16. Mickey Mouse

 

Mickey Mouse. Enough said. :-)

15. Isabella

 

Her. My absolute joy in life. Although she makes me want to slam my head into a brick wall more often than not, I wouldn't changer her for anything. She is my 4-year old going on 14. I never know what is going to come out of her mouth next and she completely makes me laugh. I have been a single parent since she was 4 months old, and even though it has been the biggest struggle of my life I couldn't ask for more. I continue to look at her every day in awe that she's mine and the little girl she is turning into. She's amazing. <3

 

 



14. Josh Groban

This guy. My future husband. Need I say more?  But really, I love his music and his personality is great (and he's not bad to look at). I am very excited that he will be my 4-year olds first concert this November when he comes to Houston. I play his music so much that she knows him by name and even sings along with his songs. So yeah, not much more to say. :-)

 

13. Accomplishment

This. The greatest accomplishment of my life. Today I graduated with a diploma as a medical assistant. That silver cord I'm wearing, yeah, that's an honor cord. I graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.67. It's such an amazing feeling to have finally found my calling in life. It turns out I am pretty good in the medical field, and I already have an awesome job with an awesome boss and co-workers. This makes me happy. This means that life is getting back on track. This means a better life for my little girl.

12. Laughter

Who doesn't feel happy with laughter? Even when you're feeling down how can you not feel delight when a friend manages to get a laugh out of you? I feel amazing when I laugh so hard my sides hurt. Or when I laugh and get a snort, which then makes me laugh even harder. Laughter is contagious. Even if you don't know what someone is laughing about you could very well join them in fits of giggles. There is nothing like the sound of children's laughter. The innocence in it. Children don't know about worry so their laughter is nothing but pure joy. It's perfect.

11. The Script

These guys. They are Irish and they're hot. Need I say more? Seriously, though. I know they have been around for a few years, but I have just now really started getting into their music. I like it, a lot. Especially If You Could See Me Now and Hall of Fame ft. will.i.am. Their lyrics tell amazing and real stories. Have I mentioned that they're Irish and hot? I have a thing for Irish guys. Absolutely amazing.

If You Could See Me Now

 

Hall of Fame

10. Camping

While I haven't been camping in many years, I love it. It's the smell of the trees and the earth. The scent of the campfire and the warmth it emits. Growing up my family had a boat, so camping would consist of camping near a lake and having boating fun. I would love riding my bike around the campground;  hearing the sounds of all the activity, the different scents from other camp sites, laughter. I have may fond memories of camping with my family and I can't wait to make some new memories of camping with my daughter.

9. Freshly Mown Grass

The smell of freshly cut grass. It fills me with memories of Spring and days that are beginning to warm up after a long winter. Summer days when daylight hours last until 9pm and the days are slow and lazy. Saturday mornings spent at t-ball or soccer games. The scent is so refreshing and happy. I am glad I don't suffer from allergies so I can really and truly enjoy it.

8. Rain

I am posting this one today since it is a rainy day here in Houston. The rain does make me happy because it helps keep the Earth healthy. The rain gives it what it needs to grow and flourish, thus allowing us to breath easier. It's also a good excuse to stay indoors and do quiet activities such as watch movies or read a good book. Sometimes it may not seem as if rainy days make me happy because they do leave me in a melancholy mood, especially if it rains for more than a few days at a time. Everyone could use a day like that every now and again, though. Happy trails, though, in the rain.

7. Burgerville's Jukebox

It's not Burgerville itself that makes me happy, but the jukebox that lies within the one I used to work at. It was that jukebox that cemented my appreciation for "real" music. Songs that were sang long before I was born, and some that came out when I was just a baby. Now, as an adult, when I hear those same songs, it brings back so many memories. Ones I am glad to hold onto. I've had many people ask me how I know these great songs and I just have to look at them and think, "because I am just that awesome." ;-)

6. I Can Only Imagine

What more can I say about this amazing song by Mercy Me? When I hear it the whole world has to stop so I can really listen to the words and sing the chorus at the top of my lungs.
"Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I
fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all"
This was the first Christian song I was introduced to when I decided to take that step into God's house. I think that may be why it means so much to me. My heart is so full of love and gratitude when I listen to it. Take a listen yourself and tell me what you think.

5. Writing

My poetry writing days really began in 2005. My writing style has changed a lot since then and I may not write as much as I used to, but just the idea of writing brings a smile to my face. I am not the type of person who can just sit down and start writing I have to be inspired. There are many things that inspire me such as music, books, movies, other writers. Before I had my daughter I could be found at a poetry reading every Tuesday night. I would get up in front of that mic and read my own stuff. I would always get really nervous because my poetry is a window into my life. It's very personal and kind of like a journal for me. It's cheap therapy. Nowadays I am writing more stories than poetry, drawing from ideas of things I would like to happen in my own life. I haven't yet finished anything, but one day I will and I will have a published book! Just you watch.

4. Why?

Several weeks ago I was reminiscing about songs from middle school and my freshman year of high school. This song by Michael Jackson and his 3 nephews came up. I love it and it brings back so many memories. Happy memories. Last night I watched this video like 10 times because I have to wonder what happened to real music like this. Nothing compares to the music of the 80s and 90s. Except maybe music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Enjoy!

3. Tears

One might ask why tears make me happy. Tears remind me that I am not empty of emotion. Whether it's sadness, joy, or anger that brings them, I am just glad they are there. I don't see tears as a sign of weakness, I don't see them as being a cry baby, I don't see them as being over emotional. I see them as being human. I think that crying is an important part of being human. I know that I feel better after a good cry, even those times when I don't even know why I'm crying. It's an amazing way to express your feelings.

2. Daffodils

These are my absolute favorite flower. They would bring me such delight every spring when they would start to sprout their yellow heads. I used to pick them out of the front yard when I was a kid and put them in a vase in my bedroom. Whenever I would walk in the room it would smell so fresh and clean. That's one bummer about living in Texas now. It's too hot for them to grow. Even if you buy some in the grocery store they only last for a few days. I have, however, learned to appreciate them through pictures and the memories I have. They are such a such a sunny and happy flower that it's hard to go wrong with them.

1. Family

Family makes me happy. Whether we're related by blood or marriage or not related at all, they always put a smile on my face. I grew up in a somewhat large family and now the littlest chick is about to fly the nest and go off to college. It's an odd feeling. Our family dynamic has changed quite a bit in the last several years. My dad and step mom got divorced; I haven't talked to my dad since 2006; my step mom I still consider a good friend; she is now remarried and her new husband I consider my step dad; his 2 kids I consider my siblings. Add in my cousin's husband; my sister in law; my child; my mom. I wouldn't change any of them for the world. Although some times we may not agree on things, they are family. We are each other's support, encouragement, love, laughter, and what makes each of us a little bit crazy.