I thought I would approach writing this week with a heavy heart, because it has been choas. Instead, tonight, I went to the opera.
This was my first time going to a large scale performance art event. The only productions I had been to were put on by my high school. I'm usually not willing to spend the money, but my friend accidently bought an extra ticket, and I decided to go. I put on a cocktail dress that I've never worn in public before, and childishly selected some opera gloves that I bought for a halloween costume three years ago. We made these plans back in September, and the world ending because of the presidential election wasn't going to stop us.
I sat through two and half hours (with a short intermission break) transfering my attention between the stage, where actors paraded as cowboys in the old west singing at the top of their lungs in Italian, and a small box, where the english translation ran in tiny print and blue letters. Afterwards, I went outside to be surprised by a Jazz band playing in the streets.
While I would like to say that the classical beauty of the century old opera was what struck me about the evening, it was actually watching an old couple dance swing, and another old couple hold hands and sway to the music. One was same sex, the other was not. There were probably a lot of people with dofferences at the Opera house,but the came there to watch something unifying and beautiful (if you enjoy being yelled at in Italian for three hours).
Societal rifts and harsh words surround everyone now, and many people struggle to discern what role they should take. Bipartisan? Defensive of minorities? Adament in their accusations of blame? I've felt the surge to do all of those things.
This week was terrible, but it also wasn't. My friend texted me last morning to tell me that his African American girlfriend was experiencing racial discrimination in Texas. He said he didn't understand what she was experiencing, but,most noteable, he asked me what he could do to help. I showed up to work the morning after the election and found a nice note on my laptop from my coworker. My Muslim friends have shared on Facebook that they feel terrified, two other friends have gotten threatening messages. I went to school to study, and my friend took an hour out of his study time to explain the concepts to me.
The world hasn't fallen apart yet. We can still make a difference in people's lives by treating them kindly and realizing we have more in common than previously thought. Enjoy the good moments as they come, stand up for those who need it and love the people around you.
Recommended for you
1. When you see each other after a hiatus it is like no time has passed.
Regardless of what you may have gone through, nothing can change the banter and personal communication you and your friends share. Nothing feels awkward or forced because you are having too much fun catching up!
2. You plan your outings around each other's schedules.
Your friend's work schedules or class schedules are memorized like the back of your hand. They are your priority, and you will do anything you can to get them to join you on adventures when it is convenient to do so.
3. You say 'I love you' on the phone.
Yes, you may say it in real life too, but saying it after a phone call means it has become a customary for you to validate your appreciate for one other. Like a significant other or family member, you feel the desire to express your love at the end of a conversation.
4. Nothing is boring when you are together.
No matter what you do together, you always have a good time. Why? Because your friends' company is all you need. With the right people, you can make any situation memorable.
5. You share weird inside jokes no one else understands.
And you would like to keep it that way. If you are anything like my friend group, we share a strange family dynamic that has lasted as a running joke forever. No matter what it is, your inside jokes and sly smirks will keep the spirits up for ages.
6. You plan to hang out for a couple hours but end up together the entire day.
So now you just expect it and prepare for a 24-hour long get-together. Naps are often a part of the agenda.
7. The hugs say a thousand words.
Perhaps you do it a little too much, but the hugs you share are always meaningful and comforting. Gotta love those group hugs especially!
8. You go on spontaneous adventures together.
It is where your favorite memories come from. Even though you might not be able to do them as much as you would like, you are always down for a trip, big or small, with the group.
9. You consider each other family.
Because you consider each other family, you treat each other like family. Constant love, constant support, and a tremendous amount of meals spent together.
10. They make you a better person.
It is not a special friend group unless you learn from one another. You had to be selective when choosing your friends and when you did, you felt like they could teach you a thing or two. Their actions influence who you are and you could not be more thankful.
11. You can't imagine life without them.
The very thought scares you and sends your heart racing. Thankfully, the ultimate friend group is right there with you so you never have to second-guess their loyalty. Instead, you can bask in the glory that is your ultimate friend group. #squadgoals.
1. No school = no stress.
There are no essays to write, no books to read, and no deadlines to meet. The only worry in the world is keeping track of putting sunblock on.
2. Country music is more fun to listen to.
All true fans will listen to country music 365 days a year, but we all know that it's so much better in the summer when you can roll down the windows.
3. Your skin looks and feels better.
Even if you don't have the type of skin that tans, there is more color there than in the winter ... maybe. Freckles, tan lines, peeling burns and clear skin make for a happier camper. You'll forget all about the ghost version of yourself that was shedding dry skin like a snake over the winter.
4. Being barefoot 24/7 is an option.
Obviously wearing no shoes in the middle of a blizzard isn't acceptable. You know what is, though? Wearing no shoes in the summer ever because why not?
5. Ice cream is an acceptable snack.
For people like me who can't resist ice cream even on a 10 degree day, summer is a giant ice cream blessing. Not only does it taste like heaven, it's actually refreshing.
6. Minimal clothing is required.
Is there anything worse than having to put on layers in the wintertime only to sweat to death the minute you come back inside? No need for more than a tank top and shorts in the summertime.
7. Going to the beach daily isn't weird.
Now that it's hot, it's beach season. If you live near the ocean there is an excuse to drive there day or night, rain or shine. Staying there all day is an option for those who don't burn, and for those who do, you can always come back at night for a bonfire.
8. Cookouts.
Even when they lead to disaster, summertime cookouts are the best. Nothing completes a cookout more than watermelon and corn on the cob.
9. Night swimming.
Oh the thrill of jumping in freezing cold water in the middle of the night. Good thing the air becomes colder than the water, making the pool like a giant bathtub.
10. Spontaneous adventures.
Summertime gives you the freedom to wake up in the morning and decide to do something totally out of the blue that you've never done before. Hiking to a waterfall, rock climbing, going to a museum, or even road tripping are all great summer options.
Even if the heat isn't really your thing, it's undeniable to admit that life really is better in the summer. There's so much more free time, opportunity, excitement and sunshine. Only four months to go!
Trending Topics
Trending Stories
Best of Politics and Activism
![12 Things To Do On A Snow Day]()
![April Ludgate]()
![a room with boxes and a window]()
