Some thoughts on Independence

Happy Independence Day everyone! Ever since I fell in love with the musical 1776, today has been an extra special day for me. Filled with singing and laughter and lots of food.

It also happens to be my Dad's birthday. So its kind of a big deal around here.

Today, I'm gearing myself up for a triathlon of shopping, cooking and eating, and I'm trying to do it the weight watchers way. Look, you make me plan a party, I'm going to make it the way I want it. I'll take suggestions, and try to think of others, but I'm making sure I'm happy.

Ok to be fair, part of that whole, well fine, I'm doing it my way attitude comes from the fact that although everyone else in the family has lots of free time or is on summer vacation, I am the one planning this party. I am the only one who had to work all this week, but in my spare time I was putting together a birthday/independence day celebration/gambling party of epic proportions. Oh and also, I had to work at my other Dad's benefit gala block party thing all day yesterday for the theatre company that I used to work for. Which was incredibly awkward. Nothing like coming back to a group of people who make it totally clear you no longer belong. And forget to feed you dinner. It sort of goes against the whole independence thing to be told what to do all day and have to swallow your complaints. I was ready to rebel!

Anyway, my point is, this weekend is/was/will be like all sorts of crazy and yet, I have my eyes on the prize. And that prize is weight watchers stuffed mushrooms. They are great, I promise. I'll post the recipe some time, because weight watchers or not, they are some of the best stuffed mushrooms I've ever had. You can try them and disagree if you want. But I'll never stop loving them.

And on Monday, I finally get to do something for me. I'm going up to Bodega Bay and resting in a sand dune. For hours. With my favorite sandwhich from my favorite sandwhich shop. And the sound of the ocean just over my shoulder. Yes, that is the real prize. 24 hours of doing exactly what I want to do, with the people I want to be with.


Finally, freedom will be mine! Enjoy your own independence today. I hope you too can find a way to break free.