I used to think Americans were dumb. Then I met some I liked who are actually quite clever. Then I started paying attention to current affairs. Now I’m back in the “Americans are dumb” camp.
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As part of my “birthday fortnight” celebrations (it was my 40th) along with three friends, Jenn and I took at trip to wine country in the Santa Ynez Valley.
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A recent TV commercial sees two brothers “competing” to pay for transactions at shops, fast food and gas stations. To the sound of Duelin’ Banjos they “race” to pay before the other and proudly declare they’ve “Got it!”
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This week we were invited to go to The Magic Castle in Hollywood. Originally I thought it was something like Chuck E Cheese’s, but alas not. It bills itself as the world’s most famous club for magicians and magic enthusiasts and is an “exclusive” members’ only club. However, on the Saturday night when we visited it seemed it was strictly limited to half the population of L.A.
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Today the mother-in-law took us and Jennifer’s sister and husband for an anniversary meal at Walt’s magic kingdom – Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Conveniently for both couples, our anniversaries are only a few days apart.
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I landed back in California last week after my first visit to the Mother Country since moving here.
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The first year in a new country is going to be a year of ‘firsts’ as one experiences how occasions are handled in the new culture.

Valentine’s day looms and it seems the country has gone into overdrive when it comes to expressing ‘love’ in its many forms.

I can’t believe how everyone has gone card crazy. Jenn has been sending and receiving cards all week from and to – including but not limited to – mothers, sisters, grandparents and friends.

What’s that all about? Sorry, but I think it’s a bit weird. This one is definitely a cultural difference! As far as I’m concerned, there are only two types of person you send a Valentine’s card to: 1. your significant other; or 2. Someone you’d like to be your significant other. That’s it. Anything else is just creepy.

Then again, if you can convince people to send cards to pretty much everyone, just think how many cards you can sell. Call me cynical if you like.