Good Ol' USA

There are many delightful aspects of the U.S. that I truly miss.  Being away for so long has given me a fresh perspective on this "land of the free and home of the brave."  Here are some points (both good and bad) that have stuck out to me during the last 4 weeks.

1.  Waste: When I tell my students that many ppl in the U.S. actually have sprinklers to regularly water the grass in their yard, they are shocked.  Another example: plastic cutlery and cups as thick as the real stuff.

2.  Car convenience: Please, never underestimate the convenience and comfort of owning a personal vehicle.  Wanna go grocery shopping? Hop in the car, load up the cart, push the cart to the car, load up the car, drive car within a few steps of your door, empty car in multiple trips.  Take a moment and think about how WONDERFUL that is.

3.  Sedentary lifestyle: See number 2 as partial support for this.  I know many Americans are living healthy lifestyles, but it has been a shocker, nonetheless, how many are not.

4.  Nature: Again, I realize the regions and urban/rural differences within the U.S. are as varied as it gets, but I thoroughly enjoy the non-city aspect in Columbia.

Liberty, my parents' aging boxer, also enjoys #s 2-4.

5.  Friendliness:  Ok, so maybe it's all a facade, but I'll take a "how are you doin'" any day to a shove out of the way or wary glance.

6.  Choice: Walk into a grocery store and look at how many different options you have for salad dressing (or almost any other thing)...and be amazed.

7.  Variety: of people, of food, of things people "need," of appearances, of opinions, of lifestyle choices....it's everywhere.

8. Personal Space: Ah, the invisible bubble. It's quite delightful, really, to be able to go in public and be quite sure you won't have to physically touch another being unless you are personally inclined to do so.