Happiness and Joy

I decided to list some things that bring Happiness and Joy to my life. I thought I would start out with 20, then decided that I needed to reduce that to 10. Then I decided that if I have more than 10, I'll keep going, so who knows where this will end up? These are not really in any particular order, but those of the psychology persuasion might say otherwise...

1. Being able to relax and crochet: When I am sitting down to crochet, it usually means my mind is clear, so that's always a good thing. Making a blankie is another experience altogether, expecially if I'm crocheting with a purpose. For instance, right now I'm working on a blankie for Melinda's new baby girl (a white one for her blessing day). So as I stare at the yarn while crocheting, I get to think of Melinda and the baby, even though I don't know her yet. A few weeks ago, I was working on a pretty deep pink blankie which was also for Melinda's baby. Sadee was watching me and quietly said "I want a blankie like that." So in mid-crochet, I changed the owner to Sadee, and everytime she saw me working on it, she would smile and say "that's my blankie". I still have enough yarn to do one for Melinda's baby, though.

So that was way too long for one entry, and I don't know if I should count it as 1 or 2...

2. A clean room: order, peace, quiet. I love my room, but I especially love it when it's basically clean.

3. Sunday after church: Our meetings start at 8:00 this year, but before you groan, remember that starting at 8 means we get out at 11! Love that!

4. A clean car: Haven't had that in a while, but it does bring me happiness.

5. Driving home from work: Does this really need explanation?

6. Fresh nails: Yes, this is shallow, but I love having freshly painted nails.

7. An empty dishwasher: I absolutely detest unloading the dishwasher! But, if the dishwasher is empty, I love loading it. Don't know why this is, but it just is. Becky and I have worked out a nice symbiotic relationship - she empties, I load. I'd rather load it 100 times, than empty it once.

8. A good batch of cookie dough: Chocolate chip, of course. Normally, my mouth starts to water when I'm stirring in the flour and chips. What I love is a big spoonful of freshly made cookie dough. I don't even have to bake any cookies. Lately, though, I've not been too happy with our vanilla extract. I need to buy some good vanilla.

9. Mornings that I don't have to wash my hair: This particular chore adds a good 30-40 minutes to my morning routine, and those of you who know me well, know that I would rather sleep than wash my hair. I love clean hair, mind you, but drying it takes way too long. So I love knowing that I don't need to get up "early". This morning was a "no wash" day. Love it.

10. Three little girls: When the front door opens and I see those little girls, my day immediately gets brighter. I love to watch them - they absolutely know the routine at our house. One time, several months ago, I let Emma and Sadee have some hot chocolate. They pulled chairs up to the counter. I gave them cups, spoons and the can of hot chocolate mix. I let them spoon in however much chocolate they wanted, and I gave them marshmallows. They would put a handful in the cup, eat the globby marshmallows, and then ask for more. Sure, I said. Eat all you want. Did they make a mess? A little bit, but nothing that didn't wipe up. Did they drink all the hot chocolate in their cup? No. But watching them brought me happiness and joy.

11. Looking at pictures from the family reunion: I can't believe that it's almost a year since our reunion. I'm still amazed at how wonderful it was to see everyone! I love to look at all the faces, and even though we don't see each other so often, it gives me happiness and joy to remember that week we spent together.

12. Looking forward to a trip/vacation: I love having something to anticipate. I plan every detail in my head. I'm notorious for packing early. This is a good thing.

13. Knowing that my DVR actually worked: Ok, another shallow thing. But it's true. I think I'm more proud of my accomplishment in setting it to record than actually watching whatever was recorded.

Ok. That's it for now. Maybe you should make a list, too. For a few moments, just thinking about these few pleasures will bring a smile to your face. Have a wonderful week!