I wanted Coke.

I had a memory pop up in this morning’s commute…

Back in college when I was “independent” but broke, I remember begging my mom for $20 on one of the weekends I was at home before I had to go back to college… I remember her always asking, “money for what?”

What did I need $20 bucks for in college when I should be studying and room and board was already covered by loans?

Man…. I needed good ol’ Coke.

I had to plot and plan when I was able to scrounge up or beg for the $20 dollars. Should I buy $20 worth of Coke? It might be best if I didn’t. I’d crush it all within a week, instead of 2 cans a day, it would def be 4… ah delicious cold refreshing caffeinated sugary Coke before my 8am class.

And then sharing? Of course hmwk homie, have some coke.

Buying only one case at a time leaves you with some extra cash… cash for more Coke when you run out in like 2 weeks like a normal person you know?

With that plan, there is now $14 dollars and change folded up in your jean pocket always tempting you to spend it.

Like when your roomie asks, “Wanna go get ice cream after we got killed on our exam?”

The choice became ice cream now and unwind with people and live life — or bow out and guarantee that Coke on week 3?

And there it was… My growing up “without”.

Somehow choices that sounded like ice cream now versus a case of Coke later turned into making friends and memories versus being alone with my Coke cans in my dorm room.

Moments are complicated, wants and needs are intertwined and feed into each other.

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The TLDR: Don’t let anyone shame you for what you want in life. Your needs and your wants are your own.

Or

F dat noise!