happy list

Bring out the boots, scarves and sweaters, it's officially Fall. With the sun setting just after I leave work, it's time to think on the bright side (because waiting until March for some decent sunlight is a little disheartening!) and share a little Fall-inspired Happy List. With that, here are a few things that are putting a smile on my face lately:

1. My new down comforter. Sooo cozy and warm. (Thanks for the birthday present, Mom and Dad!)
2. Tisdale Pinot Noir. Best $3 bottle of wine I've ever tasted.
3. Layering clothes - sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, scarves and more.
4. Pumpkin beer
5. Soup season. In fact, I just made this hearty soup last week. Yummm.
6. Sunset happy hours with great friends, overlooking the Puget Sound (above pic!)
7. Cuddling up on the couch with my pumpkin
8. My official lap warmers
9. A reinstated Holiday Work Party tradition in DC. Wahoo!
10. Our upcoming annual pumpkin patch trip

What makes you happy this Fall?

happy list

Because it's been awhile and I love happy lists, I decided it was time for a little Spring edition. In no particular order, here are a few things that make me happy:

1. Impromptu bands at Green Lake - within minutes, there were dozens of children surrounding these guys and it melted my heart. 
2. Staying true to my new goal: getting some fresh air at least once a week during work hours. It makes a world of difference.
3. Black tea lemonade, half the sweetener, light ice. Starbucks, I hope you love my detailed orders.
4. The grassy knoll.
5. This adorable swimsuit.
6. Overhearing really funny conversations when running or walking around Green Lake. Seriously, people. We can hear you. (Makes me also think twice about my conversations?)
7. Getting back into the groove of things and feeling good about it.
8. Opening day of fishing this weekend with my Dad!
9. My iGoogle countdowns for weddings - Lizzie in 58 days and Jessie in 156 days!
10. The sun. How can it not make you happy?

valentine's day happy list

A few things that make me happy on this Valentine's Day.

1. The nostalgia and memories of elementary school valentine's days.
   
2. Wearing this red skirt with red lipstick to work today.
3. Google's valentine's day video. Sometimes the answer is simple.
4. Knowing that the people who surround me in life are so supportive, inspiring and thoughtful. How'd I get to be so lucky?
   
5. The "fax me" conversation heart. I like that even though the fax machine is semi-archaic, they still hold onto it.
6. Laid back valentine's day plans with my sweetheart tonight. (Or swedeheart as my mom calls my dad?)
   
7. This flashback memory: In high school, I remember telling my friend Robby about how I never had a Valentine, which was a week away. I wasn't sharing because I was bummed, just a matter-of-fact statement. So on the big day, he left flowers, chocolates and a balloon at my desk in 1st period. What a great friend, huh?
   
8. The red and pink color combo. It's so bright and happy.
9. Cute Valentine's Day cards.
10. This unromantic, stinky gesture made me laugh.
    

pic/via pinterest

maddie's happy list

Out of the blue, Maddie sent me a happy list. And boy, happy lists have a way of just lifting my mood, even though it's not my own list! I think we can all identify with at least one, if not all of other people's lists. Heck, I have red fingernails right now and it's #1 on her list! And those Friday night plans she speaks of (#7) are with both me and my mom (#8!). TGIF.

1. Red fingernails
2. The deep green color leaves turn when it rains
3. Animals with pushed in faces
4. A snuggly warm bed on a cold morning
5. Joni Mitchell songs
6. The prints I just bought for my bedroom
7. Fun Friday night plans with great girlfriends
8. My mother
9. Using a free tall drink coupon, then receiving a free GRANDE drink in exchange
10. Trying successful new recipes

P.S. Maddie's last happy list.
P.P.S. I will not pretend that happy lists were my own brainchild. Rockstar Diaries was my inspiration.
P.P.P.S. I will definitely take new happy lists. If you want to send one, send away and I'll post! (for those without my other email: petesspeaks (at) gmail.com)