God Bless America

   I just returned from a trip to Naples where we had a basketball game on the military base. I had a fun time with my girls and shared many laughs. One of the highlights for this expat was visiting the commissary. I walked over with a few of my players and they told me I wouldn't be able to get in without a proper ID. I told them I would try. So I flashed my passport and my smile and was granted instant access. Holla!!!
   It was a beautiful sight. I felt like I had just walked into Safeway back at home. American brands, prices in dollars...it was wonderful. At home, never had I been excited to see a pack of Fritos but yesterday, it was as if those corn chips were a long, lost friend.
   I started in the baking aisle. Brown sugar! Chocolate chips! Peanut Butter! They even had Goober Grape! Goober Grape is an important part of my childhood and serves as punchlines to many inside jokes between my brother and me. I then continued on and found...Tapatio! Kraft Macaroni and Cheese! Cheddar Cheese! Hot and Spicy Cheez-Its! Peanut Butter M&M's!
   Needless to say, I stocked up and spent about $75.00. I even lucked out at the check-out line and didn't have the proper ID but gave my SSN and I was good to go. It was meant to be.
   Funny thing is, in the states, I rarely bought this stuff...but you don't know what you've got til' it's gone right? And this homesick girl is momentarily feasting on hydrogenated oils and yellow 5 and loving it.