22 Terrific things about being 22 OR just about being ALIVE!

I read a blog post tonight titled "22 Great things about being 22"  and realized I have been 22 for almost eight months and have yet to make my own list. Therefore, since I turn 23 in four months (I can't even think about it or I freak out) I better write my own before that happens. And mind you, there are probably some things on my list that do not portray to most 22 year olds...

1. No one can deny you the right in playing TSwiffle.  

God bless my roommates. In April, when I turned 22, my roommates probably listened to that song a couple hundred times that day. There was one moment where Sami came downstairs and the song was blasting and Danelle was reading a book. She was laughing and gave Danelle this look like "how can you actually stand this?" Danelle looked up, shrugged, and went back to reading. Of course I was singing and paying no attention to Sami. Roommates come in all sorts of blessings and especially when you turn 22 ;)

2.  Toole and sparkles has become an essential item in your closet. 

AKA it's fun to make tutu's. (I warned you I'm not a normal 22 year old).

3. It's okay to spend two hours in target when you need a study break. 

You probably don't have a husband yet and no kids, so take the time now. Browse around, try on the Christmas sweater, buy the 14/16 child's large tights because they fit (opps did I just say that?), and spend time finding the perfect Thanksgiving card to send Grandma. Because Grandma's around now, the tights are cheap, and the sweater's warm. Maybe you don't have all the time in the world because of midterms, but make the time to browse.

4. Coffee dates 

They're important. You're graduating soon. Say what you need to say NOW. Talk. Hug. Buy the coffee on your treat. Tell them you love them.

5.  You can babysit for your boss or friend or coworker or classmate.

They are probably exhausted and could use a little break. Don't wait for them to ask, offer. And take three hours of baby therapy. And if you really can't do babies. Than dog sit or house sit. Water someone's plants. Whatever. Just offer :)

6. Eat chocolate 

This goes for any age. 

7. Giggles 

Another thing that can be done for all ages, but it can be related to 22 year old experiences. Like school. Sometimes when nothing makes sense and you're really sleep deprived, a friend can make you giggle to where you just need to let it out. And anytime you can let it out by giggling instead of crying or freaking or having a melt down, is a GREAT thing. 

8. You actually do have more time for exercise (probably)

Do it. It makes you feel good. 

9. Have FUN 

You're a senior now (most likely) so you know how to have a good time and you also know your limits. Be smart. Make wise choices. But also enjoy the fact that it's your last year and make the most out of the FUN that you can have. This relates to all kinds of fun. Meaning wearing flowers on your head all day for a Juliet monologue or taking care of a giggling baby or dressing up for a night out on town. Just have fun. 

10.  You can actually go to the doctor 

I mean technically we're all suppose to be on our parents' health insurance until we're 26 now. Take advantage of that. If you think something actually might be wrong, check it out, don't ignore it. I mean seriously, we actually do only live once. 

11. Pack your bags 

Whether it be a road trip to see Grandma, disneyworld to see Mickey, or Spain to teach English. Get out. Go places. See the world. That could mean on a break from school or after graduation, but do it. Somehow it will work out. Make it happen. 

12. Drink that applemartini 

When you're pregnant, there will be none of that. 

13. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you're beautiful (or handsome)

This is another one of those any age ones. But seriously. We don't do it enough. Wake up in the morning, go to that mirror, look at those curly hairs flying everywhere and say, "Whit (you) your curly q's are beautiful and you are going to have a GREAT day!" I'll tell ya, when we truly love ourselves and hold our heads high, everything changes. 

14. Remember to sleep (I should be right now). 

Later in life (cough cough when you have triplets) (it could happen) you are not going to be sleeping as much. Do it now. You deserve it. It will make you feel healthier too. 

15. BUY scantrons. 

I'm serious. You're going to look back on college and maybe your boss got mad, or the baby kept you up all night, or the neighbors were being rude, and it might be one of those crying moments and you're going to think to back to college and say out loud "I just wish I could buy a scantron right now." Okay, maybe it won't happen exactly like that, but you get my point. (Hopefully). 

16. SMILE at new classmates. 

17. TALK to new classmates. 

18. Eat the kettle corn. 

19. Buy fruit and vegies at the farmers market. 

20. And actually eat it. 

21. Don't ever be afraid to cry. 

22. LOVE others ALWAYS. 

Show people you care. Prove to them how much you love them. 

Even if you couldn't get through all of that and you just scrolled down to the end. If anything just take the last two. Those are probably the most dear to my own heart. Never be ashamed for your emotions whether happy or sad. And just remember we're all human and all deserve love. 

Whitney Roses