Born in the USA

Once you have fully transplanted yourself to a new country, it is easy to forget what life is like in America.

Sure, I miss corndogs, Slurpees and Arby's jamocha shakes just as much as any red-blooded American would, but when it comes to everyday life it can easily slip my mind. Just this past week was the 4th of July. A holiday that is such an essential part of the American summer should be something that just flows through my veins by now, right? How could I have just let it pass by without any fireworks, barbeque or Bud Lights???

To be honest, I had nearly forgotten about the celebration. It was only when a colleague at work asked if I was going to bring any treats to share for the holiday did I remember. Oh yeah, Independence Day! I guess it's a bit funny being an American living in Britain on the 4th of July. Talk about irony. Back to the ol' taxation without representation for me... sorry T.J. declare your independence elsewhere! I'll choose free healthcare and 28 days of paid leave over those amber waves of grain--at least for awhile.

Yeah, I had some thoughts about the issues involved with my uprooted-ness around this special time of year in American history. But in the end I just celebrated with a good homemade burger and some freshly-squeezed lemonade (work the next morning, of course). I guess for now I'll just rest peacefully with the knowledge that we Yanks know better and that having a Queen is so two centuries ago.

USA! USA!