Happy Birthday America!

Well, hello there! Anyone got a nice 4th of July sunburn? I know I did.

Life has gotten incredibly easier for me since Friday at about 8pm. My two classes are done. I have secured A's in both (patting myself on the back) and my third has started (and is kiiiiicking my aaasssss) but, I am feeling much more calm and ready to participate in SUMMER! Participate, I did. I have secured a lovely "boat burn" (you know, where the top of your thighs are burnt, the tip of your nose, and the tops of your arms and shoulders). I participated in some marathon binge drinking at the lake and a glorious game of Wizard Sticks (I'll explain).
It's Tuesday though, so I will have to explain on Wednesday. :)

1. What do you traditionally do for 4th of July?
We don't really have regular traditions for the 4th... now that I am living in the same place consistently, I have been going to the lake with friends - this year we spent the holiday weekend at Lake Ponderosa, which is about an hour east of Des Moines.

I'm planning a nice long, picture heavy post detailing the entire weekend (which includes a bachelorette party with a hot stripper), so look for that soon! :)

2. Did you follow your tradition this year? How did you celebrate yesterday?
I followed my new tradition! Ha! I didn't do anything last night, though. Which was fine, because we celebrated hardcore Saturday and Sunday nights. I needed to recuperate... this girl was pooped!

3. What’s the best fireworks show you’ve ever seen?
The best fireworks show I saw was at Disneyland in California. My dad was born in Long Beach, CA, so he would always talk about the fireworks at Disneyland that he could see from his house (or something like that. I don't know if you could really see them from his house) and he always said they were so awesome. It was fun to finally see what he was talking about - and they really were awesome! (awesome is my new word, btw)

4. Have you ever been injured by a firecracker?
Nope! Technically, they're illegal in Iowa. They're not in Missouri, so a lot of people drive to the border (about an hour away) and pick up some fireworks for a nice at-home show. :)

5. Burger, Brat, or Hot Dog?
Usually a burger... unless there is a bonfire and then I'm hot dog all the way. I love roasting marshmallows, making s'mores and charring hot dogs!

6. Do you sport red, white and blue on our Independence Day?
I didn't! I love it when other people are dressed in themes, but I always forget to do so myself. I should check out the sales on some cute 4th of July gear and save it for next year.

7. If you had to be from any country other than the USA, what country would it be?
I would have to say Canadian! I haven't met anyone from Canada I didn't like, and it sounds like a wonderful and beautiful place to live!

8. Charcoal or gas?
We have a gas grill - charcoal is fun and makes the food taste better, but I am too impatient!

9. What’s your favorite thing about this fair country of ours?
Probably how ambitious American people are. Not to say that people in other countries aren't, I know they are. It just seems like in America we have a very strong "You can do anything you want do" mindset, and I like that.

10. God Bless the USA, My Country Tis of Thee, or the Star Spangled Banner?
Star Spangled Banner! (even if I don't know all the words and would probably butcher the song if I had to sing it without help).

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend! Tell me what you did!