14 THINGS TO THANK YOUR ROOMMATES FOR

One of the fun things about getting out of the dorms is that you have the opportunity to live with more of your friends. At first it seems like one big sleepover. Then, slowly you realize that having roommates is so much more than that. And there are so many things to thank your college roommates for.

Thank them for:

1. Listening to you vent.

2. Putting up with your weird habits.

3. Watching trashy reality shows with you.



4. Helping you decode/craft texts.

5. Staying up with you when you need some girl time.

6. Looking for your stuff when you are positive it is gone forever.


7. Telling you the truth whether or not something looks good.


8. Being genuinely excited for you when something good happens.



9. Ordering pizza with you, because sometimes you just need pizza.


10. Taking care of you when you've had a long night. 

11. Helping you move on from a relationship.

12. Understanding you when you have been at the library for 10 hours straight and can't think like a normal person.


13. Reminiscing on all the great times you have had together at any given time.


14. Not judging you when you make questionable decisions.

What would we do with out our roomies?

Why are you thankful for your roommates?

A LOVE LETTER TO SUMMER

Dear Summer,

I have never been in love. I have been in lust (as you can see here, here, and here). But with you it's different. I promise this isn't something I say to every other season.

The time I spend with you is extra special, because I know it cannot last forever. But the truth is I am happiest when you are around. You invite endless adventure and time to do everything I put off during the rest of the year. My smile is a little bit brighter when I'm with you. And I get a little sad when I think about what it will be like without you, but I am appreciative of the time I have with you now. 

I could spend hours gazing at the lakes on the warm summer nights. Mornings by the lake are serene. Afternoons by the lake are lively. And nights by the lake are a part of some of my favorite memories. 

I know our relationship isn't always healthy, but sometimes you just want a little danger in your life for the thrill of it. You know? I'm tempted to forget the SPF 30, because of the beautiful glow I know I could have. But I know it's not good for me.

It makes me giddy just thinking about all the fun times we still have ahead of us. The late night talks that last until we are convinced we have uncovered the meaning of life at 3am. The random ice cream runs, because it is too hot to eat anything else. And the spontaneous adventures that turn into stories we will tell for years.

I'm usually not one to broadcast my relationships, but I want the world to know about our love affair. I am madly and hopelessly in love with you, Summer.

 

Friday Favorites

Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the year: the day that I go to the Minnesota State Fair. I don't so much like the overabundance of people and dirty surroundings (as it was the first day, it really wasn't that bad--the real filth rolls in around the last few days of the Great Minnesota Get Together). However, I am a big fan of food. Isn't everyone?

I don't know about other state fairs, but in Minnesota we apparently like things deep fried and on a stick. Is that pretty normal? I guess it is America, after all--the land where McDonald's is the number one food-chain, and companies have convinced us that two patties on a burger is obviously better than one. It's sad really, but that's a topic for another day. Today I want to talk about food, and how much I look forward to my favorite Fair-Foods. 

A couple of years ago I wrote a post called "Can I have that deep fried on a stick?" There's one part that still remains true, and probably always will--and that is the 3 things you can guarantee at the Minnesota State Fair.

So today, I want to share some of my favorite treats at the fair. 

//ONE//

Sweet Martha's Cookies 

Sweet Martha's Cookies are everyone's favorite (and by everyone I mean everyone I associate with, because I don't understand how we could be friends if you didn't love these gooey-bites of chocolate-chip heaven). They are warm, fresh, and if you do it right, served with an ice-cold glass of milk. Yum. 

//TWO//

Fudge Puppy

What is a fudge puppy? Only a Belgian waffle on a stick covered in chocolate, with whipped topping and sprinkles. In one word: delicious.

//THREE//

Deep-Fried Candy Bar 

I have to admit I was a skeptic for years. I mean who needs to deep fry an already sugary fatty substance? But it turns out deep-fried Reese's Peanutbutter cups are kind of amazing. Sadly, I didn't get one this year, but seeing as I ate plenty of other unhealthy foods, my blood sugar is probably thanking me for refraining. 

//FOUR//

Pronto Pup 

A pronto pup is like a corndog, but better. I really couldn't tell you what makes them so much tastier, other than the batter on this dog must be prepared with a much better recipe, because they always have me coming back for more. 

//FIVE//

 Corn on the Cob

This corn is fresh, flavorful and fantastic. It's hard to look at other cobs the same way, because I have tasted the savory delight that awaits near the Grand Stand. But beware: you will be in need of dental floss afterward. My parents have always talked about how they should open a stand selling floss next-door. However, since that plan was never put into motion, it's best to come prepared or remember to snag a toothpick before you leave.

//SIX//

 Fresh Fries

These are often simply referred to as "Fair Fries" by Minnesotans. Ah, Fair Fries. They are fresh, and live up to their reputation of being some of the best fries in the state. However, I witnessed the beginning of my four-year-old sister becoming a fry-snob when she refused to eat them, because they were not from Honey and Mackie's. That's right, folks. You heard it here first, Fresh Fries has some stiff competition. Maybe you can settle the dispute by stopping in and seeing what all the fuss is about Honey and Mackie's fries.

//SEVEN//

Bacon on a Stick

This was the food that I originally thought looked gross, because I am a self-proclaimed anti-aficionado of bacon. What does that mean? I am not that big of a fan. In fact, you might go as far as to say that I don't like it. Gasp! Did I just say that I don't like bacon? Sorry, guys. (Unless you don't like bacon, too. In that case, let's be friends!) But I have to admit this thick-cut bacon was pretty tasty. With that being said, it's definitely not my new favorite thing at the fair, and I continue to keep living a relatively bacon-free lifestyle.

What do you like to eat the fair? Do you have any new favorites this year?

7 REASONS SUMMER NIGHTS ARE THE BEST

Summer Nights are:

1. Country Music. My taste in music is wide and subject to change at any moment. Sometimes I am feeling EDM (Electronic Dance Music) while I am getting ready for the day, and other times I want nothing more than soothing Indie pop to get me through the day. But summer nights are perfect for country music. Now, when I say country music, don't mistake me for the depressing, I lost my job, girl, dog, and any sense of happiness in one song kind of music. I mean the more mainstream Luke Bryan "Play It Again" kind of country. It is best played in the car, around the fire, or with your best friend's vocals in the background.

2. 1/2 Priced pie with your best friend. Q: What can beat a fresh slice of pie? A: A 1/2 priced fresh slice of pie. 9PM to 6AM Perkins offers a variety of specials including 1/2 priced pie and $5.99 All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes. I craved the pancakes, but after a spaghetti dinner only a few hours before, I opted for a slice of Peanutbutter Silk Pie. And boy was that a good choice. I had to decided between that and a slice of Apple--with a scoop of vanilla, of course. Since I got Apple last time, I decided to switch it up. Later the waitress asked me which I preferred and I told her Apple is a classic so I would have to go with that (It's also my favorite--just in case you, I don't know, ever want to get on my good side), but I still enjoyed the Peanutbutter.

3. Long walks. Summer nights are perfect for long walks, especially around lakes. Whether you go by yourself or to chat with a friend they are never a bad choice. Think about it: it's free, and you are getting exercise, outdoors, and serenity all in one. Now, that's a good deal. Who needs a gym membership with the "great outdoors" just across the other side of your front door? A word of caution, though, wear the right shoes if you plan on walking farther than to the end of the driveway. Last night, I made the mistake of wearing converse--without socks, nonetheless--while walking probably 3.5 or 4 miles. Big mistake.

4. Beaches and bare feet. Can you ever go wrong with either of these things? (Well, probably, but most of the time they are a good pair.) If you can pair these things with a bon fire, as well, you are golden. But just sitting on the beach with friends can be a good time. I won't mention anything cliche--like what it feels like to feel the sand between your toes, or the way it feels when your feet are sinking into the sand as the water runs over the tops of your feet--but there is something very calming about watching the ripples in the water while watching the sun dip beneath the horizon. (Also, Check out the playlist "Barefoot Beach Chill" on Songza--visit songza.com, now, or download their app* You'll thank me later.)

5. Car-singing. Have you ever asked yourself the question "to car sing or to not car sing?" No, of course not, because the answer is undoubtedly, car sing. (And yes, I am making "car sing" a verb--I'm a writer, and I reserve my right to create verbs, adjectives, nouns, etc. as I see fit). It doesn't matter if you're Mariah Carey or the guy who Simon Cowell once scowled at in an American Idol audition. Believe in yourself and your abilities to car sing--even if when you pull up to a stoplight those around you roll up their windows while plugging their ears and cranking their stereos. When it's late at night and you're with your friends, it's time to turn it up and sing along. It will not only strengthen your bonds but show off your talent of creating new verses or accidentally belting out the chorus when the song comes to the bridge.

6. Late-night swims. Sure, it's fun to take a dip in the middle of the afternoon when the sun is beating down on your over-tanned face and "bikini-ready body" (in a world where everyone has those--or if you're a guy, you have been hitting the gym and getting "gains", whatever that means.) But late night swims seem more exhilarating. There is something adventurous in doing a "daytime activity" after the sun goes down. It's more about being fun and playful, rather than trying to cool off from the summer heat.

7. Bon Fires. These are a summer-must. The smell can haunt you for days, but the fun you have by the bon fire just might be worth the lingering scent. You might not know this: but your body requires at least one s'mores per summer. If you're like me, you can't resist the temptation of a second s'mores. Ok, so maybe, your body doesn't require one, but once you get that in your mind, how can you turn down a gooey-golden brown marshmallow? 

*This is completely unsolicited advice.