Two weeks ago, I wrote a column entitled, THINGS THAT PISS ME OFF & A MOVIE THAT USED TO. I’ll admit, it was a bit heavy handed, even though it was mostly in jest. Mostly. Ok, not really. Those things did and continue to piss me off, and a few of you responded in agreement. But in an effort to show I’m not a complete curmudgeon, I thought it only fair to write a column that balances it out. And with that, I present to you–A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS, with another nod to The Sound of Music.
Major League Baseball’s Opening Day–it doesn’t matter whether your team is good, bad or in between. It doesn’t even matter if its cold and cloudy. Everyone is undefeated on opening day and you can always layer up. It’s like Christmas in April. Only with beer.
The first time you realize the person you love, feels the same way about you. I don’t know about you, but I find it amazing that anyone can tolerate me. I’m OCD. Bullheaded. Argumentative. And have only been wrong once in my life, and that was caused by a faulty GPS address. See what I mean? And yet somehow, I found someone who was willing to spend the rest of her life with me. I knew she was the one the moment I saw her fold herself Indian style into a chair not meant to be sat in that way. But could she feel the same way in return? I guess there really is someone for everyone. I’m living proof.
Sunny 72 degree days with a slight breeze. I think this is self explanatory.
A good day drunk. Nothing like drinking in the afternoon with friends without a care in the world. Passed out by 10:00 and you can still function the next day. What’s better than that?
Well, maybe this is. Your favorite movie that you haven’t watched in a few years, coming on in the middle of the night when you can’t sleep.
Dancing to Prince. I had the opportunity to briefly meet him once when I was working in Los Angeles and although he was small in stature, he was one of those people that was larger than life without even trying to be. Soft spoken and gentle, he is one of the few people that left me awestruck. And in case you don’t know, there is a rule that whenever a Prince song comes on the radio (or the movie Purple Rain), you HAVE to dance. This is non-negotiable. And it doesn’t matter if it’s 3:00am, noon, or if you’re at work. Rules are rules. If you don’t immediately break out your worst dance moves when Baby I’m a Star/I Would Die 4 U comes on, you have no soul and need to take the next elevator straight down to hell. RIP, Prince. Your music and legacy will live on.
Super Bowl Sunday. But I’d like it even more if it was on a Saturday.
Grey, cool, fall days, that require a sweatshirt and jeans, but nothing more. Lying in a hammock looking out as the colorful leaves begin to slowly make their way to the ground one and two at a time.
Seeing an old friend for the first time in years and feeling as though you saw them only the day before.
Laughing so hard, tears start streaming down your face. We all have that friend who can make us laugh no matter how awful our day has been. Call that person TODAY.
Reading old cards from long lost family members. I still have a card my parents gave me on my high school graduation 75 years ago (maybe a slight exaggeration) telling me how proud they were of me. I would literally give anything to be able to pick up the phone or go to visit them and hear their voices just one more time.
Flying in over the New York City skyline and wondering what every person is doing below.
Writing. There is nothing quite like creating a story that makes you feel a little better after you’ve read it than you did before. Nothing like creating characters so heroic you wish you could be just like them. Life can be depressing at times. It’s amazing to create your own world where everything is as it should be.
Tim McGraw.
Sitting on the top deck of a ferry boat cruising across the ocean to my favorite place in the world. Nantucket. If you’ve never been, you need to go. Beautiful sandy beaches. Grey shake shingle homes with widow’s walks on the rooftops looking over the entire island. A quaint town center with cobblestone streets and shops that are fun to walk in and out of even if you don’t buy a thing. Best of all, Nantucket is a place where ice cream isn’t just for kids.
Outdoor concerts. Whether you are on the lawn, in the pit or backstage, there’s nothing like a summer outdoor concert.
Counting Crows. Counting Crows at an outdoor summer venue even better. Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center the best.
An outdoor hot tub on a snowy winter night.
Christmas Eve with the lights on, carols playing in the background, and It’s a Wonderful Life on the TV.
Dogs. All of them. For their loyalty and unconditional love. Especially our boys Mr. Beans and Mr. Bode.
A good book that forces you to put everything else on hold until you’ve finished it.
What are some of your favorite things? Share them by contacting me through my website. www.mattmicros.com
Until next week, conquer your greatest fears and watch the doors of success fly open….