And This Week We're Happy!
Last week, I had a list of ten things I'm sick of. And apparently, I'm not the only person sick of many of those things -- or other items! However, we need some more happiness in the blogosphere, so this week, I'm turning it around with a list of ten things that make me happy!
10 Things That Make Me Happy
10. A full night's sleep. Sometimes I wonder if this truly is something that makes me happy, as it's been so long since I've slept completely through the night with no interruptions from wee ones or my husband and also not been awakened at least once before my internal alarm clock says I've had enough sleep. But then I realize how much I crave sleep, and yes, a full night's sleep definitely makes me happy. I figure I've only got another eighteen years before Little Miss has graduated college and I'll get that full night's sleep, right?
9. A manicure and pedicure. Ahhhh. It's time totally for myself, which is always a luxury. And I'd skip the rest of it just for the good hand and foot massages you get. No, I guess I wouldn't really. I love the pretty polishes, too. And the one chance I have to read trashy magazines I'd never otherwise read. Granted, they're six months or more out of date usually, but it's still always news to me!
8. Watching the wee ones figure out a new skill. Mister Man is a great one for this. Little Miss always has full confidence that she'll succeed at whatever she's doing, so she merely comes to brag and show off what she can do now. LOOK. Mommy, look. Mister Man, on the other hand, is the perfectionist who doesn't always want to try something if he doesn't think he will succeed. But the look of excitement in his eye and the surprise in his voice when I hear things like, "Look, Mom! I got it! I got an eyelash out of my eye all by myself!" Well, those are the things that make me smile.
7. Weeding. I know, I know. I'm probably the only person who would ever say that weeding makes them happy. I love projects with tangible measures of success. This is why I'm a list person -- so I can cross items off the list when I finish them. I love seeing those huge piles of weeds beside the mulch and then looking at the cleaned up landscaping. Granted, I don't often have the time to weed, but I certainly enjoy it when I get the chance.
6. Spring. I am a true spring lover at heart. I love the days where the chill is finally off the air and you first venture out for the season without a coat. Your heart always seems so much lighter, and the bright sunshine seems to be beckoning to you, asking you to just pause for a moment to close your eyes and bask in the delicious rays. No bugs are out yet, and the promise of new life is all around.
5. Cooking. Yep, you heard that one right, too. I truly enjoy cooking. I love taking the disparate ingredients and putting them together to make something yummy. I won't lie and say that I also don't enjoy having people think that what I've done is so hard and so impressive... but that's just a bonus. Even when I was single and just cooking for myself most nights, I enjoyed it. I think it's the European in me. Maybe.
4. The wee ones' shouts of joy. To know that whatever they're doing is bringing them joy brings me joy, as well. The knowledge that the wee ones are content and happy, becoming self-sufficient children who will be content with their lots in life is all I ask for as a parent. And so far, it looks like I'm getting it.
3. Days off. Every Monday and Thursday when I log onto my computer for work, I get a reminder message that I'll be off the next day, as I only work Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. I look at that message each time and smile, sighing. Those days that I'm not at work are so much fun for me. I have alone time with each of the wee ones in turn, plus I'm able to get things done that need doing from heading to the gym to writing the newsletter for the PTO to grocery shopping to cleaning. Can anyone tell that I'm ready to be a SAHM again? If only this economy weren't quite so depressing and I could justify quitting.
2. A clean house. I have a feeling that I'll have some company in this one. Everything has a place, and everything in its place. I firmly believe in this one, but with three (ok, technically only two) children, this doesn't often happen. Add the work schedule and everything else I do, and there are nights that I skip the full straightening. But when I walk into my house or walk through my house after it's been given a thorough cleaning and before anyone can start returning it to its natural state? Now that's true happiness!
1. Quiet. Yep, just complete and utter quiet. No television on, or if it is on, the volume is sufficient at 3 or 4 instead of 11. No one demanding my attention or hurrying me along. Just me, and maybe a good book. It's a rarity, but it's such a feeling of contentment to finish off the day with a note of solitude to recharge. Again, I figure I'll have my quiet in fourteen years when Little Miss goes off to college, so long as my husband hasn't retired -- and if Governor Quinn has his way, all teachers will be working at least until they're sixty-seven, so I'll have my quiet.
So what about you? What are the things that make you happy?
18 comments:
You come to my house for happy weeding time while I go get a mani-pedi and we'll both have a great day!
I'm so with you when it comes to quiet time. I look forward to it every night. Love the wee ones shout for joy. True happiness for a good mama like you!
I need to get caught up and read the other list, too, because we are so much alike we probably share annoyances as well, LOL. But for things that make me happy? Yep, a good night's sleep is at the top of the list. I actually got 7 whole, uninterruptted hours one night in Miami (that is what being able to set the A/C to 67 and snuggle up under a down comforter will do for me!). A massage, a good haircut, a really good cup of coffee (which means it is at least 1/3 half & half or cream), time to just sit and listen to my iPod, time to BLOG, LOL, the sun coming through the trees in the morning... these are the little things I love.
Since you enjoy weeding and cooking so much, you are welcome at my house any time. I have saved a bunch weeds just for you!
All your simple joys hit home with me too. I enjoyed your site!
Visiting from MamaKats
My free three hours after bedtime and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Loved your list!
Weaselmomma - Ummm, how about you babysit while I weed, then we BOTH go for the mani/pedi?
septembermom - Yeah... the utter quiet right now is precious. My husband is gone for awhile and just ahhh... if only I had some sushi ;)
Angela - Yeah, seven hours isn't enough for me. Nine is ideal, but I function on eight. ooo and I forgot the massage. And haircut. And snuggling in a cool room under a comforter. And the sun. Good additions (and the sushi from above)
Cookie -Awww, so kind. Is it wrong to admit that I just paid someone $12/hour to weed and mulch all my landscaping? I justify it by saying I'm doing my part to help the economy. It got a litle out of hand with all this rain!
Lindsay - You're right. It is the simply joys :) If only everything were that simple all the time.
anymmmy - Good choice. Although can I switch out the flavor? ;)
I'd like to add watching the wee ones try out new words. SO cute!!
:)
I love to cook. I don't know what I would do without it. LOL! Spring is one of my favorites along with fall with all the beautiful colors!
Oh man weeding that's a good one too! Especially when followed with a mani/pedi :)
A beautiful list!
Right now, just seeing or hearing Monsoon makes me happy. I don't care if he's feeling happy or mad, cuddly or independent, playing quietly or sword-fighting the dog. He makes me happy. Aahhh... I feel better now.
A clean house is up there, too. ;)
Mama Kat - Oh good call! Mister Man was trying to say Kathleen today (he read it in a book and had a totally different pronunciation) and was having the worst time. It was hilarious. I am allowed to laugh at them, right?
Roxane - Yep. I've learned the hard way not to do the mani/pedi first! And in our weeding today, the wee ones were my helpers. they untangled the morning glory from the lilacs (ugh -- HOW do you get right of morning glory? It's EVERYwhere!) and pulled up other weeds and took my weeds to go put in the big pile. It was great!
Sherry - It is wonderful to be able to cook, isn't it? And YES spring and fall are both great seasons. Especially the football on fall afternoons!
RAS - Awwww, that's so sweet! And you're a much better mom than I, as there are times seeing the wee ones does NOT make me happy ;)
I'm with Weaselmomma: you can weed over here anytime. :)
Quiet is also at the top of my list. That, and family time with no outside obligations. Ahhh...
Melisa - Would you believe that the wee ones and I were weeding yesterday (and before the rain EVERY weed was gone including the horrible morning glory trying to choke my lilacs), and they LOVED it? Ahhhh....
Great list! I am with you on #1, but it has been so long I barely remember what that feels like!
And the clean house! My house always seems cluttered and messy, but the days I finally organize the family room, or clean the entire upstairs, I feel SO good. If I could just muster up enough energy to do it more often I would a pretty happy camper!
Irene - I don't think many moms remember what that feels like! Maybe this is my hint to head off to bed now :)
I once read that once you're a mom, you never get another good night's rest. 'Cause even after the kids are grown and moved out you still worry about them.
I agree with most of your happy list!
Heather - Oh, I think I might be the exception to that rule. I'm just not a worrier. The wee ones do things that they think will "give me grey hairs" but I'm generally ok with it. Or just tell them to quit it. I long for that full night's sleep :)
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