Happy List...

I think I'm finally ready to tackle my happy list.  I was tagged twice for this list in the past two weeks so I thought I should get on it as to not break the cycle!  It's so nice to sit and reflect on the little things in life that bring me happiness..especially when my heart is so sad with the recent news of my buddy Grant.  His family is updating the blog daily and my heart nearly stops everytime I see a new entry in my inbox.  Grant is a fighter and his little body is doing everything possible to stay here. Please continue to pray for peace and comfort for his family.  If you are intersted in following his progress you can see updates here:  Grant's Blog

This happy list is just the type of thing Grant would love.  Afterall, he is the one who told me that everyday can be a green day if I want it to be.  Such a smart young man.  So, even though my heart is sad...here are a few things that make me happy and bring a smile to my face each and every day:

#5)  Shark 3-Speed Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

This was a Christmas gift given to me by my Grandparents.  When I first opened it I thought.."Oh, great..another cleaning gadget that will collect dust in a closet."  How wrong I was, my friends.  This little do0-hicky is an amazing machine...especially if you have toddlers in your house.  This is a 3-speed cordless vacuum cleaner with enough power to pull a half o' box of crushed cheerios off my wood floor and a cup and a half of sugar out of my rug all in one charge.  This puppy means business!  And did I mention it turns on a dime?!  No joke...this is one lean, mean cleaning machine.  Oh, how I love my shark.

#4) Caldrea Hand Soap

Who knew that hand soap would ever bring me such joy?!  I think my hand soap/lotion obsession started with the birth of my first son.  As a first time, mom I was determined that each and every person who walked through our door would wash their hands before holding our precious child.  After a few months of mommyhood...the soap became more about me.  I was changing some of the most horrific smelling diapers and I thought I deserved a good soap!  This is one of those items I allow myself to splurge on when needed.  It's a little splash (pardon the pun) of sunshine in my day!

#3) Borders Chai Tea

Sniff, sniff, sniff...I get a little sappy talking about my all-time favorite Chai Tea.  Borders sells the most amazing Vanilla Chai Tea I've ever tasted.  It's become part of my morning routine and like some coffee drinkers...I've become addicted.  I don't travel without it.  Imagine my shock when I found out that all Borders Book Stores are switching over to Seattle's Best Coffee which means they will no longer sell Borders Brand!  AAAAAAAAHHHH!!!  Luckily, the store closest to me isn't switching over until late this summer.  You can bet your bottom dollar I will be taking a stock up trip to Borders every month to build up my stash!!

#2)  My book pile

Oh, how I love my book pile.  Since becoming a mom, the average amount of time I spend reading has been drastically reduced.  However, that doesn't stop me from collecting books and adding them to my pile of "must-reads".  I'm sitting here looking at my stash with such titles as  The Other Boelyn Girl, Harvesting the Heart, and The Time Traveler's Wife...just to name a few!

#1) GIVING

I truly believe that nothing makes me happier nor gives me more pleasure in life than the act of giving.  I remember watching the movie "Pay It Forward" in college and being motivated to go out and do random acts of kindness.  The idea that doing something nice could have such long reaching effects was inspiring!  Those times when I've done something nice just for the sake of being nice..not looking for anything in return have made me so incredibely happy.

A few years ago my husband and I decided to take the "random acts" of kindness to the next level.  We decided we needed to be more consistent with giving.  We made a committment to give a minimum of 10% of our income to charity.  We were very selective of where our money would go and we feel very good about our decisions.

I will admit that sometimes it's HARD to give.  There are times when I think maybe we could just skip one month so I could get that new piece of photography equipment I really *need*.  Or, it wouldn't hurt just this once to buy those shoes and that really cute coat, afterall I worked really hard this month.   Now, that's not to say we don't splurge.  (See item #3 on  my happy list!)  But, giving has really helped me realize what's important.  I definitely think twice before plopping down my debit card.  I can honestly say that although it costs us...giving makes me smile!

Comments

[Alissa]

Those all sound wonderful...thanks for sharing! :) I'm praying for your little friend and sending hugs your way too! Have a great week.

[frederique]

I wish Grant the best..Prayers his way!
Oh and I loved Paying it fwd! Great list!

[rebecca cooper]

I was hoping you could tell me what vignette action you use? or is it an action?

[Jamie Schultz]

Rebecca-
No vignette action. I think the soap shot just happens to be the lighting in my kitchen. But the 5d does tend to vignette on its own.

Hope that helps!

[Sheila]

Just wanted to chime in and say i loved the time travellers wife!!!

i know what you mean about the reduced reading time but that book was one i squeezed in.