Is there really a "Untraditional" T-Day dinner?
953011
Hey! I'm a non-conformist. I'm having steak, grilled shrimp, baked potato, salad, and a few beers. While I do dig turkey, I am doing my own thing this year, and say to hell with "the norm". Besides, anything goes in the land of the free. \nBest Regards!
942249
1.  Next year, initiate a totally vegetarian 'Thanks For Letting The Turkey Live' day.  Teach by example.\n\n2.  You don't have to mention that there will not be meat.  You only need to ask others invited if they have any food allergies.\n\n3.  See the website below for ideas.\n\nGood Luck and Warm Wishes.
834015
hmmm. Let me guess....you have a problem saying no. Pick up the frineds Wed night and wait to go to Granny's Thursday. its only a 3 hour drive, you'll have a long day, but a promise is a promise....and bring the pie. They don't call it the holi "daze" for nothing.
960047
Each state has a minimum number of days required for attendance, and all schools in the state have to abide by that.  Not all holidays or holy days, or religious observances are recognized for the purpose of a day off, and each year the State Board of Education determines what days will and won't be days off.  On days not recognized as free days, you would be required to attend or be counted absent.  So yes, it is legal.  That said, I can't imagine they actually intended you to attend on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I expect it is a misunderstanding or simply an oversight on somebody's part.   Check with who ever is in charge of the program, and get the answer you need.  There has to be a human responsible for oversight and that's the person you need to talk to- preferably before Thursday.   It's not whining, it's an honest request for information and clarification of the rules.   After all- what are you supposed to do if you actually get ill?  I don't imagine they want you lugging the keyboard and monitor into the bathroom and typing in between retches?  So some provisions have to be made, and you just need to find out what those are.  Just remember to be polite when you ask- they can't get upset with an honest, polite question.
675139
Nope -- I didn't go to mine, and I was cool with it.  The people I want to know I still know, or could find.  If figure I didn't like most of them 20 years ago, so why spend $150 to eat chicken in a rented place and talk about stuff that I still don't care about.  If you absolutely think you need to go, stop by he preparty thing most reunions do.  It's usually just a cash bar thing.
1109973
just say wanna have lunch/dinner!! dnt go to your house first time do, always meet ppl in busy places!! have fun & enjoy!!
742622
I would suggest a night out somewhere all together, not something at work. It's hard to celebrate in a professional environment, so maybe invite everyone out for a dinner together (I took my work pals to Olive Garden and we all had fun) or some place where you can all get together and enjoy each other that one last time.
819249
On christmas eve, since I am usually by myself on this holiday, I would have chips and dips all day and watch movies then on christmas day cook a big thick, juicy t-bone stake, baked potato and salad.  But this year I am going to have to figure out something else to do on christmas eve because I am on a low-fat diet and have lost 70 or so lbs. and not supposed to have anything fried or with dairy products in it.
298454
if either yourself, or one of your family, belongs to a church, that could be a nice wide open area. Most churches have an area for social gatherings. If you explain your situation, I'm sure something could be arranged for no, or a small fee. certainly less than chucky cheese type prices. then all you need is a couple packs of 99cent kool-aid for drinks, and ask all your family that's comes to bring a covered dish for food purposes. I hope this helps, me, my wife, and my mother all had a good ten min discussion on this question hoping to help a 7 yr old have a great birthday!!
272005
It's nice to have an outlet of some kind, whether it's something social (an evening out with friends) or a personal hobby that gives you time and space alone (preferably outdoors). It could be as elaborate as a big party with lots of people (and alcohol too) or as simple as an evening home alone curled up with a good book or movie (and perhaps some comfort food). Obviously a holiday (or vacation) is ideal, but most of us can't afford to do that every time we have a bad week. Anyway, these are all examples of planned breaks.\n\nWhat I find more intriguing, however, is more along the lines of what you referred to in your anecdote. The unplanned break, or more accurately, the unplanned event. This usually consists of a kind gesture, whether it's you doing something nice for someone else or someone else doing something nice for you. Random acts of kindness or spontaneous good deeds are always welcome and often turn a bad day (even a bad week) around on a dime. Feels great, too, doesn't it? Nice.
339875
I used to spend time working with homeless in an urban area.  I met one young guy named David and gave him my phone number saying if he ever needed a meal to give me a call and I'd drop whatever to come down and buy him a meal.  \n\nNot too long after that David called and took me up on the offer.  I took him to a medium priced restaurant and we were given menus.  In the course of time we ordered and I happened to order first.  I ordered something around $10 and thought he would do the same.  He ordered the most expensive steak on the menu.  \n\nThen once we started eating he found the steak wasn't cooked to his preference and he made a big scene about it.  It was a bit annoying.  I don't recall him ever thanking me or calling me again.\n\nIn the end I did learn a lesson and it wasn't what I expected.  In retrospect I was impressed that David took me at my word and actually tested my generosity.  I had put no limits on what I offered him.  I had my own unspoken expectations of how much he should spend but he didn't adhere to those.  \n\nI learned that part of the reason I was generous was that I may be thanked and shown gratitude.  I discovered a little selfishness in my own generosity.  \n\nI guess the attitude I would like to develop is to be kind or generous because it's the pure thing to do, not for what I get in return.
392435
If the host(ess) offers, then it is more than fine.\nI have asked, on occassion, but only with family and close friends.  Once my dh was home sick, so I asked to bring a small piece of cake home to him.
311718
KFB, B-King, Mc-D's, All yuo can eat!\nor just cook dinner like its x-mas and eat it all!\n\nbecome a couch potato and dont exercise it of
166933
Not from VA, but was wondering, how do you go out on a dinner?
927230
I wouldn't really on a caterer that was late to our meeting, and had no time to talk, to cater my most important event.  If the caterer is not organized and professional enough to arrange a simple tasting, I don't think he could be counted on for a full wedding party.\n\nBesides, instant potatoes.... blah!!!
346024
if he cares about your future, i'm sure he's willing to push back the dinner reservations, or even move them to a different day. maybe the night before, or the day after. the restaurant, as well as the beach will always be there. i know it's his birthday, but he should be gracious about it. if he throws a hissy-fit about it, that tells you how much he cares about your future.
676406
First you need to figure out what your budget is for this.  I don't think you need to go full-out 5 course meal for your guests.  A nice dinner dish with a salad or side dish would be fine.  Whatever you do, I would recommend having at least two choices for people so everyone can find something they like.  I went to a wedding that served a salad, then a grilled chicken breast with veggies.  It was great, without be over-filling.  Remember, they will need to have room to have the cake! :)