Simple Pleasures

In this world, there are many items of value to us, be it items with financial worth or moments that are dear to us. Back in the day, people couldn’t wait to have a family dinner or a camp out with dad. Now a day, it is more about the money. Has society corrupted our thoughts on what we, as people, think as important? Does this fast-paced world give us time for these priceless moments?
I wake up and realize that it is Sunday morning. This means game day over at grandmas. Almost every Sunday, my family and I go to my grandmas to watch football games, especially the New England Patriots, my all time favorite football team. The most important aspect of the game is my Patriots jersey.
This authentic sports gear, ranging anywhere from $50-$100, has four important pieces: The logo, the front, the sides, and the back of the jersey, each giving it a specific flare. This jersey is my lifeline during the games. It gives me protection from my superstitious grandma, who, if I don’t wear it, will blame me if the Patriots lose. Not wearing it is not an option!
The logo is a glimmering silver face with red, white, and blue hair, dangling off the head. Each of these colors representing one on the American flag. The face has a proud stern look, but feels like it’s mocking you in a sort of way. It gives you a feeling of hope or conquest, like when the Patriots crush the opposing team. This logo shows the true American spirit.
The front has two big numbers that seem to pop out at you, one and two. In smaller print, the word Patriots with a small logo is pasted over the “P” right below the neck collar. A meshed material all over the shirt, lets your skin breath. Football games at Grandma’s get heated, and this cooling off mesh comes in handy. To top it all off, a National Football League patch is plopped down in the bottom right hand corner.
Both shoulders are identical in style. There is a bold silver stripe right where your shoulder ends and bicep begins. The Reebok Symbol is making an X-shape, no more than an inch below the stripe. Finally, the Patriot logo floats mysteriously under the Reebok symbol. These all give you the signal to beware.
In the back sits the numbers one and two, which are slightly smaller than the numbers on the front. Just like the front, they are outlined in a red line and then a silver line, filled with white coloring. Above the numbers are five letters in bold, white letters that spell B-R-A-D-Y. These letters shout the name out and make you want say BR-A-DY, and Sunday afternoons over at Grandmas are perfect for that.
I look into my window and see an orange glow coming from the inside. I think for a moment, and then realize, it’s a fire, yes. After a long day of sledding, this will be perfect. I approach the front door, cold and wet from sledding. Yet, I know the fire inside will warm me. I open the door and peel off the wet clothes slowly, as my fingers are still frozen. At last, the winter clothes are off, and I feel like I’m finally thawing.
From the kitchen I smell hot cocoa my mom has made. I know it’s my favorite, because I can smell the hint of mint. I pour myself a big mug of this chocolate heaven and begin to overfill it with mini marshmallows. As I touch the mug, my once numb fingers begin to tingle with warmth. Now it’s time to warm my body.
I hear noise from the living room. “Crackle, Crackle, Tsssssss!” The noise lures me into the living room. My sister is already sitting down, her eyes mesmerized by the flame. My dog, Ginger, has found this spot a comfortable place too. I nestle up next to her, still holding my cocoa in one hand. Perfect, I think to myself. What a great way to relax and calm my body. I hear my dog breath, and my breathing copies hers.
Dad joins the room and sets up the Monopoly game. As we slowly get up from the fire, we start a family game. I’m the silver hat on my way to buying property. Although I’m not directly in front of the fire now, it is still within my sight and takes me away from the game at times. This warm fire, inexpensive, yet the mood with family around is priceless.
My Patriots jersey and a crackling fire at home provide me with special family moments, relaxation, and time away from my normal routine. My Patriots jersey and all its special details get me revved up, and prepared for the Sunday game. Sitting by my fireplace with a warm fire glowing, gives me time to think and allows me to step away from reality for a brief moment.
My Patriots jersey is more of a tool for being safe with grandma, while the crackling fire is a moment that provides me with a blank mind and relaxation. The jersey is a symbol of pride, while the fire is a symbol of neutrality. They are both used at different times, the jersey is mainly used in the afternoon, while the fire is mainly used at night.
I prefer priceless moments to items of financial worth. No matter what, I know that the items of financial worth are just tools for a particular ocassion. They cannot give me the satisfaction or pleasure that priceless moments give you. Society hasn’t gotten the best of me yet, I still cherish these special moments!