scrounged up

Share five things you’re good at.

Hey there, fabulous people of the internet! It’s your girl Tina here, back with another blog post that’s sure to make you chuckle, nod in agreement, or at the very least, procrastinate for a few more minutes before tackling that mountain of laundry we all know you’re avoiding. Today, we’re diving into the treacherous waters of self-reflection, as I attempt to answer the seemingly simple question: “What are five things I’m good at?” Buckle up, buttercups, because this is going to be a wild ride of humility, humor, and maybe just a smidge of humble bragging.

  1. Professional Procrastinator Extraordinaire

Let’s kick things off with a skill I’ve been honing since approximately the third grade: procrastination. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Tina, that’s not exactly something to brag about.” But hear me out! I’ve elevated procrastination to an art form. I can find more creative ways to avoid doing what I’m supposed to be doing than a cat trying to escape a bath.

Need to clean the house? Suddenly, reorganizing my sock drawer by color and fabric thickness becomes the most pressing task of the day. Have a big presentation due? Well, obviously, I need to research the mating habits of Peruvian alpacas first. It’s relevant… somehow.

The beauty of my procrastination skills lies in the fact that I always, ALWAYS, manage to pull it off in the end. It’s like my brain operates on some kind of twisted deadline adrenaline. I’m convinced that if procrastination were an Olympic sport, I’d bring home the gold. Although, knowing me, I’d probably wait until the last minute to show up for the competition.

  1. Master of the “I’m Fine” Face

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my second superpower: the ability to maintain a perfectly composed “I’m fine” face in nearly any situation. Stub my toe on the coffee table for the millionth time? I’m fine. Realize I’ve been wearing my shirt inside out all day? Totally fine. Find out my ex is dating a supermodel who also happens to be a rocket scientist? Absolutely, 100% fine.

This skill has saved me from countless awkward situations and has fooled even the most perceptive of friends and family members. It’s like having a built-in Instagram filter for my emotions. The only downside is that sometimes I fool myself into thinking I’m actually fine when I’m really not. But hey, fake it ’til you make it, right?

  1. Olympic-Level Channel Surfing

If channel surfing were a recognized sport, I’d be Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, and Simone Biles all rolled into one. My thumb has developed muscles that scientists have yet to classify. I can flip through 200 channels in under a minute, mentally categorize them, and still manage to complain that there’s nothing good on TV.

This skill extends to streaming services too. I’ve spent entire evenings scrolling through Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, reading synopses, watching trailers, and adding things to my watch list, only to end up re-watching “The Office” for the umpteenth time. It’s a talent, really.

The real magic happens when someone asks me to “just pick something already!” In that moment, I transform into a human algorithm, factoring in everyone’s moods, the time of day, what we last watched, and the phase of the moon to select the perfect viewing option. It’s exhausting being this gifted, let me tell you.

  1. Professional Overanalyzer

Ah, overthinking – my old friend. I don’t just dip my toes into the waters of overanalysis; I dive in headfirst, build an underwater castle, and establish a new civilization there. Give me a simple text message, and I’ll give you a 10-page essay on what it could possibly mean, complete with citations and footnotes.

Did that coworker’s “good morning” sound a little off today? Clearly, they hate me and are plotting my downfall. Did I use too many exclamation points in that email? I’ve probably come across as an overenthusiastic golden retriever and ruined my professional reputation forever.

But here’s the kicker – all this overanalyzing has actually made me pretty good at reading people and situations. It’s like I’ve developed my own form of ESP (Extra Sensory Paranoia). Sure, it might drive me slightly bonkers sometimes, but it also means I’m usually

pretty spot-on when it comes to picking up on subtle cues and navigating complex social situations. So, while my brain might be running a marathon when a casual jog would suffice, at least I’m getting my mental exercise in!

  1. Culinary MacGyver

Last but certainly not least, I present to you my pièce de résistance: the ability to create a meal out of seemingly nothing. Give me a nearly empty fridge, three random ingredients, and a prayer, and I’ll whip up something that’s not only edible but occasionally even delicious.

This skill was born out of necessity (read: laziness and an aversion to grocery shopping), but it’s served me well over the years. Pasta with a sauce made from that last lonely tomato, some wilting herbs, and a questionable cheese? Gourmet Italian. A stir-fry cobbled together from frozen vegetables, that packet of ramen that’s been in the cupboard since college, and a dash of creativity? Suddenly, I’m a fusion chef.

My proudest moment was when I managed to make a “cake” using a mug, a microwave, and ingredients I scrounged up from the office kitchen for a coworker’s impromptu birthday celebration. Was it pretty? Not even close. Did it taste like something you’d get in a fancy bakery? Absolutely not. But did it have a candle and make the birthday girl smile? You bet your sweet bippy it did.

This skill has not only saved me from countless trips to the grocery store but has also earned me a reputation as the go-to person for “fridge cleanout” dinners among my friends. It’s like being on a constant episode of “Chopped,” except the mystery ingredients are usually just whatever’s about to go bad in my refrigerator.

So there you have it, folks – five things I’m inexplicably good at. Are they the most practical skills? Debatable. Will they land me a spot on the Fortune 500 list? Probably not (unless they start ranking people based on their ability to binge-watch an entire series in one weekend while simultaneously planning their entire life and solving world hunger in their head).

But you know what? These quirky talents make me who I am. They’ve gotten me through tight spots, provided endless entertainment for my friends and family, and given me plenty of material for self-deprecating humor. And let’s be honest, in a world that often takes itself too seriously, sometimes it’s these oddball skills that make life a little more interesting.

So the next time someone asks you what you’re good at, don’t be afraid to embrace your weird and wonderful talents. Maybe you’re the undisputed champ of finding lost socks, or perhaps you have an uncanny ability to predict plot twists in movies. Whatever it is, own it! Because at the end of the day, it’s these unique qualities that make us all a little more human and a lot more fun.

As for me, I’ll be over here, procrastinating on writing my next blog post by trying to create a gourmet meal out of a stale cracker and some questionable condiments, all while maintaining a perfectly serene “I’ve got this” expression on my face. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it.

Until next time, keep being awesomely, unapologetically you. This is Tina, your resident expert in useless talents, signing off. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some very important channel surfing to attend to. Priorities, people!




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