Why Here, Why Now?

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Hey everyone! It's been a bit since I last posted. I just got back from an amazing two-week trip around Europe with my husband and three of our kids. We hit up The Netherlands, Paris, Austria, and Germany, soaking in unforgettable moments and stunning views. I'm working on some blog posts to spill all the details of our adventure. We dove into the culture, food, and iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and even tried McDonald's in each country, which was surprisingly better than expected. We also had a quick but sweet stop in Brussels, Belgium, where we indulged in world-famous Belgian chocolate during a layover, seriously best chocolate ever! We couldn't explore Brussels, but maybe one day we will.

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Oh, This Awful Food!

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This post isn't about the trip details; it's all about what I miss the most from my time abroad: the food. In Europe, I could enjoy a variety of dishes without feeling sick, unlike in America, where gluten is a real struggle for me. Eating there felt so freeing—I could even have a McDonald's double cheeseburger in Paris with no problem, which is just unthinkable back home. In the U.S., even a little gluten leaves me uncomfortable for days, with bloating and pain. Coming back to the limited and less satisfying food options here is such a letdown. European meals were lively, fresh, and an experience in themselves, so different from dining here. I really miss the freedom and joy of eating without worry, which highlights just how different the food culture is across the Atlantic.

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Why Here?

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Do you ever think about why you were born where you were? I often wonder why I ended up in my specific state and with my specific family. I really wish for a close, loving family that sticks together through tough times, filled with laughter and strong bonds. But instead, I find myself in a family that's missing the closeness I've always wanted.

When I'm on my own, I imagine how different my life could be if I had been born in Europe, where culture and family life seem to offer more support and community. The landscapes, historical vibes, and traditions of European families really appeal to me. People often say, "It could be worse," but I think some places might offer more fulfilling experiences. This makes me long for deeper connections and pushes me to create my own version of a loving, loyal family. As I go through this journey, I explore how family dynamics shape who we are and what we hope for.

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Being born in 1986 puts me in a cool spot where history and technology meet. Growing up, tech was important, but nothing like it is now. We enjoyed simple things that might get overlooked today. I love history and often daydream about living in different times, like ancient Egypt or the 1960s, each with its own cool stuff and challenges. Even though I sometimes romanticize the past, I know every era had its problems. Today's fast-paced tech world is thrilling but also brings new issues, like changing social dynamics and cyberbullying. I appreciate modern perks like indoor plumbing, but sometimes the complexity of today's world feels overwhelming.

Thinking back to a time when my son and I played Donkey Kong on a Super Nintendo, I realized how far tech has come. But that simple game reminded us of the joy in straightforward fun, showing the need for balance. We should enjoy modern conveniences while also appreciating the simplicity and connections from the past. This reflection helps me figure out where I fit in this ever-changing world.

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What I do love about these times

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The World Wide Web

The internet's awesome because it lets us connect with people all over the world in no time, making long distances feel like no big deal. Whether it's through texts, video calls, or emails, it helps us keep our relationships strong and spread some love, even when we're not together. Plus, it's like having a massive library right at our fingertips. If you're into learning, the internet makes it super easy and fun to dive into all sorts of topics, totally transforming how we learn compared to the old days before everything went digital.

Modern conveniences

Modern technology has totally changed our lives, making things way easier and quicker than before. Stuff like traveling, cooking, and cleaning used to take forever, but now we've got cars, microwaves, and washing machines to do the heavy lifting. These gadgets free us up from boring chores, so we can focus on more fun stuff. Just look at how bathrooms have evolved from shared spaces to private, comfy spots—it's all about better hygiene and comfort. I'm really thankful for these advancements; they've totally upped our quality of life.

Electricity is another big game-changer, bringing comfort and efficiency into our lives. On a recent trip to Europe, my kids noticed some homes still used wood fires for heating, which kicked off a chat about how fire was once the go-to for warmth and cooking. I explained that while fire was crucial back in the day, electricity now powers our homes and gadgets, giving us a clean, efficient way to stay connected and warm. This talk helped my kids see the charm in old-school methods and the perks of modern tech, highlighting why sustainable energy is so important for the future.

Freedom of Religion

I'm really grateful to live in a time and place where I can choose science over religion, and enjoy the freedom to explore the world with evidence and reason without facing any backlash. This freedom creates a space for all kinds of ideas, boosting understanding and innovation. I'm thankful I'm not in a society that forces me to stick to community beliefs, unlike places like Amish, Muslim, North Korean, or traditional Jewish communities, where religious conformity is pretty strong. I respect their faith and traditions, but I really value being able to choose my own beliefs.

My mom, who grew up Catholic, is pretty open-minded about spirituality. I honestly don't even know if she believes in God. A conversation with my Nana showed me how much cultural identity and religion can mix. Nana, with her traditional views, thought I was Catholic just because of our Italian roots. This really highlighted how society, family, and culture can shape our belief systems. I have talked to people that believe that being Jewish and Judaism is that same thing. Failing to see Judaism as their religion.

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What I do NOT like about these times

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Negatives of Technology

I’m really not a fan of how technology seems to take over everything these days. Instead of seeing friendly faces in stores, we're greeted by machines, which cuts down on personal interactions and affects jobs. With automation on the rise, a lot of people are losing jobs, leading to economic problems. And when tech fails, it’s a mess. Like that time at the grocery store when their system crashed and they only took cash. I almost never have cash on me, and lots of places don’t even use it anymore, which is super annoying. Luckily, a nice employee let me Venmo her, saving my shopping trip.

It’s also worrying how quickly hate and misinformation spread online. People often buy into sensational headlines without checking the facts, even though reliable info is out there. This makes social media a confusing place where it’s hard to tell what’s real or not. Many of us try to share real content, but it’s tough when flashy but false stories get all the attention. I’m not willing to give up being real just for a quick moment in the spotlight.

I’m also worried about what all this tech is doing to our bodies and minds, especially for kids. Too much screen time is messing with their health, eyesight, brain development, and posture. Kids aren’t playing imaginatively as much anymore; they’re glued to screens. I remember making up fantasy worlds with my Barbies, which really sparked creativity. Now, kids are turning to AI for stories, which stifles their critical and creative thinking. Instead of exploring their creativity, they're relying on tech, which hurts their problem-solving skills.

Modern Medicine

I totally get that modern medicine has done wonders, like how antibiotics have really boosted our quality of life. But I'm a bit worried about how much we lean on chemical prescriptions because of their side effects. Back in the day, people relied on natural remedies, which usually have fewer side effects and take a more holistic approach to health. Sadly, these natural options are often met with skepticism now since everyone’s so focused on pharmaceuticals. Personally, I've found essential oils super helpful, especially when modern meds didn’t quite do the trick.

Also, the food quality in America isn't doing us any favors, thanks to all the chemicals and preservatives. In Europe, stricter regulations mean better quality food. European pharmacies tend to have fewer meds, but they’re higher quality and often use natural ingredients. While modern medicine has come a long way, we shouldn't overlook the benefits of natural healing. Mixing modern and holistic methods could really boost our health. We need to rethink our food and medicine choices to support natural and healthier options that are good for both our bodies and the environment.

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What I do appreciate about where I am from (America)

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I'm really thankful for the freedom we have in America compared to places like North Korea, China, and Russia. Here, we can speak our minds, gather, and express ourselves without worrying about the government coming down on us. This freedom sparks creativity, innovation, and a lively culture. Plus, I love the conveniences we have, from cutting-edge tech and infrastructure to a variety of services that make life easier, boost our quality of life, and let us chase our dreams.

There's so much beauty in America I haven't seen yet, and that gets me excited. Each state has its own unique landscapes, cultures, and history, adding to the country's rich tapestry. Whether it's national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone or vibrant cities like Chicago and San Francisco, there's a ton to explore. I've been to over half of the fifty states and want to visit them all, with each trip bringing new adventures, communities, and insights into the diverse American experience.

I also love that I can understand most people here, which makes me feel connected. Sharing a common language makes communication easier and interactions deeper, letting me engage with others and share experiences without language barriers. This shared language not only makes daily life simpler but also immerses me in the culture, opening up discussions and friendships. All in all, the mix of freedom, convenience, beauty, and language familiarity makes America an awesome place to explore and enjoy.

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What I hate about where I am from

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The Government

People usually think of America as a democracy, but sometimes it feels more like a few people are calling all the shots, leaving the majority in the dust. This idea comes from watching U.S. politics and society in action.

On the flip side, smaller European countries seem to run things more smoothly. With fewer people, their governments can really focus on what citizens need. America's massive size and mix of cultures make it tough for one government to handle all regional issues effectively.

Take the Netherlands, for instance. Its small size means the government connects better with its people. If each U.S. state acted like its own country, governance might get better, with states making rules that fit their residents' needs.

When it comes to the economy, America has its own set of problems. Not many countries deal with financial system shutdowns that leave workers unpaid for long stretches. This common issue in America is both concerning and frustrating.

The gap between regular folks and those in power is pretty noticeable. While officials enjoy nice salaries and perks, many people struggle to make ends meet, which goes against America's ideals of opportunity and equality. The "little guys" often have to fend for themselves amidst financial uncertainty.

In the end, America's reputation as a model democracy is being questioned by people's real-life experiences. Its size and economic inequalities suggest it's time to rethink how things are run. Giving states more independence might help bring America's democratic ideals to life.

Education System

The U.S. education system has some major gaps, which is why I decided to homeschool my daughter for a better learning experience. Even though the U.S. is a "melting pot," it still struggles with embracing different cultures and languages. On the other hand, places like The Netherlands start teaching multiple languages early on, which helps with cultural understanding and communication. In the U.S., not many people are fluent in other languages, which makes global interaction tough.

I also like how some countries have school all year round. The long summer break in the U.S. causes kids to forget what they learned and get bored, plus it creates childcare issues for parents. A more balanced calendar with shorter breaks might keep kids interested and help them remember what they learn.

In the U.S., politics often get in the way of focusing on what students really need, taking attention away from providing quality education. If we could take a page from other countries' books on language education, school structure, and keeping politics out of schools, we could better prepare kids for what's ahead. It's frustrating to see so much potential go to waste when our kids' futures are on the line.