ahhh Americana!  I absolutely love July 4th, and I’ll even say it is most definitely my favorite holiday!  Hell, it seems like FOREVER since I’ve had a real substantial update on things going on.  Right now, Gualdoni is working 2nd shift (which is from 2pm-11pm) and then he has an hour drive commute back home.  Technically, I don’t see him unless I stay up to talk to him for a few golden moments.  It isn’t so bad since I have had a lot of things going on at home and with friends.  First of all, my parents got a new puppy on Father’s Day.  We got him from the paper, and he is a Miniature Australian Shepherd.  Charlie’s 1st real dog, and the dog adores him.  His name is Brody, and he is very lovable.  He doesn’t sleep in Charlie’s bed but will instead sleep in the bathroom above the vent.  Crazy little guy.

On top of that, I have been spending a lot of time with my old friend, Emily.  She is going through a divorce, so every Tuesday each week, I cook her a nice homemade dinner.  I should say “attempt” since I fucked up tacos last week, (which I know I will never, EVER live down.  Jesus, even inept Breanne can make tacos.  I am ashamed).  It has been nice having someone else to have fun with.  Other than that, I have been a real homebody (just like I like to be) and bring Whiskey to my parents or have Brody come over here to run in our backyard.  Whiskey likes Brody for the most part, but he is a big bully.

Totally unrelated, but I have become majorly obsessed once again with X-men statues.  I blame my comic book guy, Pete, for getting me re-hooked on these small Marvel figurines made from lead.  They come from England, and they are nice display pieces.  They remind me of the old X-men board game I used to have as a child.  I’ll never forget painting all of the figures.  (This was back when I was obsessed with becoming a toy maker… ummm I can’t paint within lines to begin with so this was a short-term obsession.)  I did get a STEAL for 2 X-men statue busts of Jean Grey and Wolverine for under $25.  I am a little sad I had to sell my previous 2 favorite Phoenix statues, but I remember how badly I needed the money.  Maybe I’ll buy them again soon without the stigma of “statue-buying-lust.”

As for the 4th, Gualdoni and I went to Tim & Molly’s house on the 3rd for a fun night filled with games, drinking, and great food!  I don’t know what it is about Tim’s house, but I ALWAYS fall asleep there.  I must be really comfortable or something, ha.  On the actual 4th, we didn’t have any plans, so we invited my parents over.  I made my famous potato salad, and Gualdoni grilled.  My parents love his food, especially Charlie.  Brody and Whiskey played around in the backyard too.  When it got dark, we did Charlie’s amateur fireworks and were delighted when people at our neighboring pool started doing the BIG illegal fireworks.  Then, our other neighbors did other huge fireworks in the lot behind our house.  We never have to go see fireworks ever again.  It was wonderful.  The only bad part?  While we were lighting our “finale,” Gualdoni stumbled backwards and landed in our crazy rosebush.  He was eviscerated by many a thorn.  I couldn’t help him since the fireworks were going off right next to his face.  Eek!  He was ok thank goodness!

As for the rest of the summer, I am going to Tom Petty this weekend, and I hope I get to see Christian.  I haven’t seen him in years.  He was always one of my best friends in college.  We went through a lot together back then.  He always had my back.  As for NEXT WEEK, we’ve got LADY GAGA which will be FUCKING EPIC.  I have my outfit ready, and now I just need to break in my shoes.  I got a cheap hotel deal on Hotwire.com, so I am super ready to be GAGAed!  I also hope to see Nikki some point next week while she is here.  I won’t hold my breath though since she is now an Aunt.  Oh well, I would love to get her on the phone regardless.

After that, I’ve got Chicago the last week in July and Boston the second week of August.  This summer has been the best in a very long time.