Ten Things I Can't Live Without

When I was a kid, I used to love playing the game–“If you were on a desert island and could only take three things, what would they be?” Now that I’m older, I realize three things are simply not enough, so I’ve expanded my list to ten. Now, keep in mind, this list assumes that I get to keep my family, friends and cats no matter what. Otherwise, I would simply be sharing a list of names with you. Where’s the fun in that?

1.       Chocolate

I don’t think this one requires an explanation. 

2.       Coffee

My sons are somewhat unpredictable when it comes to their sleep schedules, so I’m often functioning on a small amount of sleep. What could counteract my drooping eyelids better than a strong cup of coffee? After a period of trial and error, my boys have come to understand they must wait to ask for anything until I’ve had my first cup. The past has shown them I will ask the same question over and over and make cranky faces until the caffeine hits my brain.

3.       Yoga pants

They’re really comfortable! Sometimes when I have a bad case of writer’s block, I whip out my yoga mat, hoping the stretching will knock my brain out of its funk. Nine times out of ten, an idea hits me and I race to my laptop. The good news is that the story gets finished. The bad news is that my workout doesn’t. Oh well! The voices wait for no one…

4.       Cute Shoes

As a stay-at-home mom, I have no need to dress up. While I don’t miss working in corporate America, I do miss wearing nice clothes. (My dry clean only days are far behind me!) The one area I can still sport fashionable items is on my feet. It goes without saying that the fancy shoes aren’t paired with the yoga pants. 

5.       Music

Nothing relieves stress like a good booty shakin’. On those days when life seems impossible, I whip out my phone and play DJ for my boys. We dance around our kitchen like a bunch of lunatics, bopping our heads to our favorite tunes. (Billy Joel, Maroon 5 and Bruno Mars are at top of the list.) It’s impossible not to feel better when you hear your favorite hook. And as a very wise friend of mine once told me, “There’s nothing a little Prince can’t fix.”

6.       Books

Another thing that helps me combat writer’s block is delving into someone else’s fictional world. There’s just something about hearing another author’s voice in your head and reading the contents of his/her imagination. I always find myself inspired afterwards.

7.       A bathtub

Where better to read my books than in a luxurious tub? I fill it with steaming hot water, turn on the jets and grab a book. This is the time to employ my love of hard copy books. Given my klutzy nature, bringing my tablet close to a large amount of water is the definition of insanity.

8.       An oven

I may be an author by trade, but I’m a baker at heart. I haven’t met a recipe for cookies, cakes or muffins that I haven’t liked. (As long as it contains chocolate.)

9.       Hulu

My husband is a giant tech geek and has created his own DVR system, which I have no prayer of being able to program. I’m admittedly a TV junkie and am thrilled to find all my favorites on Hulu. It has become an integral part of my morning wake-up routine, with Mysteries of Laura showing particular skill at coaxing me out of my tired state.

10.    Wine

A glass of wine is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. I prefer a dry red with hints of oak and pepper. I’m lucky enough to have access to my very own French label, Mas Astié, courtesy of my husband’s uncle. Marriage certainly has its perks!

  

There you have it–my ten necessities to survive life on a desert island. I suppose I should have included plumbing and electricity! You live, you learn. What’s on your list?