Things That Make Me Smile

Id like to start by saying that I am a pretty happy person in general.  I spent the majority of the last 2 years unhappy, which was so traumatic that I had to seek help.  I believe there are two types of people in this world: those that are baseline neutral and generally pessimistic, and those that are more often then not bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to see the bright side in just about anything.  I am the later type.

But anyway, here is a list of things that really make me even happier then my baseline happy-girl status:

+A great tip at work
I drive for a pizza parlor, and we basically live off of tips.  An acceptable tip is $2, a standard tip is $3, a nice tip is $4, a good tip is $5... but a great tip? well a great tip is anything over $6.  Once I got a $15 tip! its not unusual to get a $10 at least once a week.  Super happy days.

+Being in the presents of dogs and/or cats
I don't know what it is about those furry little guys, but getting to interact with a dog or cat can instantly brighten my mood.  They are just so happy! And honest.  Animals are the most honest creatures in the world, and I appreciate that.

+Buying food
Maybe its because I'm a dietetic major... maybe its because I'm a mom and I really like feeding people... or maybe I'm just hungry.  I don't know but going to the store and buying food makes me really happy!

+Playing tag with my cat
My cat is about 1.5 years old.  He looks like a grown-up, but is mostly still a kitten at heart.  During the 6 hours he is awake he likes to play.  We wrestle but that mostly leaves me with scratches all over my arms.  My dad has a pretty big house and we have gotten in the habit of playing games like hide and go seek, stalk the human, and my personal fav: tag.  When he "gets" me he runs up and bats me with both paws (no claws) and then runs away.  Then I go chase him.  Its extra amounts of fun.

+Floating in the pool
I grew up next to a river, so I am a general fan of currents.  Recently, here is Clovis, the weather has been over 100 degrees on a daily basis.  I enjoy floating on a swim toy and letting the gentle wind swish me all over the pool.  Feels like home.

+Bubble baths
Candles: check. Great book: check. Hot water: check. Bath salts that smell amazing: check.  Whats not to love?

+Reading an amazing, cant put it down, book
Is there anything better? seriously.  Getting lost in a book is my crack.

+Writing a story that flows perfectly
Creative productivity is better then real productivity.  Not only are you completing your goals, but you are birthing original work.  That is quite an accomplishment.  Plus when I write stories with little trouble, I tend to feel like my perfect self.  The person I was born to be.  Does anyone else ever feel that way?

+Just looking at Maddex
My son is my life.  He also inherited the families big, dark, blue eyes.  But from his dad side he inherited the Native American complexion.  So seeing those intoxicating oceans of eyes next to that tan skin is genuinely pretty.  Plus hes always smiling.  I have an intensely happy kid.  Its infectious. I love him.

+Getting complements from complete strangers about how awesome my kid is
Speaking of Maddex, when someone tells me they see what I see: an incredible child, it puts me over the moon!  The proper response is "Oh, thank you!" but I usually say "I KNOW RIGHT? I grew him myself!" which is less classy, but absolutely true.

+Remembering I am in perfect health
There is a lot of sickness in my family, not to mention the world.  I do not take my health for granted.  In fact I work out regularly, try to eat as healthy as possible, and I indulge in toxic behaviors sparingly.  My grandfather from my mothers side is much older, but not sick at all (the only one in my family over the age of 45 who is not sick)  He is my hero.  He travels everywhere, has amazing stories, and is the picture of an adventurous spirit.  I want to be just like him when I grow up, and I will treat my body like a temple so I can realize this dream.

+Realizing that I haven't accidentally killed Maddex yet! (the older he gets the less chance I will!)
Okay every mom (especially young, single moms) know about "Mommy Visions" they are terrifying, but necessary.  A mommy vision is when you have a young child and you can see every possible bad thing happen before they even have a chance to.  When Maddex was a baby I saw him bash his head into a sharp corner of a table, and I moved him before the vision could come true.  Its a survival technique, I get it, but it was traumatizing.  I spent most of his babyhood trying not to kill him.  One time I dressed him too warmly after a warm bath and gave him a mini seizure.  WORST DAY EVER! He ended up being fine, but still, it was terrifying.  So mostly I would just sit and watch him to make sure he was still breathing.  As he got older and more mobile, my fear of accidentally killing him increased.  Mother hood is not all butterfly's and rainbows.

+When someone close to me shares amazingly great news about their life
My best friend is getting married!  My sister is having a baby! My other best friend just got a job promotion! I love celebrating other peoples successes! I only want the best for my loved ones, and when they share great news with me, I am genuinely ecstatic for them! Plus its another chance to celebrate! Open up that champagne!!!