Things I Like

I recently saw a friend post a long list of things he liked. This friend typically complains or is upset in his posts, so it was nice to see something different. But most importantly, I learned more about him in that short list than in the years I had known him.

So, in ode to my friend, here's a list of things I like:

I like warm rains in Chicago. I like the wind. I like long walks in fresh air. I like text messages. I like laughing. I like it when I work really hard at something and am recognized for it. I like sports. I like sitting next to a field and watching random people play a game on a nice afternoon. I like fishing. I like reading. I love Lake Powell. I like water. I like lazy Sunday mornings where you can play oldies on the radio and dance in the kitchen. I like taking risks. I like hiking. I like being alone. I like the feeling when airplanes take off and land, and even when there's turbulence (otherwise flights are boring as hell). I like people-watching on the train. I like to screen calls—it makes me feel important. I like planning, even for things that will never happen. I like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (Pinterest is still growing on me). I like it when my boyfriend says the full "I love you" rather than just "love you."(Speaking of the bf, I just screened his call. Ha!) I like freaking out sometimes because it means that I care. I like my family. I like my friends. I like shopping for workout clothes. I like pedicures. I like cars. I like motorcycles. I like my bicycle. I like the color green. I like my eyes.

I could go on and on, but that's a good list for now. This little exercise has made me smile, and I like smiling to myself.

I also like snowflakes. Tiffany's anyone?

The Onion Wins Again

I've always been a hockey fan, but recently I've been a borderline obsessed hockey fan.

Blame it on HBO's 24/7 Penguins v. Capitals documentary. This show managed to highlight both the beauty and strengths of the game itself as well as reveal the behind-the-scenes personalities of the players and coaches (not all of whom are beautiful or strong when the mask is off).

Men. Sweat. Hockey. Muscles.

This girl is in heaven!

But the game also has some humor behind it. Take, for example, The Onion's expertly crafted list of pros and cons of some the game's top players. Too funny!

Wayne Gretzky

Martin Brodeur

Sidney Crosby

Alexander Ovechkin

My favorite line is one of Wayne Gretzky's weak sides: "Um... Couldn't... Fly?"

Boys

I live with two boys.

Honestly, they crack me up on a daily basis.

Last night, they "hosted" a soccer-viewing party. And as in hosted, I mean that they provided the TV. Everyone else brought food and drinks.

So when I walked in the door at 9 pm, this is what I saw:

and this...

My kitchen had been attacked.

And everything in the house smelled like boy.

The best part of this? It all amuses me to no end. I love it. (Unless, of course, I come home tonight and it still looks like this. Then I won't be so happy.)

All you can do is shake your head and laugh.

Boys will be boys.

I Could Be Skiing

It's Saturday afternoon. I could be skiing. In the mountains. Where there's snow, and trees, and friends. Instead, I'm here...

I'm at the office.

But I have a game plan: I'm going to get caught up (buahahaha! that's funny) and then I will conquer my job, conquer my company, and, finally, conquer the publishing empire.

Watch out, world.