This I Believe

I believe in peanut butter and chocolate chips, microwaved on a graham cracker after midnight. Sunbathing a lazy afternoon away at my best friend's pool, reading a Jodi Picoult novel on my hot pink bean bag chair for hours, and laughing till my ‘lack of abs' aches with pleasure, defines who I am. By indulging in my passions, I find myself.

Almost everyday this summer, after a “delinquent” night with friends, I would come home to a deserted, dark kitchen. The rest of my family had been in bed since 11 p.m., and it was now about 1 a.m. I'd prepare my homemade concoction, which is ridiculously quick and easy, just how I like it. Next, I would plop myself down on the couch with my artery clogging indulgence (Yes, I do realize it's not good for my health).

Most likely, I'd pop in a Will Ferrell or Adam Sandler flick, except on the rare occasion when I'm feeling a little blue. When this happens, I don't know how I could function without “The Wedding Planner”. Although I usually don't go for blondes, Matthew McConaughey, as the romantically unavailable pediatrician, is the ultimate dreamboat.

After the movie, around 3 a.m. I would mosey my way up the stairs and snuggle into my twin bed, without bothering to remove any makeup or mascara (What can I say, I'm a fan of the smoky eye in the morning.) Fortunately, or unfortunately for my dwindling bank account, I did not have the pleasure of holding a job this summer. Needless to say, I took full advantage of this when sleeping into mid-afternoon became the norm. But, that's just who I am.

Laughter is my number one passion. I constantly make people laugh, usually at my own expense, but that's how I like it. Every time I wipe out on some type of stair or pathway, I somewhat enjoy the pleasure it brings to my sadistic, yet loving friends. No matter how many sizzling apple pies, double-decker brownie sundaes, or triple chocolate meltdowns you supply me with, it will not be a good day without laughter. (If you haven't guessed by now, I know my way around an Applebee's dessert menu).

It's true that I constantly refer to my cheesecake obsession, love taking two-hour naps on rainy, autumn afternoons, and consider sitting down as a family to watch reruns of Comedy Central Standup as the best part of my week. It doesn't matter how my bronze summer tan fades, my teeth move back to their original positions when I forget to wear my retainers, and my entire wardrobe changes color with my mood. How I choose to spend my time, with what brings me the most happiness, is the best and only way I know how to describe myself.

Christine Liebrecht

Christine Liebrecht