Hey there, wonderful readers! It’s Tina, your perpetually curious storyteller, back again with another deep dive into the marvelously chaotic web of musings. Today, I’m channeling my inner philosopher (or perhaps just a well-organized squirrel) to share with you a list of ten things I know to be absolutely certain. Buckle up, because this ride is going to have a few twists, turns, and plenty of laughter.

1. Coffee is Life.

Let’s start with an easy one. Coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a lifestyle, a ritual, a life force. I can’t be the only one who swears to speak fluently in the morning only after that first magical sip of my favorite brew. The transformative power of caffeine is nothing short of wizardry. You know it’s true—any day started without it feels like a slow-motion disaster movie.

2. Murphy’s Law is Real.

Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. It’s a universal truth. If you’ve ever tried to cook a new recipe for guests and ended up with the smoke alarm as company, you know what I mean. I once went on a road trip only to discover I forgot to pack underwear. Thank you, Murphy, for keeping our lives comedic and humbling. Still, there’s always a silver lining—these moments make for the best stories.

3. Netflix Binges are Both Rewarding and Regrettable.

Ah, Netflix, the double-edged sword of our era. Raise your hand if you’ve ever told yourself, “just one more episode,” only to see the sunrise and realize you’ve watched an entire season. More rewarding than regrettable, binge-watching is both a badge of honor and a scar of shame. The dopamine hit of a good series cliffhanger, however, is worth the occasional sleep deprivation. But let’s be honest, after every binge, there’s a fleeting moment of “what am I doing with my life?”

4. Moms Always Know.

This one’s indisputable. Moms possess mystical, almost otherworldly knowledge. Whether it’s predicting the weather, knowing the exact moment you’re feeling down, or deciphering that obscure recipe from your teenage years, they’re always right. Remember the time when my mom warned me about wearing white at that barbecue? Yes, ketchup had a field day.

5. Life Plans are Glorified Suggestions.

This took me a couple of decades to figure out. You can draft the most meticulous life plan, color-coded and all, but life has a knack for spicing things up unpredictably. Maybe you dreamed of being a marine biologist but ended up in marketing. Or perhaps you thought you’d settle by 30 but are currently road-tripping in a converted van. Plans change, and that’s perfectly fine. In fact, it can be quite the adventure.

6. Cats Internally Debate World Domination.

If you’re a cat owner, you already know this. Our feline friends are secretive masterminds, often staring at us with an intensity that suggests they’re plotting intricate schemes. They’re adorable, yes, but I’m convinced that behind those cute eyes, there’s a PowerPoint presentation on “How to Rule Humans 101.”

7. The Best Conversations Happen at 2 a.m.

There’s a magical time in the night when conversations grow deeper, thoughts more profound, and laughs more genuine. It’s called 2 a.m. Whether you’re rehashing childhood stories or pondering the meaning of life, there’s something almost sacred about those late-night talks. They punch straight into the soul more than any daylight chitchat ever could.

8. Travel is the Best Education.

Forget textbooks; the world is the best classroom. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Tokyo, exploring historic ruins in Greece, or simply getting lost in a small Italian village, travel teaches in ways structured education seldom can. It opens your heart, broadens your mind, and, let’s be honest, it challenges your digestive system. But hey, it’s all part of the experience!

9. Everyone Needs a Hobby (Or Three).

Whether it’s knitting, cooking exotic meals, watercolor painting, or growing an excessive collection of houseplants, having hobbies is crucial. They keep us sane, provide us with joy, and, more crucially, give us unique ways to procrastinate. There’s something oddly satisfying about mastering a new skill, even if it’s just being the reigning champion of your local trivia night.

10. Laughter Really is the Best Medicine.

Cheesy, but hear me out. When life throws curveballs, laughter can be a remarkable antidote. Whether it’s a corny joke, a shared memory, or a funny cat video, never underestimate the power of a good laugh. I still remember doubling over in stitches when a friend accidentally called a hedgehog a “hedgedog” in a serious conversation. It’s moments like these that glue our sanity together.

There you have it, my lovely readers—ten things I know to be absolutely certain. While the universe remains full of mysteries and uncertainties, these little nuggets of truth keep us grounded, amused, and maybe just a bit more prepared to handle the daily rollercoaster that is life.

If you’ve nodded along, chuckled a bit, or maybe even rolled your eyes (I get it, hedgedog was a low bar), then my job here is done. Life’s a mixed bag, but finding the humor and certainty in the mundane makes it all the more delightful.

Stay curious, stay certain, and keep laughing!

With love,
Tina