A Few Of My Favorite Things

Let’s be honest, I often point out what is wrong with our society. Truth is, good things happen every day and good people do things to make the world a better place. Personally, it’s the little things that make me happy. So here is a list of things I love.

Vinnie’s Pizza. It’s located on Hwy 35 in Wall, NJ and I suggest you stop in if you’re in the area. They make the best pizza I’ve ever tasted, and I consider myself to be somewhat of a pizza connoisseur. Should you visit, ask for Jose Luis. He’s a good guy and makes a sick cheesesteak.

Day Baseball. If you’ve been, you know that little beats playing hookey to catch an afternoon baseball game outside.

Manny Pacquaio. Manny is a Philippine boxer, more notably the pound-for-pound best in the world. He incessantly gives back to his country and each of his fights is considered his nation’s stimulus package. Manny doesn’t worry about giving too much because he realizes “you can’t take it with you when you’re gone.”

Great Ideas. They have the ability to change the way business is done and we all know great ideas when we hear them. I’m not an idea-person—my brain isn’t wired that way—but I’m greatly inspired by those who are. I recently heard this quote and couldn’t agree more: “Politics don’t matter in the face of a good idea. If you have the best idea in the room, you will win.”

Malcolm Gladwell’s Books. Yes, I’m a snobby book nerd who prefers good books over good movies. Gladwell’s three books, “The Tipping Point,” “Blink,” and “Outliers,” are among the best I’ve read for his unique ability to look at social situations. His perspectives force the reader to see things differently, not take everything for face value, and really evaluate why things are the way they are.

Pun Jokes. For instance—what do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire? Frostbite. Or even better—what do you call a prisoner falling off a building? Condescending. I just laughed at both of those.

Boston in the Fall. For about one month each year, Boston is graced with what some call “perfect” weather—65 and sunny. If you’re enrolled in undergrad, you can actually enjoy an afternoon outside too. Jeans and short-sleeves are all you need to be comfortable, so take a visit there if you get a chance.

The Rehash. If you’ve been on Spring Break, you should know the best part of each day is the 3-4 hours you spend at the pool or beach each morning telling stories from the night before. It usually takes the entire crew to put all the puzzle pieces together and the joy is really in the journey here. The stories the next day are often funnier than the events themselves because of everyone’s altered perspective.

“Flashing Lights.” This 2007 single off Kanye West’s Graduation has the best beat I’ve ever heard. I’m not alone when I say this beat makes me want to stand up and do the “Running Man” on the spot. There are times when the music just moves you…what can I say?

People Who Do What They Love. I’m inspired by people who shun conventional jobs to pursue a passion. Something can be said about those people who know their dream and take any steps to realize it—even if it’s a temporary step backwards. To have a job that doesn’t feel like work is most people’s ultimate career goal, and these people are taking the necessary steps to make it happen. Want to be inspired? Search online for video clips of Marcus Buckingham and Daniel Pink.

There’s a lot to be happy about, and a lot to be thankful for. I’m thankful for all these things and many more. It’s tough to stay positive in times like today but if you actively seek out the things that make you feel good about yourself, you’re doing your part to make a difference.

No comments:

Post a Comment