Observations from a partyless 22-year-old

It’s been a while since I’ve used my column to share some observations and thoughts  I’ve had in my life recently–day to day things, bigger things, you’ll get it all. 

Some of my plants like to look like they’re dying and make me sad, but I’ve convinced myself they only look so miserable because it's winter. Just like the rest of us, plants can’t look great all the time, all year round. 

When you hit 22, you might want to go out and party, but your friends will feel old and will only go out because it’s your birthday. Is being this age the end of party years? Who knows. 

People in the Cities still don’t know how to drive. 

Putting seasoning and flavoring in food actually makes it a lot more interesting. A recipe I recently tried included fresh ginger, green onions, and some other seasonings with chicken; my midwest taste buds found it surprisingly good. 

Having warm weather actually makes a huge difference in the way we feel, think, and act. Seasonal depression is real. The cure? Sun and weather that doesn’t make you want to shrivel up into a ball and cry whenever you go outside. 

Searching for new apartments is fun. Searching for new jobs is not as much fun, and is arguably much more difficult. 

Some people are type A and are on time for everything, anxious about planning and details. Type B people are more likely to be late, and also more fluid in their decisions. It’s funny to see them interact and hear them complain about each other. 

McDonald’s at 1 a.m. is always a great decision. Especially if it means I can have the new shamrock oreo McFlurry, which is incredibly delicious even as a dipper for a chicken nugget. It’s like fries and ice cream in a different font: I dare you to try it. 

Hot showers can act as a makeshift hot tub if you’re cold and don’t have access to a hot tub. Also, hot showers are much better than cold showers–no one will ever convince me otherwise. 

The “New York Times” Connections game needs to be easier. 

Not saying this in a negative connotation at all (I promise), but older people tend to be super passionate about local journalism and having a print paper. I am also a passionate person about local and print journalism, I have just noticed that older generations love it, and it’s awesome. I’m here for it. 

Do slow walkers realize they’re annoying the fast walkers trying to get by them? I always wonder. 

How do grownups get through their day without taking a nap if they’ve had a terrible night’s sleep? Thank goodness I don’t work a 9-to-5 job yet; I don’t know what I’d do without the option of taking a nap. Also, when does someone become an official adult? I graduate in a couple months, but does that make me an actual adult now? I definitely don’t feel like I’m close to being one. 

Hockey will forever be a better sport than basketball when you live in Minnesota. At least when it comes to college or professional teams, because I’m losing faith and interest in going to watch basketball games. 

My  Determination: “Never underestimate the power of destiny. Because when you least expect it, the littlest thing can cause a ripple effect that changes your life.” - Ted Mosby, How I Met Your Mother