These are a few of my favorite things

With absolutely no apologies for my long absence nor any promises for future better behavior, I decided to make a list of things that make me happy. In the hustle and bustle of the craziness and stress of school, it's easy to forget things like that and just get swept up in just getting the next thing done. But life really, truly is beautiful and I want to remember that today.

Things that make me happy:

1) A non-fat no-whip pumpkin spice latte (second choice is a non-fat caramel macchiatto, but only when pumpkin spice lattes are no longer in season) - preferably from Peet's (best coffee in Evanston!)
2) Taking a walk around the Lakefill while listening to music (and if it's early in the morning/late at night, you can rock out to your heart's content because no one can see you)
3) Late-night conversations with people dear to my heart
4) Turning the music up all the way and singing while cleaning the house (this is best done when you are alone so as not to shock people by singing very loudly)
5) Baking cookies and sharing them with friends
6) Watching the sun rise over University Hall
7) Listening to Jason's sermons and praising God surrounded by a community of people I value and respect
8) The simplicity of preschoolers: singing "My Grandfather's Clock" and "I've Been Working on the Railroad"; reading "Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom" and following it up with a rendition of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ("Oh Chicka, you Chicka, Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom, Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom, we love you!").
9) Reading books! (I forget this one often, but just laying around and reading wonderfully written books has got to be one of the best things in life)
10) My family. No matter where I live or how many miles separate us, there will never be anyone like my family for listening, loving, and laughing with me.

Life is short. Enjoy the sunshine and flowers along the way!