4th of July - and my humorous observations

Happy 4th of July!  I can't help but be happy about being an American and enjoying the freedoms we all experience.  For some reason, the 4th of July is one of those annual markers that makes me so happy for the body I have and it's willingness to fight for me.  Plus I absolutely love fireworks.  I suppose it comes from spending time on Paxton Avenue with my Grandma and Grandpa.  We would BBQ in the back yard.  We were always excited when our Aunt DeOna and Uncle Randy would show up with their boys, David and Ryan.  They lived close enough to the ball park that we would always sit on the front lawn and watch the fireworks.  DeOna and Randy used to bring fireworks to light in the street.  If memory serves, it usually was fireworks bought in Evanston.  Made it always feel so rebellious and dangerous.  Firecrackers are illegal in Utah but they give them away like candy in Wyoming.  Randy would always have those.  For some reason, we would always leave as quick as we could to "avoid traffic".  If we were fast enough, we often were on the freeway somewhere by Lagoon so we could see their fireworks as we drive down the freeway.  Even to this day, I get so excited for the finale!

 

Today I find myself alone.  So totally fine with me.  I decided to work on a project.  So I got some paint last night and sanded and prepped my door at 10:30 last night!  Today I am spending the day painting and making it a beautiful teal/aqua color.  I love the red it was but it is time for something new.  I went to the grocery store and picked up stuff for a BBQ for one.  I'm looking forward to it.  Tomorrow, I am going to a big party at my friend's  house.

I've got a few funny thoughts running through my head today that I thought I would share.

So last night I ran into Lowe's at 9:40  pm to pick up my paint supplies.  I didn't realize they were open until 10:00 but I learned they were and headed in quick.  I came up to the paint area at a quick pace and found it empty....clean....no one around.  I already knew the color I wanted so I stood there waiting for someone...anyone to help me.  NOTHING.  Finally I asked the people at the customer service desk if I could get some paint.  They said they would be over in a moment.  10 minutes later of pacing and the clerk came over to mix my paint.  I ran around getting a drop cloth, sand paper, putty, paint sponges, etc.  At 9:58, I was paid and out the door.  I couldn't help but think what that looked like from the clerks point of view.  And I am sure they were very disappointed to have to mix paint after they already cleaned up the area.  Like who really buys paint at 9:50 pm?  Especially like their ass is on fire.  Haha.

I'm embracing being older but come on.  Today I went grocery shopping.  Seriously I don't think I've been in the store for a month because Philip has been doing my shopping.  Today I came out and was loading the car with my items.  I admit, my body is always tired as I leave the store.  And I had 4 mega packs of soda, a watermelon, cat litter, and cat food.  A guy came up and asked if he could hold my cart while I filled up my trunk.  I said I was fine but thank you.  He said he was anyway and would take my cart when I was done.  You know, that is super sweet...but the guy was elderly and couldn't stand upright himself.  While I appreciated his courtesy, I found it ironic this elderly guy was helping me. Way to go Grandpa!

For some reason, I always watch the 4th of July hot dog eating contest on TV.  But it is so damn gross, I can barely watch.  Today they had a pre-event discussion and demo of what happens to your stomach when you eat 69 hot dogs in 10 minutes.  I will just say, it wasn't pretty.  I'm questioning my menu of hot dogs tonight.  Hopefully the sights I saw will go away...but I fear that is something that can't be unseen.

My street is usually very festive on the 4th.  I always count on the neighbors across the street to entertain me while he entertains his family.  Last night, I hurried and hung my flag out at 12:30 am since I planned to sleep in.  I wanted to be sure to show my patriotic ways before noon.  When I finally rolled out of bed, I wanted to see what was going on up and down the street.  It appears I  missed the memo because I think I am the ONLY one home today.  Was there a weekend pow wow I didn't know about?  Sounds like it will be a quiet day.  That is okay, I can work stealth today.  Maybe I'll go ahead and paint the door in my underpants.  That way, I don't have to worry about getting paint on my clothes.

Whatever you are up to today, I hope you enjoy your 4th of July safely and with even just a moment of appreciation for this wonderful country we live in.