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Friday, July 4, 2014

America's Having a Party and I'm Not Going






Dear America,

Today we celebrate your birthday. I’m wondering – are you tired? I only ask because as I’ve aged, my idea of a good celebration has changed. And you are way older than me.

My birthdays used to consist of cakes and presents and lots of people at a party, with maybe some dancing and alcohol involved.

Today, all across the country we celebrate you, in much the same way I used to celebrate, although I don’t recall any fireworks shot off in my honor. Or parades.

My recent birthday celebrations have included having a few close friends over. Very low key, just the way I like it.

I’m celebrating your birthday differently now too. I’m not going out, or having friends over. I may fire up the bbq grill, but more likely I’ll plug in the Foreman grill.

My dog has been stressed since the noise started nearly a month ago. She doesn't understand your birthday party and why it lasts so long.

I’ll have the best view around tonight, from my deck, where I’ll watch a show in the night sky and try to ponder how proud I am to live in this great country. I say try because it's more likely I'll be pondering why the neighbors leave their dogs out even though they know they're scared, and also whether those bottle rockets are going to land on my roof and start a fire. 

Home. In America. Where I have the freedom to decide how I want to spend the holiday.

Happy Birthday, from me and the dog.





11 comments:

  1. Love it. Funny and affirming. Yes, we get to choose how we spend the birthday and what makes meaning for us. Love the Foreman grill.

    Watch out for bottle rockets!

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    1. Thanks Tonia. The dog lived and nothing burned. Perfect.

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  2. This year, I was feeling as though I was missing out - no family to share with (not by choice). When I realized a lot of people were in a similar situation, I didn't feel so bad. Hubby grilled and I celebrated by eating two ice cream suckers. Growing beyond all the hub-bub has it's perks.

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    1. Yes, it does! Thanks for coming by Shelley.

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  3. Like Shelley, this was my first non-family holiday...not by choice, but I also realized, it's been about SIX years since I've even been to the hometown parade, so I was happy to go. I found another friend who had no one to spend the day with, and we enjoyed it together! Off to a barbecue w/ friends...I enjoyed your letter to America, and the questions you asked her. ;-)

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    1. Thanks Denise. Glad you enjoyed the holiday with friends!

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  4. Sounds like you celebrated much the same way we did...except we went out for BBQ! Hope you enjoyed your day!!!

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    1. I'm seriously wanting BBQ now! Heading to your blog, as I read something a day or two ago that killed me. I mean, I laughed so hard that I may have peed a little : )

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    2. Haven't seen you for a spell Deb....miss ya!

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  5. I don't go to the party, either...but that doesn't stop the party from coming to me! At least the boom-boom party (my neighbors get VERY happy)...and I have four missing kitties right now. LOL, sigh. Happy Birthday, 'Murica.

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    1. Hope your neighbors have shut it by now and the kitties are no longer missing!

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