The holidays are over, I’m back at work, and back in the groove of my life. Neil and I went to Montreal for the holidays. I love seeing the snow, and I love seeing our friends and family, and I love eating smoked meat sandwiches and poutine. However, visiting Montreal at Christmas always makes me appreciate the weather we have here in the Bay Area. Although I’m not exactly appreciating it at the moment. We’ve gotten a lot of rain lately. It has rained for about a week straight. And while I realize that we need the rain, it makes it very difficult to motivate myself to get out and exercise. Yesterday we got a bit of sun, so that was good.
One would think that once the holidays are over, a relaxed period free of social engagements, entertaining, and gift-giving can be enjoyed. But for us, that has not been the case. Last weekend we celebrated Neil’s birthday; we had a few people over and indulged ourselves in lasagna, macaroni & cheese, and cake. And this weekend, we attended a baby shower for our friends. I’m delighted for them, and I enjoyed the party. The party was c0-ed, and for the most part, the couple did away with those silly games that are played at those parties. Nothing is more boring than a “party” where a bunch of uptight women sit around and play stupid games while they are silently judging each other on their outfits, and silently judging the hostess on the cleanliness of her house, and the quality of her hors d’ouveres.
All of this activity has kept me busy and exhausted. My personal goal is to avoid getting sick.
Dear International Community,
Hi! I’m an American! I’m writing this because I have a small request to make. I’d appreciate it if you’d stop insulting my country to my face. It’s rude and uncalled-for. I know, you assume I’m just an ignorant bully who doesn’t know anything about history or culture. But guess what? I’m not as dumb as you might think. For instance, I have enough manners not to criticize YOUR country in front of you.
I understand why you enjoy talking trash about the United States. We are a pretty easy target. What I don’t understand is why you think it’s okay to tell me how stupid and horrible you think my country is. Do you think that, by giving me your opinion, I will somehow be able to remedy the situation? Do you think I don’t know about America’s problems, both the ones it possesses and the ones it has created? Believe me, I’m well aware of the problems. They worry and sadden me. But insulting my country to my face isn’t going to improve the situation. It’s just going to piss me off.
How do you think it feels to have the whole world hate you and blame you for its problems? Let me tell you, it sucks. It sucks that there are people out there who hate my country so much that they are willing to sneak onto a plane with explosives strapped to their tender bits in an attempt to blow up as much of my country as they can. It sucks that our Congress is so caught up in partisan politics that they can’t set aside their differences and do the right thing for the American people. And it sucks that I get mocked and insulted for being an American every time I travel to a foreign country.
As a visitor to your country, I don’t go prancing around, pointing out your country’s faults. I know that you expect me to be an obnoxious, uncultured loudmouth. For that reason, I go out of my way to be polite, civilized, and well-behaved. I came here to see your country, learn about your culture, and enjoy myself. I don’t need you getting in my face and telling me how crappy America is. So don’t do it.