Susan Senator

Well my feet they finally took root in the earth
But I got me a nice little place in the stars
And I swear I found the key to the universe
In the engine of an old parked car.

Bruce Springsteen, Greetings from Asbury Park, 1972

Figures that for Bruce the Juice, crooner to Candy, Sandy, Mary, and Windy, and highways, motorcycles, and everything gear-and-grease related, the key to the universe can be found in the engine of an old parked car. For me, the keys to the universe are a bit more diverse and personal. For something to qualify as “key to the universe” in my book (or my blog), it must fit the following criteria: 1) it is a fairly simple, obvious, or common item or concept; 2) it does the job it is supposed to do with utter perfection and satisfaction; 3) it never gets me into trouble; 4) it helps make me hugely happy. Here are ten of my keys to the universe, and why:

1) iPod Shuffle, because it gets me happily through anything boring (like waiting for RK, EMT, INF, or any friend to show up (I’m always on time or early), waiting for boys’ therapies to be done, getting through a workout).
2) Atkins Diet, because it allows me to lose or maintain weight just by following a few simple rules. At worst, Atkins is boring, but you are never hungry. And yes, my cholestrol is actually better than it used to be.
3) Chi Flatiron, because it straightens my hair in seconds and makes it look as if it were always straight.
4) BCBG Girls black suede cowboy boots, because they go with everything, are comfortable, and always stylish.
5) Precious, my Mac iBook G4, because it is always there waiting for me either with interesting email and bloglines or blank screens for me to fill.
6) Lunch at Cheesecake Factory, because it is just nice enough for dressing up, it has the Santa Fe Salad, which always fills me up and tastes great, it is affordable, it is housed in my favorite mall, and you can almost always get a booth. Plus, 6 carb cheesecake!
7) A great respite worker, because they are not afraid of Nat, because they relish working with him, and they give him new experiences and I don’t have to worry for those few hours!
8) The attention of a man I love, need I say more?
9) Trish McEvoy concealer, because I hate dark circles under my eyes and this stuff really works but floats on my skin in the lightest of layers.
10) Dane Cook because he is always funny.