I remember watching Cubs games like clockwork when I was little. I would sit in front of the T.V. with my Barbies and Polly Pockets (in a world divided between the two, I chose both). As soon as Sammy Sosa was up at bat, I would drop everything and stand in front of the T.V. jumping and cheering for him.
I will forever just as vividly remember the night that I watched the Chicago Cubs win the World Series. I was in my dorm room watching the game on my laptop, sprawled out on my futon, anxious, and unable to sit still. If you've seen the game or its highlights, you know that this was obviously the most stressful game to handle between the Indians' come back, the extra innings, and the rain delay. It was about 1:00 AM and I had an 8:30 AM class that morning. I had not eaten dinner. I had not finished my calculus. I was quickly downing water as I always do when I'm nervous so I really had to use the restroom but I refused to leave the computer. It was a long night and I was holding my breath every time a player moved a muscle. And then, it happened. The joy, happiness, and cheers that radiated throughout my entire residence hall was incredible. In fact, it was probably the most intoxicating rush I have ever felt. It got me thinking, have I ever felt better than I did in that moment?
In honor of the 108 years that it took to make that moment a reality, here is a list of 108 awesome feelings that still don't feel as awesome as watching Bryant throw that final ball to Rizzo.
1. Taking a sip of water and feeling it spread throughout your body when you're insanely thirsty
2. Hearing a throwback song that you haven't heard in years
3. Arriving at your vacation destination
4. Walking into an air conditioned building after sweating outside
5. Putting calamine lotion on mosquito bites
6. Getting an A when you expected a C
7. Finding out you got accepted to study abroad
8. Signing up for your college classes at midnight and getting into all of them before they fill up
9. Taking a shower after working out
10. 5 for $27
11. Watching a bath bomb fizzle into magical wonders
12. Getting $20 on a scratch-off
13. Watching Rose tell Cal that she is leaving him for Jack
14. When your favorite musician drops a new single
15. Getting the razor during a pedicure
16. Passing your driving test when you're 16
17. Going to your first R-rated movie when you turn 17
18. Buying your first lottery ticket when you turn 18
19. Getting a new memory foam pillow
20. Free food events on campus
21. When one of your parents pays for your gas
22. Seeing your best friend after a long time away at college
23. When the lights go down at a concert
24. Paying for your laptop all by yourself
25. Being complimented
26. When the drive-thru gives you an extra of something that you ordered
27. Your first tan line of the year
28. When the direct deposit drops
29. Walking into a store without knowing they're having a huge sale
30. Free shipping
31. Teaching someone that "all the lonely Starbucks lovers" is actually "got a long list of ex-lovers"
32. When someone laughs at your joke
33. Walking barefoot on the beach
34. Watching the sunset
35. The mutual nod of approval when you pass someone wearing Notre Dame apparel and you are also wearing Notre Dame apparel
36. When the first popcorn kernel pops
37. The first time you get all the lyrics to a rap correct
38. Opening a pack of new, colorful gel pens
39. When the rollercoaster reaches the top
40. When Miley and Liam got back together (am I right or am I RIGHT)
41. Your last day of high school
42. Walking across the stage at your high school graduation
43. Realizing that an impulsive decision turned out to be a good decision and not a lifelong regret
44. When a friend trusts you and only you with a secret
45. Catching a drop of ice cream right before it falls off the cone
46. When you hear a name and it no longer makes you cringe
47. Smelling fresh cut grass
48. Speaking now instead of forever holding your peace
49. Building a fort
50. When karma finally catches up to someone
51. Walking past someone who smells like Heaven
52. Hugging someone taller than you
53. Getting butterflies in your stomach
54. Finally beating a level of the game you've been playing all week
55. When you make the yellow light right before it turns red
56. Running your fingers through your hair right after a haircut
57. Taking your heels off when you get home
58. When you drop your phone and the screen doesn't crack
59. Putting on pajamas straight from the drying machine
60. Bowling a strike
61. When you reach in your wallet and find money that you forgot you had
62. When your bank account is higher than you thought it was
63. Being the first person to use a new tube of toothpaste
64. Getting your eyebrows waxed perfectly
65. Christmas morning
66. When cop lights are behind you, you pull over, and they pass you
67. The smell of the laundry aisle in the store
68. Winning hide and seek
69. When a baby wraps its little fingers around your thumb
70. Receiving a handwritten letter
71. Free wifi
72. When your friend knows your Starbucks order and brings you a drink
73. Building a hotel on Boardwalk
74. When you realize your 21st birthday is a Saturday
75. Laughing for the first time about something that hurt you
76. Committing to a college
77. Surprise gifts
78. The first decision you make for yourself as an adult
79. Finally working up the guts to end a friendship that's no longer healthy
80. Opening a new make-up palette
81. Doing the laundry at college and not calling your mom to ask for help
82. When the final bell of the school year rings
83. When turbulence stops and you realize you aren't going to die
84. Watching a couple's first dance
85. Saving yourself after you trip instead of landing on your face
86. "Do you want me to take a picture for you?"
87. When you see your food coming at the restaurant
88. When you're at a party and finally see someone you know
89. #AllTooWellAtTheGrammys
90. When your bed sheets meet your freshly shaved legs
91. When little kids make eye contact with you and smile
92. Your first time skinny dipping
93. When a puppy falls asleep on your lap
94. Making someone smile
95. "Text me when you get home so I know you got there safely"
96. When the waiter brings you a drink and says "it's on the house"
97. Seeing the ocean for the first time
98. Submitting an essay you've been working on for a month
99. When the letter from the IRS is a refund
100. Stepping into the water after the sand burns your feet
101. Blushing uncontrollably
102. Eating a fresh croissant in Paris
103. Realizing how blessed you are
104. When shuffle knows exactly how you feel
105. When the St. Louis Blues take an L
106. When the Chicago Blackhawks get a #W
107. When the St. Louis Cardinals take an L
108. When the Chicago Cubs get a #W
The only moment that could ever top that November game will be whenever I go to my first game at Wrigley Field (and seeing #Bryzzo in person) and getting a W.
My heart will forever love the Cubs. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you did for us. We love you always.
#ThatsCub #GoCubsGo #WeDontSuckAnymore
