Happy 4th of July

Today is the day that as a nation we stop and celebrate our birth, our founding, our victory in gaining our independence. I laid in bed this morning a few minutes extra to think about what that meant to me. I am grateful for so many aspects of what America has meant for my life, and while that does not always mean that I am proud and supportive of everything we do, this country has allowed me to live the life that I live and I am thankful. Today I write just a few things that I am thankful for, things that being an American have meant to me:

• I got a free education that has enabled me to go on to higher education and given me great choices in my career path


• I feel safe, and feel that my family is safe


• I am thankful that as my nieces and nephews are born into the worst economy in a generation this does not mean that they want for food, shelther, or health


• I have neighbors from every race, blue collar, white collar, gay and lesbian, and all ages and we all feel welcome


• I can write whatever I want to on here (with 1 or 2 exceptions) and the consequences are only the reactions of my peers


• If we don't like it we can vote on it


• The beauty of the land in this country rivals anywhere I have been in the world

These are things that instantly came to mind. For one day I sit back and celebrate America, and wish all of you a relaxing and safe 4th of July!! What are you thankful for today?