It's been Awhile!

Well, I'm finally posting again because I am almost finished with White Noise. I love the book thus far and it has given some insight into defining what the American Dream in the 1980's should be. Simplicity seems to be a major theme in this book because two thirds of it focuses on the everyday life of a college professor (multiple times divorced with many children) and his wife (also multiple times divorced with many children). The first third of the book is a series of snapshots from their errands, conversations, and happenings in the house. The second part of the book, focusing on the Airborne Toxic Event (which also happens to be a fun band to listen to), is the longest chapter in the book, showing that a disaster or event that is out of the ordinary has a larger focus in our lives than does everyday sameness (is that a word?). However, I have come to realize that everyday ocurrences in my life are the most important. Seeing my family, dear friends, and fiance has become the biggest joy in my life. Being able to watch my nephew grow up (he's two already!) and helping my OLD parents out with the house is so simple and I used to hate being involved in it but now I feel like I must take as much advantage of the time I have with them as I can. Whenever I think about family members passing on, I cry. No matter how far away it may be, I do not want to be stuck with the guilt of potentially spending more time with them. I still carry that guilt from my grandmother's death 3 years ago and I think that helped me realize that simplicity is what I want as an American. I long to get by with my family and live old with my husband while watching our children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren grow. Family must be a large factor in the American Dream. Maybe brought over by the Italians? Or is it some innate sense in all humans to be devoted to family? I must research that...