10 Things that Make Me Happy

I was tagged by RunningDivaMom back in January to list some things that make me happy and pass it on to other bloggers. If you know me, I'm a fan of lists. They help me think straight and keep me from veering too far off course.

So, on this first Tuesday in March, I give you:

10 Things that Make Me Happy

1. Sunshine (like the nearly 5 days of it we had on Oahu last month - THAT'S where I was!)

2. Music from my high school days (I'm sure the list would surprise you . . . )

3. Empty laundry baskets (SO satisfying!)

4. A full workout clothes laundry basket (Yes, that's the opposite of #3, but it means I've been running!)

5. Phone calls/letters from friends

6. Tomatoes fresh out of the garden

7. My children singing

8. Book reviews from like-minded folks who celebrate the power of girlhood (and running)

9. Date night with my husband

10. Outdoor family adventures

Now I'm asking YOU to make your own list. Or just feel free to leave one or two of your favorites in the comments below. I'd love to see lists from my fellow redheaded gals (who count for #5):

Celeste of The Freckled Forest

Beth at A Sweaty Quest for Enlightenment

Erin C of The Connolly Clan (who I just now realized hasn't blogged in over a year . . . seems Facebook is her new fav. But she still makes my list because I wouldn't be where I am without her!)

Oh, and Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss. We read Fox in Socks and The Sneeches in your honor tonight! His books make me happy, too.

Here comes the sun!

Now that we've lived in the Pacific Northwest for three years, I've developed a true appreciation for sunny days. The excitement over days like today that are crisp and clear, complete with a full blue sky is big. My three year old walks around the house humming "Here Comes the Sun" on days like today. He's content to sing "Rain, rain, Go Away" on our more-typical fall/winter days, but there's a special energy when he sings that famous song of The Beatles!

Even though both kids are down and out with ear infections (ugh!), there is something promising about today's sunshine. Here it is, the last day of 2007 and after countless days (literally, I can't recall the last time we had such a sunny day - all day, even!) it is filled with the promise and excitement of light and celebration. It is a reminder to me that these sick days will pass and we'll soon usher in healthy ones. The days of indoor play and longing for running through the grass will be replaced with hours and hours of outside fun.

Farewell, 2007 . . . thanks for a full year and the glorious sunny ending. Welcome, 2008 . . . I can't wait to see what you have in store for us!