Last December, I was very, very blessed to participated in a beautiful, emotional naturalization ceremony where I became a citizen of the United States of America. Today is my first Fourth of July as an American and I’m really excited about that. Not everyone lives with the same freedoms and rights that we as Americans have, and celebrate. And not just on the Fourth of July, but everyday. Patriotism is such a big part of American culture. And boy, is it everywhere today.

My family and I are staying in Fort Lauderdale this holiday week. Our timeshare is right across from the beach. There are Fourth of July activities on the pool deck and along the beachfront all day, complete with BBQs, a handful of different contests, a DJ, and of course a fireworks show later tonight. And despite the fact it’s a little overcast today, the beach is still busy and bustling.

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Even though I’m not much of a beach person, we haven’t gone on a vacation as a family in awhile, and seeing as I don’t know when our next one will be, I rearranged some of my summer plans so I that I could be here. So far, I’ve spent most of my time in our hotel room watching movies, or keeping the balcony door open to listen to the ocean. Beach life can be nice, I have to admit it.

I haven’t opened a playlist since we arrived. Between the sounds of the sea, and a DJ spinning tunes out by the pool a few floors below our room all day, we’ve been covered. I imagine that we won’t even have to deal with crowds when fireworks start going off, and instead be able to enjoy them within the comfort of our balcony. I really am in love with our ocean view. I just think it’s easier to appreciate the beach and the ocean when there aren’t so many distractions and a lot less people. So while I spent my morning watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding, half of Brideshead Revisited, and the people on street/beach level below me, I decided to participate in my first ever pie-eating contest this afternoon. I tied for fourth, which I’m pretty proud of, considering I had some preeeetty worthy competitors (two of the guys I went against had the unfair advantage of being superheroes)!

Anyways, I hope everyone is enjoying, and enjoys the rest of their Fourth! I’m really looking forward to the fireworks tonight. We are celebrating the birth of ‘Merica today, after all. Don’t let me down, Ft Lauderdale!!! Stay safe out there, y’all. And if you’re heading back home after this weekend, safe travels.