What I Missed About the USA
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009As I write this, I’m sitting in beautiful and popular New Jersey, USA. The last eight months of my life were spent all over South America.
Although I was never homesick, I discovered there were a few things I missed in my time away.
1. Sassy Black Women
This list is in no particular order, except for this entry. This is a definite #1. With a strangle-hold on the government service industry in the USA, sassy black women show other black women the world over how “being black” is done.
2. Leaf Blowers That Just Blow Leaves Out Into The Street Instead of Sucking Them Up And Turning Them Into Mulch Or Something
I didn’t really see any of these in South America, but everywhere I turn here in the USA, there’s someone in their driveway using one of these leaf blowers to blow stray leaves onto someone else’s property or nearby onto the street. Wouldn’t a leaf vacuum of some sort be way more effective, and not result in the wind just blowing the leaves off the street right back onto the driveway?
3. Bros
The fraternity system in South America failed. Where are the bros? Luckily they’re all here in the USA, ready to awkwardly and drunkenly try to bond with me and ask me how much I got laid in South America.
4. Sane Drivers
The taxis in South America usually have a sticker asking, “How am I driving? 555-5555.” The answer is typically, “Like a fucking maniac.”
5. Cash Cab
I never actually watched this show before I left, but I’ve watched a few episodes already and love it. The host is charming. Yes I said it.
6. Wearing Work Out Shorts With Knee-High Dress Socks
All my other socks are dead and I haven’t bought any new ones yet. Thanks for not staring at me, USA.
7. Bumper Stickers That Offensively State An Opinion
I had trouble telling where every car owner stood on issues like abortion and gun control while in South America. Not here!
8. Dogs Without Balls
It’s relieving to be able to pet a dog in the USA without it running in circles around me, trying to gnaw on my arm, and then pooping somewhere, all in the time span of six seconds. Dogs without balls are awesome.
9. Cats
People can have cats in the USA because the ball-less dogs don’t eat them. I like cats.
I didn’t want to end this on “I like cats,” but that’s all I’ve got.
