Construction Zone

I've been wracking my brain trying to think of what to write for this challenge and my love of lists is coming to my rescue for now. And, I also thought, "start small" and had the idea to do a list of 10 things that I like that I suspect people take for granted. Also, as an FYI, these are things that have the effect of making me feel better when I'm down, make me feel like you know me and care about me, and also, just have a wonderful rejuvenating factor to them. They energize me when I need to keep going and may not know exactly where I'm going to find the strength to keep going.


1. Coffee. Yes, this is cheating, what with the caffeine and all, but I love coffee. I love the way it smells. I love the way it tastes. I love the way it makes me feel - like the whole world can pause just long enough for me to drink it and take away a moment of peace and me time.

I like my coffee black. I don't use sugar, only splenda, if I do decide to sweeten it. Sometimes, I will add cream. I like real cream. I also like whipped cream, if it's a special occasion. If it's cold, I'll take my coffee hot. If it's hot, I'll take my coffee cold.

I'll drink it Irish, too. And with desert, and with breakfast, and at 2 in the afternoon. I'd drink it at night, but everyone fusses at me, so I've switched to decaf for those evening when I just can't stand it.


2. Movies. I love going to the movies, because they are engaging, distracting, and provide an often-times much needed break from the insanity of real life. I don't have much time for movies, but it's a shame. If you can make me make time, do it!

I like going to the theater. I like the big screen. I prefer movies that I pay that much for to have awesome special effects. I like action and adventure. I like super heroes. I love fantasy and magic.

I don't like love stories that promise happy endings that don't exist. I don't like horror films that are gory. I do like ghost stories.

I like movie soundtracks and epic is always better. I love popcorn. If we're at home, I adore pickles and popcorn. (Blame my mother.)

3. Patios. I love to sit on patios. I like them in restaurants a lot, but I love them in people's houses, too. I like being outside and still being comfortable. I like drinks (of any sort) on patios.

I don't like smokers, but I'll tolerate them. I love bonfires. I like grilling out. I like roasting marshmallows, as long as someone else will eat them. Hot dogs on the grill are my favorite food. Shut up.

Music is good. Dancing with me on a patio is better. Curl up with me on a swing and I'll be happy and content for hours. Snuggle with me if I'm cold. Let me lean on you even if its warm. I'll do my best not to sweat on you. ;)


4. Baths. Bubbles are good. Lush bombs are better. Reading in the bathtub is an awesome thing. Hot water, lots of it, that I can run over my toes and feet anytime the tub needs a warm up makes me happy. So do hot tubs.

Candles, music, a glass of wine - these will make the bath experience even better, but at the heart of it, I need a clean tub and warm water. Fuzzy towels, robes, etc. for when I get out are also good. :)

5. Hugs and pets. I will stay still for as long as I physically can if you pet me. I love hugs. I love having my hair played with. Now, there is a big caveat here - if I don't know you, or just met you, don't be overly handsy. That's just uncouth. But if you're my person, and you know you're my person, hug me, damn it.

6. Music. I love music, especially live. I will see anything live (although, I'm not really that fond of jazz... but I can deal with it). I like to dance, especially if I've had a drink. I like the symphony and the opera and the ballet. I like rock and roll. I like hip hop and rap. I like pop.

Sing to me, and I will die of giggles but at the same time, love you forever.

Note - I don't do karaoke. ;)

7. Baseball. I like going to the games. I like going to ANY games. I like t-ball and I like the pros. I like small town leagues. I like baseball movies and baseball stories and the history of the US as told through baseball.

I will cheer the Braves, boo the Yankees, and respect the hell out of anyone who isn't a fair weather fan.

8. Surprises. I don't mean big "Hey, guess what, I'm moving!" kinds of surprises. I mean little things like, "I saw this and thought of you" and "I think you'd like this place I'm taking you" and "This seemed like you."

Write me stories. Send me pictures. Do something for me and I will be excited.

9. Show me something unexpected. An old man playing his trumpet in the town square. The magic of train whistles in the middle of the night. The wonder of fairy lights twinkling in the gloom. The sound of a baby's laugh, the purr of a cat, the lightening zap of an old couple holding hands. Show me pretty gardens. Show me swing sets hidden in the middle of the urban jungle. Graffitti is glorious, modern art is confusing, and amazement in the mundane is my favorite thing in the world.

10. Just... listen when I want to talk. Don't push me when I don't. Be my friend and mean it when you say you love me.

You know what? If you're famous enough that you have a PR person, can you please make sure that zie is not a douchebag? Because when zie is a douchebag, I assume you are as well.

And if your PR person is a douchebag and I've never even heard of you? THEN I KNOW YOU ARE A DOUCHEBAG AS WELL.

Kiss my ass, PR person. Kiss my ass.