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Catherine Gacad

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Happy 230th Birthday, America

I thought 30 was old. 230 is damn old.

I love the 4th of July. I like it even better than Thanksgiving. Independence Day is one big BBQ food fest, it’s outdoors, plus fireworks. Need I say more?

Cristina and Allan had their first annual 4th of July BBQ and let me just say…I will return every year. They had the grill going. They setup a meditation room complete with massage chair and soothing music. Their dining room table was brimming with gourmet entrees and desserts. I ate every half hour. I got there at 4 and didn’t leave until 10:30. Even though I was stuffed, I couldn’t help myself. They had massive amounts of really great food. So much so that I took three heaping platefuls home with me.

During the party, a priest came and blessed the house. We held candles, said a few prayers, then he doused holy water in every nook of their home–even the garage. After that was done, he said it was a Filipino tradition for the home owners to share their wealth with their guests. So Allan’s mom and Cristina’s mom went around the house throwing coins in the air. Hundreds and hundreds of quarters, nickels, and dimes landed here and there. Now, this was mainly for the kids to pick up, but I had no shame. I could use those quarters for metered parking! I pointed the kids in the direction of the nickels and dimes, then got down on my hands and knees and swooped up a bunch of quarters amounting to almost $10. Crazy! I wasn’t even trying that hard, I swear.

People know that I have an odd fascination with pinatas. The day before the holiday, I trekked over to the Outer Mission (possibly South San Francisco it was so friggin far) to a specialty pinata store I found from doing some online research. I called beforehand to make sure they were open, but when I got there the shop was closed. I was furious! I’d spent half-an-hour driving during my vacation day and the pinata store was closed! I could feel my blood boiling. What is this, Mexico? Are the employees taking a siesta? Just as I was about to drive away in my car, someone walks into the store with a big burrito in his hand. I guess he’d gone to get lunch.

Anyhow, I brought a pinata stuffed with chocolate candy to the party. There were only three kids, but one of the kids didn’t even want to participate. It didn’t matter to me. Pinatas are fun–no matter who’s up to bat.

I had a fabulous time at the party. I feel like Cristina’s family is my second family. They’re always so welcoming. Her mom sent me a sweet email afterwards thanking me for coming. It really touched me.

What’s the next holiday? Oh yes, Labor Day = Burning Man. The man burns in 56 days.

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07.08.06

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Welcome to my site, derived from an advice column I wrote while getting my MBA. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I give helpful, opinionated advice based on my own experience and from the expertise of my extensive network. For more, click here.

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