Independence Day

Independence Day. It sounds so American.

Ok, I do realize these sorts of events are celebrated in other parts of the world, but there’s really not much more quintessentially ‘American’ in my mind than the eagerness to collectively, nationally, gloat. Don’t get me wrong, the ugliness of the idea didn’t stop me from spending the better part of a bbq trying to get a good shot of my little guy in someone else’s stars & stripes hat. Oh, I can tell I’m in for a whole host of future philosophical line dances of this nature. You know, the kind where you try to maintain your political position, all the while trying simultaneously to convince everyone that you're eating your hat with shameless flair, just for fun.

I’ve already conceded in plenty of areas I thought my stance was quite firm: cheap plastic toys made in who-cares-where, all manner of drive-thrus, remote car-door-locks, and for that matter, cars, in general. I’m just now preparing myself for: toddler leashes, donuts, and kiddie dvds. I think my mom & dad, bless their hearts, have been expectantly awaiting these falls from righteousness. I imagine them wringing their hands with some glee as they read this, exclaiming aloud: “See, I told you it’s hard being a parent. Now you understand!”

Fair enough. But here’s my one remaining line of defense: I’m STILL using non-disposable diapers. And, yes, I expect to be able to wash them in your machines when I come to visit next week. So there.