Red, White, and Blue

Happy 4th of July! 

Light the sparklers, start the grill. My favorite holiday is here!

Whether it's the association with swimming and grilling or the fact that the holiday is a mere three days before my birthday, July 4th is always a date I look forward to. And after living abroad for the majority of this year, I've determined (after many mental arguments) that America is unique in its own way. Going with the theme of "the Fourth," here are four reasons why "I'm proud to be an American":

1. The varying definitions of "winter" and "summer"
My friends up in Chicago may be loving the summer weather, but a Texas summer usually consists of over a hundred degree heat multiple days in a row. Flip the seasons and you'll have every Chicagoan wanting to take a trip down to the Gulf for winter. Even without Hawaii and Alaska causing an even greater imbalance, seasons are extremely varied in our country that spans an entire continent. Plus, there's not too many countries where you can ski and surf in the same day.

2. Good customer service

I have a feeling this one may be shocking to some, but we seriously have great customer service in this country. For the most part (emphasis on this phrase), companies will help you in any way possible. When I had a little trouble with Amazon last month, the problem was solved after a phone conversation with a representative. Despite the gigantic nature of our corporations, American businesses do it right in the customer service field.

3. Endless options as far as good ethnic food

All ethnic foods are pretty much represented in every city in the United States. Now, I'm not talking about those awful chains like Olive Garden (gag me, especially after having lived in Italy). I'm talking about real authentic ethnic food. Granted, these restaurants can be found all over the world, but the abundance and quality of them in the US really can't be matched. Also, a burger abroad just isn't the typical juicy American burger.

4. Intense national pride

Yeah, no explanation necessary.

Obviously, the list could go on. But despite the flaws our society has (nobody's perfect), let's celebrate the stars and stripes made possible 238 years ago.

Gina

A Library Without Books

As the clouds roll through the Dallas sky this warm Sunday afternoon, I can't help but think back to Monday's trip to the George W. Bush Presidential Library.

The Library, which is really just a museum, chronicles the major issues Bush faced while president. Buttons are displayed in front of videos detailing the 2000 election (my favorite button said: "Beautify the White House. Plant another Bush."). Steel pillars from the World Trade Centers stand tall among the names of those who lost their lives on September 11th. The educational "Decision Points" game puts you in the president's shoes by having you listen to global leaders' conflicting advice regarding Saddam Hussein, Hurricane Katrina, and The Surge. And then you have to make your decision about what to do (while being timed of course).

A quote on the ground running in a circle around the pillars reads, "These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve."

While the Library covers its fair share of serious topics, there's also a lightheartedness to the museum. The entrance hall displays a 360 degree video depicting American landscapes, people, and presidents. Laura's favorite children's books are displayed in a reading nook. Everyone gets the chance to sit at Bush's desk in the Oval Office replica. And you can't forget my favorite video by Barbara and Jenna showing all the laughter their dad brought to his days in the White House. 

My sister and I were lucky enough to have visited the Library on the last day of the special exhibit, "The Art of Leadership," displaying Bush's now-famous paintings of world leaders he interacted with while president. It was very interesting to see his personal works of art placed next to pictures of the two leaders plus a description detailing their communication.

Even though I've only been fortunate to visit twice, I would recommend a trip to the George W. Bush Presidential Library to anyone. The educational and fun aspects are incorporated into one beautiful museum. You can find more detailed information about planning your visit here!

Gina