9 Things That Remind Me Of People I Know

Everybody sees or hears things that remind them of other people.  Or they smell something that brings them instantly back to an unforgettable moment in their lives.  This list is short and sweet.  Nine things that keep popping up that remind me of people that have been in my life (past and/or present) and things which I am certain will always massage those memories.  Take a read and let me know about some of the items and memories on your list.

9.  Jalapenos.  I had a good friend who always loved these potent little peppers.  I was never a fan.  However I can't see one without being transported back to conversations in college about how much he loved them, and how much he swore they assisted his sex life.  

8. Steve Miller Band: The Joker.  Another old friend will always be recalled when I hear this awesome song.  Particularly when "people call me Maurice..." I liked the song to begin with, but hearing it reminds me of high school and hanging out with those friends.  

7. Lava Lamps.  I was never that great of friends with this guy, but because he had a propensity to wax moronic about obscure things, seeing a lava lamp will always remind me of Lenny Thompson.  

6. Jean Claude Van Damme.  Because I used to try and impersonate Arnold and JCVD for my buddies, I always think of my pal Omar when I see the muscles from Brussles or Ah-Nold.  

5. No More I Love You's.  My tough brother singing Annie Lennox will never escape my memory.  Ross, if you are reading this I also remember your perfect-pitch rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," too.  

4. The Karate Kid.  My sister and I watched Johnny, Bobby get him about six times on a cruise when we were kids.  Because of Daniel LaRusso and his mom's "nice car" I'll always think of my sister when the movie is mentioned.  

3.  Huey Lewis & The News.  My buddy Derek and I always call each other whenever we hear "Heart of Rock n Roll" or "The Power of Love."  Not sure how this started, maybe it was our love of "Back to the Future," but I like this silly tradition we keep.  

2. Martin Short.  Thanks to my best friend, who says, "I'm not that strong a swimmer," and "I know you, I know you," I can't see Martin Short without being reminded about how big my forehead apparently is.  The video is classic SNL. For the record, my forehead isn't that big.  

1. Chess Boards.  When I was growing up my grandfather and my brother used to play chess all the time.  When I got old enough to understand the game my grandfather humbled me every time.  One time I cheated when he wasn't looking and ended up winning, but I felt horrible.  After a few more close games I finally beat him, fair and square, but then felt sad because he was losing his sharpness by then.  I learned a lot about life by watching and playing chess with my grandfather and for that I am thankful and will always think of him when I see a chess board.