Today, a grateful nation remembers all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to defend and protect our country. I think we can all agree that there are many, many things wrong with they way things are in our country, but there are also many, many things that are right about being an American.
Today, I will honor those men and women by focusing on the things I love about America. We can all go back to arguing about what’s wrong tomorrow.
America – Hell yeah! or 10 Things Maggie is grateful for:
1) Hot dogs. I love them. I particularly love them charred on the grill with charred buns. If I had to request one last meal, I would ask for two all-beef hot dogs burnt to a crisp and served on over-toasted buns, Lays BBQ potato chips, a Diet Coke, and some Toll House cookies. Proving that I am the most American of American girls.
2) Opinions. I’ve got ’em, you’ve got ’em, and we’ve got the right to air them. The good, the bad, and the Potter-inspired.
3) S’mores. Need I say s’more?
4) Ice. We have it, we love it, we have opinions on the subject (see #2). This is a picture of pellet ice, aka ‘the good ice’. We have all the good ice anyone could want, and we aren’t afraid to use it.
5) We smile a lot. I’m told other cultures find Americans a tad too friendly. I find this is a flaw I can live with.
6) The Chicago Cubs. Okay, maybe not all Americans love the Cubs, but the really friendly ones with the good ice and charred hot dogs do. Just my opinion.
7) Optimism. Say what you want about all that’s wrong, but we still believe everything can be fixed. One day, we may even agree on how. That’s how optimistic I am.
8) The freedom to be/do anything you want to be or do. Even if it makes no damn sense. People forget this is not an option in many parts of the world. Go. Be. Do. It’s never too late. Hey, look at this – I’m an author! And I didn’t write my first book until after the age of 40.
9) The pursuit of happiness. Americans excel at this one. Sometimes, it may be viewed as self-indulgent, but I think chasing happiness is a good thing. It leads us to doing things that can be good for us, like yoga, meditation, journaling, or petting plastic flamingos whilst drinking ice-cold American beer.
10) Americans. Those everyday people who show their teeth and believe they hold the winning lottery ticket. The ones toasting marshmallows with their grandkids, or sassing the color commentators when the game isn’t going their team’s way. Those hot dog loving, ice chomping, obnoxiously opinionated, optimists who believe the American dream is not dead.
A grateful nation thanks you.
For making it possible for us to enjoy these simple things. We promise to keep tackling the tough ones. Rest in peace.
I love USA too. Some of the bestest people I know live there. 🙂 You also have such an amazing ray of places to vacation. From snowy mountain tops to bone dry deserts you wouldn’t even have to leave USA to experience such different landscapes. Enjoy your Memorial Day.
Very well said. I am grateful for so much. Thinking of all the men and women that gave their lives protecting our freedom.
This. Post. Rocks! Ever since I was a little girl and we made our first trip across the border to the Sunshine State, America has always felt like a special place to me. It doesn’t hurt that it’s home to the best friends anyone could ask for! God bless the men and women who fought for your kickass country and continue to do so to this day, and God bless the USA! 🙂