Home About Me Travel Expat Life Image Map

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

What Makes Me Happy

Day 14, Tuesday: Ten things that make you really happy

I present you with a list (in no particular order) of things that make me really (sometimes ridiculously) happy:

Chocolate - I have a major sweet tooth!  I will indulge in just about any sweet treat, but if I had to pick, chocolate would be the obvious choice.  My day is not complete unless I have had at least some kind of chocolate. 

I still dream about these churros con chocolate at Cafe Futbol in Granada, Spain.
Reality TV - I've mentioned several times on the blog that I am a reality TV addict.  You name it, I probably watch it.  I wrote more about my affinity for all things reality TV here.  There is just something about these shows that makes me happy (even though sometimes they make me cry).  The drama, the extremes, the outlandish behavior- they all put a smile on my face. 

FaceTime - FaceTime has become a major part of how I stay in touch with family and friends.  Being able to see the faces of my loved ones helps me to feel like I'm not so far away.

FaceTiming with my extended family on Thanksgiving. 
My Students - I've been teaching for a little over 6 years.  And I can honestly say that all of the students I've had the privilege of teaching in those years (even those who sometimes made me want to pull out my hair) make me happy.  It makes me happy to see them learn, laugh, and of course the hilarious things they say leave me smiling each day. 

Some of my students from my very first year of teaching. 
Travel- I've always enjoyed traveling.  I am so thankful that my parents made the effort and sacrifice to travel with us when we were growing up.  Traveling is so much fun for me and truly makes me very happy.  Even after a trip is over, the memories made always bring a smile to my face. 

One of my favorite travel memories
Sending/Receiving Mail - I have a slight obsession with cards.  I could spend hours in a card/stationery store collecting funny and unique cards.  I love writing cards for special occasions and even for no particular reason at all.  Of course I also love receiving mail!  I have a big accordion folder where I save many of the cards and letters I've received over the years. 

Warm Weather - Being born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona has truly made me a desert rat.  I would rather be hot than cold any day.  There is just something about a warm, sunny day that makes me happy. 

Can't you just feel the heat radiating from this photo of the beautiful Arizona desert?
Gift-giving - I love spending time thinking of a fun and thoughtful gift to give someone for their birthday or other special occasion.  I often have gifts picked out for people months in advance of any special occasion, because if I'm out shopping and see something that makes me think of a friend or family member, I buy it. 

Christmas Music - I've found that enthusiasm for Christmas music is a pretty black and white issue for most people- either you love it or it drives you nuts.  Me? I LOVE it!  In college, November 1st was always the unofficial date when I would begin listening to Christmas music (much to my roommates' annoyance) :-)  They were good sports though!  I've calmed down a bit over the years and generally try to wait until closer to Thanksgiving.  Something about the familiar songs and feelings they conjure makes me so happy.  I usually have a hard time weening myself from the Christmas music after the holiday season has passed. 

Koalas - In general, I'm an animal lover, but my obsession love of koalas has brought this to a new level.  Since moving to Australia, I have fallen totally in love with these adorable creatures.  The day I got to hold one was probably one of the top 5 happiest moments of my life.  How could you not love those sweet faces and furry ears?  I often tell my husband that I am not leaving this country without one. :-)

Bliss.
Catch up with my "Blog Every Day in May" challenge here:

Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5 (Oops! :-/ I did blog on day 5, just not following the prompt...)
Day 6

29 comments:

  1. I used to love Christmas music until I associated Christmas with stressful events. Hoping my feelings for it will change because I really do love Christmas songs! Checking in from the link up :)

    <3 Gab

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Christmas CAN be stressful- I can absolutely relate to that. I hope that changes for you, though! Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  2. I love that picture of the koala! Also, I am moving to Tempe, AZ in August for grad school! Hope I like the heat as much as you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congrats on your move and beginning of grad school. ASU is a great school! The summers are brutal- there's no way around it, but the rest of the year is amazing. If you ever need suggestions, etc. for things to do/see, etc. in the area, let me know!

      Delete
  3. I enjoyed your post. I am endlessly fascinated by how much moving around people have done that are doing this 30 day challenge. I could do with a bit of warm weather, as well. It has been so cold in school today. Love the koala.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by! The koala is amazing, isn't it?!

      Delete
  4. Really like your list. Half of these things apply for me too, I just couldn't fit them into my list.

    xxSusanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love your list, too! So true about the trampoline!

      Delete
  5. Number one on your list in chocolate! You're my kinda girl ;) That koala had me go "awwww!!!" and making my animal face (that's like baby-face, for animals).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really question any person who claims to not like chocolate. Impossible!

      Delete
  6. Okay two things: 1. reality TV, yes! I hate when people hate reality TV, just let me enjoy it in peace okay!? and 2. you should Google "Gumnut Detroit craigslist" - it's a really funny story involving a koala!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Totally with you on the reality TV. I'm not ashamed of this addiction! I'm totally going to google that right now! :-)

      Delete
  7. Chocolate & reality TV are the best. Bring those 2 together and Bamm! Oh and Koalas are the cutest! ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I combine the two quite frequently :-)

      Delete
  8. Christmas music is definitely the best. I was walking through a store last night, and I started singing Christmas songs... Yes, it's 80 degrees where I live. ;)

    I'm your newest follower, and I would love for you to follow my blog, too! leslyni.blogspot.com

    Have a great day! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would have no problem with year-round Christmas music! Stopping by your blog now!

      Delete
  9. What a great pic of you and that Koala bear!!! So cute!! Christmas music makes me soooo happy too!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How could anyone NOT love that sweet koala face?! Thanks for stopping by! I'm off to check out your blog- I used to live in the Houston Heights, too!

      Delete
  10. I completely agree about gift giving! I love shopping for other people.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yet another reason I love Christmas time :-)

      Delete
  11. the hubby & i loved our trip to Arizona - so different from VA. enjoy your scenery. so lovely. ( :

    have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't appreciate the beauty of the desert for a long time. Now I LOVE the desert scenery!

      Delete
  12. omg those churros and chocolate looks delicious. and i'm so jealous you got to hug a koala.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The photo doesn't even do it justice (the chocolate OR the koala) :-)

      Delete
  13. this list makes ME happy! love it. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad it makes you happy, too! Thanks for stopping by! Now I'm off to check out your blog :-)

      Delete
  14. I miss Arizona so much! That photo is great. I love chocolate and I'd LOVE to hold a koala some day. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If only I could hold a koala while eating chocolate IN Arizona :-)

      Delete
  15. Do you really love Koala more than dachshunds or tortoise? I promise I wont tell Tank or the wieners

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by! I love hearing from you!