Happy Fourth of July! And for those that hate that phrase, Happy Independence day! I can't wait. Not only does it mean I get a day off paid, but it mean fireworks and barbecues; good food and good company; good fun and good times. You don't even need big plans, or to spend a lot of money. There's always something going on. It's one of my favorite holidays. I like the business, I like the noise, I love the festivities... and it means that my birthday is coming, too! Its just suits me and my love of crowds.
So my favorite 4th of July foods include bbq anything, popcorn, caramel apples, nachos, smoothies, slushies, lemonade, hotdogs, watermelon, ice cream, fruit salad, pasta salad, cookies, pie (with the right crust), cheesecake, brownies, strawberries, and whipped creme. Mmmm. Can you tell that I'm semi-dieting right now?
The food brings the people together, which is also fun. Picnics, barbecues, and just stopping by the booths at the street fair gather the masses into one place, where you run into people you haven't seen for years, or people that you've purposely avoided for years. Its fun, and maybe a little dangerous.
Last year was nearly a bust. I got up semi early to go to the parade, which was fun. And then I met some friends for a late breakfast at IHOP. After which, everyone wanted to go home and nap. BOR-ING. So a quick call revealed that some other friends were planning a picnic. So off I traipsed to the picnic. It was alright. Fun to be outside and enjoying life. But still not what I wanted. A quick call to a cousin later, I was at my cousins house, and still feeling antsy. So we packed into a car, with two other cousins, grabbed a quick smoothie, and went to the street fair downtown. It was fun to wander and see all that downtown Idaho Falls had to offer. It wasn't much, but was fun nevertheless. We saw art, heard music, ate food... I was in heaven! And then we got a great spot to watch the fireworks. People had staked out places with stakes and twine, but frankly, that's cheating and I'm sorry, but too bad. The nice thing? We had kids around so they weren't going to yell. And I can withstand even the dirtiest of dirty looks with no trouble at all. Take that grouchy America!
And this country... ah. She has her flaws, but she's beautiful and I'm grateful to live here. Even if it IS Idaho. Freedom is an amazing gift, and I relish it! I sometimes wish other people in this country weren't quite so free, but not much I can do about it. Other than grimace and grumble under my breath when I'm irritated. Well, we're all free, no matter who likes it. And I know it's cool to hate Americans and America. Heck, even most Americans hate Americans anymore. But I love my country and wouldn't go permanently foreign for anything in the world. There's nothing like this country, and hooray for us! Flaws and all!
