American advice needed...

Confession time...I haven't been very American lately. Instead, I've been keeping really busy at work (and gearing up for what is sure to be an awesome trip to Austin) so I thought I would get some help on #15 from my list 'Make an apple pie'...any tips? awesome recipe? apple suggestions? let me have 'em...if I'm going to go to the trouble of making a pie it better be the best pie ever. On a related note, apparently there is such a thing as Apple Pie gum!! Who knew?!? A friend left it in my purse by accident and I can't bring myself to try a piece but hey, if the real pie doesn't work out I can always use this as a back up.

Ps. I got my first piece of voting related mail today-woo hoo!! Super American :-)

Patriotic Moment...

You might think this is a picture from the fourth of July but no this is just my mom getting ready for a dinner party. When she themes she themes big...she's a very proud AmeriCanadian.

#16 Work on a farm

Ok so maybe 'work on a farm' is not exactly accurate but I did pick food in the fields for a few hours, it was super hot out AND I was dressed like a farmer sooo I'm gonna count it :-)

Looking legit in the field 

Another AmeriCanadian in the country...

Congrats Mom!

9/11

I can't believe its been 10 years.

 Ten years ago I was in high school and math class had just started when we found out the first tower had collapsed. The horror, devastation and impact it would have on the country didn't hit me until much later. I don't think I'll ever fully comprehend what it was like for the people affected and to this day I have trouble watching any footage from that day as I get so emotional. Time Magazine has a great interactive website with portraits of people affected by 9/11 and their stories...very moving. 

Today I am reminded how lucky I am and how grateful I am for the men and women who choose to serve their communities in the police and fire departments...I'm also very proud to be a niece of a fireman!

#34 Ride a Mechanical Bull

During my LA vacation the opportunity presented itself to check another item off the list...riding a mechanical bull. Initially we went inside for giant margaritas but were sucked in watching wasted people try to ride a bucking bull. Now THIS guy knew what he was doing:

My bull riding hero

Patriotic moment (on vacation)...

Guess what song I had stuck in my head for 24 hours after visiting the amazing Beverly Wilshire hotel?