Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen Things I Love About the Fourth of July.
Ahem, Ahem, disclaimer to my disclaimer:
While my re-reading of my post may have been sparked by a comment. I came to the conclusion I was being an elitist dork on my own. Never thought for a minute that anyone made a dig.
Ahem, disclaimer:
I read over this list and it reads like some pro-America, sit on the world and pass gas, YEHAW! Ain’t WE GREAT! rant. It’s not. I didn’t mean it to sound that way, and I’m irritated at myself. I’m not someone who is, America first. It’s a big world out there, but it’s also small in comparison to the universe and we need to take care of one another. 99% of the time, that’s what I say and 100% what I mean. The fourth of July is just a way to be a little proud to be where I am. I liken it to my feelings for the U of M. Which may outrank my feelings for my country, cause I’m pretty sure my blood runs Maize and Blue.
1. I’m well aware that I’m in a greater world community, but I do like the idea that the ole red, white and blue means something, beyond a geographic region. I like being an American. This is the one day a year I get to celebrate that and not feel a teensy bit guilty for liking it. Face it, being born here is an advantage in many ways.
2. I like the ideals set down by our founding fathers.
3. I get to talk to the kids about the sacrifices made to create our country and why that’s important in a way that interests, instead of bores them. It’s a good learning moment.
4. I like fireworks.
5. Hot dogs.
6. I can wear my, “American Goddess” shirt. I love that shirt. It’s an Old Navy cheapie, but it’s a fun thing. I normally never wear words on my boobs, this is the exception.
7. My favorite Road Race, the Tortoise and Hare 5K is coming up on the fourth. I’m not sure I’m going to run it this year, damned toe really curtailed my training, but I still might go down and do a little volunteering.
8. Corn.
9. I get to light off legal fireworks for the boys and get my firebug Jones out. I’m normally not someone who makes a big deal about fire, but I like lighting the legal fireworks for the boys. There’s something very earthy about blowing something up that is enjoyable. Please note, we are very careful about this and Michigan has some strict laws about what’s acceptable, so we are very careful. I also don’t let anyone under ten hold sparklers and then I am like some bizarre mother hawk, hovering around with a bucket of water.
10. Watermelon.
11. Parades. We are going to try to make a local parade. Here, in Southeast Michigan, a lot of parades involve the tossing of candy. Which, in my opinion, makes a parade a much more interesting attraction.
12. Flag cake. I make a Jell-O Poke Cake and put whipped cream frosting with fruit on the top. It’s yummy. It’s also old fashioned and kind of reminds me of my childhood. Which always ended with my face pressed to the glass in my family room, staring at the fireworks, as they rose over the dunes, in Grand Haven, MI.
13. People died to break us off from taxation without representation. Independence Day honors their lives. Nathan Hale, is one of my favorite American heroes. He was brave in a way that I wish I could be, but am not. He may, or may not have uttered, “I regret that I have only one life to give for my country,” but he comported himself with such grace when he was hung, that a British officer wrote about him with kindness.
June 28th, 2007 at 5:36 am
I hope you’ll enjoy your 4th of July celebrations next week
You’re right! Being born there has a lot of advantages 
Happy Thursday!
June 28th, 2007 at 5:58 am
What I love about the 4th of July is that despite not being an American, and not living in the USofA I still get the day off work as I work for an American institution. Yay! for an extra day’s holiday
Happy T13
June 28th, 2007 at 6:35 am
AMEN!!! I agree with your reasons to love July 4th. We live in a wonderful country and it was made wonderful by the sacrifices of many.
My T13 is up.
June 28th, 2007 at 7:14 am
Thanks for visiting my Tt.
June 28th, 2007 at 7:14 am
I also meant to add that I love Watermelon, but kitty submitted my post before I was finished.
June 28th, 2007 at 7:44 am
I love the 4th of July for all those reasons as well! Hope you enjoy yours!
Be sure to stop by my list and comment at http://vt251.blogspot.com.
June 28th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Great list! I love the 4th of July too!
Thanks for stopping by.
June 28th, 2007 at 8:16 am
You know, I’ve always wondered about the whole red white and blue thing – I mean lots of countries use red white and blue – England for instance … but that just be my sense of irony coming out.
Enjoy your 4th of July!
June 28th, 2007 at 8:37 am
Just to clarify – I wasn’t making an anti American dig – it’s something I’ve asked more than one of American friends about, too
. So far I’ve got a “well, it just is” and a “huh, you know, I never thought of that”.
June 28th, 2007 at 8:40 am
You know, when I was a teenager I knew everything too. The older I get the less knowledgable I am. Haha! Oh, how I miss those carefree, dramatic teenage years!
“I normally never wear words on my boobs, this is the exception.”
Haha, guess it’s always good to show your pride on your boobs, where it gets the most attention!
June 28th, 2007 at 8:54 am
funny thing. the last tt i visited were 13 things she hated about the fourth of july. i left her a note saying it was my very favorite holiday of the year, and it is… i think my blood is red white and blue!
ly! tcp
June 28th, 2007 at 8:55 am
Hey, thanks for stopping by my “13″ post!
I think your “13″ post was great, but thanks for adding your “disclaimer,” because I agree with you! America is great, but so are a lot of other countries that I haven’t been to yet. 
Anyway, I love the 4th of July, too, in part because it’s my birthday! I love birthdays! Even mine! It means I’m still here to enjoy my family, which I adore. 35 for me next week.
Also, I love it, because the love of my life on this earth and I got married on my 19th birthday, so it will be our 16th wedding anniversary. He’s an awesome man and the reason I love being married. His goal is to always make me feel loved and appreciated. What more can we ask for?
I just wanted to say I love fireworks, too. I love the sights, sounds, food, and the excitement. I love the time off! I love the BBQs! It’s my second favorite holiday.
Thanks again for stopping by! Have a wonderful 4th of July!
June 28th, 2007 at 9:04 am
AMEN on the disclaimers!!
Have a good 4th
June 28th, 2007 at 9:11 am
Family, that what I like best abou the 4th and enjoying it back in my home town. There are 5 different groups who set off fireworks so we [from the grandma's on down to the little man] lay back on the sand and let loose with a cacophone of ooh’s and ahh’s as we watch them all burst over our heads. Lovely
June 28th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Great list! I’m hoping for a great celebration with fireworks, fun & hot dogs myself
.
June 28th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Oh, I have a special 4th of July outfit I get to wear, too! I am very excited. Except I do not like fireworks.
ps: I think you might be right about the lizards.
June 28th, 2007 at 9:42 am
I honestly have to say that it is sad to have to justify what you write on your blog. I didn’t think you were being anything but honest in your TT post and I admired everything (and agreed with) you said. We do live in a wonderful country and the 4th of July is the one day that you can show it! It is truly one of my favs. I dress my kids up in something red, white, and blue, (usually something I bought from Old Navy). Our town throws a huge party down at the beach and they have a wonderful parade that the Women of Today (which I am part of) puts on. They too throw out candy and it is incentive to watch. I wear my t-shirt that says “God Bless America” on my boobs to! So, I think you did a wonderful job highlighting your reasons for loving our great country! Happy 4th and Happy TT.
Thanks for visiting my blog!
June 28th, 2007 at 10:16 am
No worries, Anne.
I for one, did not take it as a dig. I doubt most anyone who visits this site would take it as a dig.
I’m not sure why we Americans are so linked to the Red, White and Blue, but I’ll give my personal take on it.
It involves two things really. First is the design of our flag. The red and white stripes represent the original 13 “states” that banded together even in their differences to create a new nation. And the field of stars has been changed over the years so that each new state is represented.
The whole state government thing is hard to describe, but they are individual sections of the country that agree to link as a whole as a nation. Trust me, you can drive to the next state over and find a different set of laws on elementary levels.
So the flag reminds us of our binding together to be one nation.
Plus, second point, we have this national anthem written by Francis Scott Key (originally a poem). It involves the stars and stripes and the battle that went on to become a nation. For most of us, it is very stirring. I say most because, as with anything, new generations find their own rallying points.
Anyhoo, that’s my take on it. Am I right or wrong? Dunno. LOL
But one thing is for sure. We Americans LOVE to cook out when we can, and July 4th is a great time to do it.
June 28th, 2007 at 10:44 am
You don’t need a disclaimer! You were patriot and not condescending to other countries.
Great list!
Thanks for visiting my blog on the parade. I love living in the Midwest, too!
June 28th, 2007 at 11:06 am
I’m with you on these. I think we can be proud to be American without being arrogant.
I love Fourth of July in America. It really means something to me. Plus, we have another excuse to overeat and get sunburned.
I think that all people should be proud of their countries. Not each and every tiny thing about that country necessarily, but proud nonetheless.
June 28th, 2007 at 11:30 am
Great TT! I’m looking forward to the 4th. We’re flying out to NYC and watching the Macy’s fireworks.
June 28th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Fireworks are always fun.
June 28th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
What a WONDERFUL TT! Why didn’t I think of this???? I am a military wife and we LOVE the 4th. We are very patriotic…
I too am a mom of 4. I have 3 boys and one girl!
Great Blog!
June 28th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
What a nice list! Reminds me of so many things that are good about living in America.
Happy TT, and happy 4th of July!
June 28th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Regardless of what anyone else thinks, the freedom and liberty given to U.S. Citizens is priceless and worth sharing with the world. We are unique among nations and the fourth of July is a fabulous day to remember and celebrate it.
Thanks for visiting my thirteen at http://perrinelson.com/2007/6/28/842.aspx
June 28th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
I agree with everything you said with one exception.
As a graduate of MSU I’m going to have to go ahead and say GO GREEN!!!
P.S. There is a great statue of Nathan Hale at the CIA. It would be nice if it were somewhere public.
June 28th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
I don’t think your TT sounds the least bit jingoistic. Regardless of what country you are from, you probably have a great deal of pride in the place where you were born.
I am proud to be an American…but don’t agree with everything about our country…and we’re all free to do that. And that’s pretty cool! Last year my husband and I went to the Ryder Cup in Ireland where the U.S. competes against Europe in golf. As I watched “our” team parade out with their wives following behind, I felt a surge of pride and an unexpected wave of tears. As the tournament progressed, I found that the golfers from Ireland, of course, had huge followings and got the greatest cheers. But every fan we met, whether from the US or Europe, was kind and supportive of all the golfers. Everyone would cheer for a great golf shot whether it was by an American or a European.
So we can celebrate our country on July 4th (I’ll be playing in a golf tournament…maybe I’ll put a flag on my cart and wear red, white and blue) knowing that if given the chance, we would celebrate someone else’s country if we were on their turf!
June 28th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
I’m with you on all the food things!
June 28th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Nice list. The fourth is always fun — and I say that as a citizen of the losing side. My only beef is with people who decide to let their fireworks off days later, often at 2.00am. I suspect that is motivated not so much by patriotism as by beer.
Red, white and blue are a very striking colour combination. As well as on Old Glory, you’ll see them on the Union Jack and the flags of France, Russia, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Luxemburg, Cuba, Norway, Thailand, Panama and no doubt several more. They make a flag look like a flag, not a logo.
June 28th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
I would totally wear the words “American goddess” across my boobs had I been lucky enough to find a shirt that said it. Great TT! Thanks for visiting mine.
June 28th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
shirt, hotdogs, parade, fireworks, watermelon, corn … great way to celebrate!
thanks for dropping by!
June 28th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
My husband and I had our first ever date on the 4th of July.
Yay good ole Red, White & Blue.
Thanks for visiting.
Take care,
Frances
June 29th, 2007 at 7:29 am
I love the 4th, but prefer when it’s on a weekend.
Celebrating on the 3rd this year.