These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
Some people measure wealth in dollar signs, and others in frequent flier miles or unread messages in their DMs (why is there always a Chad promising “the world” with zero punctuation?). Me? I measure it in the small, essential things that make life better, funnier, or just more bearable. These are the things I simply cannot live without—and no, Chad didn’t make the cut.
If you’ve ever wondered what a writer, romantic, and born-and-bred Boisean holds near and dear, you’re in for a treat. Let this be both a peek into my life and an invitation to think about the quirky essentials that make yours uniquely your own.
1. My Sturdy, Slightly Ugly Hiking Boots
Fashion-forward they are not. In fact, they look like they moonlight as extras on an episode of Yellowstone. But those scuffed-up beauties have powered me through countless treks in the Boise foothills, where the air smells of sagebrush and grass warmed by the sun. They’re more than just footwear—they’re my ticket to recalibration.
Whenever I feel stuck in a rut (or, worse, overwhelmed by existential crises brought on by untimely Hinge rejections), slipping into those boots and hiking up Camel’s Back is like hitting the reset button on my brain. Pro tip: Always bring snacks, because nothing spoils a moment of self-reflection faster than a growling stomach.
2. My Grandmother’s Vintage Recipe Box
It’s dented, scratched, and smells faintly of cinnamon and nostalgia. Inside are handwritten recipe cards for everything from huckleberry pie to funeral potatoes, scribbled in my grandmother’s impossible-to-read cursive. A family heirloom? Absolutely. A secret weapon for romantic dinner dates? You bet.
There’s something about pulling out a recipe that’s been in my family for decades, especially when trying to impress someone. Once, I attempted her infamous roasted chicken for a promising guy named Nate. We broke up a month later, but at least the chicken turned out flawless. I’ll chalk that up as a win.
For me, this recipe box is a reminder that love—like cooking—is about effort. Sure, it might get messy along the way (see: gravy incidents), but nothing worth savoring is ever easy.
3. My Morning Coffee Ritual
Look, coffee isn’t just a beverage; it’s a lifestyle. I set my ancient Chemex atop the counter like an altar every morning, lighting a metaphysical candle to the caffeine gods. As the aroma of freshly ground beans fills my small Boise kitchen, I offer gratitude that, despite the chaos of modern dating and life in general, this one thing feels consistent.
There’s poetry in the first sip, even when it’s paired with a slightly stale bagel. Whether I’m journaling, brainstorming essay ideas, or sending my mom just one photo of my cat (okay, maybe three), the calm clarity coffee imparts is non-negotiable. It’s also why I never schedule morning dates—I’d be running on fumes by the second question about “what I do for fun.”
4. A Playlist for Every Mood
Music is my love language, and, frankly, it sets the vibe for my entire life. Whether I’m channeling my inner Fleetwood Mac for a solo road trip or pumping myself up with local indie jams before a Bumble date, my playlists do the emotional heavy lifting.
The best part? Modern music apps make creating the perfect vibe criminally easy. But there’s still magic in finding that one live recording or using a song to tell someone, “Hey, you matter to me.” Fun fact: One of my exes sent me a breakup playlist that included the song “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” by Bob Dylan. Ouch, but also… respect for the narrative closure.
5. A Well-Loved Notebook
You know those days when your brain feels like a cluttered inbox? Writing things down has been my sanity-saver for years. I don’t go anywhere without my weathered Moleskine notebook. It’s basically my second brain—filled with story ideas, random observations, and the occasional bad haiku about heartache.
The pages are uneven and smudged, but they’re mine. Once, I jotted down thoughts about watching snow fall in Chicago. That same entry later became part of an essay about finding beauty in impermanence. I guess that’s what writing does—it turns the raw mess of life into something you can hold, reread, and process.
6. Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Pretzels
Judge all you want, but this is my version of comfort food—salty, sweet, and dangerously addictive. Some people have post-breakup ice cream; I have these golden nuggets of perfection. They’ve seen me through deadline stress, hiking snack emergencies, and countless Netflix binges.
If I were to offer one dating red flag (beyond an inability to respond to texts), it would be someone who says they “don’t do snacks.” What does that even mean? Snacks are how we show love—to ourselves and others.
7. A Local Brewery Hangout
Growing up with parents who ran a craft brewery means I’ll forever associate the low hum of chatter, the clink of pint glasses, and the scent of hops with warmth and connection. Thankfully, Boise is bursting with microbreweries, each offering its own cozy twist on community.
After-work beer with friends? A low-pressure second date? A solo afternoon with freshly poured cider and my Kindle? A brewery works for it all. There’s a rare honesty that comes from sharing a drink with someone in a space like that—it’s less about impressing and more about just being.
8. Long Talks with My Mom
Whenever life feels overwhelming—and it often does because adulthood is a scam—I call my mom. She’s more of a realist than me (I’m the “glass is half-full; maybe we can refill it” type), but her advice is always grounding. She reminds me that no matter how messy things seem—be it relationships, career moves, or existential dread—this, too, shall pass.
And, let’s be real: Moms are basically therapists with fewer credentials but infinitely better snacks.
9. A Library Card
The true MVP of adulthood is my humble library card. Maybe it’s the journalist in me, but something about wandering through rows of books—each holding a world of stories and ideas—feels like cheap magic. (And yes, free books are criminally underrated.)
Libraries save my wallet during deep-dives into self-help territories ("how not to date a walking ego trip," anyone?) and keep me grounded. Plus, nothing makes you look smarter on a date than casually mentioning your obscure book finds.
10. A Sense of Humor
Okay, technically not an object, but there’s no surviving this wild ride called life without cracking a joke or two. My dating life alone could be a Netflix comedy special full of awkward hugs, mid-dinner ghosting attempts, and one accidental encounter with someone’s ex (spoiler: it was his “dog co-parent”).
Humor isn’t just a coping mechanism for me—it’s how I connect with the world. In dating, in friendships, and even in awkward work Zoom calls, it’s a reminder to take life less seriously. Laughing keeps us sane.
Conclusion: What’s on Your List?
At the end of the day, these “can’t live without” essentials speak to the things that keep me grounded, joyful, and connected—both to myself and the people around me. Sure, hiking boots and peanut butter pretzels might seem trivial to some. But for me, they’re the tangible (and edible) threads that stitch meaning into everyday life.
So, in the spirit of sharing: What’s on your list? What are those small, irreplaceable joys you’d bring along, no matter where your journey leads—whether it’s into the depths of the dating world or deep into the foothills on a solo hike?
Your essentials say a lot about who you are. Own them. Celebrate them. And never, ever let anyone call your snacks “unnecessary.”
