family considers A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving much more than a seasonal cartoon – it is a classic, a tradition in every sense of the word. When I first heard about The Peanuts Movie, I knew it was going to be a must-see.

My parents, brother and I were the only people in the theater that did not have young children with them…but I have no regrets. The movie was absolutely adorable. The style of animation in The Peanuts Movie was more lifelike than the older films, yet the movie captured the essence of Schulz’s cartoons. Linus still carried his blanket, Schroeder still played the piano, and the “teacher” still sounded like a trombone. This was a great way to spend a chilly day! (Well…chilly for me, at least.)

Old Places, Old Faces

Although my two friends, Anna and Mitchell, and I are in different places (physically and figuratively), when we are together, it truly feels like nothing has changed. I am so glad I was able to spend the day with these two. Anna and Mitchell are the only two people I know who can turn a trip to the Target cosmetics aisle into a comedy sketch. Despite the rainy, grey weather, it was fun to drive around (even though “scenic drive” is driving past the Sandusky Mall on Black Friday), catch up on life, and go to our “favorite spots” (a.k.a. the high school pool…if that even counts…and Mikey’s Frozen Yogurt).

Welcome home…

Reunited with two of my favorite people…

…and two of my favorite dogs! (Suzy and Rocky)

Good Eats

It really is always all about the food, isn’t it? Shoutout to my mom and grandma for making the most “nummy” dishes this week. From shrimp linguine, the best blueberry muffins, and homemade granola to potato kugel (a.k.a. heaven on Earth), peanut butter chocolate pie (feat. a secret ingredient: tofu) and Jello mold (I only recently realized that Jello isn’t a traditional Thanksgiving food for most people), I am going back to school with a very happy stomach.

Our Thanksgiving “Menu”

Potato kugel reminds me that there is good in the world.

The infamous Jello mold.

Happiness

Any time spent with the people I love, no matter how short or long, is special. It’s been a relaxing holiday at home with friends, family, and food…now it’s time to get back to the books and finish the semester on a good note!

Here’s to happy memories (and this dog that was on my plane),

Darcy