Thank you, Steve Jobs.

Happy Independence Day to all of my fellow Americans. To readers visiting my blog from a foreign land, won't you join us in celebrating two hundred and thirty-some odd years of America's independence from England by ditching work and attending a Major League baseball game? In my mind, nothing better captures the American spirit of rebellion, er, independence.

I had to talk my husband into playing hooky. Who can out-sell the salesman? This girl. I even quoted Steve Jobs (via Pinterest) in my pitch:

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important." 

"Husband," I said, "Steve Jobs thinks that you might be dead by Thursday. Would you rather spend your last day on Earth working or watching baseball and eating overpriced concessions like your forefathers intended?"

Obviously we went to the game. The Steve Jobs quote was a deal-sealer. Pinterest for the win!

The Mariners played the Baltimore Orioles. Halfway through the game DJ left to get expensive pizza and missed the only homerun - by the Orioles. I tend to root for the underdog no matter what sport or game or YA paranormal romance novel I'm reading/watching. If you're the type that loves rooting for the underdog, the Mariners are for you. It was a heart-wrenching nine innings. They almost rallied in the last inning. It was exciting - they scored two runs (the only two of the game, if my memory is accurate)!

I thought, "Yes, underdog! Yes! You're going to make it!"

But then they got their third out and we all got in our cars and took off.

Happy birthday America!

No hard feelings, England?