National Pride

It's time for my holiday whine. Once again I am away from home for a major holiday. I am surrounded by awesome people, many of whom are fellow Americans, but it's definitely not the same as being in the United States of America on the Fourth of July.
There is something so excellent about being at a park or a friends backyard, grilling up ridiculous amounts of meat, drinking kegs of beer, listening to loud music, playing yard games and watching fireworks.
Living outside of my home country has really helped me to understand where I come from and how much it has shaped who I am. Being away from the States during major holidays like this makes me realize how much I miss my home, but also so grateful for the opportunities my home has provided me. I'm not going to go on and on especially because I know just how much those opportunities came from my parents supporting me and kicking my butt when necessary.

This year I'm a little extra homesick right now because I can't afford to go home until next summer. So I send a salute and a hug home to all of my friends and I raise a glass to them in celebration. Remember to step back from the fireworks once they're lit.

Happy Fourth of July!