In our days, we have nearly unlimited access to information that spans from the beginning to the end of the alphabet. Ever heard of what happens when you throw mint Mentos in soda? Google it! Never heard of The Black Keys? Hop on i-Tunes! Why not make the most of the wonderful technology that we've been fortunate to have established in our lifetime?
And yet, in the back of my mind, there is, undoubtedly, a lingering sensation of distrust, a vibe of uneasiness that hovers over my soul even as I sit here pouring out words. It is a mist that circles my head, that makes me want to cry out the thought that has been stewing for quite some time. It is the idea that, perhaps, all of this access to technology has caused us to turn away from getting outside, into the real world, and experiencing the things we see on the screen for ourselves.
Take, for example, my own little anecdote here: I was chilling in my room, surfing a site that I was only introduced to thanks to my mom (Really, Mom, thanks!), and it was the type where people "post" things left and right so that others can "like" or re-post, causing a nearly endless chain of the same images dancing on the screen over and over and over. . . Anyway. As I was sitting there, I suddenly realized, thanks to the re-posted quote, "YOLO," that, cue the huge gasp, I, in fact, really WILL only live once, and nothing in the world can change that. So why was I sedentarily scrolling down on a page of seemingly endless ideas for food of baked goodness, rather than taking the initiative to get off my bum, find the kitchen, and whip up a batch of warm, gooey deliciousness myself?
What did I do then, you may ask. Well, I, very enthusiastically, made a mess of flour and sugar and eggs and chocolate so that I could stun and amaze my overly-scheduled-for-six-children parents with a house that smelled of home.
Every bite was warm, rich, delectable. A treat that I made which filled not only my stomach, but my soul. A sudden recrudescence flowed into my creativity, my enthusiasm, and my life! I realized that there could not possibly be anything more satisfying in life than a creation of awesomeness that came from my own sweat and blood, and that each day wasn't worth living unless something new could be accomplished.
From then on out, I have never felt more wonderful about getting the day started with an early morning workout before waking up six younger siblings and getting them on the bus after breakfast. I have also never felt more strongly the desire to spread this alacrity for experiencing the world as it is truly meant to be experienced.
I have shared my joy of cooking with my family, and I will continue to try to find other ways to spread my energy with the people I love, so that we may all be able to say, "Chocolate chip cookies? Never made them? Well, don't look it up! Let's go bake some right now; I'll teach you!"
So, in a few days, I intend to drop some minty goodness in a bottle, in the middle of my driveway, and to listen to alternative rock music pouring out of speakers from my living room. After all, taking life into one's own hands is a true sign of growing up.
Taking the time to sift through the opportunities we can create for ourselves is as well, even if it's just making some homemade chocolate chip cookies. You only live once, dear readers. So get out there, make some sloshy explosions burst from a bottle, listen to a song about gold on a ceiling, and make the jaws of your loved ones drop while their eyes shine with joy at some chocolately goodness.