Pieces of me

I drink coffee Americano because, well, I kind of like it, and I once heard it was developed in Europe during WWII for American soldiers who couldn’t handle espresso. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I think my grandfather may have had some during his time in the service, and that gives us a shared experience. I firmly believe that some songs should only be listened to with the sunroof open. I sometimes feel like everyone else’s life is on fast forward, while mine is stuck on pause. The song “Blessed Be the Name” was my lifeline during those long days last August when we knew my grandma’s death was imminent. I like coffee in big white mugs. I cry when I pray for my yet-to-be-born nephew Elijah. Sometimes, the smell of a certain brew of coffee makes me think of eating breakfast on a balcony in Sochi, Russia, overlooking the Black Sea. I sometimes still want to be the super popular, pretty girl from high school. I get passionately angry with educated people who can’t use I and me correctly. I miss my Grandpa Wenzil, even though he died before I was born. I like Target because it’s “cooler” than Wal-Mart. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I love breakfast food. I like the feeling of safety I get when my dad wraps his work-worn, calloused farmer’s hand around mine. I know more song lyrics than verses of Scripture. I get inordinately excited about little things, like Ipanema Bourbon coffee at Starbucks, a smile across a crowded room, a note of encouragement. I love my friends and family. I hate feeling overwhelmed because it means I’m not in control. I still think it would be cool to date a baseball player, even if I did blow my chance on that plane full of minor league players that time—when I was angry that the guy hogged the arm rest. I prefer the window seat, but choose the aisle so I’m not stuck in a small space and unable to get out. I fall down, trip, stumble, and generally am not graceful most of the time. I drink too much Cherry Coke Zero. I always fall victim to chocolate chip cookies. Ice cream will be served in heaven. I think I’m the funniest person on earth, but no one else does. I wish I got paid for blogging.