Oh,...Snap!

Is it just me, or does everyone I talk to lately seem to be just a little cranky? The slightly off center variety, kind of "I have one nerve left, and you're stepping on it?" crabby? For the last few days people I encounter everywhere just seem to be in a foul mood. I don't know if it's winter wearing it's welcome a bit too thin, boredom, or what, but it's starting to make me a little cranky!

So, I decided I needed to do something positive, to make myself feel happier, and in turn, maybe my cheerful demeaner will make those crabby-appletons I run into feel a little bit better, too. (Yes, I can be happy to the point of being infectious!)

I am going to list ten (count 'em) 10 things that make me really happy! Seems easy enough to do, and I figure if I start thinking about happy, positive things, I will FEEL happy! (the power of positive thinking!) Remember, your brain is the most powerful tool you own! (and you thought it was something made by Craftsman! Either that, or something you keep in the nightstand next to the bed, but we won't get into that one now!) :-O (Oh, I am BAD!)

In no particular order, then, here are ten things that make me happy, amuse me in some way, make me laugh, or feel warm and fuzzy all over (again, thinking it's something that you keep in the nightstand next to the bed, but no...) *tee-hee*

***********My Happy List***********

1. Cranking my music really loud, singing along (I do believe I'm the next American Idol) and dancing! Oh, yeah, I bust a move, people!

2. Taking a shower when I have no where to be at a certain time, no one waiting for me to get out of the shower, just relaxing and enjoying the warmth of the water and the nice smell of my shower gel.

3. Howling with our dog, Charlie. (Yes, you read that right!) If I howl, he howls along with me, almost like we're singing together. We exchange people/dog karma or something, it makes him happy, his tail wags and we bond!

4. Riding my bike through the forest preserve bike trail in the summer. There is a part of the trail that is downhill. My favorite thing to do is pedal really fast (uphill, it's not easy, but worth it!) and then glide for what seems forever downhill. Wheeee! The kid in me comes out every time!

5. Listening to my children laugh together. Every once in awhile Brian will get a case of the giggles. He'll start telling a story to Andrew that he thinks is particularly funny, and before he can get the entire thing out, he starts to laugh. Like... soulful, can't catch your breath, belly laughing! It doesn't matter what the story is about, or if it's even funny or not, Andrew will start laughing, too. Before I know it, the two of them are doubled over, tears streaming down their cheeks from laughing so hard,..it's the funniest thing to watch!

6. Going to Cold Stone creamery for ice cream! Reading the menu of all the different creations, then watching them prepare it, yum! A little slice of heaven!

7. My husband's neck massage. The man has incredible hands and gives the BEST neck massage, EVER! Any tension or headache just slips away!

8. Taking a walk with my best friend, Michelle. We walk in the morning, after the kids are in school. The neighborhood is quiet, the day is fresh, and we talk about everything and anything. I tell her she is my "therapist", and I am hers.

9. Watching my kids participate in all their sports and school activities brings me joy! I feel so proud of them, for putting themselves out there, giving it all they've got. Nothing compares to Momma Pride! (except maybe Papa Pride)

10. Talking to a baby can instantly change a bad mood to a happy one for me. Who can remain crabby when an adorable baby is in the cart in front of you while waiting in line at the grocery store? A few smiles or giggles from a little one and I am happy, happy, happy!

Just writing about what makes me feel good, makes me feel good! So, what makes you feel happy? Is it a person, an animal, a favorite place or activity? I love learning about what make you guys tick! (and I'm nosey) :-) C'mon, you can tell me!