I feel like I truly am a fan of most things. Except math and country music and bugs and when babies cry on airplanes. But other than that, I’m usually impressed by the simplest things. I’m amused by how easily amused I am. I jump up and down at Target when I see a mug that I like. I feel like my heart does a somersault when I see a feral cat. Disney music makes me scream along aggressively like a maniac. Because of this, I was inspired to compose a working list of all the things I enjoy most. When I say working list, that means I’ll be editing and updating this post as time continues on. As I get older, my list of favorite things will expand and fluctuate. But alas, in no particular order, here I report:
My Bedroom
I love that each day has its own unique element of hustle and bustle, but what I also love is slinging my backpack across the room and throwing myself onto my bed, taking a deep sigh, and unwinding. I like to think that my room celebrates in each of my days. It greets me each morning and waits for me at the finish line. It can transform into soft white to hazy navy. It is a place customized to the brim with my favorite things. My innermost thoughts thrown across the walls. It doesn’t get confused by my random disco balls and coffee spills. We share a lovely relationship.
Music
One of my favorite things to do is search Spotify for new music. My music taste is pretty open ended, but I really love alternative/folk music. James Vincent McMorrow, Bon Iver, Alabama Shakes, and Hozier are some of my all time favorites. I like to grow my record collection too. Something about the muffled scratchiness of a record is so pleasant.
My Major
I feel like I could write a whole separate post on being an English major. I most likely will soon. But for now, just know that I really really really love my major. It’s so incredibly challenging yet so incredibly rewarding. Everyday is new. I’m constantly on my toes, bending backwards, being pushed past my limits for this fervent passion of mine. Although I’m often awake past 2 AM with seemingly permanent bags under my eyes, I would do anything for my major. Everyday it develops my understanding of the world we live in and I’m so fortunate for the ability to immerse myself in this realm of abstract truth, forward thinking, and creativity. My hope is to one day make a difference in this field.
Mid-Week Spontaneity
It’s important for me to stay focused throughout my week, but it’s also important for me to take a break from it all and live. It’s not like these breaks are planned out, they just happen as a product of rambunctious brains. I’m a spontaneous person and it just so happens that most of my friends are as well. This results in unorganized, public goofiness that create lasting memories. I’ll always cherish these messy moments that constitute my college years.
Florence, AL
I could go on and on about this. Florence, Alabama is such a treasure to me. I wasn’t born here, but ever since my Freshman year at UNA I’ve felt this sense of home. Something that attracts me to this quaint, eccentric town is the heavy emphasis on the arts. Live local music constantly occupies the Florence weekends. Nothing can beat strolling downtown laughing with friends. Or walking over to the thrift store. Or eating pizza on a Tuesday’s midnight. Or driving to the park for some fresh air in between classes. The town is small in population but massive in character. I’m forever grateful for the community I have been so warmly welcomed in to.
Haley Gilbertson 