I bounce down the stairs elated to be wearing red, white and blue. Pulling back on my blinking pacifier and pushing sunglasses past my bangs, I smile. My family has decided to head into Philadelphia to watch the spectacular fireworks over the Delaware River. My excitement is barely containable as I reminisce about my last trip to Penn's Landing. Fireworks burst across the sky as the gentle waves lapped against the concrete walls. New Jersey was captured in an array of colors and shades. I began loving my dad again. I couldn't wait to go back. As we board the train my mother immediately slips into a bad mood. She wanted to drive into Philadelphia, but my dad wasn't ready to bear the traffic and stress of parking. Plus, the train was fun, it was different. I ignore her as I press my headphones into my ear. I let Taylor Swift calm my growing belligerence and watch as the cities and towns pass my window.
Once we land at 5th street I can not wait to get into the city. Pushing my way past pedestrians I soak up the history surrounding me. I stood where independence was created. I saw the Liberty Bell and heard out actors as they explained what this independence meant for new found America. Hiding my excitement from my family I gazed into any windows I could find and read glimpses of everything available. Soon, my brother starts looking upset. He wanted to eat at Gino's or Pat's or something. He only came into the city for the famed Philly Cheesesteak. Which I couldn't blame him, but I wanted more. I looked down disappointing, was I the only one who appreciated history anymore? Shoving my wants back down my throat I agree to whatever makes them happy. I wasn't in the mood for a fight.
Cobblestone roads and loose brick paths lead us to Sonny's. "Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks" read the sign, we shrugged and headed through the tiny green door. They. were. delicious. Seriously, Philly isn't known for Cheesesteaks for nothing. As I swallow mine as if it's a contest, my dad and I hail praise to the last time we went to Penn's Landing. We talked about the amazing fireworks and music and how the porter potty didn't have toilet paper. Taking our own advise, we all went to the bathroom before we left, my mom before me. When she comes back to the table she leans over to me,
"I stole some toilet paper just in case" she whispers.
Laughter beings bellowing out of my mouth and fell onto the tiled floor. My mom is ridiculous. I venture into the bathroom and when I finish peeing I reach for the toilet paper. There is almost none left, like seriously, it isn't even 2 ply! I walk out and whisper harsh accusations at my mom, we laugh all the way to Christ Church. After a few more stops, we head to Penn's Landing. I can't wait to show my mom and brother how perfect it is. I walk with an extra bounce in my step, until I see it. "No Fireworks July 4th" reads a white sign with plastered red letters. What the fuck, is that even legal to say? In the homeland of independence, next to Independence Hall, the freaking Delaware River, we're surrounded by what built this country and we can't even celebrate it? Sigh. My family turns and stares at each other. Well, we weren't expecting that. After a nice, awkward moment, we begin moving away from the disappointing river and back to the train station.
No one speaks on the ride home, we suddenly become extremely tired. But, I'm busy people watching. I watch as the men and women respond to each other and their environment, as Taylor Swift once again keeps me company. Gazing upon each passenger I wonder what their story is. Did they fall in love and get left suddenly, like I did? Did they try to start their own business? Or loose their family in a fire? Do they wish someone would just talk to them? Who are these people? I'm absolutely convinced that everyone has a story to tell.
On the way to Philadelphia, it hit me. I stare at one man, he's older probably his 70's. He has taken out his wallet and is staring at a ticket or receipt. His hands tremble softly as he puts it back in it's creased brown home. He lifts himself to one side and pushes it into his back pocket, buttoning it. The man stares out the window, he has a soft smile that tugs at the sides of his cheeks. I want to know him. I want to know all about his first love, and what his dreams were. If they came true. I want to know the places he's been and his craziest adventure. I want to know his favorite memory, what makes him happy, and his beliefs. Breaking my gaze I look at my hands. I decided right then, I want to be a journalist. At 2:15pm July 4th, I realized what I want to do. One day before my placement test for college.
The train halts as it pulls into Norristown Transportation Center. My eyes follow the passengers as they exit the train. Curiosity still tugging at my brain. My family piles into the car and we start heading home. Their holiday was ruined, but I wasn't going to let mine fall apart. When I get home, I take my car to downtown Phoenixville. Earlier, I was invited to go watch a band and fireworks at a local restaurant. As I drive down Gay Street Bridge I see many families heading in the opposite direction. Still, I moved forward and tried to find parking near the restaurant. No luck. My day seriously refused to work out. A new idea pops into my head and I head back home. I grab a bag and stuff two water bottles, a blanket, and a shit bag. Clipping Sparky's leash to his collar, we head out.
Soon enough, Sparky and I are following families up the street and into Friendship Park (I know, it's cute). We settle down into a spot when I notice Sparky's leg is shaking uncontrollably, he's slipping, he looks scared. This is my baby. I start walking him again and he seems fine. Being as determined as I am, he will see a vet soon. Gazing around for somewhere to go, I spot a white cart in the distance. Pertucci's is a local ice cream place and they had a cart out in the field. I bought a Cherry Water Ice and walked Sparky past the adoring crowd. Sitting against a light pole, I watch Sparky and his movements. He stays close, he's a good boy. I give him a million kisses and pour out the rest of my water ice, filling up the cup with water. Sparky doesn't care. Instead, he knocks over the cup towards me (I'm sitting remember?), knocks over my phone into the water and looks away. What a dick. I grab my phone and pick up the blanket stashing it back into the bag. Suddenly, I don't think Sparky should be here. I remember dogs have more acute hearing, I'm an idiot. I start taking Sparky home. Before I'm two steps away, the first firework explodes. Shit. Sparky looks terrified and begins walking pretty fast past people and children. My butt's wet. I'm excusing my dog and myself as the crowd looks to the sky and not where they're walking. Children try to grab at Sparky as I move him further from the noise. After an exciting walk, we get home. I run upstairs and throw on next to nothing and go outside. I can see the fireworks from my front yard.
I lean against a pole and watch the explosions in the sky. I smile as I look back on my day. I never thought I'd end up here. A wet ass, in my pajamas, in my front yard, a newly decided journalist major. It's funny how things work out that way. There were some disappointments along the way, but as I gaze into the sky, it was all worth it. A small laugh escapes my lips, "Welcome to Pennsylvania" I think to myself. Who knew this is where I'd land? I sure didn't.
Happy Independence Day, and may you plans never go the way they should.
Once we land at 5th street I can not wait to get into the city. Pushing my way past pedestrians I soak up the history surrounding me. I stood where independence was created. I saw the Liberty Bell and heard out actors as they explained what this independence meant for new found America. Hiding my excitement from my family I gazed into any windows I could find and read glimpses of everything available. Soon, my brother starts looking upset. He wanted to eat at Gino's or Pat's or something. He only came into the city for the famed Philly Cheesesteak. Which I couldn't blame him, but I wanted more. I looked down disappointing, was I the only one who appreciated history anymore? Shoving my wants back down my throat I agree to whatever makes them happy. I wasn't in the mood for a fight.
Cobblestone roads and loose brick paths lead us to Sonny's. "Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks" read the sign, we shrugged and headed through the tiny green door. They. were. delicious. Seriously, Philly isn't known for Cheesesteaks for nothing. As I swallow mine as if it's a contest, my dad and I hail praise to the last time we went to Penn's Landing. We talked about the amazing fireworks and music and how the porter potty didn't have toilet paper. Taking our own advise, we all went to the bathroom before we left, my mom before me. When she comes back to the table she leans over to me,
"I stole some toilet paper just in case" she whispers.
Laughter beings bellowing out of my mouth and fell onto the tiled floor. My mom is ridiculous. I venture into the bathroom and when I finish peeing I reach for the toilet paper. There is almost none left, like seriously, it isn't even 2 ply! I walk out and whisper harsh accusations at my mom, we laugh all the way to Christ Church. After a few more stops, we head to Penn's Landing. I can't wait to show my mom and brother how perfect it is. I walk with an extra bounce in my step, until I see it. "No Fireworks July 4th" reads a white sign with plastered red letters. What the fuck, is that even legal to say? In the homeland of independence, next to Independence Hall, the freaking Delaware River, we're surrounded by what built this country and we can't even celebrate it? Sigh. My family turns and stares at each other. Well, we weren't expecting that. After a nice, awkward moment, we begin moving away from the disappointing river and back to the train station.
No one speaks on the ride home, we suddenly become extremely tired. But, I'm busy people watching. I watch as the men and women respond to each other and their environment, as Taylor Swift once again keeps me company. Gazing upon each passenger I wonder what their story is. Did they fall in love and get left suddenly, like I did? Did they try to start their own business? Or loose their family in a fire? Do they wish someone would just talk to them? Who are these people? I'm absolutely convinced that everyone has a story to tell.
On the way to Philadelphia, it hit me. I stare at one man, he's older probably his 70's. He has taken out his wallet and is staring at a ticket or receipt. His hands tremble softly as he puts it back in it's creased brown home. He lifts himself to one side and pushes it into his back pocket, buttoning it. The man stares out the window, he has a soft smile that tugs at the sides of his cheeks. I want to know him. I want to know all about his first love, and what his dreams were. If they came true. I want to know the places he's been and his craziest adventure. I want to know his favorite memory, what makes him happy, and his beliefs. Breaking my gaze I look at my hands. I decided right then, I want to be a journalist. At 2:15pm July 4th, I realized what I want to do. One day before my placement test for college.
The train halts as it pulls into Norristown Transportation Center. My eyes follow the passengers as they exit the train. Curiosity still tugging at my brain. My family piles into the car and we start heading home. Their holiday was ruined, but I wasn't going to let mine fall apart. When I get home, I take my car to downtown Phoenixville. Earlier, I was invited to go watch a band and fireworks at a local restaurant. As I drive down Gay Street Bridge I see many families heading in the opposite direction. Still, I moved forward and tried to find parking near the restaurant. No luck. My day seriously refused to work out. A new idea pops into my head and I head back home. I grab a bag and stuff two water bottles, a blanket, and a shit bag. Clipping Sparky's leash to his collar, we head out.
Soon enough, Sparky and I are following families up the street and into Friendship Park (I know, it's cute). We settle down into a spot when I notice Sparky's leg is shaking uncontrollably, he's slipping, he looks scared. This is my baby. I start walking him again and he seems fine. Being as determined as I am, he will see a vet soon. Gazing around for somewhere to go, I spot a white cart in the distance. Pertucci's is a local ice cream place and they had a cart out in the field. I bought a Cherry Water Ice and walked Sparky past the adoring crowd. Sitting against a light pole, I watch Sparky and his movements. He stays close, he's a good boy. I give him a million kisses and pour out the rest of my water ice, filling up the cup with water. Sparky doesn't care. Instead, he knocks over the cup towards me (I'm sitting remember?), knocks over my phone into the water and looks away. What a dick. I grab my phone and pick up the blanket stashing it back into the bag. Suddenly, I don't think Sparky should be here. I remember dogs have more acute hearing, I'm an idiot. I start taking Sparky home. Before I'm two steps away, the first firework explodes. Shit. Sparky looks terrified and begins walking pretty fast past people and children. My butt's wet. I'm excusing my dog and myself as the crowd looks to the sky and not where they're walking. Children try to grab at Sparky as I move him further from the noise. After an exciting walk, we get home. I run upstairs and throw on next to nothing and go outside. I can see the fireworks from my front yard.
I lean against a pole and watch the explosions in the sky. I smile as I look back on my day. I never thought I'd end up here. A wet ass, in my pajamas, in my front yard, a newly decided journalist major. It's funny how things work out that way. There were some disappointments along the way, but as I gaze into the sky, it was all worth it. A small laugh escapes my lips, "Welcome to Pennsylvania" I think to myself. Who knew this is where I'd land? I sure didn't.
Happy Independence Day, and may you plans never go the way they should.
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