Blowing Stuff Up

Photos taken by my friend Marjorie

You know, I'm not a girly girl. HWMNBMOTI and I have happily swapped gender roles in several life domains. I've been the primary worker; he's been primary caretaker and cook. I make the bigger decisions (of COURSE he has input, but it is at my suggestion we've done things like moving across the country or buying houses) where he manages ALL the little stuff (heck, I'd forget we had children—I should NOT be trusted with DETAILS).

But there is nothing like the 4th of July to bring out the girl in me and the boy in him. I prefer to sit back with a frozen adult beverage and say 'ooooooh, pretty!' and he wants to blow stuff up.

My IDEAL of the 4th is to go someplace across a lake or bay from the big display, so it isn't as crowded, and WATCH. But he likes to participate. Sadly he likes to pick and choose WHAT and so it is costly (though not as costly as a vacation, so my option is out anyway). This year I put my foot down on finances. He argued that if you spent at least $200 then they start throwing in extras. I responded 'then go in together with the neighbors and pool your bargaining power'. (see what a problem solver I am) We can't afford $200. So he did—talked to the other neighbors who enjoy watching and several pitched in.

Another gorgeous Marjorie photo

It is actually a fun little party. Our FABULOUS neighbor has a pool. There are about 6 families involved, two with small kids--two with medium age (one is actually the son of a neighbor, but as they live in Canada, they always come HERE for the 4th--best way to maximize on holidays), one with in-laws visiting from China. My kids each have friends joining. We are a family with FAMILY across the country, so Thanksgiving and Christmas can be a little bittersweet. This holiday that is more a friends occasion—nice summer barbeque—has become one of our traditions.

But when I watch my son and his friend eager to light the fireworks, and my daughter hanging out watching with me, it is ever-so-clear.

Boys just like to blow stuff up.


I wish you all a truly fabulous Fourth if you are in the U.S. Be Safe!