11/11

Happy Veteran's Day.

And no, it's not a coincidence that this is posted at 11:11 on 11/11.

I am a lucky girl to be living in such a country, to have been born in the family I was (even though it's challenging to deal with some members of it).

Thanks Amy, for summarizing exactly what it means to live abroad -- to see your home country more imperfectly and perfectly. For me, that means America.

It hit me lately, harder than it has ever before, that around 250 years is NOT a long time for a country to be around. It's really our duty to ensure the rights, privileges, freedoms and honor those who have put their lives on the line for the cause of democracy.

Even though I've become pretty politically apathetic over the past little while (I am BECOMING my DC-burnout parents! ahh!), I hold respect for those who do find purpose in it. And I'll never take for granted the privilege of voting itself, however acrimonious I may find it most of the time.

Freedom is not free (neither is quality journalism, but that's another story. pun intended!)...ok, rambling...

Thanks Grandpa, and all others who have fought for my freedoms.

And the star-spangled banner,
in triumph shall wave,
o'er the land of the free
and the home of the brave.