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.