It’s 85 degrees outside, and I’m just really trying to persuade the kid I’m babysitting that the pool is calling his name. Meanwhile, some stranger on the other line of his Xbox Live is actually calling his name. My mom wouldn’t let me walk around my safe neighborhood by myself until I was 14, and there are nine-year-olds talking to 45-year-old strangers today #Merica.
This small scenario made me realize just how unappreciated some of the little things in this world have become. Let’s all take a minute to unplug from Beyonce and reminisce on some of life’s simpler pleasures.
1. Cheap sunglasses. Those seven little letters look cute under your Valencia filter on your Instagram and all but not so cute at the bottom of the lake. Three words: Forever 21 sunglasses. Cheap, cute, and affordable after 15 minutes of babysitting.
2. Red Bull. Forget Vicky’s Secret. These are the kind of wings I want.
3. $5 movie nights. You’ve heard the movie isn’t that good? This is your choice to be the judge of that. You’ve got nothing to lose.
4. Family dinners. You can’t live with them, you can’t live without them. 20 years later and I found out that the people who have no problem telling me I’m not making the wisest choice and that I need to stop using all the data are my biggest fans. Yours are yours too.
5. Remembering you DID shut the garage door. This list isn’t in any specific order, but if I had to choose one of the greatest feelings in the world, it would be that moment…. when I’m halfway out of my neighborhood and I have a sudden panic of whether or not I shut the garage door and how long a burglar has had the chance to sneak upstairs to hide behind the shower curtain (don’t lie, you still check) when BAM, you remember the struggle you had while juggling your Starbucks, holding your key ring with 15 necessary keychains, and typing in the code.
6. Nugget Ice from Sonic. It’s like a 2 for 1 deal when you buy a drink.
7. Remembering a good old song. "Summer Girls" by LFO. You’re welcome.
8. Big windows. One like what I’m looking out at as I write this. I have a deadline to meet, and I’m borderline stressing out about a summer class but something about this view, that I am even using my peripheral vision to see, makes life a little bit easier.
9. Taylor Swift. No explanation needed.
10. Obnoxious laughs. We all have that one friend. No, their story wasn’t that funny, but they’re laughing so you’re laughing.
11. Hardwood Floors. Around 7:30 p.m.- when the sun is hitting them just right.
12. Trespassing. No, not sneaking into the White House or some crazy ish like that. I’m talking about climbing to the top of that abandoned building downtown and waiting for the sunrise. A travel size pitcher of mimosas in hand may contribute to the experience.
13. Qdoba. This is the one with queso. As simple as that.
14. Childhood friendships. The only thing that’s changed is your teeth alignment. Braces can be included in this one, as well.
15. Ramen noodles. Did anyone else know that the serving size for these is half of a block? Ha..ha..
16. Good Hugs. Your best friend, your sister, your mom, and your dad. No one else compares.
17. Down Comforters. These may make Monday-Friday mornings painful to get up, but come Saturday and Sunday morning, you’re a human sized cotton ball of joy.
18. The feeling of your stomach dropping. Whether it is a roller coaster, a speech, or a first date, the feeling is all the same.
19. No phone service. But oh no, what if Zach is finally texting you since your date last week?! One more reason to not be capable of responding.
20. Student Discounts. Just ask. You’d be surprised (Shout out to Francesca’s!).
…..One more
21. Old People. I promise you they have better advice than the drunk girl you met in the bathroom at Tin Roof the other night.
I hope this list reminds us how #blessed we really are.
