Every Little Thing by April Jeppson

 

When I was asked to write a column for the Tribune, I was told I could basically write about whatever I wanted. So this week I wanted to give you a list of my favorite things. I wish I could do this Oprah style. Stand in front of you and show you how cool these things are and then shout, “You get one, and you get one, you all get one!” But not all of us are billionaires.

• Music: I can honestly say I have an appreciation for all music. I’ve listened to some really bizarre stuff over the years, and I can see why people might like it. I, however, prefer music that either makes me want to dance or pumps me up — the kind of music that gets your shoulders moving or your toe tapping. I’m often teased for my teeny bopper music preference, but if it makes me happy, I’m playing it. Current songs on repeat are “The Catchy Song” (Lego Movie 2), “Good Feeling” (Flo Rida) and “High Hopes” (Panic at the Disco).

• Makeup: One of my earliest memories is laying on my mother’s bed and watching her put her makeup on in the mornings. There was just something hypnotizing about the creams, the colors, the brushes — like painting a picture every day. I can comfortably teach my gymnastics class with no makeup on. I can also comfortably coach with a smoky eye or bright lip. Like I tell my daughter, makeup is like jewelry or a fun pair of socks. It doesn’t change who you are, it’s just something fun that you can express yourself with.

• Coconut oil: It absorbs so wonderfully into the skin, and it’s yummy. The end.

• Onion rings: I have a weird obsession with these little deep-fried circles of heaven. The batter matters. I have been known to drive all the way across town just for onion rings. I have also been known to just order onion rings for dinner. I crave them. All this talking about them, I might have to get some for dinner tonight.

• Halloween: Some people think this holiday is morbid, scary or unchristian. I can see why they might feel that way. What I love about this particular day is that I can dress up. I, as a grown adult woman, can literally dress up in whatever I want and do my hair and makeup however I want — and it’s encouraged. How seriously fun is that!

• Action adventure movies: There is something about hand-to-hand combat that I just love. The choreography required, the stunts — it just amazes me. Watching Jason Bourne zig-zag through a surveillance-laden area and evade every single camera, or John McClain as he somehow single-handedly defeated a slew of German bad guys while barefoot! You wanna really be wowed? Look up Jet Li’s old subtitled movie “The Legend.”

• Color: I’m a firm believer in you are what you surround yourself with. So, like positive upbeat music, I also enjoy being enveloped by colors that make me happy. If you’ve ever driven down my street, you’ll notice that my mailbox, front door and shutters are all a bright teal. Our family room is a bold raspberry. I’d love to have one of those cool gray/white houses where everything is calm and neutral, but I just can’t. I have even colored pieces of my hair pink and purple just so I can carry the fun with me wherever I go.

This is in no way a comprehensive list. I’m a pretty emotional person, and I tend to feel big and love hard. So when I come across something I enjoy, like a great bacon cheeseburger, I don’t just like it a little, I love it.

You know, now that I’m thinking about it, if you ever run into me ordering some onion rings, just flag me down. I don’t need to be a billionaire to share some of my rings with you — just let me know right away, so I can order extras.

Albert Lean April Jeppson is a wife, mom, coach and encourager of dreams.