Rants:
Busy Parking Lots: A Saturday mall trip sounds like fun… until you realize that you have to find parking in the Valleyfair parking garages. These garages are jam packed with cars everywhere you turn, making it nearly impossible to find a good spot. Even when you think you’ve found the perfect place, don’t get too excited because there’s usually another car waiting to swoop in and steal it from you in seconds. Not to mention, other drivers are constantly agitated and impatient in such busy areas. When surrounded by honking and an endless line of cars, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The worst part? I usually end up finding a spot really far away from where I want to go, making me feel like parking in the garage wasn’t worth it in the end. Parking is already somewhat frustrating, and can also become extremely stressful when you’re forced to drive up, down, and around a crowded parking lot for several minutes at a time.
Sore Throats: There’s nothing more irritating than waking up on a Monday morning and feeling a weird scratch in your throat when you swallow. Soon enough, that sore throat will be joined by a runny nose that soon progresses into a sickly cough. Even if you’re able to get a few days off of school, they won’t be spent doing anything but bed rotting. Sore throats are the worst part of being sick, especially because they make simple things like swallowing or eating feel like an uncomfortable chore. What’s worse is missing friends while being out sick, or feeling the pile of make-up work gradually build upon itself until you’re drowning in tissues and late assignments. Not to mention, going to school with a sore throat is a different kind of torture, since it makes both talking and focusing on class a struggle. A sore throat is the worst sign of trouble you could wake up to in the morning, one that could lead you to an entire week of inconvenience.
Bad Texters: Everyone has the one friend who can’t respond to texts for the life of them. Whether you’re reaching out to make weekend plans or just checking in, this person might leave you waiting over a week for a response. Bad texters definitely know how to keep you waiting, but they’re also particularly skilled in making their messages impossible to decode. With countless spelling mistakes and grammatical nonsense, a professional bad texter will make their texts so unreadable that you’d think they’re speaking in a foreign language. Unfortunately, confronting a bad texter is a wasted effort. This detached and disorganized texting style has been so romanticized on TikTok that bad texters think their style is hilarious, if not ideal. I could really enjoy a friend’s company in person, but if they don’t know how to text properly I can easily get the ick.
Raves:
LEGO Flowers: Do you love flowers, but lack the green thumb needed to take care of them? LEGO flowers may be the perfect choice for you. This product goes far beyond just being a toy– LEGO flowers can be an affordable option for home decor, a gift, or even just a fun way to pass time. There are countless different types of botanical LEGOs to choose from, ranging from succulents to a bouquet of roses. A cute set of LEGO sunflowers costs less than twenty dollars, and is a type of flower that will never die. If you’re out of Christmas gift ideas, LEGO flowers are a fun and meaningful option that any friend would appreciate. Not to mention, building a set of LEGO flowers is a great way to spend time with your loved ones away from technology. Whether you’re looking for decorations for your bedroom or a gift for your best friend, LEGO flowers can fit your needs.
Hot Chocolate: Nothing beats a steaming cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles during Christmas season. This festive holiday beverage is perfect to order when you’re craving a warm and sweet treat. Hot chocolate is a drink that is enjoyed by all ages for its nostalgic taste and fun holiday association. When paired with a swirl of whipped cream on top, hot cocoa becomes an ideal dessert for the cold weather. One of my favorite ways to enjoy hot chocolate is with friends, bundled up with our drinks in cute cups and a Christmas movie playing on the TV. The best part of hot chocolate is that it’s super easy to make at home– just mix together warm milk, cocoa powder, and sugar for the perfect chocolate concoction. If you’re ever in need of a warm holiday drink to keep your hands toasty in the cold weather, hot chocolate should be your go-to.
Heaters: As the leaves start falling off their trees and the temperature starts going down, I find myself appreciating heaters more and more. Winter weather is torture for those of us who tend to get cold easily, and layering clothes is often not enough to feel comfortable. With the recent plunge in temperature, I’ve found that the best way to stay warm is to take advantage of various types of heaters. These can range from tiny hand warmers that you shake to heat, or an electric heater that can bring the temperature of your whole room up. Even if the rest of my house is freezing, I can still make myself comfortable by bundling up in blankets and setting my heater to 80 degrees. I may hate the cold, but there’s nothing more comfortable than cozying up with an electric heating blanket and a movie on a chilly winter night.
