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100 Things That Make Me Happy

I've been setting goals this morning. One of them was to write down 100 things that make me happy. I thought it would be good to share. Hopefully it will give you ideas about what makes you happy too.

1. reading a good book

2. being listened to

3. playing piano

4. a clean house

5. a good meal (preferrably cooked by someone else)

6. crisp morning air

7. country love songs

8. accomplishing a goal

9. head rubs

10. back rubs

11. swimming

12. running

13. chasing/hiding with James

14. seeing friends at the temple

15. the smell of a clean baby after a bath

16. snuggling on the couch with family

17. homemade popcorn and a good show

18. Good Eats (the show)

19. talking with my sisters

20. going to the temple

21. having a clear conscience

22. a soak in the tub

23. pretty music

24. genuine compliments

25. when James listens/obeys

26. my Mama

27. good literature

28. hymns

29. James sharing food with me

30. the baby kicking

31. a new hair cut

32. pedicure

33. home applied facial (preferrably with help of friends or at a sleepover)

34. new sprouts/green leaves in sunlight

35. being recognized for something I'm proud of

36. sleeping in peacefully

37. cool crisp sheets

38. learning something new/interesting

39. stimulating conversation

40. swinging on a swingset

41. playing in the ocean

42. naptime

43. big pretzel sticks

44. a happy baby

45. throwing things away

46. quilting

47. crochet

48. foot rubs

49. Olive Garden (soup and salad) lunch

50. Chinese takeout

51. boxes from Mama

52. reading books aloud with others

53. my wedding ring

54. primary songs

55. typing

56. singing

57. Christmas music

58. traveling/sightseeing with family

59. clean hair

60. clean teeth

61. serving others

62. hugs

63. setting goals

64. making charts/graphs/progress reports

65. a baby heartbeat

66. James talking/singing to himself

67. dancing with James

68. a checked off to-do list

69. learning a word a day

70. sharing knowledge with others

71. getting emails (not junk mail)

72. driving in a car by myself

73. walks

74. hiding in the couch cushions

75. daydreaming

76. reading updated blogs

77. creating spreadsheets

78. being within budget

79. paying tithing

80. missionary work

81. a clean floor

82. vegetable sushi with pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce

83. a good salad

84. uncluttered surfaces

85. bike riding

86. a camp fire (w/ marshmallows and hotdogs)

87. candlelight

88. thrift store window shopping

89. pretty food

90. a good steak

91. rafting/canoeing

92. hiking

93. floating in water

94. having food storage

95. living near a temple

96. indoor plumbing

97. air conditioning/central air

98. beading

99. a full fridge/freezer

100. Life cereal

Memorial Day Trips

Daniel:This last week we traveled down to Virginia and Maryland for my niece Margaret's blessing. The Chau's, The Chin's, and Several Howell's all converged on Baltimore for the very nice occasion.
Margaret is adorable.
Even with all the excitement, Moomers finds time to get her beauty sleep.

During the week, I was able to help my parents with a few chores. I helped re-route an exhaust pipe in the attic, placed a seal around some fixtures on the roof, and helped plant a new peach tree for my mom.

James "helped" too. He loved walking around barefoot in the grass. When we came in, grandma was quick to ask if James had washed his feet. I remember hearing that question a thousand times when I was younger.

As a side note, grandpa would occasionally call out "NO!" to James as he was about to get into something. It was the same pitch and tone that struck fear in me many many years ago. Even though he was talking to James, I found myself looking around to see if I were the one in trouble. I know that "NO!" from before.

Charity then departed on a business trip to Kansas City. I got to keep the camera as James and I went back to Baltimore to my brother Ben's house. He took Angela, Jon, James, and me to Famous Dave's. Margaret was at the head of the table looking rather stately:


Jon and Angela

Ben and JosieMyself and James, who is brandishing a knife.


Afterward, Josie, Jon, and Angela watched James while Ben took me to see Star Trek. (Dinner and a movie, like a date, except not.) There are some holes in the plot, but it was pretty good. Apparently, James had a huge diaper while we were gone. Sorry about that Josie and Angela!


Charity:

My trip to Kansas City went well. We have a clinical study going on with two of our centers there. The people were really nice, I learned a lot, and we accomplished everything we set out to do. Plus, the food was great. If you are ever in the area I would recommend visiting the Hereford House. Expensive but worth every bite of succulent steak. I had the Blackened Flat Iron Steak (with garlic and cajun seasonings) and I chose to have cooked squash and zuchini on the side. It's the best steak I've ever eaten. No kidding. I salivate as I write this.

I would also recommend Stroud's. It is a restaurant that is set on an old country farm. Rustic and homey, it makes a nice setting for a good home-cooked style meal. Except I never cook that much food for one meal. Wow.
Baby and I also visited a modern art museum (free) while we were there. I wasn't sure what to make of it. Some of it I liked and some was garish and disturbing, to me at least. I imagine the inside of the womb might resemble some of the pieces there (the nice comforting ones) and so I know Baby is getting culture already. If he's like his daddy he will be able to put this creative opportunity to good use.... Or maybe that's what he's been doing already when he's squirming around in there.
Needless to say, the baby and I enjoyed our trip very much. Baby had a huge growth spurt during my trip, which I think is directly related to all the good food. We were only sad that Daniel and James couldn't have been there. It's nice to be home.