Independence Day is not going to plan itself.
There are certain things that you really, really must have or do if you are going to celebrate the Fourth of July, my sixth favorite holiday behind National Cheese Day, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween and Take your Cat to the Office Day — in no particular order.
Throw things
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
You have to toss something around on the Fourth of July: a football, a horseshoe, a water balloon, volleyball, a ping-pong ball… something. There is a rule about this in the Constitution. Life, liberty and the right and responsibility to play games in your front yard, back porch or your dining room table on the Fourth of July.
Buy buns and more buns
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Seriously, stock up. You can never have enough buns. Hamburger buns, hot dog buns, veggie dog buns, veggie hamburger buns, dill pickle-flavored buns, cheese steak buns, etc., etc. That BBQ is going to need a way to easily get to your mouth. #Themoreyouknow.
Get smaller buns
Fourth of July is Monday, which gives you a few days to get in tip-top shape. With the right diet and exercise regimen, you can go to that Fourth of July picnic with rock hard abs and buns. Who am I kidding? It is too late. At this point, you is what you is.
Wear a tank top anyway. Everybody else will.
Add glitter and stars
This is not your first rodeo is it?
Find a boatloads of patriotism
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
America is the best every single day. That fact is even more true on Independence Day. Repeat after me, “We’re number 1! We’re number 1!” Tell everyone. Your American Flag to bun ratio (the AF to B) on the Fourth of July should be no less than one per 12 at any given moment.
Establish a mosquito defense system
Deep Wood’s Off is not enough. Invest in some industrial strength, Amazonian Rain Forest Certified mosquito netting. Craft pants, skirts, dresses and other active wear for your extended and immediate family using the netting. They will thank you for it when they are on the covers of Vogue and Esquire magazines.
Find a quiet place
Go to that place deep inside you when the “fam” starts to be less than fab.
Screen the Sun
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Seriously, protect your skin. I am not kidding.
Potato salad, coleslaw AND deviled eggs
Apple pie is great, but nothing says America like side dishes made with mayonnaise. A.M.E.R.I.C.A! Don't try that oil based coleslaw mumbo jumbo either. It is unacceptable on the 4th. George Washington said as much. I am told that he knew a lot of stuff about coleslaw.
Ready your lawn chair
You are going to have plant those buns someplace.
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