The Emblems of My Life

1. Burnt Popcorn: When popcorn gets burnt it’s often a surprise; the microwave was too hot or the bag was too small for how long it was put in for. But this isn’t a problem for me. There are pieces that still have butter flavor to them. They are sweet and good to eat; the entire bag isn’t ruined just because some of it is burnt. I can see my life in this analogy because I have burnt pieces. There are parts of my life that I would rather throw away. I would like a brand new equilibrium, for I have the worst motion sickness in the world (and I’m not exaggerating); but there is still good through my messed up, burnt pieces. I can’t be thrown away because there is a reason that I’m slightly burnt.

2. A Straw: Everyone knows what straws are used for, to get liquid from a cup to your mouth. But straws can also be used for blowing bubbles in chocolate milk or biting on the ends until the round shape is no more. My life comes in bits and parts as if through a straw; I’d like to throw it away and drink straight from the cup but then I’d probably dump water down the front of my shirt. Through my straw I’m able to get out tensions in my life and enjoy little things.

3. Knit Blanket: Well, these blankets are usually made by hand and although I’m not skilled in making blankets or quilts I have a deep appreciation for those that can; especially when I wrap myself in one on a cold night. I do own one that was given to me when I was an infant (I still use it on occasions), this blanket reminds me of home. Where ever I am, if I hold it close and smell the fabric I am instantly reminded of my family. This blanket is a mental connection to my family.

4. Chopsticks: I’m not Chinese; there isn’t an ounce of the culture flowing through my veins. I would like to say that I am since I have a cousin that is partly of this descent. There is one thing that I can claim; I know how to use their utensils. The slow methodical pace needed to use the sticks keeps me steady. It’s a balance that I can feel in my life. There’s that struggle to want to throw the sticks down and grab a fork; exclaim that nothing is working the way that I want it to. But to keep at it, that’s the main point. There are days that I want to do that with school work or other jobs. I just want to grab my car keys say screw this and drive back home where I don’t have to deal with anything. But that’s not how it works. I have to keep pushing, keep slowly working at things until I get them.