Orphan Christmas Party

I know that title may sound bad, not we did not auction off Korean orphans for Christmas. My friends Rick and Adrianne generously invited all of us without families to their house to have a Christmas feast. A wonderful time was had by all. When we first walked in we found Rick and Adrianne in the kitchen reading the instructions on how to cook a turkey. It was quite funny and we all threw in our 2 cents on the matter and came off as being smart asses. My friend Amanda (fellow New Mexican) and I made tamales in order to celebrate the way we do back home (my parents were nice enough to bring masa and husks when they came to visit). I had a minor freak out the day before when I realized that shortening was not a common ingredient in Korea and could not think of a suitable substitute other than lard which I presume would be equally interesting to find. Luckily I found it after an hour or so of fretting over it. I also made bizcochitos which were the most expensive cookies I have ever made since the anise rang in at $13....but what the heck it was Christmas. It is amazing the prices you will pay when you have been away for so long. Their fridge was packed with more eggnog than you can image, another exciting food when in Korea, which I have decided specializes in all of the worst beverages ever. No Korean beverages wer consumed at the party though. My parents also brought me a 6 pack of Mirror Pond which was enjoyed by Rach myself and Rick, another Mirror Pond-worthy individual from Oregon. We played Cranium and laughed a lot. All in all we ate, drank and were merry. I got to spend the night with my favorite people in Korea, what more could ask for on "Christmas"? It is strange how much more I have been in the Christmas spirit here than I ever am at home (thats not saying much, but still). I guess it is just something familar that reminds you of home. I was even really excited about the fireplace the contructed out of carboard. Well in any case I have another Christmas celebration on the the actual day with the people from work. 2 Christmas in a week....assa (Korean word for cool). I wish you all the best for the holiday season!