By the way, you’re hosting Thanksgiving.

Dear Reader,

Have you ever been roped into doing something? Or committed to doing something and just not remember ever offering?

This last weekend I got a call from my mom. Since she was out buying a new car I answered right away because I wanted to know if she got it, what kind, all the fun details. But Mom didn’t want to talk about her car, which she did get. No, Mom wanted to know about Thanksgiving and what my plan was. The conversation went a little something like this:

Mom: So, what are we doing for Thanksgiving?

Me: . . . Well, I figured you guys would come to my place and we would go to Grandma’s, pick up some food on the way, and have at it.

Mom: But, we’re coming to your house.

Me: . . . What?

Mom: Don’t you remember, we talked about it earlier this week? You said we could have Thanksgiving at your house.

Me: You do realize I’m still living out of boxes from the flood, right?

Mom: That’s fine.

There was some back and forth about logistics, but ultimately it was decided that I would be hosting Thanksgiving in my post-flood apartment. Lovely. The last few days have been a frenzy of cleaning and putting things back to rights, while also trying to figure out the meal.

Turkey is fine, but it’s not my favorite. I don’t quite understand why we have turkey at both Thanksgiving and Christmas, so since I’m hosting Thanksgiving–I decided we’re doing it Texas style.

Here’s my meal plan this year:

• A 4.5 pound brisket, marinated over night and broiled in BBQ sauce for a few hours
• Corn on the cob with garlic butter
• Baked beans
• Steamed vegetable medley
• A potato dish (someone is bringing this)
• Another side item someone else is bringing
• Red Lobster style cheesy herb rolls
• Homemade blackberry cobbler and ice cream

It’s not traditional, but I’m so looking forward to the leftovers–if there are any!

What’s on your menu for this year’s Thanksgiving?