Virtual Paper

And spark-shooting chickens

This Fourth of July, I had enough. For the past few years I've been unable to view fireworks because I was among non-fireworky company. This year I wasn't going to tolerate it. I was all set to go see the fireworks in Crafton-Ingram by myself, yet, on a whim I invited my mother, knowing full well that she hasn't gone to fireworks with us since I was probably six. Oddly enough, she agreed to go. I think she found the thought of me watching fireworks in a shopping center all by myself somewhat pathetic. I guess she'd be right.
Anyway, I dragged my mother off to see the fireworks, and the whole process brought back memories. I parked in the same spot where my dad would park when he brought my sister and me to the fireworks, because, as I learned from him, it's right by an easy way to get out, and you can see the fireworks quite nicely from your car. This makes things easy in the event that it starts raining, or you just wanna recline your seat and chill inside, or if you want to sit on top of the car and watch from there. We parked there, on the side of the road to the shopping center, and I sat back and thought about the weird stuff my sister and I used to do waiting for the fireworks to start. Sometimes we did normal things like catch fireflies, and that was always fun. This evening, there were two little kids, a little boy and a little girl, playing "Steelers" on the lawn. It was pretty cute. My sister and I never did that though. We were really vagtastic children. Although back in the day when the fireworks started, I vaguely remember coming up with "names" for all the different types of fireworks. I wish I could remember what they were, but uhh... I can't. Anyway, it was fun.
One year I remember my dad bought one of those bags full of stuff... sparklers, those loud snappy things, party poppers, etc. at the store and we went outside to play with them. In the bag we found this... cardboard chicken with a fuse sticking out. We couldn't imagine what this chicken would possibly do when we lit it, but of course, there was only one way to find out, so we took a lighter to the fuse, placed the chicken on the concrete, and took a step back. The chicken began to shoot gold sparks out its neck and green sparks out it's butt. Now, bear in mind that my sister and I were probably about 8 and 11 years old, and to children that age, nothing is funnier than a chardboard chicken shooting green sparks out its butt. Eventually the chicken made a "SCREEEEEEEEEE!" noise and its head popped off. I honestly thought they were going to have to take my sister and me to the hospital we were laughing so hard. My dad thought it was pretty funny too, but I honestly think my sister and I will remember that chicken... shooting green sparks out its butt, screaming, and decapitating itself for the rest of eternity. That chicken represents the American way for me.
The fireworks show was actually quite impressive. Even my mom couldn't deny it and she's never been a firework fanatic. I was really glad I went. Unfortunately, I have to work tomorrow after a weekend that included a visit with Damien and Josh, and also a visit with my family at Lake Chautauqua. It's been a really great weekend. Lots of fun had all around with family and friends. (Awwww.) Anyway, I need a snack. Catch ya'll later. Happy 4th!