So I can't help it. I don't cry really at girly sad movies, like the Notebook, Beaches or Steel Magnolias, but play some patriotic music, and I start choking up. Yup, "I'm Proud to be and American", "The National Anthem", "You're a grand ole flag" "Battle Hymn of the Republic"... they all get me. Especially when I can see them in front of live band.
So as the 4th of July was two days ago, I was pretty excited. This year was the first in four that I haven't had to work on the holiday, as well as the first in four that I've been with family. And it was a good day! It was 114 degrees, I was sitting poolside with my family at a BBQ and I didn't get burned in the slightest. That was most assuredly my best achievement of the day.
But I was torn on this day, as I am for most 4th of July's. My weird patriotism was calling me to find parades, and fireworks and bands, but my family absolutely did not, most friends didn't either. My family wanted to be together playing games, making food and relaxing. I opted for the family because that's what holidays are about- being with the ones you love, but the radio, whenever I could was playing all the music, even if I was hearing my 7yr old nephew saying "This old music is putting me to sleep". Shocking to me!!!
I'm not this patriotic any other time of the year. I'm proud but I'm not zealous. There is a difference.
My other growing idea for the 4th...It didn't start on purpose, but I try to be in different cities for the celebration, just to see the differences. it was by chance that I've been in several different places on the 4th of July celebrating the nations birthday. But still, its fun and the list is growing.
My list includes:
*Marlborough, Keene, Walpole, and Nashua New Hampshire - these were fun, but my fascination with the holiday hadn't started yet.
*Erie, PA- youth group trip that was so much fun
*Washington D.C - Fireworks were okay, but not to par for the Nation's captiol. My uneasinesses was maybe at its height in all of my life, I'm slightly claustraphobic in moving crowds, especially when they are all leaving the fireworks headed for one subway entrance. no fun!
*New York City- the first celebration after 9/11. Can I say the most incredible show I've yet to see. Claustrophobia didn't seem so bad this time.
* San Diego,CA- fun with friends over multiple years and locations
*Colorado Springs, Co - Almost missed any celebration because of work, but Michelle, Grant, the kids and myself ended up shooting fireworks from our own driveway
* Los Angeles, CA - I gave up all effort since it was 4 days after moving to a new city and I was with no one I knew, so I watched Gone with the Wind
*Phoenix,AZ- we thought a monsoon was about to hit, lightening and storm clouds told us metal folding chairs on the side of the road might be a bad idea. saw fireworks on tv and I wanted to cry.
Where shall I be next year?? I don't know yet but I'm excited to try to figure that out.
