The Other Half

So my thanksgiving adventure with Lachlan's family was successful. I hadn't done anything completely stupid and his lovely family seemed to like me, which I thought was a huge bonus!


However, my task of winning of family was not quite finished. The following week I was invited to Wes' (Lachlan's dad) 50th birthday party, which included his mother's side of the family. Needless to say, I was still nervous. Biting the bullet was a bit hard to do, because I now had a reputation with his mum and dad, and either that was to be exceeded greatly at this dinner, or it was to fall apart with, what would most likely be, my own foolish ways and words.

The Saturday night arrived, and it was cold and wet, which was a little disappointing for the end of November. Lachlan escorted me into the Lebonese restuarant, and we were greeted with smiles and kisses once more.

There were many fond memories of that night, and I am glad to say that all went well, despite my nerves. I did drop my knife at some point throughout the evening, and luckily only Lachlan noticed. However the embarrassment was still plain as day upon my complexion.

I made good friends with his Aunt Cheryl, as she and I both shared a fondness for felines. I will say, though, her passion ran a little deeper than mine, and I will admit I feared that one day I could end up like her. So I just prayed that Lachlan and I would stick...

Lachlan's grandmother (his mother's mother) was also there, and was the sweetest lady I had met. I felt terrible halfway through dinner, however, because of my lack of compassion.

While eating her food, Granny, (who was quite hard of seeing, and hearing), reached out for what, I assume, she thought was a mild green vegetable. She had, in fact, grabbed a very hot chili.

Popping the deadly spice into her mouth, she remained quite composed at first, and then proceeded to spit the chili out and cool her tongue off, in the most absurd and humourous fashion. Lachlan and I sat opposite her, and were the only ones who had noticed this event at first. We tried so hard....please believe me! We tried our very hardest not to laugh, but eventually giggles spilled slightly.

Poor Granny. We were truly terrible people!

Apart from our lack of compassion, his family seemed to enjoy my company and I do believe I made a second first good impression. That night I decided to breathe again. The 2 week challenge of families was over. It was quite relieving and comforting to know that I could be liked in another family other than my own.

And it was comforting to know that Lachlan believed I was special enough to be introduced to them. It made feel loved very much indeed. One day I would gain the courage to tell him that...

Thanksgiving

The year was passing by quickly and slowly. In reality it had been quite a fast year, but in my mind I felt like time between Lachlan and I making things 'official' was crawling by at a snail's pace. However, November came and holidays for Christmas were soon looming.

At the end of October Lachlan had informed me that at the end of November his family was having Thanksgiving lunch with his dad's family and I was invited. I had also been invited out for his dad's 50th birthday with his mum's family the following week (which will be another post). I would be meeting his entire family in the space of 7 days.

Needless to say I was a little nervous.

To help me cope with these two seemingly HUGE events in my head, my darling friend Jo took me on a shopping date. I spent well over $200 on clothes and shoes and accessories to cater for the two dates. I had to look up-to-date and reasonably in tune with the latest fashion. If only I had the money to keep that up today...

I woke up so early the Sunday morning of Thanksgiving and had the longest shower of my life. Every hair on my head had to be indiviually washed and conditioned. I had to scrub enough to the point where I would be glowing.

My beautiful sister, Emily helped me out by drying and styling my hair nicely and then applying on a tonne of make-up. I felt like a celebrity, and loved how excited my family was for me. They were simply fluttering all over me. If they were so excited about me meeting his family, why wouldn't they let me go out with the boy?!

Never mind...

After spending a short time helping to set kids church up with my family, Lachlan arrived to pick me up. Nervously I left and hopped into his car. We arrived at his house and I got to meet his sister, her boyfriend and their cousins Ariel and Nick along with his Aunt Linda and her partner Mark. Although meeting all these people all at once slightly overwhelmed me, I had to stay cool. There was still more people to meet at his grandparent's home.

Plus, so far no one had been awfully mean to me. In fact, everyone were completely friendly! Eventually we were on our way to lunch, which I had actually physically prepared for. Growing up with a Hungarian background taught me very quickly that if there is any sort of lunch/dinner get-together that the stomach remains empty until that time.

We held hands as we walked up the drive to the entry of his grandparent's home. We were first greeted by his beautiful Nana. He introduced me as his girlfriend and I nearly fell over with joy. She kissed me hello and welcomed us in. Soon I was kissing every other relative in the house. His aunts, uncles, cousins and friends were everywhere!

Although I was obviously clinging closely to my man, I had to keep telling myself to be a little brave. I mentally promised myself a cherry ripe chocolate at the end if I did. So I tried my best to try and talk to people around me, especially Nana.

I think we got along really well, and soon I was eating, drinking and laughing as if I had known them all for years. The only embarrassing time I had at the lunch was when we first sat down at the table. I went to pick up my knife or move it or something (I can't actually remember) but the next thing I knew, it was clanging on the floor.

I felt so stupid.

Quietly Lachlan leaned over, smirking at my fumble and whispered, "Fallacy". I cracked up. Although fallacy was not the correct description of the incident, it sounded right, as if that was exactly what you were meant to say when someone drops a piece of cutlery on the ground.

We always use that word out of context now at the table whenever we eat. It has become our "oh dear, how embarrassing," term.

Lunch finished and I soon found myself being offered a slice of pumpkin pie. There were two problems...no three problems to this:

1) I was so full I doubted my ability to fit any more food into my stomach

2) I hated pumpkin as a general rule

3) I wanted to impress Lachlan and do everything right no matter the cost.

I accepted the generous offer and sat down. I picked off a bit, held my breath, opened my mouth and ate the dessert.

I literally opened my eyes in sheer delight. That experience- the flavours, texture, EVERYTHING- was amazing! I had never tasted anything like it before. I loved it! I now regretted being so full, because I would have gladly accepted a second slice. I now look forward to my once-a-year slice of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. It is the one thing I can always be assurred will be fantastic in my year.

The end of the afternoon came and the goodbyes followed. I had had the best time, and felt so grateful that meeting half his family had been so good. Afterwards, Lachlan told me that Nana had pulled him aside and asked if he thought I was going to stick around. He said he hoped so. She agreed and said she hoped I would be his last girlfriend.

I hoped so too.